Over the years, Mumbai, India-based Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry, has produced several timeless films. Here is a thorough examination of ten of the best Bollywood movies ever made, taking into account their lasting appeal, cultural influence, box office performance, and critical acclaim.
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Director | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sholay | 1975 | Ramesh Sippy | Buy |
| 2 | Mughal-E-Azam | 1960 | K. Asif | Buy |
| 3 | Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge | 1995 | Aditya Chopra | Buy |
| 4 | Mother India | 1957 | Mehboob Khan | Buy |
| 5 | Pyaasa | 1957 | Guru Dutt | Buy |
| 6 | Lagaan | 2001 | Ashutosh Gowariker | Buy |
| 7 | 3 Idiots | 2009 | Rajkumar Hirani | Buy |
| 8 | Anand | 1971 | Hrishikesh Mukherjee | Buy |
| 9 | Gully Boy | 2019 | Zoya Akhtar | Buy |
| 10 | Dangal | 2016 | Nitesh Tiwari | Buy |
1. Sholay (1975)
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, "Sholay" is considered one of the greatest Bollywood Movies ever made. It tells the story of two criminals, Veeru and Jai, hired by a retired police officer to capture the ruthless bandit Gabbar Singh. The film is known for its memorable characters, dialogues, and music. It became a blockbuster and influenced generations of filmmakers.
2. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Directed by K. Asif, "Mughal-E-Azam" is an epic historical drama that portrays the love story between Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) and the court dancer Anarkali. The film is celebrated for its grand production design, exquisite costumes, and powerful performances. It is one of the most expensive films of its time and remains a milestone in Indian cinema.
3. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Directed by Aditya Chopra, "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" is a romantic drama that follows the love story of Raj and Simran, who meet during a trip to Europe. The film has become a cultural phenomenon, defining romance for a generation. It is the longest-running film in Bollywood Movies history, still showing in theaters decades after its release.
4. Mother India (1957)
Directed by Mehboob Khan, "Mother India" is a powerful portrayal of a woman's struggle to raise her children in the face of adversity. The film is known for its strong performances, particularly by Nargis, and its social themes. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and remains a landmark in Bollywood Movies.
5. Pyaasa (1957)
Directed by and starring Guru Dutt, "Pyaasa" is considered one of the greatest films ever made. It tells the story of a struggling poet trying to make his mark in a materialistic world. The film is known for its soulful music, poignant storyline, and Guru Dutt's visionary direction. It is often cited in lists of the greatest films of all time.
6. Lagaan (2001)
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, "Lagaan" is a sports drama set in colonial India. The film follows a group of villagers who challenge the British to a cricket match to avoid paying high taxes. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is known for its unique storyline, blending sports and historical drama.
7. 3 Idiots (2009)
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, "3 Idiots" is a comedy-drama that follows the lives of three engineering students and their struggles with the rigid Indian educational system. It is one of the highest-grossing Bollywood Movies of all time and has had a profound impact on Indian society and education. The film is celebrated for its humor, performances, and social message.
8. Anand (1971)
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, "Anand" is a heart-wrenching story of a terminally ill cancer patient, Anand, and his friendship with his doctor. The film is known for its brilliant performances by Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, as well as its memorable music. It remains a beloved classic in Indian cinema.
9. Gully Boy (2019)
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, "Gully Boy" is a musical drama inspired by the lives of Mumbai's street rappers. The film follows the journey of an aspiring rapper from the slums of Mumbai as he rises to fame. It won multiple awards and was India's entry to the Oscars. The film is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of Mumbai's rap scene and its powerful performances.
10. Dangal (2016)
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, "Dangal" is based on the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, who become world-class wrestlers. The film is one of the highest-grossing Indian films and is known for its inspiring story and powerful performances, particularly by Aamir Khan. It has been praised for its depiction of women's empowerment and sportsmanship.
These ten films represent the pinnacle of Bollywood filmmaking, each offering unique contributions to the art of cinema and leaving a lasting legacy on audiences worldwide.