A Retrospective Look at the Best Bollywood Movies of the 20th Century

The 20th century has been an exciting time for Bollywood. From the golden age of the 1950s to the modern era of the 2000s, there have been many movies that have left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of both Indian and international audiences. So which Bollywood movies truly stand out as the best of the best? Here is a look at some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed Bollywood movies of the 20th century.

3 Idiots (2009)

3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya. The movie follows the story of three college students, who embark on an adventure to find the missing "Rancho" and discover the true meaning of life and friendship along the way. 3 Idiots became one of the highest grossing movies of all-time in Indian cinema and received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances. It was also praised for its strong message about the value of education and friendship.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a 1995 Indian romantic comedy-drama directed by Aditya Chopra and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of Raj and Simran, two young lovers from India and Pakistan, who embark on a journey to elope and get married in Europe. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge became one of the highest grossing movies of all-time in Indian cinema and is credited for reviving the romantic film genre in India. The movie's iconic characters and catchy songs have made it a timeless classic.

Lagaan (2001)

Lagaan is a 2001 Indian epic sports-drama film written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, and Rajesh Vivek in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of a group of villagers who challenge the British Raj to a game of cricket in order to get their taxes waived. Lagaan was a critical and commercial success, becoming the third highest grossing film of 2001 and receiving numerous awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Sholay (1975)

Sholay is a 1975 Indian action-adventure film directed by Ramesh Sippy and starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of two criminals who are hired by a retired police officer to capture a notorious outlaw. Sholay was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest grossing movies of all-time in Indian cinema. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest Indian films of all-time and has been credited with revolutionizing Indian cinema.

Ranking the Top 10 Bollywood Movies of the 20th Century

The 20th century was an incredibly prolific time for Bollywood, with some of the most iconic films of all time being released. The following list is a ranking of the ten most iconic films of that era, with each movie having its own unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as its own place in Bollywood history.

10. Sholay (1975)

Sholay is a classic Bollywood film, and is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. It stars Amitabh Bachchan as the iconic Jai and Dharmendra as Veeru, two criminals hired by a retired police officer to capture a dangerous criminal. The movie is full of iconic moments and is considered to be a classic of Indian cinema.

9. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

This beloved romantic comedy stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, and follows the story of two young lovers who must overcome a number of obstacles in order to be together. The movie was a massive success and is widely regarded as one of the most influential films of the 20th century.

8. Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

This epic historical drama stars Prithviraj Kapoor and Madhubala, and tells the story of a prince and a courtesan who are forbidden to be together. The story is full of drama and tension, and the movie is renowned for its gorgeous sets and costumes. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

7. Mother India (1957)

This classic drama stars Nargis as the eponymous Mother India, a woman who is forced to make a difficult choice between her two sons in order to protect her family. The movie is widely regarded as a classic of Indian cinema, and is known for its powerful themes and emotional depth.

6. Awaara (1951)

This musical romantic drama stars Raj Kapoor as the eponymous character, a street urchin who falls in love with a wealthy judge's daughter. The movie is famous for its iconic song "Awaara Hoon", and its thematic exploration of social issues. Awaara is a classic of Indian cinema and is still hugely popular today.

5. Anand (1971)

Anand stars Rajesh Khanna as the titular character, a terminally ill doctor who tries to spread joy and happiness despite his own impending death. The movie is known for its powerful themes, as well as its memorable music. Anand is considered to be a classic of Indian cinema.

4. Guide (1965)

This classic romance stars Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman as the leads, and follows the story of a tour guide who falls in love with a woman who is already married. The movie is renowned for its strong performances, as well as its memorable music and iconic scenes. Guide is a classic of Indian cinema.

3. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

This beloved family drama stars Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan as the leads, and follows the story of a family who must come to terms with the fact that their son has married a girl from a lower-class background. The movie is renowned for its performances, as well as its iconic music and themes. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

2. Dil Se (1998)

This classic romantic thriller stars Shah Rukh Khan as the lead, and follows the story of a radio jockey who falls in love with a mysterious woman. The movie is famous for its performances, as well as its memorable music and iconic scenes. Dil Se is a classic of Indian cinema.

1. Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)

This beloved family drama stars Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit as the leads, and follows the story of two families who must come to terms with the fact that their children are in love. The movie is renowned for its performances, as well as its iconic music and themes. Hum Aapke Hain Koun is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

Exploring the Cultural Impact of the Best Bollywood Movies of the 20th Century

Bollywood movies have been around for decades, providing entertainment to millions of people all over the world. But what makes a great Bollywood movie? While there are many factors to consider, the most important one is its cultural impact. The best Bollywood movies of the 20th century were not only entertaining, but they also left an indelible mark on society.

One of the most iconic Bollywood movies of the 20th century is Sholay, which was released in 1975. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, this movie depicted the story of two ex-convicts who are hired by a police officer to capture a notorious bandit. While the movie was a box-office hit, it also had a huge impact on Indian culture. The movie’s characters became icons, and its dialogues were frequently quoted. The movie was also credited with popularizing the concept of “dosti” or friendship, which has become a cornerstone of Indian culture.

Another classic Bollywood movie from the 20th century is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which was released in 1995. Directed by Aditya Chopra, the movie is considered a romantic classic and is the longest-running Indian film in the world. The movie follows the story of two lovers who are separated by their families but ultimately reunited. The movie was a sensation in India and around the world, and it is credited with popularizing the idea of arranged marriages in modern Indian culture.

These are just two examples of the best Bollywood movies of the 20th century. Others include Lagaan, released in 2001, which depicted the struggle of Indian farmers against a British officer; and Hum Aapke Hain Koun, released in 1994, which is considered one of the most successful Indian films ever made. All of these movies have had a lasting impact on Indian culture, and they are remembered fondly by generations of Indian moviegoers.

The best Bollywood movies of the 20th century were highly entertaining, but they were also more than just entertainment. They were cultural milestones that left an indelible mark on Indian society, and they will continue to be remembered for generations to come.