31 Manoj Bajpayee Movies That Are Highly Rated On IMDb

Manoj Bajpayee is an Indian actor prominently working in the Hindi film industry, commonly known as Bollywood. He was born on April 23, 1969, in Belwa, Bihar, India. His movies are known for their compelling performances, diverse roles, and the actor’s ability to bring authenticity and depth to the characters he portrays.

Before entering the film industry, Manoj Bajpayee gained recognition for his work in theater. He made his Bollywood debut with a small role in the 1994 film “Droh Kaal.” But his breakthrough role was Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Satya” (1998). This movie earned him widespread acclaim, leading to his successful career in Bollywood.

He is one of the finest actors in Bollywood, known for his versatile acting skills and outstanding performances. Apart from Bollywood, he has also worked in some TV series and web series like “Swabhimaan” (1995) and “The Family Man” (2019).

Bajpai has received several awards for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. He has been honored with multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his versatile performances in many films.

Provided below are the top Manoj Bajpayee movies list according to IMDb:

1. Satya (1998)

Satya is a movie that follows the story of a boy named Satya (played by J.D. Chakravarthy), who comes to Mumbai in search of a job. After facing many struggles and problems, he befriends a gangster named Bhiku Matre leading him to get involved in the criminal underworld. In this list of Manoj Bajpayee movies, this one is the most highly rated.

Genre: Action, Crime

IMDb Rating: 8.3

Watch On: Sony Liv, Jio Cinema

2. 1971 (2007)

1971 is a movie based on the true stories of prisoners of war captured by the Pakistan Army during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. This film follows the story of a group of six Indian soldiers who are captured by Pakistani forces and their subsequent attempt to escape from a POW (Prisoner of War) camp. Manoj Bajpayee plays the lead role in this movie as Major Suraj Singh.

Genre: Action, Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.2

3. Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012)

Gangs of Wasseypur is a movie series in two parts. Manoj was part of the Gangs of Wasseypur 1. It tells the story of a coal mafia in the town of Wasseypur and follows the inter-generational feud between three criminal families. Bajpai plays the character of Sardar Khan. This movie was critically acclaimed for showing themes of revenge and power.

Genre: Action, Crime

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Watch On: Netflix, Voot

4. Special 26 (2013)

Special 26 follows the story of a team of criminals named Ajay Singh (played by Akshay Kumar) and Pramod Sharma (played by Anupam Kher), who pose as CBI officers and conduct raids on corrupt politicians and businessmen. Things unfold as Special Officer Wasim Khan (played by Manoj Bajpayee) is assigned to catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Genre: Crime, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 8.0

5. Pinjar (2003)

Pinjar is a movie that is set against the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947. It tells the story of Puro (played by Urmila Matondkar), a Hindu woman who is abducted by a Muslim man, Rashid (played by Manoj Bajpayee), because of an ancestral dispute between their families. This one among the Manoj Bajpayee movies is based on the novel of the same name by Amrita Pritam.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

6. Joram (2023)

Joram is Manoj Bajpayee new movie. It tells the story of a father named Dasru and his infant daughter, who is on a run from a system determined to crush them at any expense. They cross paths with a reluctant police officer and a grieving mother driven by a ruthless quest for vengeance. Manoj Bajpayee latest movie explores themes like greed and rebellion. Joram created history at Durban international Film Festival.

Genre: Action, Crime

IMDb Rating: 7.9

7. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023)

Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is one of the latest movies of Manoj Bajpayee. This movie is based on true events, depicting the five-year-long battle of lawyer Advocate PC Solanki (played by Manoj Bajpayee) to stand for the truth and bring justice in a minor’s case. Adv. Solanki’s unwavering efforts resulted in the eventual delivery of justice in the Session Court.

Genre: Crime, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Watch On: Zee 5

8. Kaun? (1999)

Kaun? is a suspense movie. It tells the story of a woman (played by Urmila Matondkar) who lives alone in her house. At night, she receives an unexpected visitor who claims to be Sameer Purnavale (played by Manoj Bajpayee), which leads to a series of mysterious and suspenseful events. This is one of those Manoj Bajpayee movies that is famous for its tight screenplay and suspenseful narrative.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 7.8

9. Veer-Zaara (2004)

Veer-Zaara is a movie that follows the love story of Veer Pratap Singh (played by Shah Rukh Khan), an Indian Air Force officer, and Zaara Hayaat Khan (played by Preity Zinta), the daughter of a Pakistani politician. Manoj Bajpayee portrays the role of Raza Sharazi, Zaara’s fiancé. This film explores the challenges and sacrifices they face due to political and social barriers, showing the power of love.

Genre: Drama, Musical

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

10. Aligarh (2015)

Aligarh is a movie that tells the story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras (played by Manoj Bajpayee), a professor at Aligarh Muslim University. This film focuses on his unjust suspension from the university due to his sexual orientation and his subsequent legal battle. In the list of top Manoj Bajpayee movies, this one addresses the issues of privacy, discrimination, and individual rights.

Genre: Biography, Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Watch On: Zee 5, Jio Cinema

11. Shool (1999)

Shool is a movie set in Bihar. It revolves around an honest and upright police officer named Samar Pratap Singh (played by Manoj Bajpayee), who takes on the corrupt system in a small town. This movie also has Raveena Tandon as Manjari Pratap Singh, Samar’s wife, and Sayaji Shinde as Bacchu Yadav. This is one of those Manoj Bajpayee movies in which he fights against corruption and crime.

Genre: Action, Crime

IMDb Rating: 7.7

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar

12. Gulmohar (2023)

Gulmohar is among the three latest movies of Manoj Bajpayee. It revolves around the Batra family, who lived in the “Gulmohar Villa” for many decades. This movie follows the family’s last meet-up and party before the house gets demolished. During the party, many familial discords surface, unveiling the complexities of their present and past.

Genre: Family, Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.7

Watch On: Hotstar

13. Bandit Queen (1994)

Bandit Queen is a movie based on the life of Phoolan Devi, an infamous Indian outlaw. It is made according to the book “India’s Bandit Queen: The True Story of Phoolan Devi” by Mala Sen. It tells her journey from being a victim of social injustice and abuse to becoming a feared dacoit. Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of Maan Singh.

Genre: Biography, Crime

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

14. Budhia Singh: Born To Run (2016)

Budhia Singh: Born to Run is a movie based on the true life story of Budhia Singh, a young Indian boy with a talent for long-distance running. This movie explores Budhia’s (played by Mayur Patole) extraordinary journey, from his poverty-stricken background to becoming the youngest marathon runner in the world. Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of coach Biranchi Das.

Genre: Biography, Sports

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Watch On: Netflix, Voot

15. Rukh (2017)

Rukh is a movie that follows the story of Dhruv Mathur (played by Adarsh Gourav), who was sent to boarding school after he was expelled for hitting a fellow student. His life takes unexpected turns when he gets the news about his father’s (played by Manoj Bajpayee) death in a car accident. Among all the Manoj Bajpayee movies, it showcases themes of identity, loss, and self-discovery.

Genre: Drama, Mystery

IMDb Rating: 7.4

16. Love Sonia (2018)

Love Sonia is a movie that sheds light on the issue of human trafficking. It follows the story of two young girls named Preeti (played by Riya Sisodiya) and Sonia (played by Mrunal Thakur). One of them was sold into prostitution by her debt-ridden father, and the other goes to save her but gets caught in the dark world of sex trafficking. Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of Faizal, a brothel owner.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Watch On: Hotstar

17. Sanshodhan (1996)

Sanshodhan is a movie based on the amendment announced by the government of India for reserving one-third of seats in every village panchayat (council) for females. This story exposes corruption and reveals how intermediaries siphon government funds. Manoj Bajpayee plays the character of Bhanwar, a small shop owner and husband of Vidya.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Watch On: Jio Cinema

18. Chittagong (2012)

Chittagong is one of those Manoj Bajpayee movies that are related to historical events. It is based on the British Indian Chittagong Uprising of 1930. It follows the true story of a group of young revolutionaries led by school teacher Masterda Surya Sen (played by Manoj Bajpayee), who rebel against British colonial rule in Chittagong, India.

Genre: Action, War

IMDb Rating: 7.3

19. Tamanna (1998)

Tamanna follows the story of Tikku (played by Paresh Rawal), a transgender woman who witnesses a woman leaving a child in a garbage bin. Tikku picked up the girl and named her Tamanna. She decides to raise her with the help of her friend Saleem (played by Manoj Bajpayee). This movie is among the most critically praised Manoj Bajpayee movies for focusing on social issues.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.2

20. Raajneeti (2010)

Raajneeti is a movie that explores the power struggles within a political family. It is theatrically based on the Indian epic Mahabharat. It depicts the complex relationships, betrayals, and political maneuvers within the family. Among this Manoj Bajpayee movies list, this one became very famous because of its amazing cast, including Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpayee, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, and others.

Genre: Crime, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Watch On: Netflix

21. Dus Tola (2010)

Dus Tola is a movie remake of the 1988 Malayalam film Ponmuttavidunna Tharavu. It follows the story of a goldsmith, Shankar (played by Manoj Bajpayee), who is in love with Suvarnalata. She asks him to make a dus tola necklace for her. But after getting the necklace, she refuses Shankar’s proposal and marries a rich man. Later, it was shown that Shankar had given her a fake necklace.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.1

22. Swami (2007)

Swami is a movie that revolves around the story of a common man named Swami, a poor worker who hardly earns a living, and his wife Radha (played by Juhi Chawla). It focuses on his efforts and struggles to make his child Anand receive a proper education. This movie is among the most emotional Manoj Bajpayee movies.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

23. Gali Guleiyan (2017)

Gali Guleiyan, in English, is known as “In the Shadows.” It follows the life of Khuddoos (played by Manoj Bajpayee), a man living in old Delhi. He becomes obsessed with the lives of the people around him and gets entangled in a web of secrets and mysteries. In the Manoj Bajpayee movies list, this movie is the only one that has premiered at various national and international film festivals.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

24. Chakravyuh (2012)

Chakravyuh is a movie that focuses on the issue of Naxalism in India. It follows the story of a police officer, Adil Khan (played by Arjun Rampal), who is on a mission to infiltrate the Naxal group and catch its leader, Rajan (played by Manoj Bajpayee). This film explores the complexities of the socio-political landscape.

Genre: Action, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.8

Watch On: Zee 5

25. Bhonsle (2018)

Bhonsle is a movie set against the backdrop of the political and social unrest in Mumbai. It tells the story of a retired Mumbai police officer, Ganpath Bhonsle (played by Manoj Bajpayee), who finds himself caught in the crossfire of a conflict between migrants and locals. This movie showcases the themes of identity, belonging, and the human cost of divisive politics.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.8

Watch On: Sony Liv

26. Traffic (2016)

Traffic is the remake of the 2011 Malayalam film of the same name. It was wholly based on only one day. The film follows the story of Ramdas Godbole (played by Manoj Bajpayee), a head constable in the Mumbai traffic police who volunteered to transport a donor heart from Mumbai to Pune amidst heavy traffic to regain his reputation.

Genre: Adventure, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.7

27. Jaago (2004)

Jaago is a movie based on the true story of a mentally challenged 10-year-old girl who was raped on her local commuter train. It tells the story of Shruti Varma (played by Hansika Motwani), who was gang raped by three young men on a commuting train. Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of an upright police officer, Kripa Shankar Thakur, who was entrusted with this case.

Genre: Crime, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Watch On: Zee 5

28. Zubeidaa (2001)

Zubeidaa is a movie based on the life of the ill-fated actress Zubeida Begum (played by Karisma Kapoor). This movie shows her career in the film industry and the personal sacrifices she makes for love and success. She got married to Maharaja Vijayendra Singh (played by Manoj Bajpayee), leaving her acting career for love.

Genre: Biography, Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.5

29. Silence: Can You Hear It? (2021)

Silence: Can You Hear It tells the story of ACP Avinash Verma, who was requested by retired justice Choudhary to be on the special team for solving the murder case of his daughter Pooja Choudhary. The case takes unexpected turns, and the investigation becomes complex as hidden secrets and lies unravel. The title of this film in the Manoj Bajpayee movies list indicates the importance of listening carefully to uncover the truth.

Genre: Crime, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.5

Watch On: Zee 5

30. Jail (2009)

Jail is a movie that tells the story of Parag Dixit (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh), who was falsely accused of taking drugs. He got arrested for firing at police officers and possession of narcotics. These Manoj Bajpayee movies delve into the harsh realities of the prison system, exploring the protagonist’s journey as he copes with the challenges and injustices within the confines of the jail. Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of a prisoner, Nawab.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 6.2

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video, Zee 5

31. Aarakshan (2011)

Aarakshan is a movie based on the controversial policy of the caste-based reservation system in India. The film explores the conflicts and debates surrounding the reservation policy and its impact on individuals and relationships. Bajpayee plays the role of Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Singh, the main antagonist.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

IMDb Rating: 6.2

Watch On: Jio Cinema, Amazon Prime Video, Voot