Whether you are a fan of comedy, romance, drama, or thrillers, Bollywood has something to offer everyone. Thanks to subtitles, Bollywood movies have gained international appeal, transcending language barriers, even though most are produced in Hindi, India’s official language.
This list highlights some of the best Bollywood movies currently streaming on Netflix, offering a mix of genres and stories to captivate every kind of viewer. These recommendations promise top-notch entertainment for anyone seeking a taste of Hindi cinema.
1. Looop Lapeta (2022)
- Genre: Comedy Thriller
- Runtime: 131 Minutes
- Director: Aakash Bhatia
Inspired by the iconic German film Run Lola Run, Looop Lapeta tells the story of Savi (Taapsee Pannu), a former athlete who must race against time to save her boyfriend, Satya (Tahir Raj Bhasin), after he loses $5 million belonging to a dangerous gangster. As Savi faces various hurdles on her mission, her unpredictable attitude threatens to sabotage her goal. This fresh Bollywood take on a classic storyline keeps audiences hooked with suspense, humor, and action.
2. The Fame Game (2022)
- Genre: Mystery, Drama
- Seasons: 1 (8 Episodes)
- Director: Karishma Kohli, Bejoy Nambiar
Inspired by Madhuri Dixit’s experiences, The Fame Game explores the darker side of fame. Anamika Anand (Dixit) is a beloved actress whose sudden disappearance leads to an intense police investigation. As the authorities delve into her private life, they uncover secrets and conflicts that Anamika’s family would prefer to keep hidden. The twists and turns in the storyline reveal how fame often hides an unseen reality, creating an intriguing mystery-drama.
3. Sir (2021)
- Genre: Romantic Drama
- Runtime: 99 Minutes
- Director: Rohena Gera
Sir is a touching story about Ratna (Tillotama Shome), a housemaid employed by Ashwin, a man from an affluent background. Their socially forbidden love story begins when Ratna helps Ashwin recover from a broken engagement, sparking a bond that transcends societal boundaries. Their journey is emotional, thought-provoking, and beautifully presented, capturing the nuanced emotions of love and loss.
4. Article 15 (2019)
- Genre: Neo-Noir Crime Drama
- Runtime: 130 Minutes
- Director: Anubhav Sinha
Inspired by real-life incidents, Article 15 tackles caste-based discrimination in India. The story revolves around a police investigation of the gang-rape and murder of two young Dalit girls. The film, anchored in the ideals of Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, underscores the harsh realities of caste prejudice in India, emphasizing the challenges faced by those fighting for justice.
5. Om Shanti Om (2007)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama
- Runtime: 170 Minutes
- Director: Farah Khan
In this Bollywood classic, Shah Rukh Khan stars as Om, a struggling actor who is deeply in love with Shantipriya (Deepika Padukone). The film is a mix of romance, comedy, and drama, following Om’s journey to fulfill his dreams and win Shanti’s love. Om Shanti Om is celebrated for its engaging storyline, memorable songs, and humorous take on the Bollywood film industry.
6. Billu (2009)
- Genre: Comedy Drama
- Runtime: 196 Minutes
- Director: Priyadarshan
Billu stars the late Irrfan Khan as a humble barber who claims that Sahir Khan, a Bollywood superstar, is his childhood friend. When Sahir visits the village for a film shoot, Billu’s story is put to the test, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments. Billu explores themes of friendship, humility, and the value of community, offering a delightful comedy-drama that touches the heart.
7. Stree (2018)
- Genre: Comedy Horror Drama
- Runtime: 128 Minutes
- Director: Amar Kaushik
Stree blends horror and comedy in a unique way, telling the tale of a ghost who abducts men during a religious festival. When Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), a young tailor, becomes enchanted by this mysterious entity, his friends begin to suspect that his new love interest may be the dreaded Stree. As they try to uncover the truth, Stree delivers laughs and thrills in equal measure.
8. Dangal (2018)
- Genre: Sports Drama
- Runtime: 161 Minutes
- Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Based on the true story of India’s pioneering female wrestlers, Dangal tells the journey of Geeta and Babita Phogat, whose father, a former wrestler, trains them to break gender stereotypes and succeed in the male-dominated sport of wrestling. Dangal is an inspiring tale that highlights the strength, resilience, and dedication required to overcome societal expectations.
9. Badhaai Do (2022)
- Genre: Comedy Drama
- Runtime: 147 Minutes
- Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
In Badhaai Do, Shardul (Rajkumar Rao) and Suman (Bhumi Pednekar) decide to marry each other to avoid family pressure, even though both of them are secretly gay. Their journey as a couple leads to personal growth, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of themselves. The film’s blend of humor and empathy makes it a thought-provoking comedy-drama.
10. Andhadhun (2018)
- Genre: Comedy Crime Thriller
- Runtime: 138 Minutes
- Director: Sriram Raghavan
Andhadhun follows Aakash (Ayushmann Khurrana), a pianist who pretends to be blind and unwittingly becomes involved in a murder. The film is a suspenseful and darkly humorous thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. It’s a masterclass in storytelling that brilliantly combines humor, suspense, and thrill.
Conclusion
Bollywood’s presence on Netflix offers viewers worldwide a chance to experience diverse, high-quality films that span various genres. From thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these films showcase the richness of Indian cinema. Whether you’re new to Bollywood or a seasoned fan, these top picks are perfect for a Netflix movie marathon. Don’t miss out on these captivating stories that bring the vibrancy of Bollywood to the world stage