20 Best Bollywood Movies

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Best Bollywood Movies: Bollywood, India’s vibrant film industry, has captured audiences around the globe through its unique combination of drama, music, and cultural richness. Through its history, Japan has produced numerous cinematic classics that have not only charmed millions, but have left an unforgettable mark on global cinematic landscape. Bollywood offers an abundance of films that demonstrate its diversity and creativity, from timeless classics to cutting-edge works of cinema.

At Cinematic Odyssey, we take you on an cinematic adventure through time with this list of 20 Best Bollywood Movies that have stood the test of time, garnering critical acclaim and earning accolades for their storytelling prowess, outstanding performances, and timeless musical scores. No matter if you are newcomer or longtime admirer of Indian cinema; this curated list serves as your gateway to some of the finest cinematic experiences that Bollywood offers.

How To Choose Best Best Bollywood Movies Of Your Choice?

Choose Best Bollywood Movies that suit your preferences requires an amalgam of personal taste, cultural exploration and knowledge of different genres within Indian film production. Here are a few steps you can follow to select those films which meet this criteria:

Find Your Preferred Genre: Bollywood cinema spans an expansive spectrum of genres, encompassing romance, action, drama, comedy, thriller, historical epics and much more. Select which ones resonate most closely with you to narrow your search results further.

Consider Cultural and Regional Influences: Best Bollywood Movies often showcase India’s wide cultural variety. If there’s an area or cultural aspect you are particularly drawn to, seek out films which depict it whether that means vivid Bollywood masala movies with loud colors and musical numbers or regional cinema with nuanced storytelling; understanding cultural nuances can enrich your viewing experience and enrich it further.

Explore Directors and Filmmakers: Certain directors have their own distinct style and storytelling approach, so if you enjoyed one movie by an established filmmaker like Rajkumar Hirani, Karan Johar or Anurag Kashyap then be sure to explore their other work – they all made significant contributions to Bollywood cinema!

Follow Acclaimed Actors: Bollywood offers an abundance of talented actors with diverse styles. If there is one actor or actress you like in particular, take time to discover more movies featuring them – iconic actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone have made indelible impressions in their industry that cannot be denied.

Read Reviews and Ratings: Before investing your time watching a film, read reviews from reliable sources that provide insights into its quality, storyline, and overall appeal platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes and user reviews can all serve as excellent resources here.

Utilize Streaming Platforms: Streaming services offer access to an abundance of Bollywood films. Explore platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or others and access a diverse collection. Some services also provide tailored recommendations based on viewing history or preferences.

Embrace Classic and Contemporary Films: Bollywood has an expansive cinematic legacy with classic films that stand the test of time. Don’t hesitate to watch both classic and contemporary movies to gain a comprehensive overview of its development as cinema.

Join Online Communities: Participating in Bollywood enthusiast communities online through social media or forums can open doors to insightful discussions, recommendations, and knowledge regarding hidden gems or forthcoming releases.

Here Is The List Of Best Bollywood Movies

• Bodyguard (Best Bollywood Movies)
• OMG: Oh My God!
• Rann
• Dharm (Best Bollywood Movies)
• Mohabbatein
• Raincoat
• Dabangg
• Drishyam (Best Bollywood Movies)
• Toilet: A Love Story
• Devdas
• 3 Idiots
• Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Best Bollywood Movies)
• Kesari
• Kaksparsh
• Pad Man
• Baghban (Best Bollywood Movies)
• Mughal-E-Azam
• Baahubali: The Beginning
• Jodhaa Akbar
• Guzaarish (Best Bollywood Movies)

20 Best Bollywood Movies

1. Bodyguard (Best Bollywood Movies)

“Bodyguard” is a romantic action film written and directed by Siddique that was released theatrically in 2011. Salman Khan stars as Lovely Singh, an honorable bodyguard. Kareena Kapoor stars as Divya, daughter of an extremely wealthy businessman; this film follows a typical Bollywood masala formula but adds its own special touches with romance, drama, and action elements. Salman Khan’s charming performance and on-screen chemistry with Kareena Kapoor were key contributors to “Bodyguard’s” box office success and proved his enduring appeal among audiences.

“Bodyguard” proved its mettle at theaters across India too! “Bodyguard” was widely acclaimed for its catchy soundtrack particularly chart-topping song “Teri Meri,” and ability to deliver quality entertainment across an expansive audience. While critics noted its generic plot structure, its commercial success attests to Salman Khan movies’ dominance within mainstream Bollywood cinema.

2. OMG: Oh My God!

“OMG: Oh My God!” is an eye-opening Bollywood film directed by Umesh Shukla and released in 2012. Starring Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar as its primary characters. Storyline of Paresh Rawal-led movie centers around a shopkeeper who files suit against God after their shop is destroyed in an earthquake and their insurance claim denied citing “an act of God”. Akshay Kumar plays Lord Krishna as an avatar for modern shopkeeper, serving as his guide in legal proceedings against their landlords.

“OMG: Oh My God!” has garnered critical acclaim due to its humorous dialogues, social commentary and powerful message about faith, spirituality and religion – with stellar performances that not only provoke thought-provoking questions about these topics but also provide moments of laughter and illumination throughout its running time.

3. Rann

“Rann,” directed by Ram Gopal Varma and released in 2010, explores media ethics, politics and competition within news journalism. “Rann”, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Paresh Rawal as key actors, takes an in-depth look into how media houses use sensationalism and manipulation to boost ratings. Amitabh Bachchan delivers an extraordinary performance as Vijay Harshvardhan Malik, an upstanding journalist swept up in industry corruption.

“Rann” provides an in-depth examination of media’s role in shaping public opinion and highlights its delicate balance between responsible journalism and sensationalism. While receiving mixed reviews, “Rann” nevertheless stands out for its daring examination of contemporary issues as well as India’s media politics.

4. Dharm (Best Bollywood Movies)

“Dharm” is a 2007 Bollywood drama film directed by Bhavna Talwar and released as part of their Dharm trilogy. This movie explores themes related to religion, tolerance and individual morality. Pankaj Kapur stars as Pandit Chaturvedi, an observant Brahmin priest who stumbles across an orphan from another faith at his temple steps and decides against initial hesitation or social pressures to adopt her and name her Raja (Hrishita Bhatt).

This film delves deep into the struggles Pandit Chaturvedi faces while upholding religious principles while living within a multireligious society. “Dharm” has earned widespread acclaim due to its compelling story-telling, captivating performances and universalistic message of unity and acceptance across religious boundaries. As this film encourages introspection on humanity itself and moral values universality thus adding another notable piece to Bollywood’s exploration of social and cultural themes.

5. Mohabbatein

Mohabbatein” by Aditya Chopra is an iconic Bollywood romantic drama from 2000 that explores the conflict between strict discipline and love. Set at an elite all-boys Gurukul (traditional Indian school), “Mohabbatein” takes viewers inside this highly disciplined environment where love reigns supreme. “Mohabbatein,” featuring Amitabh Bachchan as principled headmaster Narayan Shankar and Shah Rukh Khan as Raj Aryan Malhotra an enthusiastic music teacher who believes passionately in its transformative power tells an entertaining tale about tradition, rebellion and romance that resonates through generations.

Bollywood cinematic tradition allows them to use music and dance sequences, an integral component of Bollywood cinema, to convey emotions and narratives effectively. The film incorporates many such sequences within its film to tell its tale. “Mohabbatein,” featuring Aishwarya Rai, Uday Chopra and Jugal Hansraj among its stellar ensemble cast, remains an acclaimed classic in Bollywood romance film history. Recognized for its emotional intensity and iconic soundtrack that captures its theme of love overcoming all adversity, “Mohabbatein” remains beloved cinematic classic that remains beloved today.

6. Raincoat

“Raincoat,” directed by Rituparno Ghosh and released in 2004, is an understated yet moving Bollywood gem starring Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgn. Based on O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi,” Raincoat features powerful performances. “Raincoat” unfolds like an intricate tale set against a rainy day in Kolkata and explores lost love, unfulfilled ambition, and reunion between Aishwarya Neeru and Ajay Manu two former lovers who met again after years apart becomes a bittersweet exploration of memories, regrets and the passage of time.

“Raincoat” has become one of the standout pieces in Bollywood cinema for its gentle performances and gorgeous cinematography by Anant Ghosh and its haunting soundtrack by Debajyoti Mishra. Ghosh’s subtle direction as well as lead actors’ subtle portrayals add charm and make “Raincoat” standout among its peers for depicting human relationships with subtlety and grace.

7. Dabangg

“Dabangg” is an epic Bollywood action film directed by Abhinav Kashyap that premiered in 2010. Starring Salman Khan as Chulbul Pandey – an intimidating yet charismatic police officer – the movie proved immensely successful, becoming both commercially successful and one of the signature moments in Khan’s illustrious career. “Dabangg” has earned widespread acclaim due to its exciting action sequences, catchy soundtrack and Salman Khan’s charismatic portrayal of Chulbul Pandey his irreverent yet endearing personality is made iconic through this film’s storytelling.

“Dabangg” became an instant classic due to its successful combination of action, comedy and drama that created an engaging cinematic experience for its audiences. Sonakshi Sinha made her Bollywood debut as Chulbul Pandey further contributing to its appeal becoming an iconic figure across Indian cinema and “Dabangg” setting a benchmark in terms of masala genre films that set precedents for later action-packed blockbusters in its wake.

8. Drishyam (Best Bollywood Movies)

Nishikant Kamat directed “Drishyam”, an exciting 2015 Bollywood thriller starring Ajay Devgn and released under his direction in 2015. Based off a remake from Malayalam film of the same title, the storyline centers around Vijay Salgaonkar played by Devgn.

Vijay Salgaonkar leads an ordinary life before facing unthinkable hardships played out through Devgn’s character’s journey of survival and triumphs against seemingly overwhelming odds portrayed through his character’s struggles to adapt in his new environment before finding solace through music from Nishikant Kamat’s masterful direction of Bollywood thriller films that never cease to thrill. Vijay finds himself embroiled in an exciting crime drama when his family becomes implicated, forcing him to use all their intelligence and resourcefulness in order to outwit police forces and remain free.

“Drishyam” has garnered widespread critical acclaim due to its tight screenplay, meticulous storytelling and outstanding performances from Ajay Devgn and Tabu in particular particularly as police officer Tabu! Defying conventional Bollywood tropes by featuring suspenseful plot elements as well as complicated character dynamics; its intelligent script earned critical praise and remains one of the standout thrillers within Indian film; thus demonstrating Bollywood’s capability of crafting compelling narratives beyond conventional genres.

9. Toilet: A Love Story

“Toilet: A Love Story”, directed by Shree Narayan Singh and released in 2017 stars Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar as the lead characters and explores sanitation problems prevalent throughout rural India due to inadequate toilet facilities. Keshav (played by Akshay Kumar), played by Bhumi Pednekar), marries Jaya (portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar). Jaya embarks upon an extraordinary journey when she realizes her marital home lacks a toilet prompting a journey towards social change and against deeply embedded cultural norms.

“Toilet: A Love Story” has earned widespread acclaim for its powerful social message delivered with humor, romance and drama. Not only does the film entertain but it also raises awareness regarding sanitation and women’s dignity issues – an impressive testament of Bollywood cinema addressing significant social issues while maintaining engaging narrative.

10. Devdas

“Devdas”, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2002 and inspired by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novella of the same name, boasts an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan as Devdas, Aishwarya Rai as Paro and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi. Devdas and Paro’s romance is torn apart by social convention and personal insecurity, leading Devdas down a dangerous road toward alcoholism and self-destruction.

Bhansali’s grandiose visual style and meticulous attention to detail combined with stellar performances by its cast and haunting score make “Devdas” cinematically brilliant. Critical acclaim was bestowed upon this film for its luxurious sets, emotive storytelling, powerful emotional impact and cultural touchstone status in Bollywood; “Devdas” remains an epitomy of this ability of the industry to produce epic narratives that resonate across generations.

11. 3 Idiots (Best Bollywood Movies)

“3 Idiots,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani and released in 2009, is an iconic Bollywood masterpiece that beautifully blends comedy, drama and social commentary into one film. Starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi as three engineering students attending an exclusive institution, this film follows their unorthodox journey as they break free of social norms to pursue their individual passions and find success in engineering studies.

Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Rancho, combined with its humorous screenplay and engaging narrative, resonated strongly with viewers. “3 Idiots” explores the stressors placed upon students by India’s education system and advocates for an integrative, creative learning approach. Beyond its box office success, “3 Idiots’ memorable dialogues, entertaining humor and timely message about following one’s dreams have turned this movie into a cultural icon and beloved classic in Bollywood.

12. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

“Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (K3G), directed by Karan Johar in 2001 and featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor as its ensemble cast, stands as an epic family drama film in Bollywood. K3G tells a classic family saga featuring luxurious sets, lavish costumes and an unforgettable soundtrack, but one which ultimately finds redemption through love and familial bonds.

Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan’s performances stand out, and several iconic scenes, like Amitabh Bachchan uttering “It’s all about loving your parents”, have become iconic lines from K3G that resonate with viewers for its emotional depth, memorable music and Karan Johar’s blend of drama with visual splendor – making K3G one of India’s cherished classic films.

13. Kesari

“Kesari,” directed by Anurag Singh and released in 2019, is a Bollywood historical drama which pays a fitting ode to the valor and courage displayed during Saragarhi Battle of 1897. Starring Akshay Kumar as Havildar Ishar Singh, this film chronicles the inspiring true tale of 21 Sikh soldiers who bravely stood guard at an outpost against thousands of Afghan invaders in 1897. “Kesari” has earned widespread acclaim due to its captivating storytelling, explosive battle sequences and Akshay Kumar’s stellar portrayal that captures both bravery and sacrifice in Akshay’s performance.

Kesari not only sheds light on an often forgotten chapter of Indian history but also resonates with themes of patriotism, honor, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. “Kesari” stands out due to its emotional impact, compelling narrative structure, and visually captivating depiction of one of military history’s greatest last stands – making it a noteworthy addition to Bollywood’s collection of historical epics.

14. Kaksparsh

“Kaksparsh”, directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and released in 2012, has garnered widespread critical acclaim and holds significance within India’s film landscape. Despite not falling under Bollywood’s purview. Film takes place before independence in Maharashtra and centers on the Aaste family, exploring themes like caste discrimination, social norms and human relationships.

Sachin Khedekar, Priya Bapat and Medha Manjrekar deliver outstanding performances which capture all of the emotional depth and cultural nuance inherent to the narrative. “Kaksparsh” received high marks for its engaging storytelling, realistic portrayal of social life and ability to elicit thought-provoking discussions of historical and societal topics. This film’s success highlights regional cinema’s growing acceptance for telling compelling tales with cultural resonance throughout India.

15. Pad Man

“Pad Man”, directed by R. Balki and released in 2018, is a biographical film set in Bollywood. Akshay Kumar stars as Arunachalam Muruganantham in this biographical film about him revolutionizing menstrual hygiene by developing affordable sanitary pads in rural India. “Pad Man” brings attention to both menstruation’s associated stigma as well as access issues for female users in many parts of the nation.

Akshay Kumar’s stirring performance and “Pad Man’s sensitive handling of its topic combined to earn “Pad Man” both critical acclaim and commercial success. Hailed for its socially relevant message addressing women’s health and hygiene, making the movie one of Bollywood’s key socially relevant productions, “Pad Man” markedly expanded Bollywood’s repertoire of socially significant cinema.

16. Baghban (Best Bollywood Movies)

“Baghban”, directed by Ravi Chopra in 2003 and starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini as lead characters, tells the poignant tale of an elderly couple named Raj and Pooja Malhotra who must forego personal happiness for the wellbeing of their children. As the story develops, two elderly individuals come face-to-face with the harsh reality that is their children turning away and abandoning them in old age.

Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini bring depth to “Baghban”, making the film an engaging journey exploring familial bonds, generational issues and love’s lasting strength. “Baghban” addresses themes of parental sacrifice and respecting and caring for elderly family members, making an impressionable impactful impression upon audiences with its emotional resonance and societal relevance. Today it stands as an iconic classic in Bollywood due to its powerful storytelling ability and timeless portrayal of family values.

17. Mughal-E-Azam

“Mughal-E-Azam”, directed by K. Asif and released in 1960, remains one of the iconic Bollywood films ever. Set during Mughal history and famed for its grandiosity and breathtaking sets as well as captivating storytelling – it remains a masterpiece! Starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala in leading roles, “Mughal-E-Azam” chronicles Prince Salim and court dancer Anarkali’s forbidden romance and their inevitable parting ways. Acclaimed for its timeless music; particularly “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya,” which became an instant classic.

“Mughal-E-Azam” remains one of the crowning achievements in Indian cinema, beloved for its intricate detail, elaborate costumes and outstanding performances that contribute to its status as an outstanding cinematic work. Hailed for both historical significance and cinematic brilliance alike as well as depictions of timeless themes like love, loyalty and conflict between tradition and personal ambition “Mughal-E-Azam” remains one of India’s cultural touchstones and cinematic classics that people of all generations find inspiring.

18. Baahubali: The Beginning

“Baahubali: The Beginning” may have its roots in Telugu cinema, yet its widespread release and long-lasting legacy make it standout within an Indian context. Director S. S. Rajamouli created an epic journey, thrilling audiences with its grandiose narrative and breathtaking visual effects captivating audiences worldwide with its large-than-life storytelling and massive production value. “Baahubali: The Beginning,” featuring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia is an exciting fantasy saga about power struggles between Shivudu (Prabhas) and Bhallaladeva’s royal lineage (Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia).

“Baahubali,” with its stunning visuals, captivating characters, and compelling storyline set a new standard in Indian cinema transcending language barriers to become a cinematic phenomenon. The success of “Baahubali” marked an important shift within industry mphasizing potential pan Indian blockbusters with appeal across different demographics.

19. Jodhaa Akbar

“Jodhaa Akbar”, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and released in 2008, stars Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Queen Jodha Bai from Rajputana kingdom in India. This epic romance tells their love story between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai. Famous for its grandeur, exquisite costumes, and breathtaking visuals, the film successfully recreates the splendor of Mughal times. Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai deliver extraordinary performances that add depth and emotion to their characters.

“Jodhaa Akbar” has earned international acclaim due to its meticulous recreation of historical details, riveting narrative and spellbinding sound track composed by A. R. Rahman. “Jodhaa Akbar” earned critical acclaim for its cinematic brilliance, garnering accolades for depicting cross-cultural romance against an intriguing backdrop of political intrigue and historical events. Today it stands as an unforgettable cinematic gem and highlights Bollywood’s ability to deliver historical narratives with artistic finesse and emotional resonance.

20. Guzaarish (Best Bollywood Movies)

“Guzaarish”, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and released in 2010, is a deeply moving Bollywood drama which examines life, love and the right to die with dignity through two central characters played by Hrithik Roshan (Ethan Mascarenhas) and Aishwarya Rai (Sophia D’Souza). The film explores this topic through powerful performances by these stars of Indian cinema. Ethan, an ex-magician turned quadriplegic radio show host, requests legal permission for assisted suicide prompting both a legal battle and personal reflections about life’s significance.

Hrithik Roshan gives an exceptional and nuanced performance as Hrithik, depicting both emotional and physical struggles his character faced realistically. Aishwarya Rai brings balance to this captivating narrative by portraying Sofia convincingly. “Guzaarish” has earned rave reviews due to its sensitive handling, atmospheric cinematography and soulful soundtrack by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The movie prompts audiences to reflect upon themes like compassion, the value of life and making choices freely showing Bollywood’s capacity for grappling with meaningful and provocative subjects in cinema.

Best Bollywood Movies Conclusion

Best Bollywood Movies provide audiences with a vibrant tapestry of storytelling, cultural diversity and artistic excellence that has delighted audiences around the globe. These movies often explore universal themes like love, sacrifice and social injustice through captivating narratives that engage viewers from diverse backgrounds. Talented actors, melodious music, visually breathtaking cinematography, and innovative direction all help ensure that these movies find success and continue their popularity for years.

Bollywood has long been celebrated for its ability to blend genres from historical epics to social dramas, creating an eclectic cinematic landscape which appeals to wide audiences. Bollywood films often carry social messages that prompt discussions and raise awareness on key topics. As Indian cinema continues its journey forward, its legacy remains as an evidence of cultural impact and global appeal. Bollywood movies remain timeless classics owing to their entertaining yet impactful films which continue to leave an indelible mark in viewers’ hearts and minds something no other cinema can match!

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