31 Satyajit Ray Movies – The Legendary Indian Director

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Although the name Satyajit Ray needs no introduction, he is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and author widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in Cinema history. Born on May 2, 1921, in Calcutta, he left behind a legacy of his movies that are widely appreciated by all both nationally and internationally.

Early life of Satyajit Ray

Before entering the film industry, Ray worked in the field of advertising. He used to design covers for books and worked as an illustrator. After that, he was influenced by the works of European filmmakers like Jean Renoir, Vittorio De Sica, and Akira Kurosawa. His exposure to global cinema played a significant role in shaping his cinematic style.

Satyajit Ray is best known for his amazing work in Bengali cinema and is particularly celebrated for his “Apu Trilogy,” which includes “Pather Panchali” (1955), “Aparajito” (1956), and “Apur Sansar” (1959). These Satyajit Ray movies are based on the novels of Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay.

Apart from the Apu Trilogy, Satyajit Ray directed a wide range of films across various genres. Many of the Satyajit Ray movies have earned international acclaim and are considered masterpieces.

In addition to filmmaking, he is a writer, illustrator, and music composer. His contributions to Indian cinema have left a lasting impact, and his work continues to be celebrated globally.

Impact of his films on the industry

• Cinematic masterpiece: The frames seen in the movies are thoroughly thought out and the use of natural elements in the films gives them a unique and unparalleled originality.
• Bengali cultural representation: His movie Pather Panchali opened a path for Bengali cultural representation on the global level which paved the way for Indian movies in the International film festivals.
• Inspiration for other Directors: The modest ways with the imbued artistic intelligence inspired many Directors to take notes on cinematography and sounds to make it feel realistic.
• Natural visual elements: Ray is best known for using natural lighting and rain in his movies. It is even known that he used to wait for days to capture the right frame with the right atmosphere.

Here is the list of Satyajit Ray best movies that will captivate you:

1. Pather Panchali (1955)

Pather Panchali is based on the novel of the same name by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. This is the first film in “The Apu Trilogy.” It follows the story of a young boy living in the village of Rural Bengal as he grows up. The film beautifully captures the essence of rural life, family relationships, and the struggle for survival. It is one of Satyajit Ray’s best movies.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video, Plex

2. Aparajito (1956)

Aparajito is the second part of “The Apu Trilogy.” It follows the continued journey of Apu as he moves to the city to pursue his education after his father’s death. It also shows the struggles faced by his mother alone. The film explores the challenges of urban life, Apu’s relationship with his mother, and the complexities of family bonds.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video, Plex

3. Parash Pathar (1958)

Parash Pathar is a movie adapted from a short story of the same name written by Parasuram. It revolves around a man named Paresh Chandra Dutt, who finds a magical stone, The Philosopher’s Stone, that can turn any metal into gold. Among Satyajit Ray’s best movies, this explores the themes of wealth, greed, and the consequences of sudden fortune.

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

IMDb Rating: 7.6

4. Jalsaghar (1958)

Jalsaghar is also known as the “Music Room”. It is a Bengali movie based on a popular short story by Bengali writer Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay. This movie revolves around the story of a wealthy zamindar, Biswambhar Roy, who is passionate about classical music. It shows tradition, decadence, and the clash between old and new ways of life.

Genre: Drama, Music

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

5. Apur Sansar (1959)

Apur Sansar is the last part of “The Apu Trilogy.” It follows the story of Apu as a young man who is navigating through the challenges of adulthood, marriage, and fatherhood. The film beautifully pictures Apu’s coming-of-age journey. This movie is considered to be one of the best Satyajit Ray movies.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.5

6. Devi (1960)

Devi, also known as “The Goddess,” is a Bengali film. It tells the story of a young woman who is proclaimed a goddess by her father-in-law, leading to tragic circumstances. It is based on a short story by Provatkumar Mukhopadhyay. This film explores the consequences of blind religious faith.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.7

7. Teen Kanya (1961)

Teen Kanya is also known as “Three Girls.” This film is an anthology of three short stories based on the works of Rabindranath Tagore. It follows three short stories: “The Postmaster,” “Monihara,” and “Samapti.” Each of these stories explores different facets of womanhood. It is one of the most popular Satyajit Ray movies of all time.

Genre: Drama, Comedy

IMDb Rating: 7.9

8. Rabindranath Tagore movie (1961)

Rabindranath Tagore is a documentary film based on the life of a Bengali poet, “Rabindranath Tagore.” This movie is an English-language film. It follows his life journey and the works of the renowned poet. This Satyajit Ray movie received the 9^th National Film Award and the President’s Gold Medal for best documentary film.

Genre: Documentary, Biography

IMDb Rating: 7.2

9. Kanchenjungha (1962)

Kanchenjungha is the first color film by Satyajit Ray. The story of this film revolves around the story of an affluent family spending a day in the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling. This Satyajit Ray movie delves deeper into the dynamics of family relationships.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.9

10. Abhijan (1962)

Abhijan, also known as “The Expedition,” is a Bengali-language film. It follows the journey of a taxi driver, Narsingh (played by Soumitra Chatterjee), as he becomes entangled in a web of crime and adventure. This movie in Satyajit Ray movies list, explores the themes of morality and redemption.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

11. Mahanagar (1963)

Mahanagar is translated as “The Big City.” It is a film that follows the story of a housewife in Kolkata (Calcutta) who takes up a job as a saleswoman to support her family. It explores the evolving role of women in Indian society. The Satyajit Ray movies delve into the challenges and liberating aspects of a woman’s journey into the workforce.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.3

12. Charulata (1964)

Charulata is also known as “The Lonely Wife.” It is based on the novel “Nastanirh,” written by Rabindranath Tagore. The story of this movie revolves around the lonely wife of a wealthy and busy newspaper editor. Charulata’s intellectual and emotional needs are met when her husband’s cousin comes to stay. It leads to a complex exploration of desire, relationships, and societal norms.

Genre: Drama, Romance

IMDb Rating: 8.1

13. Kapurush (1965)

Kapurush, in English, is known as “The Coward.” It is based on the short story “Manihara” by Bengali writer Bhibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. It follows the story of a young screenwriter, Amitabha Roy, who takes shelter in Bimal Gupta’s house. To his surprise, Gupta’s wife is Labanya, his ex-girlfriend. This film explores the themes of cowardice, regret, and love.

Genre: Drama, Romance

IMDb Rating: 7.6

14. Mahapurush (1965)

Mahapurush, in English, is known as “the Holy Man.” It follows the story of a Hindu family who falls victim to a con man posing as a holy man named Birinchi Baba. As the plot unfolds, skepticism and humor arise regarding the authenticity of Birinchi Baba’s spiritual powers.

Genre: Comedy

IMDb Rating: 7.0

15. Nayak (1966)

Nayak is a movie that follows the story of a famous actor, who is on a train journey from Kolkata to Delhi to receive national awards. The Satyajit Ray movies portray the actor’s internal conflicts, regrets, and the impact of fame on his personal life. The music in this film is also composed by Satyajit Ray.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.3

16. Chiriyakhana (1967)

Chiriyakhana is a movie based on the story of the same name by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. It follows the story of a private detective named Byomkesh Bakshi, who was hired by an ex-judge to find clues about the missing actress. This movie combines the elements of mystery, humor, and social commentary.

Genre: Crime, Mystery

IMDb Rating: 7.2

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

17. Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1969)

Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne is a movie based on the story written by his grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury. It follows the story of Goopy and Bagha, two musicians with magical abilities. They have a boon that allows them to play music that compels people to dance. This Satyajit Ray movie is known for its whimsical storytelling, delightful songs, and social commentary.

Genre: Adventure, Family

IMDb Rating: 8.7

18. Aranyer Din Ratri (1970)

Aranyer Din Ratri, in English, is known as “Days and Night in the Forest.” It is based on the Bengali novel of the same name by Sunil Gangopadhyay. This one in the list of Satyajit Ray movies follows the story of four friends from Kolkata who embark on a road trip to a forest for a vacation. This movie explores the dynamics of their relationships, encounters with tribal communities, and a reflection on urban and rural lifestyles.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.1

19. Pratidwandi (1970)

Pratidwandi is a movie based on a novel by Sunil Gangopadhyay. It follows the life of a young man, Siddharta, in Kolkata, who is struggling to find a job in the backdrop of political and social unrest. It offers a commentary on the challenges faced by youth in a changing society. This Satyajit Ray movie is the first part of the “Calcutta Trilogy.”

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.1

20. Seemabaddha (1971)

Seemabaddha is the second part of the “Calcutta Trilogy.” It explores the life of an ambitious corporate executive and the moral compromises he made to climb the corporate ladder. This film provides a critique of corporate culture and the impact of success on personal values. It is based on the novel Seemabaddha by Mani Shankar Mukherjee.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.8

21. Ashani Sanket (1973)

Ashani Sanket is a movie based on the novel of the same name by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. It was set during the Great Famine of 1943. This movie tells the story of a rural doctor who struggles to cope with the effects of the famine on his community. At present, it is featured in The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

22. Sonar Kella (1974)

Sonar Kella is a film adapted from a novel of the same name by Satyajit Ray.  It is the first film adaptation of Ray’s famous sleuth, Feluda. It follows the story of Feluda, a private investigator, and his companions as they investigate a young boy’s claim of having memories of a past life and a golden fortress. This film combines elements of mystery and adventure.

Genre: Adventure, Mystery

IMDb Rating: 8.3

Watch On: Zee 5

23. Jana Aranya (1975)

Jana Aranya is the last part of the “Calcutta Trilogy.” It is based on the novel of the same name by Mani Shankar Mukherjee. This film follows the story of a young man who, despite his great educational background, struggles to find employment. He eventually becomes a middleman, navigating through the complexities of a corrupt society. Not only the films, but Satyajit Ray movie posters are also very creative.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.4

24. Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977)

Shatranj Ke Khilari is the only full-length Satyajit Ray Hindi movies. It was set up in 1856 during the annexation of the Indian state of Oudh by the British East India Company. The story of this film revolves around two aristocrats who are obsessed with playing chess while political events unfold around them. It is based on the short story of the same name by Munshi Premchand.

Genre: Comedy, History

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

25. Joi Baba Felunath (1979)

Joi Baba Felunath is the second film in the “Feluda” series after Sonar Kella. It revolves around Feluda, an investigator who is investigating the theft of a priceless idol of the goddess Kali. The plot of this movie combines elements of mystery, adventure, and the cultural richness of Kolkata.

Genre: Adventure, Crime

IMDb Rating: 7.9

26. Hirak Rajar Deshe (1980)

Hirak Rajar Deshe is also known as “The Diamond King’s Land.” This Satyajit Ray movie is a sequel to Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne. It continues the journey of Goopy and Bagha as they confront a tyrannical king who uses a magical diamond to control people’s minds. This film has elements of fantasy and social and political commentary.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.8

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

27. Sadgati (1981)

Sadgati is based on the short story of the same name by Munshi Premchand. This Satyajit Ray Hindi movie depicts the story of the struggle of a lower-caste villager who seeks the help of a Brahmin for his daughter’s wedding. This movie in the Satyajit Ray movies list showcases the harsh realities of the caste system and societal oppression.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.9

28. Ghare Baire (1984)

Ghare Baire, in English, is known as “The Home and the World.” It is adapted from the novel of the same name by Rabindranath Tagore. This movie is set during the Swadeshi movement in Bengal. It revolves around the complex relationships between a couple and a revolutionary leader. It showcases the clash between tradition and modernity.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.5

29. Ganashatru (1990)

Ganashatru is an Indian adaptation of the play “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen. The story revolves around a doctor who discovers contamination in the water supply of a tourist hotspot. Among the Satyajit Ray movies, this one shows the efforts he made to expose the truth and face opposition from various quarters, including political and economic interests.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.3

30. Shakha Proshakha (1990)

Shakha Proshakha, in English, is known as “The Branches of the Tree.” This movie centers on an elderly man and his interactions with his grown-up sons and grandchildren. It explores the dynamics of a family across generations. This Satyajit Ray movie showcases generational conflicts, societal changes, and the complexity of family relationships.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 7.7

31. Agantuk (1991)

Agantuk is also known as “The Stranger.” It is the last Satyajit Ray movie and also one of the best Satyajit Ray movies. The story revolves around a mysterious man who arrives unannounced at the home of a wealthy family. The family is suspicious of the stranger, which leads to philosophical discussions about morality, ethics, and the nature of humanity.

Genre: Drama

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Ray’s film preservation efforts

• Film Institute: A lot of films are preserved for film education purposes as well as to archive his works to keep the legacy alive. There are dedicated courses on directing, story-telling, cinematography, etc.
• Restoration works: There are several projects that focus on restoring the original works of Satyajit Ray to their glory i.e. restoring the visual and audio quality.
• Documentaries and biographies: There are some famous documentaries and biographies of Satyajit Ray that uncover how hard he and the crew worked for the best frames in a movie.
• Realism: His realism and vision for his movies have encouraged several other directors to learn and address social issues.

Thus, the intellectual depth of the movies as well as the narrative style that focused mainly on cinematic realism played a major role in putting Indian cinema on the global map. The symbolism in his narratives enriched the quality of cinema and encouraged others to follow. If you still haven’t watched any of the Satyajit Ray movies, now is your time to explore the beauty of Indian cinema. Let us know in the comments which Ray movie is the closest to your heart.