The Best Indian Movies to Watch: Top Picks Across Genres

Indian cinema is a vibrant tapestry of genres and storytelling. From heart-pounding dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, Bollywood and regional films offer something for every movie lover. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, thrills, or just a good time, this list of top Indian movies has got you covered. Let’s dive into some of the best films across various genres that are worth watching.

Drama

Neerja (2016)

• Synopsis: The heroic tale of Neerja Bhanot, who gave her life to protect 359 passengers from terrorists on Pan Am Flight 73.
• Rating: 7.6

State of Siege: Temple Attack (2021)

• Synopsis: Based on true events, this film depicts the valor of NSG commandos during a terrorist attack on a Gujarat temple.
• Rating: 7.7

The Cloud-Capped Star (1960)

• Synopsis: A selfless young woman sacrifices her own happiness for her family’s well-being.
• Rating: 7.8

Haasil (2003)

• Synopsis: A law-abiding college student gets entangled in politics and crime and must fight for his love.
• Rating: 7.6

Krantiveer (1994)

• Synopsis: Disowned by his parents, a man becomes a revolutionary against corrupt local dons and politicians.
• Rating: 7.4

Ajay Gadu (2024)

• Synopsis: A middle-class man struggling with life’s challenges finds inspiration from an unexpected source.
• Rating: 8.8

Romance

Kushi (2000)

• Synopsis: College friends Jenny and Shiva, separated by misunderstandings, must overcome their egos to reunite.
• Rating: 7.9

Pelli Choopulu (2016)

• Synopsis: During an arranged marriage meeting, two individuals with different dreams join forces to start a food truck.
• Rating: 8.2

Kaadhal (2004)

• Synopsis: A wealthy girl falls for a motor mechanic, facing family opposition and a planned marriage with an American.
• Rating: 7.6

Madrasapattinam (2010)

• Synopsis: Set in 1940s India, a young English governor’s daughter falls in love with a local Indian boy amidst the independence struggle.
• Rating: 7.9

Dolly Kitty and Those Twinkling Stars (2019)

• Synopsis: A Delhi housewife and her cousin face life’s trials while striving for personal freedom.
• Rating: 5.2

Action

Adanga Maru (2018)

• Synopsis: A cop, suspended for challenging influential figures, seeks revenge against those who harmed his loved ones.
• Rating: 7.1

Dookudu (2011)

• Synopsis: An undercover cop sets out to bring down a dangerous mafia don while dealing with personal stakes.
• Rating: 7.4

Kabali (2016)

• Synopsis: A reformed gangster emerges from prison to protect his family from old enemies.
• Rating: 6.1

Aurangzeb (2013)

• Synopsis: In Gurgaon, a complex plot unfolds as law enforcement adopts criminal tactics to catch a dangerous criminal.
• Rating: 6.4

Thalaivaa (2013)

• Synopsis: A son takes over his father’s role and faces a bloody battle to become a leader.
• Rating: 6.3

Comedy

Hero No. 1 (1997)

• Synopsis: Timid Rajesh tries to win over his lover’s parents with quirky antics after a foreign romance.
• Rating: 6.3

Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012)

• Synopsis: A young boy’s dream of playing cricket at Lords drives his family to pursue a legendary Ferrari.
• Rating: 6.4

Badmaash Company (2010)

• Synopsis: Four friends become wealthy through a big idea in 90s Bombay but face challenges when their plan goes awry.
• Rating: 6.1

Phone Bhoot (2022)

• Synopsis: Two ghostbusters get involved in a chaotic plan when a ghost seeks their help for an unusual business idea.
• Rating: 5.2

Bewakoofiyaan (2014)

• Synopsis: A comedy about how a recession affects a couple’s love and finances.
• Rating: 5.5

Thriller

Romeo Akbar Walter (2019)

• Synopsis: An Indian banker goes undercover in Pakistan for a covert mission before the 1971 war.
• Rating: 6.7

Masooda (2022)

• Synopsis: A mother and daughter’s simple life is upended by an evil force, leading to a gripping fight for survival.
• Rating: 7.2

Chase in the Dark (2022)

• Synopsis: Troubled individuals’ lives intersect as they face their personal and professional crises.
• Rating: 8.3

Ascharyachakit! (2018)

• Synopsis: The lives of a Bollywood star, his chauffeur, a prostitute, and her pimp intertwine in an unexpected love story.
• Rating: 5.0

U Turn (2023)

• Synopsis: A journalist investigating mysterious deaths from illegal U-turns becomes the prime suspect in the case.
• Rating: 6.2

Historical/Political

The Accidental Prime Minister (2019)

• Synopsis: A look into Manmohan Singh’s tenure as India’s Prime Minister, exploring his influence over the government.
• Rating: 6.0

Gold (2018)

• Synopsis: The inspiring story of how one man played a crucial role in India’s first Olympic gold medal post-independence.
• Rating: 7.3

Horror

Thamaasha (2019)

• Synopsis: A balding professor finds confidence and love through a friend’s romantic story.
• Rating: 7.7

Masooda (2022)

• Synopsis: A chilling tale of a mother and daughter’s struggle against an evil force in their lives.
• Rating: 7.2

From heartwarming romances to spine-tingling thrillers, Indian cinema offers a diverse array of films that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep drama, a hearty laugh, or a thrilling ride, there’s something on this list for everyone. Dive into these movies and enjoy the rich storytelling and cinematic experience that Indian films have to offer.