Key Takeaway: Whether you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or side-splitting comedies, there’s a rich tapestry of Indian cinema awaiting you. Explore this curated list of 50 must-watch films that span a variety of genres, each offering a unique story and captivating performances.
Indian cinema boasts a treasure trove of films that cater to every taste and mood. From spine-chilling thrillers to delightful comedies and powerful dramas, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a detailed guide to 50 standout Indian movies you should definitely check out in 2024.
Action & Thriller
- Mardaani 2 (2019)
- Synopsis: A fierce cop takes on a young serial killer targeting women.
- Rating: 7.3
- Bob Biswas (2021)
- Synopsis: An insurance agent with amnesia returns to a life of crime he doesn’t remember.
- Rating: 6.7
- Evaru (2019)
- Synopsis: A cop unravels shocking truths while investigating a murder case.
- Rating: 8.1
- RDX: Robert Dony Xavier (2023)
- Synopsis: The lives of three mysterious individuals change drastically as their secrets come to light.
- Rating: 7.1
- Khuda Haafiz: Chapter 2 – Agni Pariksha (2022)
- Synopsis: A family’s happiness is upended when their adopted daughter goes missing.
- Rating: 7.4
- Ajnabee (2001)
- Synopsis: A man is accused of his neighbor’s murder and must prove his innocence.
- Rating: 6.3
- Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya (2019)
- Synopsis: A humorous detective based in Nellore solves intriguing cases.
- Rating: 8.3
- Mukkabaaz (2017)
- Synopsis: A boxer struggles with societal barriers to make his mark in the sport.
- Rating: 8.0
- Maanaadu (2021)
- Synopsis: A time loop traps a police officer and a bodyguard during a high-stakes event.
- Rating: 8.2
- Dasara (2023)
- Synopsis: A small-time criminal seeks revenge after a brutal act changes his life.
- Rating: 6.6
Drama
- Karwaan (2018)
- Synopsis: A road trip becomes a journey of self-discovery for three strangers.
- Rating: 7.6
- Chandramukhi 2 (2023)
- Synopsis: An ancient feud reawakens when a wealthy family seeks divine intervention.
- Rating: 2.6
- Jeans (1998)
- Synopsis: A father’s wish for his twins to marry twin sisters is disrupted by love.
- Rating: 6.4
- Govinda Naam Mera (2022)
- Synopsis: A man juggles chaos and comedy between his wife and girlfriend.
- Rating: 6.5
- Sharmaji Namkeen (2022)
- Synopsis: A 60-year-old man finds joy and purpose in his twilight years.
- Rating: 7.5
- Anand (1971)
- Synopsis: A terminally ill man’s journey to live life to the fullest, narrated by his friend.
- Rating: 8.1
- Sonchiriya (2019)
- Synopsis: The lives of dacoits in Chambal valley are explored in this gritty drama.
- Rating: 7.9
- Dry Day (2023)
- Synopsis: A man’s struggle with alcoholism affects his family and community.
- Rating: 5.3
- Yeh Dillagi (1994)
- Synopsis: A rich boy falls for a woman his brother is already in love with.
- Rating: 5.9
- Aarata (2024)
- Synopsis: The film explores cultural traditions and the impact of negligence on a community.
- Rating: 9.4
Comedy
- Dhamaal (2007)
- Synopsis: Four buddies race against time to find hidden treasure while evading a determined cop.
- Rating: 7.5
- Total Dhamaal (2019)
- Synopsis: A group of people races to claim a hidden treasure.
- Rating: 4.2
- Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
- Synopsis: Three friends’ attempt to get rich leads to comic chaos and trouble.
- Rating: 7.3
- Khatta Meetha (2010)
- Synopsis: A petty contractor faces family and professional challenges.
- Rating: 6.0
- Middle Class Love (2022)
- Synopsis: A college student seeks love as a means to escape his middle-class life.
- Rating: 6.1
Horror & Supernatural
- Haddi (2023)
- Synopsis: A transgender seeks revenge while joining a gang in Delhi.
- Rating: 5.6
- Phone Bhoot (2022)
- Synopsis: Two bumbling ghostbusters are hired by a ghost with a surprising agenda.
- Rating: 5.2
- Pari (2018)
- Synopsis: A man discovers strange and disturbing truths about a woman he helps.
- Rating: 6.6
- Raaz Reboot (2016)
- Synopsis: The fourth installment explores more secrets and human frailties.
- Rating: 4.4
Romance
- Love Aaj Kal (2009)
- Synopsis: A man reflects on his past love while dealing with his current breakup.
- Rating: 6.8
- Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
- Synopsis: A girl finds hope and mystery in the doppelganger of her deceased boyfriend.
- Rating: 6.9
Historical & Biographical
- Chhaava (2024)
- Synopsis: A historical drama on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
- Rating: Not Available
- Thalapathi (1991)
- Synopsis: An orphan’s life is disrupted by a new district collector threatening his mentor.
- Rating: 8.5
- Virumandi (2004)
- Synopsis: A farmer gets embroiled in a bloody feud affecting his village.
- Rating: 8.4
Mystery & Crime
- Drishyam (2013)
- Synopsis: A man goes to great lengths to protect his family after an accidental crime.
- Rating: 8.3
- Pizza (2012)
- Synopsis: A pizza delivery boy’s life takes a dramatic turn during a mysterious event.
- Rating: 7.9
- Subramaniapuram (2008)
- Synopsis: A tale of betrayal and redemption in a rural setting.
- Rating: 8.2
- Jellykettu (2019)
- Synopsis: A buffalo’s escape leads to chaotic violence in a remote village.
- Rating: 7.3
Family & Social Drama
- Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! (2013)
- Synopsis: A gangster’s rise to power leads to a dramatic love triangle.
- Rating: 4.4
- Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
- Synopsis: Three friends face humorous consequences while trying to amass wealth.
- Rating: 7.3
- Naseeb (1981)
- Synopsis: Four friends’ lives change dramatically due to a lottery ticket.
- Rating: 7.1
- Sonchiriya (2019)
- Synopsis: Follows the lives of notorious dacoits in a dramatic tale set in Chambal.
- Rating: 7.9
- Bala (2019)
- Synopsis: A man grapples with premature balding and its impact on his life.
- Rating: 7.3
- Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020)
- Synopsis: An army major confronts corruption while supporting a colleague’s family.
- Rating: 5.8
Diverse & Unique
- Jawan (2023)
- Synopsis: An action-packed film exploring the consequences of a vigilante’s choices.
- Rating: 8.1
- Nerkonda Paarvai (2019)
- Synopsis: A lawyer fights for justice in a case involving his friend’s daughter.
- Rating: 7.6
- Manto (2018)
- Synopsis: A biographical drama on the life of writer Saadat Hasan Manto.
- Rating: 7.4
- Jhund (2022)
- Synopsis: A retired sports teacher motivates street children to form a football team.
- Rating: 7.8
- Kaalapathar (1979)
- Synopsis: A story of heroism and the life of a coal miner during a labor strike.
- Rating: 7.6
- Raja Harishchandra (1913)
- Synopsis: The pioneering silent film of Indian cinema about the legendary King Harishchandra.
- Rating: 8.5
Conclusion
Indian cinema continues to evolve and offer an impressive variety of stories and genres. This list of 50 films highlights some of the best options available in 2024, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking action, romance, drama, or humor, these films promise engaging narratives and exceptional performances. Enjoy your cinematic journey through the vibrant world of Indian movies!
Note: Ratings are approximate and can vary based on different sources.