The Hindi film industry in India, which mainly produces Bollywood movies, is considered one of the world's oldest ones. In terms of quality and quantity, a Bollywood movie surpasses any other entertainment industry and is only second to Hollywood. It has also surpassed the Hollywood industry in terms of yearly ticket sales.
Over the decades, Bollywood has produced masterpieces that continue to inspire audiences worldwide. Some of the top-rated Bollywood movies that stand out today include:
- Lagaan – Epic sports-drama that won international acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) – Iconic romance and the longest-running film in Indian cinema.
- Mughal-e-Azam – A historical epic known for its grandeur and timeless appeal.
- Sholay – Legendary action-drama with unforgettable characters and dialogues.
- Mother India – Classic tale of resilience and sacrifice, India’s first Oscar entry.
- Gangs of Wasseypur – Raw, gripping crime saga that ranks high on IMDb lists.
- Rang De Basanti – Modern classic blending youthful energy with powerful socio-political themes.
The Hindi film industry in India has brought forth multiple legendary actors, filmmakers, and directors while contributing massively to the world cinema industry. Multiple Bollywood movies in India have been nominated for Academy Awards (in the Best Foreign Film category), Golden Globe Awards, etc.
Brief about Hindi Film Industry
Since 2000, many new and innovative directors have made their mark in the Hindi film industry in India. Since then, we have come across multiple movies that have also become popular in foreign countries like the USA, Russia, etc. Multiple art and independent cinemas started to get released in 2000 and received a warm welcome in metropolitan cities.
Since the turn of the century, Bollywood has radically transformed. A new wave of motivational filmmaking emerged in India due to several film filmmakers making their debut with independent film releases. The type of songs used in the filmmaking process also underwent significant changes.
Search for a qualified acting coach for acting classes near me on Superprof.
The Hindi film industry's themes in India also underwent drastic changes, and directors started to choose more profound and intentional scripts. The rapid growth of multiplexes has also contributed to the Hindi film industry's development. Bollywood movies also developed a devoted fan base in multiple countries, mainly due to actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, etc.
Top 20 Hindi Movies to Watch at Least Once
Here are the top 20 critically acclaimed Hindi movies released between 2000-2022 that you must watch at least once:
- Devdas (2002) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this romantic drama is based on a classic novel and tells the story of a wealthy man who descends into alcoholism after the love of his life marries another man.
- Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003) - Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this comedy-drama follows the story of a gangster who poses as a doctor to fulfil his father's wish to see him become a doctor.
- Yuva (2004) - Directed by Mani Ratnam, this film explores the themes of youth and politics through the lives of three young men from different backgrounds who get caught up in a web of corruption and violence.
- Black (2005) - This poignant drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali tells the story of a blind and deaf girl and her relationship with her teacher, who helps her overcome her disabilities.
- Omkara (2006) - Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this film is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello and tells the story of a powerful political leader and his trusted aide who becomes a victim of jealousy and betrayal.
- Taare Zameen Par (2007) - Directed by Aamir Khan, this film tells the story of a young boy with dyslexia and the teacher who helps him overcome his learning difficulties.
- Jab We Met (2007) - Directed by Imtiaz Ali, this romantic comedy tells the story of a feisty young woman who helps a depressed businessman find his way in life and love.
Get started with acting classes near me on Superprof today.
- A Wednesday (2008) - This thriller, directed by Neeraj Pandey, tells the story of a commoner who takes matters into his own hands to fight against terrorism.
- 3 Idiots (2009) - Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this comedy-drama tells the story of three friends who reunite after college to help one of them pursue his dream of becoming an inventor.
- Udaan (2010) - This coming-of-age drama directed by Vikramaditya Motwane tells the story of a young boy who rebels against his strict father to pursue his passion for writing.
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) - Directed by Zoya Akhtar, this film follows the journey of three friends who embark on a road trip in Spain and discover the true meaning of friendship and life.
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) - Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this epic crime drama spans several decades. It follows the story of two families who engage in a violent feud over control of a coal mining town.
- Barfi! (2012) - Directed by Anurag Basu, this romantic comedy-drama tells the story of a deaf and mute boy who falls in love with an autistic girl and their journey through life's ups and downs.
- The Lunchbox (2013) - Directed by Ritesh Batra, this romantic drama tells the story of a young woman who sends her lunch to the wrong person and strikes up a correspondence with a lonely office worker.
- Queen (2014) - Directed by Vikas Bahl, this comedy-drama tells the story of a young woman who goes on a solo honeymoon to Europe after her fiancé cancels their wedding at the last minute.
- Drishyam (2015) - This thriller, directed by Nishikant Kamat, tells the story of a man who goes to great lengths to protect his family after his daughter is implicated in a murder case.
- Pink (2016) - Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, this courtroom drama deals with the issue of sexual harassment and victim-blaming in Indian society.
- Dangal (2016) - Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this sports drama is based on the true story of a wrestler who trains his daughters to become sports champions.
- Newton (2017) - Directed by Amit V. Masurkar, this political satire tells the story of a young government clerk who is determined to conduct free and fair elections in a conflict-ridden region.
- Gully Boy (2019) - Directed by Zoya Akhtar, this musical drama tells the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who dreams of becoming a rapper and his journey to achieve his goal.
Famous Hindi Movies to Watch from 2000 to 2017
The Hindi film industry in India started its journey with Dadasahab Phalke's Raja Harishchandra in 1913. Raja Harishchandra was the first ever feature film produced in India. Later on, Ardeshir Irani produced and directed the first-ever sound film, Alam Ara. Since then, the Hindi film industry has continued to evolve.
Especially from the year 2000 Hindi film industry in India went through major changes, and films produced from this time have had a variety of elements embedded in them. Let us look at some of the best and most famous Hindi movies you can watch in India from 2000 to 2017.
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Taare Zameen Par is a 2007 Indian drama film that explores the challenges faced by a young boy with dyslexia. The film follows Ishaan Awasthi, an eight-year-old who struggles with his studies and is labeled as a "problem child." However, his new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, recognizes Ishaan's potential and helps him overcome his learning difficulties.
🏆 Critical Acclaim and Awards Taare Zameen Par received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of dyslexia and its inspiring message of hope. The film won numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
A romantic thriller with a twist, featuring Hrithik Roshan's debut. The film tells the story of Rohit, a young man who falls in love with Sonia, but their relationship is threatened by a dangerous criminal.
🏆 Box Office Success: Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai was a major commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2000. It won numerous awards, including eight Filmfare Awards.
Rang De Basanti! (2006)
Rang De Basanti is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language war drama film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The film stars Aamir Khan, Siddharth, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, and Alice Patten.
🌟 Critical Acclaim and Popularity: The movie received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and the Filmfare Award for Best Film.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Dil Chahta Hai is Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut, and it was produced by Excel Entertainment, a production house founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. Although the film was released almost 22 years earlier, it is still somewhat relevant to the younger generation. The film is about three friends and their unconventional approach to happiness. Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshay Khanna were the lead actors in this film.
🌟 Critical Acclaim and Popularity Dil Chahta Hai received critical acclaim upon release, with praise for its fresh perspective, relatable characters, and realistic portrayal of young adulthood. It was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2001
Looking for acting classes near me? Find professional acting coaches on Superprof!
3 Idiots (2009)
3 Idiot is a masterpiece directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The film explores and exposes the Indian education system through the lenses of three engineering students and their tyrant, like the headmaster played by Boman Irani. Full of comedic moments, 3 Idiots is a treat to the eyes of watchers.
🏆 Awards and Accolades 3 Idiots was a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹400 crore (US$50 million) worldwide. It won numerous awards, including six Filmfare Awards and three National Film Awards.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Directed by Nikhil Advani, Kal Ho Naa Ho is a movie that talks about a love triangle that happened between Naina (Preity Zinta), Aman (Shah Rukh Khan), and Rohan (Saif Ali Khan). It is a fantastic film to watch, and you will also learn about the message behind the sweet smile of Shah Rukh Khan in the entire film.
Jodha Akbar (2008)
When it comes to forbidden unions, Bollywood excels, and the same can be applied to Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar. It is an epic drama that explores the union between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man. The film also combines an excellent soundtrack making it one of the finest Hindi movies you can watch.
🏆 Awards and Recognition Jodhaa Akbar was a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹1.1 billion (US$15 million) worldwide. It won several awards, including five Filmfare Awards and two National Film Awards.
Bollywood Movies & Shows You Can Watch On Netflix, Amazon Prime & Apple TV In 2025
If you are searching for Bollywood movies to watch with family (Where to find them: Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc., you can try the movies & TV series listed below. These are some of the best Hindi movies because of their performance, storylines, music, and more.
Panchayat
The fourth season of the popular Indian comedy-drama series "Panchayat" was released on June 24, 2025, on Prime Video. The season continues the story of Abhishek Tripathi, a young engineering graduate who reluctantly takes a job as the secretary of a panchayat (village council) in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh.
Season 4 was recently released on Amazon Prime in 2025.
Farzi
The mind-blowing crime-comedy of Shahid Kapoor on Amazon Prime Video, is coming back with Season 2. Last year, Farzi smashed it, becoming one of the most-watched Indian shows on the platform.
You can watch Farzi on Amazon Prime.
Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies, 2024)
In 2024, Kiran Rao directed the Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film "Laapataa Ladies," produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, and Jyoti Deshpande. The film features Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan, and follows the story of two newly-wed brides who are accidentally exchanged during a train journey to their respective husbands' homes. "Laapataa Ladies" premiered at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on 8 September 2023, and was officially released on 1 March 2024. The film received positive reviews for its engaging story, screenplay, and performances by the cast.
The movie is available on Netflix.
Discover acting classes near me easily when you search for a coach on Superprof!
Bhakshak (2023)
Bhakshak is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and written by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Niren Bhatt. The film stars Sanjay Dutt, Vidyut Jammwal, and Pranitha Subhash. It was released in theaters on 17 November 2023.
The movie is available on Netflix.
Lagaan (2001)
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker is one of the best films in the Hindi film industry and also received nominations for the Academy Awards (in the best foreign film category). Although multiple actors participated in this film, the lead actor was Aamir Khan. At the time of its release, it was the most expensive film ever produced in the industry. The film portrays the effect of agricultural taxes imposed on the colonial power in a village and how the villagers try to overcome it through a cricket match.
Lagaan is available on Netflix.
Guru (2007)
Co-written and directed by the famous filmmaker Mani Ratnam, Guru is an unconventional movie produced in Hindi. The film was inspired by the real-life industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani. It revolves around a village boy who does whatever it takes to establish himself and fulfil his dream. Abhishek Bachchan plays the lead role in this film, and A. R. Rahman produces the soundtrack.
You can watch Guru on Netflix and Apple TV.
Gulaal (2009)
Gulaal is one of the finest films directed by Anurag Kashyap. It is a socio-political film that explores power, politics, hypocrisy, legitimacy, injustice, etc. The films offer you a compelling yet observant notion of Indian society as well as politics.
You can watch Gulaal on YouTube.
Chak De! India (2007)
Chak De is one of the best Bollywood movies to watch with family and friends! India. Released on the 10th of August 2007, it is one of the finest films produced by the legendary director Yash Chopra and his prodigal son Aditya Chopra. Shimit Amin directed this film, and Shah Rukh Khan played a role in this sports film. From the beginning to the end, Chak De! India has an enjoyable storyline and comes with patriotic elements.
The title track of this movie is phenomenal and has been used on several occasions. If you are watching this movie with family and friends, then it is a treat to your eyes.
Chak De! India is currently available on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008)
If you want a comedy film, you should watch Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! Starring actors like Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal, etc. Released in 2008, the film was one of the finest films produced by Dibakar Banerjee and revolved around a thief who robs the rich and elite people.
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! It is available on Apple TV and YouTube.
Find an acting coach and begin taking acting classes near me on Superprof today!
Maqbool (2004)
Maqbool is the very first film where Vishal Bharadwaj began his journey to adapt the three most popular tragedies of Shakespeare. He directed Maqbool, influenced by Macbeth, Omkara in 2006 (influenced by Othello), and Haider in 2014 (influenced by Hamlet). It is one of the best films ever produced in Bollywood and stars Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, and more. Although the film was unsuccessful at the Box Office, it received multiple awards and appreciation from critics.
You can watch Maqbool on Disney+ Hotstar.
These films have received critical acclaim and have left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Watching these films will give you a better understanding of the themes and issues that are important to Indian society and culture and will provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Hindi cinema. Also, watching them will give you a better understanding of the diverse themes and issues that are important to Indian society and culture, and will provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Hindi cinema.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
Dada movie in Hindi