25 Bollywood Cult Classic Movies That Will Be Remembered Through Generations

An amazing storyline, top-notch music, and the most impactful characters are some of the prime factors that make a film classic. A classic that is always remembered and watched from generation to generation. Today we will be counting down our best picks for some of those Bollywood cult classics of all time that have immensely contributed to making what the Indian cinema really is today. So dim the light and grab some popcorn because we will be sorting out your list of the best Bollywood movies to sort your weekends.

Here is a list of some classic Bollywood movies that you can enjoy watching anytime:

1. Queen (2013)

Belonging to a typical Indian conservative family, it is challenging for every woman to step out of their comfort zone and face the odds of life. This masterpiece is a tale where we see how Rani is portrayed by Kangana Ranaut after being dumped by her fiancé went on a journey to discover herself and her beautiful life.

Queen IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama

Watch it on: Netflix, Voot

2. Barfi (2012)

Barfi is one of those Bollywood movies that beautifully portray how two imperfect beings despite everything are absolutely perfect for each other. With perfect emotions, heart-touching music, amazing visuals, the top acting everything about Barfi is just so on point.

Barfi IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama, Romance

Watch it on: Netflix

3. Haider (2014)

Haider is your dark, grooming, haunting, and at the same time set in a naturally beautiful region of Kashmir. From Shahid’s breathtaking performance as Haider to Tabu’s portrayal as Ghazala and furthermore, to Kay Kay and the powerful cameo of Irrfan Khan everything in this film works. A perfect piece that amazingly portrays Chutzpah.

Haider IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama, Crime

Watch it on: Zee5

4. Zindegi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

There are films that give you a fresh air breath kind of feeling ZNMD is one of them. It honestly is not a movie but rather an experience. The acting, beautiful locations, and groovy music will touch your heart as much as its plot will. Drama, comedy, emotion, romance, and of course friendship it’s a full package.

ZNMD IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama, Romance

Watch it on: Netflix, Amazon Prime

5. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

This is one of those classics of our beloved King Khan that a family as a whole can enjoy. SRK, Kajol, and Rani have beautifully executed the theme of the movie which is friendship, love, and loyalty via their acting. With the cameo of Salman Khan, this movie undoubtedly became another Bollywood hit.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Musical, Romance

Watch it on: Netflix, Amazon Prime

6. 3 Idiots (2009)

A film that is remarkable and ahead of its time. With perfect wit, strong acting, perplexing storyline, and motivational plot 3 Idiots are one of the finest Bollywood movies that the film industry has ever given to the world. The characters beautifully portray how students try their best to fulfill parental expectations while fighting their own battle.

3 Idiots IMDb: 8.4

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Watch it on: Netflix, Amazon Prime

7. Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)

A film that will refresh you to your core, yes we are talking about Sanjay Dutt’s marvelous film Lage Raho Munna Bhai. With decent humor, hilarious dialogues, and no vulgarity this is a perfect film to watch with your friends and family. It carries a good message to today’s generation. This one is also one of the best Bollywood comedy movies.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai IMDb: 8.0

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Watch it on: Netflix, Amazon Prime

8. Taare Zameen Par (2007)

An impressive production from our tinsel town that beautifully portrays how every child is special in their own way.  The teacher-student bond that has shown between Ishaan Awasthi and Ram Shankar Nikumbh is the one that every student craves. Taare Zameen Par is a legit thought-provoking and eye-opening film with heart-touching chords. It is listed among the Bollywood movies on Netflix.

Taare Zameen Par IMDb: 8.3

Genre: Drama

Watch it on: Netflix

9. English Vinglish (2012)

English Vinglish is a watch that for sure would be a memorable one as it has been for every one of us. It focuses on the reality of how we neglect women as housewives and how them not knowing how to speak fluent English is embarrassing and funny for most of the family members. How Shashi one day decides to embark on a journey of learning English is so touching to watch.

English Vinglish IMDb: 7.8

Genre: Drama

Watch it on: Zee5, Amazon Prime Video

10. A Wednesday (2008)

Excellent screenplay and storyline by Neeraj Pandey! Starring marvelous actors like Naseeruddin Shah and many others this action and thriller piece makes the audience gripped in their seats till the very end. The concept of terrorism with some grooving and perfect music makes this whole film a lot more interesting.

A Wednesday IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Thriller, Crime

Watch it on: YouTube

11. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

Gangs of Wasseypur is undoubtedly the best gangster film that the Bollywood industry has blessed us with. A flawless masterpiece that astoundingly shows the coal mining mafia in the regions of Bihar by one of the best directors Anurag Kashyap will definitely keep you on the edge till the very end.

Gangs of Wasseypur IMDb: 8.2

Genre: Action, Crime

Watch it on: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime

12. Wake Up Sid (2009)

Wake Up Sid has a fresh exuberance. The way this movie portrays how a rich spoiled brat who has no ambitions in his life changes into an ambitious man with the passage of time is quite impactful. And of course, the way he falls in love is also so pure and touching to see.

Wake Up Sid IMDb: 8.2

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Watch it on: YouTube, Netflix

13. Udaan (2010)

The credibility of a filmmaker mostly depends on how the plot that has been made is transformed and executed over the big screen and if it is able to captivate the audience or not. Truly speaking, Udaan is definitely one of those remarkable films that captivate you like no other film. How a teen struggles because of this abusive father meanwhile trying to fulfill his desire of being a writer Is very enchanting to watch.

Udaan IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama

Watch it on: YouTube, Netflix

14. Jab We Met (2007)

A perfect Romantic comedy film that is everyone’s all-time favorite, yes we are talking about Jab We Met. This film has not given a single minute where your attention and eyes get off. Jab We Met is one of the best romantic Bollywood movies. The chemistry between the bubbly character of Kareena Kapoor and the polite and introverted character of Shahid Kapoor is just way too adorable and lovely to watch.

Jab We Met IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama, Romance

Watch it on: Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime

15. Omkara (2006)

This beautiful adaption of Shakespeare’s Othello is just mindboggling to watch. With the perfect lyrics of Gulzar Sahab, touching music of Vishal Bhardwaj, and outstanding acting of all the leads be it, Ajay Devgan, as Omkara, Saif as Ishwar Tyagi, or any other character this film is a perfect watch. 100% recommended if you haven’t watched it already.

Omkara IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Drama, Crime

Watch it on: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

16. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)

A perfect laughter riot movie that is as much of a hilarious one as it is an eye-opening piece. There are very few or we should say no Bollywood movies that entirely focus on the gay relationship in a way that would open the eyes of the audience, luckily Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is one such flick that does. A solid 10/10 for this masterpiece, one of the best new Hindi movies to watch.

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan IMDb: 5.8

Genre: Drama, Romance

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video

17. Hindi Medium (2017)

Hindi Medium is truly one of those authentic films that are unusually very thought-provoking. It is about how a common couple struggles to get their daughter into the best educational institution because of their linguistic approach. It focuses on issues like how people think your ability to speak in English is the only mode of judgment and understanding of one’s educational level.

Hindi Medium IMDb: 7.8

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video

18. Chak De! India (2007)

Chak De! India is a film that focuses on themes like national integration, sportsmanship, woman empowerment, gender equality, and also regaining one’s reputation after being accused of something that you did not even do. This film is about how Kabir Khan begins to coach the Indian women’s hockey team in order to show his loyalty and gain his reputation back.

Chak De! India IMDb: 7.8

Genre: Drama, Sport

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video, Youtube

19. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)

There are certain movies that you can worth for the 50^th time and still would not feel bored of it, Hum Aapke Hain Koun is definitely one of them. Watching the heart-touching chemistry of Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit is a legit treat to the eyes. A perfect family watch and one of the best Bollywood classics it is.

Chak De! India IMDb: 7.8

Genre: Romance, Musical

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Netflix

20. Rockstar (2011)

An underrated yet perfect see Rockstar is. This film takes you on an unbelievable journey that is full of beauty, pain, sorrow, love, passion, and heartbreak. It is about the unfathomable love of Janardhan Jakhar that takes him on this journey of so many emotions and his love for music helps him to cope with everything around him.

Rockstar IMDb: 7.7

Genre: Romance, Drama

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Netflix

21. Phir Hera Pheri (2006)

If you are looking for a hilarious comedy film in Hindi cinema that will make you laugh while you roll on the floor then Phir Hera Pheri can be your best bet. The whole film series of Hera Pheri is just super amusing but Phir Hera Pheri definitely stands out among all because of the marvelous acting of the trio Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Sunil Shetty. It is one of the best Bollywood cult comedy movies.

Phir Hera Pheri IMDb: 7.7

Genre: Comedy

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video, Youtube

22. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Dil Chahta Hai is an extraordinary combination of every emotion a viewer could feel while watching an amazing film. Based on the portrayal of life and beautiful friendship this 2001 film still airs on Netflix so go and watch it if you have not already! You will be left with no regrets, for sure. It is among the best Bollywood movies on friendship.

Dil Chahta Hai IMDb: 7.7

Genre: Romance, Musical

Watch it on: Netflix, YouTube

23. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

As much as the title of this film is beautifully appalling so is the movie as well. Kal Ho Naa Ho is a movie that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride that is full of happiness, sorrow, humor, love, care, and genuineness. The music, the dialogues, and everything about this movie are perfect.

Kal Ho Naa Ho IMDb: 7.9

Genre: Romance, Musical

Watch it on: Netflix, YouTube

24. Masaan (2015)

Unarguably one of the finest productions that Tinsel town has blessed us all with, that is what Vicky Kaushal‘s Masaan is. Very rarely you will see films that will shake you up from the inside. It is a fine combination of portraying different stories in the same thread focusing on various social issues and more so social stigmas that a lot of us have to go through in real life.

Masaan IMDb: 8.1

Genre: Romance, Musical

Watch it on: Netflix, Zee5, Hotstar

25. Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Ending this cult classics list with one of the most loved and revered movies Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani. The joy that runs through one’s mind when you enjoy a movie based on golden days with your best friends is beyond expressing. With the best songs, amazing storyline, and best portrayal of love and friendship this film is a must-see!

Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani IMDb: 7.2

Genre: Romance, Drama

Watch it on: Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Prime Video

Here, your list is sorted. Go and have fun revisiting these Bollywood classics.