The Best Indian Movies to Watch: A Comprehensive Guide

Indian cinema is a treasure trove of diverse and captivating films that span a myriad of genres. Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-wrenching drama, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, or a light-hearted romantic comedy, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of 25 of the best Indian movies, organized by genre to help you find your next great watch.

Drama

1. Vatsalyam (1993)
   Raghavan devotes his life to educating his brother, but familial bonds are tested as wealth corrupts.
   IMDb Rating: 8.4
2. Rajkahini (2015)
   Set during the partition of Bengal, this film explores the lives of women trapped in a brothel amid political turmoil.
   IMDb Rating: 7.2
3. Waiting (2015)
   An elderly professor and a young woman bond over their comatose spouses in this touching drama.
   IMDb Rating: 7.1
4. Labour of Love (2014)
   A lyrical tale set in Calcutta, focusing on two lives caught in the midst of economic hardship.
   IMDb Rating: 7.9
5. Kalyanaraman (2002)
   An old man recounts his family’s cursed love story to a group of teenagers.
   IMDb Rating: 7.8
6. Ahista Ahista (2006)
   A witness at a fake marriage falls for a woman betrayed by her lover, leading to a journey to save their relationship.
   IMDb Rating: 6.9
7. Shudhu Tomari Jonyo (2015)
   Newlyweds who initially dislike each other come to terms with their past and find love.
   IMDb Rating: 6.8
8. Tonic Film (2021)
   A 75-year-old man seeks a minimalistic celebration for his anniversary, only to find himself on an unexpected journey.
   IMDb Rating: 7.6

Thriller

1. FIR (2022)
   An innocent man is wrongfully accused of terrorism and must navigate media trials and personal challenges.
   IMDb Rating: 6.9
2. Kaadhal Konden (2003)
   A man tormented by his past becomes a psychopath, fixating on a woman he loves obsessively.
   IMDb Rating: 8.0
3. Road (2002)
   A couple’s road trip turns perilous when they pick up a psychotic hitchhiker.
   IMDb Rating: 5.7
4. Master Piece (2015)
   A local gangster, despite his mother’s wishes, faces the consequences of his life choices.
   IMDb Rating: 6.2
5. Mahanubhavudu (2017)
   A kind-hearted man with obsessive-compulsive disorder must confront his condition to win back his love.
   IMDb Rating: 6.4

Comedy

1. Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi (2018)
   Four childhood friends embark on a trip to Goa and collaborate on making a short film.
   IMDb Rating: 8.0
2. Chal Mera Putt (2019)
   Six Punjabis navigate the challenges of settling in a foreign land.
   IMDb Rating: 7.5
3. Anugraheethan Antony (2021)
   A happy-go-lucky man struggles with his father’s expectations and his own dislike for dogs.
   IMDb Rating: 6.2
4. Oh Manapenne (2021)
   Two people meet during an arranged marriage setup and decide to start a food truck together.
   IMDb Rating: 7.2
5. Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006)
   A commitment-phobic man agrees to marry his girlfriend, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.
   IMDb Rating: 6.8

Action

1. Ghatak: Lethal (1996)
   A man takes a stand against a gangster terrorizing his village, leading to intense violence.
   IMDb Rating: 7.5
2. Vettaikaaran (2009)
   A student aspiring to be a police officer becomes a vigilante to fight against political corruption.
   IMDb Rating: 5.1
3. Rudhran (2023)
   An IT professional uncovers a criminal network and embarks on a mission to expose it.
   IMDb Rating: 5.1
4. Bruce Lee 2 the Fighter (2015)
   A stuntman mistaken for a police officer starts fighting crime on behalf of the police.
   IMDb Rating: 5.5

Romance

1. Priyamudan (1998)
   A wealthy businessman falls in love with a woman and impersonates a hero from her past to win her over.
   IMDb Rating: 8.4
2. Romeo Juliet (2015)
   A man pursues a woman who initially rejects him due to his financial status.
   IMDb Rating: 5.7
3. Happy Hardy and Heer (2020)
   A man follows his friend to London, hoping she will fall in love with him despite her new relationship.
   IMDb Rating: 5.3

Historical

1. Yatra (2018)
   A politician undertakes a 900-mile journey as part of his election campaign, honoring a former Chief Minister.
   IMDb Rating: 7.6
2. 1971: Beyond Borders (2017)
   The 1971 war between India and Pakistan is seen from a soldier’s perspective.
   IMDb Rating: 5.0
3. Arundhati (2009)
   A queen battles an evil mystic, only for him to return three generations later to haunt her descendants.
   IMDb Rating: 7.4

Family

1. Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee (2022)
   Teenagers in a strict Catholic school navigate their pressures and relationships during the 1990s.
   IMDb Rating: 7.9
2. Lalitham Sundharam (2022)
   Three siblings reconnect with their family during their mother’s death anniversary.
   IMDb Rating: 6.1
3. Tonic Film (2021)
   A 75-year-old man plans a minimal celebration but ends up on an unexpected journey.
   IMDb Rating: 7.6

This selection of Indian movies offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cinema from the subcontinent. Whether you’re interested in exploring heartfelt dramas, gripping thrillers, or light-hearted comedies, these films are sure to entertain and inspire. Enjoy your movie time!