Bollywood for Beginners: 20 Films To Watch
From Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani to Alia Bhatt’s Raazi, Bazaar Arabia shares the top Indian films to watch this summer here…
Looking for the best Bollywood films to watch? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the top 20 films that you need to watch this summer…
The Indian film industry, also known as Bollywood, has quickly become one of the most popular entertainment spaces in the world. With a large fan base in India, the Middle East, and beyond, movie enthusiasts can’t help but binge-watch the extensive selection of films. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or prefer a little drama and comedy, Bollywood has your summer must-watch list covered.
From Deepika Padukone‘s Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani to Sonam Kapoor‘s Disney Khoobsurat, Bazaar Arabia shares 20 films that you need to watch. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
20 of The Best Bollywood Films Of All Time
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)
When you hear Bollywood and romance, the following words you will hear are DDLJ, a classic romance film featuring megastars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, and others. This movie will ensure you get all the feels.
Genre: Romance
Click here to watch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Nothing says Bollywood better than some family drama, romance, comedy, and of course, hit dance numbers. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham is one of the most popular films in the industry, and rightfully so. From Kareena Kapoor Khan’s iconic “Poo” fashion looks to Shah Rukh Khan’s move to London, this is one of the best Bollwood films of all time.
Genre: Family Drama, Romance
Click here to watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Friendship, love, and of course, funky fashion looks would be the best way to describe this 1998 release. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kajol, and many other A-listers, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will make you laugh and cry at the same time.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Click here to watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Kal Ho Naa Ho
Shot in the heart of Manhattan, New York, Kal Ho Na Ho is about three Indian families who have settled abroad and are experiencing some issues. Starring Priti Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan, the three-hour film includes family drama, love triangles, and more, making this a must-watch Bollywood movie.
Genre: Romance/ Drama
Click here to watch Kal Ho Naa Ho
Dil Chahta Hai
Dil Chahta Hai showcases a unique spin on friendship and love. The film is about three best friends who are like family undergoing different life experiences. But what brings them together? An exciting trip to Goa and a bit of long-distance drama. You will need to see the film to find out more.
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Click here to watch Dil Chahta Hai
Lagaan
All sports enthusiasts can rejoice as Bollywood has released the perfect movie for you. Lagaan is another classic that is about the British occupation of India. How do they settle disputes? Through an intense cricket match.
Genre: Sports
Click here to watch Lagaan
Main Hoon Na
Main Hoon Na is the ideal film to watch if you’re looking for some romance, action, and colourful dance numbers. The film’s name translates into I’m always there and is centered around Ram, a secret Indian agent who pretends to be a college student to protect a family member.
Genre: Action/ Romance
Click here to watch Main Hoon Na
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is sequel to a 2007 classic horror film shot in the heart of Rajasthan that is a must-watch. The movie is centred around a family who lives in an old heritage home and, at night, they witness something they have never seen before.
Genre: Horror
Click here to watch Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
Swades
Shot in the scenic village of Charanpur, A NASA engineer Mohan (Shah Rukh Khan), returns home from America to visit old relatives. On his trip, he discovers that his home isn’t what it used to be and takes on a project.
Genre: Drama/ Musicial
Click here to watch Swades
Jab We Met
Jab We Met, which translates into When We Met, is a fun romantic comedy film about this Punjabi girl Geet (Kareena Kapoor Khan), who is full of life and wants to experience everything before her family arranges her marriage. On one of her excursions, she bumps into Aditya (Shahid Kapoor), and then everything changes from there.
Genre: Romance, Drama
Click here to watch Jab We Met
3 Idiots
While the film’s name can make you think this movie is pure comedy. 3 Idiots is based around engineering college students in India who undergo major turnarounds in their life. 3 Idiots will make you sit on the edge of your seat as you see lead actors Amir Khan, Sharman Joshi, and R. Madhavan take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Genre: Comedy
Click here to watch 3 Idiots
Queen
Queen is the story of a traditional Punjabi girl from New Delhi who visits Europe for her honeymoon alone. Her fiancé calls off the wedding moments before the ceremony, and instead of dwelling on the news, Rani Mehra decides to travel by herself. During her trip, she discovers herself and transforms into an independent, confident woman.
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Click here to watch Queen
Jodhaa Akbar
Jodhaa Akbar is a real-life film based on Muslim Mugal Emperor Akbar, who marries Hindu princess Jodhaa. The film walks us through the significant historical events in the 16th century. Starring famous actors Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jodhaa Akbar is a must-watch Bollywood movie.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Click here to watch Jodhaa Akbar
Chak De! India
This sports classic is about Kabir Khan, a former Indian hockey player who decides to form an Indian female hockey team to win the International league. The film highlights women’s empowerment, teamwork, and sports spirit. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, the 2007 movie was a major hit.
Genre: Sports
Click here to watch Chak De! India
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
One of our all-time favourite Bollywood films has to be Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani. Starring famous actors Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, and Aditya Roy Kapur, the movie is centered around Naina, an introverted doctor who decides to embark on discovering herself. Along the way, she meets a group of fun individuals that changes her life.
Genre: Romance
Click here to watch Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
The name says it all. Zindigi Na Milegi Dobara, which translates into you only live once, is the perfect film to watch with your friends. The film is about three men who go on a bachelor trip to Spain and experience different adventures that change their life. With a bit of love, drama, and family comedy, you are guaranteed to enjoy the film.
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Click here to watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Khoobsurat
The Bollywood Disney film is a modern-day fairytale ideal for all the hopeless romantics out there. Starring Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, Khoobsurat is about a prince who hires a sports physiotherapist to help his father. However, Milli (Sonam Kapoor) falls in love with the prince charming, who is already set to marry another royal.
Genre: Romance
Click here to watch Khoobsurat
Bajirao Mastani
Based on the famous novel Rau by Nagnath S. Inamdar, Bajirao Mastani is the story of a Maratha Empire King who falls in love with Mastani, a warrior princess. He decides to make her his second wife but experiences opposition from other parties. Starring dynamic trio Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, this is on the top of our recommendations list.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Click here to watch Bajirao Mastani
Raazi
This spy action film will surely keep you on the edge of your seat with its interesting storyline and plot twists. Starring Alia Bhatt, the film is centered around Sehmat Khan, an undercover Indian agent who marries into a Pakistani family to save the country from a dangerous mission.
Genre: Action/ Spy
Click here to watch Raazi
Gully Boy
2019 release, Gully Boy topped the charts for its unique storyline and ground-breaking music tracks. Based on the rap culture in India, Gully Boy showcases the story of Murad, who is responsible for providing for his family but dreams of becoming a musical star. One fine day he finds an opportunity, and everything changes then.
Genre: Musical/ Drama
Click here to watch Gully Boy
Lead image courtesy of IMDB