Top 50 Must-Watch Indian Movies Across Genres

Indian cinema offers a treasure trove of films across various genres, each with unique stories and compelling narratives. Whether you’re a fan of romance, drama, action, or thrillers, this curated list of 50 must-watch Indian movies will guide you through some of the finest cinematic experiences available. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate through genres and find your next favorite film.

Key Takeaway

This guide provides a diverse selection of top Indian movies, categorized by genre. From timeless classics to recent hits, each film offers a unique experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping drama or a light-hearted comedy, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

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Action & Thriller

1. Guardian (2024) – 4.1/10
   A guardian ghost protects a young girl from imminent dangers.
2. Apurva (2023) – 6.2/10
   A brave woman outsmarts a notorious gang of dacoits.
3. Anniyan (2005) – 8.3/10
   A lawyer with multiple personalities becomes a vigilante.
4. I (2015) – 7.4/10
   A deformed man seeks revenge while holding a bride hostage.
5. Sardar Udham (2021) – 8.4/10
   Chronicles Udham Singh’s quest to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
6. Hit (2020) – 7.6/10
   A cop with panic attacks races against time to save a missing woman.
7. Tehran (2024) – Not Rated
   The details are sparse, but expect an intense thriller.

Drama

1. Satyabhama (2024) – 6.8/10
   An ACP investigates a missing person case, uncovering dark secrets.
2. Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway (2023) – 7.3/10
   An Indian mother battles the Norwegian foster care system.
3. 2018 (2023) – 8.3/10
   A gripping disaster film about the Kerala floods and collective survival.
4. Malik (2021) – 8.0/10
   An aging patriarch’s troubled past comes to light through a juvenile criminal.
5. Rangoli (2023) – 7.4/10
   A school boy’s realization about his family’s struggles.
6. Three of Us (2022) – 7.5/10
   Explores love, loss, and healing through delicate emotions.

Romance

1. Shiddat (2021) – 7.6/10
   A passionate love story exploring the dynamics of two contrasting couples.
2. Queen (2013) – 8.1/10
   A woman embarks on a solo honeymoon after her marriage falls through.
3. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) – 7.2/10
   A common man falls in love with his ‘total opposite’ wife.
4. Bajirao Mastani (2015) – 7.3/10
   The epic romance between Maratha general Baji Rao I and princess Mastani.
5. Fan (2016) – 6.9/10
   A fan’s obsession with his superstar turns dangerous.

Comedy

1. Chal Mera Putt 3 (2021) – 7.0/10
   Follows the lives of illegal immigrants in the UK and their struggles.
2. The Archies (2023) – 4.3/10
   Set in the 1960s, the gang navigates romance and friendship as they face threats to their beloved park.
3. Happy New Year (2014) – 5.0/10
   Amateur dancers join a competition for personal revenge.
4. Ladki: Enter the Girl Dragon (2022) – 3.8/10
   A love triangle revolves around martial arts.
5. Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri (2024) – 5.2/10
   A man’s supernatural wife challenges his prejudices.

Biographical & Historical

1. Kesari (2019) – 7.4/10
   Based on the Battle of Saragarhi, where 21 Sikh soldiers fought 10,000 Afghans.
2. Charlie (2015) – 8.0/10
   A woman’s search for a mysterious artist leads to a captivating journey.
3. Padman (2018) – 7.9/10
   A man invents a low-cost sanitary pad machine to help rural women.
4. Sardar Udham (2021) – 8.4/10
   A revolutionary’s pursuit of justice for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

1. Bhediya (2022) – 6.7/10
   A man bitten by a wolf starts transforming into the creature.
2. Lust Stories 2 (2023) – 5.8/10
   Four directors explore modern relationships and desires through short films.
3. The Greatest of All Time (2024) – Not Rated
   Expected to be a riveting sci-fi or fantasy entry.

Family & Youth

1. Wake Up Sid (2009) – 7.6/10
   A college student’s journey to self-discovery and success in Mumbai.
2. Gaslight (2023) – 5.8/10
   A woman returns to her royal estate to find her missing father.
3. Girls Will Be Girls (2024) – 7.3/10
   Follows a 16-year-old’s coming-of-age journey disrupted by her mother’s struggles.
4. Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023) – 7.2/10
   A flight attendant and her partner’s diamond heist turns into a hostage situation.

Mystery & Crime

1. Kasoor (2001) – 6.0/10
   A lawyer falls for her client, a man accused of murder, with dark secrets.
2. Ravening (2019) – 7.8/10
   Two lovers’ repression of their feelings leads to a horrific crime.
3. Ravening (2019) – 7.8/10
   A tale of lovers succumbing to social taboos and tragic consequences.

Recent Hits

1. Varisu (2023) – 6.0/10
   A carefree man faces new responsibilities when his father falls ill.
2. Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023) – 7.2/10
   A heist on a flight spirals into a high-stakes hostage situation.
3. Bhaje Vaayu Vegam (2024) – 6.1/10
   An aspiring cricketer gets caught in a crime web while trying to pay for his father’s surgery.

Classic Favorites

1. Sholay (1975) – 8.1/10
   A former police officer enlists two outlaws to capture a ruthless bandit.
2. Muqabla (1993) – 4.6/10
   Police brothers clash over a murder case and a widow’s quest for justice.

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Exploring Indian cinema offers a vibrant mix of storytelling, from powerful dramas to engaging comedies. Each film on this list has been selected for its unique contribution to the world of movies. Enjoy diving into these remarkable films!