If you’re a film enthusiast or just looking to dive into some captivating Indian cinema, you’re in the right place. From gripping dramas to delightful comedies, Indian films offer a wide range of genres and storytelling styles. Here’s a curated list of 25 must-watch Indian movies from various genres, with quick synopses to help you choose your next favorite film.
Drama and Thriller
The Chess Players (1977)
Synopsis: In 1856, two noblemen are so absorbed in their chess game that they fail to notice British colonial expansion encroaching upon their province.
Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014)
Synopsis: Set in pre-independent India, a war hero returns to find his family torn apart by a ruthless businessman and family betrayals.
Sherdil (2022)
Synopsis: Based on real events, this film portrays the grim practice of abandoning elderly family members to be preyed upon by tigers for compensation.
Raatri (1992)
Synopsis: A family’s new home becomes the site of eerie happenings after a cat’s death triggers a series of supernatural events.
Chhello Divas (2015)
Synopsis: Follows a group of friends navigating the challenges of life, love, and the transition from college to adulthood.
7:11 PM (2023)
Synopsis: An event at 7:11 PM changes the fate of a town and a distant planet, leading to a time-travel adventure to stop a criminal mastermind.
Padmini (2023)
Synopsis: A poet and college teacher’s life takes a turn when he becomes the subject of jokes after an embarrassing incident.
June (2019)
Synopsis: Chronicles a girl’s life from 16 to 26, revealing the joys and struggles of her formative years.
Aagadu (2014)
Synopsis: An encounter specialist is transferred to a village controlled by a local gangster, leading to a clash of power.
The Y (2023)
Synopsis: A mute woman faces paranormal incidents after marriage, turning her life into a mysterious ordeal.
Action and Adventure
Shiva (1989)
Synopsis: Disgusted by college corruption, a student and his friends fight against the system.
Garv: Pride and Honour (2004)
Synopsis: An honest police officer finds himself entangled in a corrupt system and a false murder charge.
Commando 2 (2017)
Synopsis: A commando uses his skills to eradicate black money siphoned to foreign banks.
Taxiwala (2018)
Synopsis: A job seeker discovers his taxi has unexpected, supernatural qualities.
Yamadonga (2007)
Synopsis: A lovable rogue’s life is cut short by the god of death, but he still has a few tricks left.
Kaalakaandi (2018)
Synopsis: Explores themes of life, death, and karma through three interwoven stories, including a terminally ill man’s journey.
Comedy and Romance
Coolie No. 1 (1995)
Synopsis: A coolie pretends to be a wealthy businessman to win over the daughter of a wealthy family.
Heropanti (2014)
Synopsis: Two young lovers face numerous obstacles in a violent world as they try to be together.
Happy Ending (2014)
Synopsis: A confused writer searches for inspiration and falls for a bestselling author who is cynical about love.
Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum (2012)
Synopsis: Two hapless friends find themselves in a series of misadventures as they attempt to make it big in Goa.
100 Days of Love (2015)
Synopsis: A man falls for a girl he once bullied, leading to an unexpected romantic twist.
Kyo Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta (2001)
Synopsis: A lawyer known for his dishonesty finds his life upended when his son wishes for him to become incapable of lying.
Sci-Fi and Supernatural
Teddy (2021)
Synopsis: A young man with OCD teams up with a sentient teddy bear to save a girl from a medical mafia.
Nitham Oru Vaanam (2022)
Synopsis: A young man with OCD seeks closure by exploring two real-life stories and meets a woman who joins his quest.
Jo and Jo (2022)
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this film follows the lives of young villagers during lockdown.
Historical and Biographical
800 (2023)
Synopsis: A biopic of cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, showcasing his journey through challenges and triumphs.
Purab Aur Pachhim (1970)
Synopsis: A young man returns to Britain and faces cultural conflicts, ultimately working to change the mindset of the Indian diaspora there.
Miscellaneous
Seetimaarr (2021)
Synopsis: A bank employee and kabaddi coach strives to bring national recognition to his village’s kabaddi team.
Aankhen (1993)
Synopsis: Two brothers are caught up in a conspiracy involving a political assassination and must navigate dangerous waters to save their country.
C.I.D. Moosa (2003)
Synopsis: Follows the adventurous and witty private detective Moosa as he solves complex cases.
Comali (2019)
Synopsis: A man wakes up from a 16-year coma and faces the challenges of adjusting to a changed world.
Raatri (1992)
Synopsis: A family’s life takes a sinister turn when supernatural events begin to unfold after a cat’s death.
This diverse list of movies spans multiple genres and decades, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding thriller, a heartfelt drama, or a good laugh, these films are sure to provide an engaging cinematic experience.