Discover the Best Indian Movies to Watch: Must-Sees Across Genres
Indian cinema is a vibrant tapestry of genres, stories, and emotions. Whether you’re into drama, comedy, action, or romance, there’s something for everyone. To make your viewing experience easier, we’ve compiled a list of 25 standout Indian films, categorized by genre, each offering a unique story and memorable performances.
Drama
Deewaar (1975)
Synopsis: Vijay rises from dockworker to underworld leader, clashing with his brother Ravi, a righteous policeman.
Rating: 8.0
Hey Ram (2000)
Synopsis: A man, devastated by the rape and murder of his wife, decides to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi.
Rating: 7.9
Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
Synopsis: Estranged son Sahil must prove his innocence when he’s accused of his father’s murder.
Rating: 7.3
Bheed (2023)
Synopsis: Examines the struggles people faced trying to reach home during a crisis.
Rating: 6.6
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Synopsis: A romantic comedy about a love triangle involving childhood friends and their complex emotions.
Rating: 7.6
Comedy
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Synopsis: Two bumbling slackers compete for the love of an heiress, inadvertently becoming her protectors.
Rating: 8.0
Chachi 420 (1997)
Synopsis: A divorced man disguises himself as a nanny to be close to his child, leading to comedic chaos.
Rating: 7.4
Aaja Nachle (2007)
Synopsis: A dance teacher returns to save a theater and faces numerous challenges.
Rating: 6.2
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015)
Synopsis: Follows the lives of three roommates as they navigate changes brought about by love.
Rating: 7.3
Sukhee (2023)
Synopsis: A middle-class housewife attends her class reunion, much to her husband’s dismay.
Rating: 6.0
Action
Kick (2014)
Synopsis: An adrenaline junkie turns thief and is chased by a police officer while battling a gangster.
Rating: 6.0
Baby (2015)
Synopsis: An elite counter-intelligence unit races against time to thwart a terrorist plot.
Rating: 7.9
Cuttputli (2022)
Synopsis: A rookie cop investigates serial killings in a small town, uncovering a gruesome conspiracy.
Rating: 5.7
Krrish 3 (2013)
Synopsis: Superhero Krrish and his father battle an evil mutant leader and his gang.
Rating: 5.3
Bhagavanth Kesari (2023)
Synopsis: Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari seeks revenge against a powerful businessman.
Rating: 5.9
Romance
Piku (2015)
Synopsis: A quirky comedy about a daughter’s challenging yet endearing relationship with her aging father.
Rating: 7.6
Chalte Chalte (2003)
Synopsis: A man marries a woman he’s pursued, only to face marital strife that threatens their relationship.
Rating: 6.5
Mann Kasturi Re (2022)
Synopsis: A romance between a rich girl and a middle-class boy faces challenges after a fateful night.
Rating: 6.7
Kushi (2023)
Synopsis: A young man falls for the daughter of his father’s rival, navigating religious and personal conflicts.
Rating: 5.4
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
Synopsis: A military chieftain leads a crucial battle to capture a fort from a fierce rival.
Rating: 7.5
Thriller
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)
Synopsis: A retired police officer recounts a past case, revealing a tangled web of mystery and intrigue.
Rating: 8.2
Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014)
Synopsis: A journalist uncovers the truth behind an incident through various perspectives.
Rating: 8.4
C U Soon (2020)
Synopsis: A software engineer searches for his cousin’s missing fiancée, racing against time.
Rating: 7.6
Maja Ma (2022)
Synopsis: A housewife’s reputation is challenged, threatening her family’s stability.
Rating: 6.2
Pawankhind (2022)
Synopsis: Chronicles the Maratha warriors’ heroic battle at Pavan Khind in 1660.
Rating: 8.4
Family
Home (2021)
Synopsis: A father aims to bond with his tech-savvy sons amidst his desire to improve himself.
Rating: 8.8
Varane Avashyamund (2020)
Synopsis: A single parent’s life changes when new tenants move into their apartment.
Rating: 6.9
Guthlee Ladoo (2023)
Synopsis: A poor boy’s dream of education faces caste-based obstacles and sympathetic allies.
Rating: 7.6
Falimy (2023)
Synopsis: A self-centered family embarks on a pilgrimage to fulfill their grandfather’s wish.
Rating: 7.3
Kaam Chalu Hai (2024)
Synopsis: A father’s revolutionary quest for his daughter’s cricket dream unfolds amidst family struggles.
Rating: 7.5
Horror
Geethanjali Malli Vachindi (2024)
Synopsis: Filmmakers encounter malevolent ghosts while shooting a horror movie.
Rating: 5.0
Lift (2021)
Synopsis: Office workers get trapped in a haunted lift and must solve a mystery to escape.
Rating: 6.5
Unique Picks
Silsila (1981)
Synopsis: A love story challenged by societal norms and complicated by a love triangle.
Rating: 7.2
Akira (2016)
Synopsis: A college girl’s life spirals when she gets involved in a crime with corrupt officers.
Rating: 5.9
Maja Ma (2022)
Synopsis: A housewife’s reputation threatens her family’s social standing.
Rating: 6.2
Badnaam Gali (2019)
Synopsis: The story of a surrogate mother and her relationship with those around her.
Rating: 7.0
Mahaan (2022)
Synopsis: Gandhi Mahaan’s quest for personal freedom leads to estrangement from his family.
Rating: 7.6
This curated list showcases the best of Indian cinema across various genres. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming family dramas, each film offers a unique experience. So, grab your popcorn and enjoy exploring these fantastic films!