The Indian Film Experience - 100 Best Movies Of All Time

Indian cinema has a rich history and is renowned for producing some of the most iconic movies in the world. Over the years, Indian cinema has evolved and diversified, producing films in various languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and more, each with its unique styles and narratives. The Indian film industry has produced numerous classics that have not only entertained but also influenced and inspired audiences around the world. From epic historical dramas to heartwarming romantic comedies, Indian cinema has something for everyone.

In this list of the 100 best movies of all time, we have curated a selection of films that showcase the diverse and vibrant culture of India while also highlighting the incredible talent of the filmmakers and actors involved. These films have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated and cherished by audiences all over the world. The films on the list are not listed in any particular order.

Whether you are a fan of classic Indian cinema or looking to discover some of the best movies from the country, this list is sure to offer a range of unforgettable cinematic experiences. From the iconic Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali to the mesmerizing Baahubali, these films are a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of Indian cinema.

Table of Content

1. Bollywood

2. Tamil

3. Telugu

4. Kannada

5. Bengali

Bollywood

1. Sholay (1975): Two ex-cons are hired by a retired police officer to capture a ruthless bandit named Gabbar Singh. The film is known for its iconic dialogues, memorable characters, and thrilling action sequences.

2. Mughal-e-Azam (1960): Set in the Mughal era, the film tells the story of the love affair between Prince Salim and a court dancer named Anarkali, which leads to a rebellion against the emperor Akbar.

3. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): Also known as DDLJ, it is a romantic drama about a young man who falls in love with a woman on a trip to Europe, but must win over her conservative father to marry her.

4. Lagaan (2001): Set in colonial India, Lagaan follows a group of villagers who challenge their British rulers to a game of cricket in order to avoid paying taxes.

5. Mother India (1957): A powerful drama about a rural Indian woman who struggles to raise her children and make ends meet after her husband leaves her.

6. Guide (1965): A romantic drama about a tour guide who falls in love with a married woman and helps her find her true calling in life.

7. Pyaasa (1957): A poignant tale of a struggling poet who is ignored by society until his work is discovered by a young woman.

8. Kabhi Kabhie (1976): A family drama about the lives and loves of two generations of a wealthy Indian family, featuring an all-star cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Rakhee.

9. Anand (1971): A heartwarming drama about a terminally ill man who brings joy to the lives of those around him with his positive attitude.

10. Deewar (1975): A crime drama about two brothers who take different paths in life, with one becoming a gangster and the other a police officer.

11. Dil Chahta Hai (2001): A coming-of-age comedy-drama, Dil Chahta Hai is about three friends who go on a road trip to Goa and face various challenges in their personal lives.

12. Black (2005): A moving drama about a blind and deaf girl named Michelle and her relationship with her teacher, who helps her discover the world.

13. Taare Zameen Par (2007): A heartwarming drama about a dyslexic boy named Ishaan and his struggles in school until he meets a compassionate teacher who helps him discover his true potential.

14. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011): A comedy-drama about three friends who go on a bachelor trip to Spain and rediscover their friendship and themselves.

15. Barfi! (2012): A heartwarming romantic comedy-drama about a deaf and mute man named Barfi and his relationship with two women, one of whom is autistic.

16. Piku (2015): A comedy-drama about a father-daughter relationship with a focus on the father's obsession with his bowel movements.

17. Bajirao Mastani (2015): A historical epic about the love affair between the Maratha warrior Bajirao and Mastani, set in the 18th century.

18. Dangal (2016): A sports drama about a father who trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers, despite societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.

19. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): The movie is a critically acclaimed Indian crime film directed by Anurag Kashyap, depicting the violent power struggles between rival gangs in the coal mining town of Wasseypur.

20. Rang De Basanti (2006): Rang De Basanti is a 2006 Indian film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, which follows a group of young friends who become politically active after a tragedy.

Tamil

1. Nayakan (1987): A crime drama about a Mumbai-based don named Velu Nayakar who becomes a protector of his community against corrupt politicians and police.

2. Baasha (1995): A gangster film about a common man who turns into a feared underworld don and seeks revenge against those who wronged him.

3. Anbe Sivam (2003): A thought-provoking comedy-drama about two men from different walks of life who meet on a journey and learn about the meaning of life and humanity.

4. Roja (1992): A political thriller about a woman named Roja whose husband is kidnapped by terrorists and her struggle to bring him back.

5. Indian (1996): A vigilante film about a former freedom fighter who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt system and takes justice into his own hands.

6. Thalapathi (1991): A crime drama about the friendship between a gangster and a young man who seeks to overthrow his tyrannical father.

7. Kaala (2018): A social drama about a slumlord named Kaala who fights against a corrupt politician who seeks to demolish his community.

8. Vikram Vedha (2017): A crime thriller about a cop who goes on a hunt for a notorious gangster named Vedha and the moral dilemmas he faces during the pursuit.

9. Visaranai (2015): A hard-hitting crime drama about police brutality and corruption based on a true story.

10. Pariyerum Perumal (2018): A social drama about a young Dalit law student who faces discrimination and casteism from his upper-caste classmates and society.

11. Hey Ram (2000): A period drama about a man who seeks revenge against Mahatma Gandhi's assassins, set against the backdrop of India's partition.

12. Sivaji The Boss (2007): A political action thriller about a software engineer who returns to India and fights against a corrupt businessman and politician.

13. Thani Oruvan (2015): A crime thriller about a police officer who goes undercover to catch a corrupt and powerful businessman.

14. 7G Rainbow Colony (2004): A romantic drama about a young man who falls in love with a girl from a different social class and their struggles to be together.

15. Mouna Ragam (1986): A romantic drama about a woman who is forced into an arranged marriage but eventually falls in love with her husband.

16. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015): A fantasy epic about a warrior named Baahubali who fights against a tyrant king to reclaim his throne. Baahubali: The Beginning was produced in Telugu and Tamil.

17. Mudhalvan (1999): A political thriller about a journalist who becomes the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for a day and makes drastic changes to the system.

18. Virumandi (2004): A crime drama about a man who is accused of a brutal murder and the events leading up to the crime.

19. Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000): A romantic drama based on Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility, about two sisters who fall in love with two men from different backgrounds.

20. Vazhakku Enn 18/9 (2012): A crime drama about the lives of three young people from different social classes whose paths cross due to a crime.

Telugu

1. Maya Bazaar (1957): A fantasy film based on the Mahabharata, in which the gods decide to play a game of chess with the lives of the characters.

2. Gundamma Katha (1962): A comedy-drama about a widowed mother who marries off her two daughters to wealthy men, but they soon face problems in their marriages.

3. Malleeswari (1951): A romantic drama about a princess who falls in love with a commoner and defies her family to marry him.

4. Devadasu (1953): A tragic romance about a rich man who falls in love with a poor woman, but their love is doomed by societal norms.

5. Missamma (1955): A comedy-drama about two teachers who fall in love and get married but face problems in their relationship due to their different teaching styles.

6. Sankarabharanam (1980): A musical drama about a classical musician who struggles to revive the traditional art form amidst modernity.

7. Sagara Sangamam (1983): A drama about a classical dancer who falls from grace and turns to alcoholism until he is given a chance to redeem himself.

8. Swati Mutyam (1986): A drama about a mentally challenged man who falls in love with a widow and tries to build a life with her.

9. Geethanjali (1989): A romance about a terminally ill woman who falls in love with a man who tries to make her remaining days happy.

10. Aa Naluguru (2004): A drama about a middle-aged man who realizes the importance of family and community after a tragedy.

11. Bommarillu (2006): A family drama about a young man who rebels against his overbearing father and finds love.

12. Happy Days (2007): A coming-of-age drama about a group of friends in engineering college who face various challenges in their personal and academic lives.

13. Arundhati (2009): A supernatural horror film about a woman who discovers a dark family secret and must protect herself from evil spirits.

14. Magadheera (2009): A fantasy action film about a warrior who is reborn to protect his love from an evil prince.

15. Eega (2012): A fantasy revenge film about a man who is reincarnated as a housefly and seeks revenge against his murderer.

16. Kshanam (2016): A thriller about a man who searches for his ex-girlfriend's missing daughter and uncovers a web of lies and deceit.

17. Pellichoopulu (2016): A romantic comedy about two strangers who meet for an arranged marriage meeting and end up falling in love.

18. Mahanati (2018): A biographical drama about the life of the legendary actress Savitri, featuring an all-star cast.

19. Jersey (2019): A sports drama about a former cricketer who attempts to make a comeback in order to fulfill his son's dream.

20. RRR (2022): RRR is an Indian Telugu-language period action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, starring Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn. RRR won an Oscar for Best Original song in 2023.

Kannada

1. Samskara (1970): Based on a novel by U.R. Ananthamurthy, this film explores themes of tradition, modernity, and morality in rural Karnataka.

2. Bangarada Manushya (1972): A heartwarming drama about a man's journey to help his village and its people.

3. Naagarahaavu (1972): A fantasy film that tells the story of a king who can transform into a cobra.

4. Mayura (1975): A romantic drama that explores the cultural divide between a city-bred woman and a rural man.

5. Jeevana Chaitra (1988): A drama that tells the story of a man's struggle to come to terms with his past mistakes.

6. Shankar Guru (1978): A thriller about a man who sets out to avenge his sister's death.

7. Anantana Avantara (1989): A comedy-drama that explores the struggles of a middle-class family.

8. Kasturi Nivasa (1971): A family drama about a father who struggles to raise his children after his wife's death.

9. Malgudi Days (1987): A collection of short stories based on R.K. Narayan's novels.

10. Chomana Dudi (1975): A drama about a Dalit musician who struggles to make a living in rural Karnataka.

11. Tabarana Kathe (1987): A drama about a woman's fight against injustice in a patriarchal society.

12. Geetha (1981): A romantic drama about a young couple who fall in love despite their different backgrounds.

13. Ghatashraddha (1977): A drama about a boy's coming of age in a Brahmin household.

14. Kantara (2022): Shiva is a rebel who defends his community and nature in a fight between humans and nature. A death sparks a conflict between the bad powers and the locals. Kantara is directed by Rishab Shetty, who is also the writer and the lead of the movie.

15. Kanooru Heggadithi (1999): A drama about a woman's journey to uncover the truth about her family's past.

16. Aparichita (1978): A psychological thriller that explores the complexities of the human mind.

17. Mungarina Minchu (1975): A romantic drama about a couple's struggle to overcome societal barriers.

18. Santha Shishunala Sharifa (1985): A biographical drama that explores the life of the 19th-century saint and poet Shishunala Sharifa.

19. Suryakanthi (2010): A drama about a woman's journey to find herself and overcome her fears.

20. Thithi (2015): A comedy-drama about three generations of a family and their reactions to the death of their patriarch.

Bengali

1. Pather Panchali (1955): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a poignant tale of a young boy's life in rural Bengal.

2. Aparajito (1956): The second film in Satyajit Ray's Apu trilogy, this movie follows Apu's journey from adolescence to adulthood.

3. Charulata (1964): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a powerful portrayal of a woman's yearning for love and fulfillment.

4. The Music Room (1958): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a haunting and beautifully shot exploration of a wealthy landlord's obsession with music.

5. Jalsaghar (1958): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a deeply moving story about the decline of a feudal landlord and his family.

6. Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960): Directed by Ritwik Ghatak, this movie is a poignant and tragic tale of a young woman's struggle to support her family.

7. Devdas (1955): Directed by Bimal Roy, this movie is a classic tale of love and sacrifice.

8. Mahanagar (1963): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a thoughtful exploration of the changing roles of women in society.

9. Nayak (1966): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a powerful character study of a successful film star.

10. Ghare-Baire (1984): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a beautifully crafted examination of love, politics, and social change.

11. Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1969): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a delightful children's adventure about two musicians on a magical journey.

12. Teen Kanya (1961): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is an anthology of three short stories about the lives of young women.

13. Agantuk (1991): Directed by Satyajit Ray, this movie is a captivating tale of a man who returns to his homeland after many years abroad.

14. Chokher Bali (2003): Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, this movie is a powerful exploration of love, jealousy, and betrayal.

15. Antaheen (2009): Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, this movie is a sensitive and subtle portrayal of love and relationships in contemporary Kolkata.

16. Bariwali (1999): Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, this movie is a poignant and lyrical tale of a lonely woman who runs a guest house.

17. Kharij (1982): Directed by Mrinal Sen, this movie is a searing indictment of the violence and brutality of modern society.

18. Padatik (1973): Directed by Mrinal Sen, this movie is a powerful political drama set against the backdrop of the Naxalite movement.

19. Calcutta 71 (1971): Directed by Mrinal Sen, this movie is a poignant and realistic portrayal of life in Calcutta in the early 1970s.

20. Subarnarekha (1965): Subarnarekha is a Bengali film directed by Ritwik Ghatak that explores themes of partition, migration, and societal injustices through the story of three orphaned siblings.

In conclusion, the list of the 100 best movies of all time represents a diverse range of cinematic achievements spanning multiple decades and genres. From classic black-and-white dramas to colorful musicals and modern masterpieces, these films have captured the hearts and minds of audiences both in India and around the world. They have not only entertained and inspired but also reflected the social, cultural, and political realities of their time. As a celebration of Indian cinema, this list serves as a reminder of the power of film to move and unite us all.