The best Hindi movies on Netflix, from Bollywood to beyond

Netflix’s vast collection of Bollywood films is overwhelming, especially if you are from India. If you don’t know where to look, and the algorithm is failing you, here are eight places to start. These are the top Hindi movies Netflix offers, including some big Bollywood films and smaller independent/arthouse productions.

Dil Se..and the films of Maniratnam

Image: Amazon Prime Video

Mani Ratnam, a beloved director from India is among the few Indian directors to have achieved international critical acclaim. Dil Se. is his most well known,And it isn’t hard to understand why. It’s a stunningly beautiful drama of politics and colonization masquerading as a star-crossed love story with some of the most unforgettable images and songs in Bollywood. Several of Ratnam’s other films are also streaming – the Hindi dramas Yuva and GuruTamil Classics as well Bombay, Kannathil MuthamittalPlease see the following: O Kadhal Kanmani. All six are well worth your time, and if you haven’t explored Indian cinema yet, his filmography is a great way to begin.

Farah Khan’s Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om

Image: Eros Worldwide

Two of Farah Khan’s four directorial outings are available to stream, and both are simply magical. The longtime choreographer who helped popularize some of Bollywood’s biggest stars also has a wonderful talent for directing, and her films are perfect if you need a pick me up. Khan’s most prominent skill is her deft way of weaving together classic tropes and references — filled with cameos and meta in-jokes, they are the work of someone deeply in love with the art of cinema, her various obsessions effortlessly blended into her own signature style. Main Hoon NaThis is the tale of an Army Major who works undercover in a college. Om Shanti OmThis is a story about love and reincarnation that follows a young man who meets his favourite actress. Both have plenty of comedy, romance, action, and joy – plus, the more you learn about Bollywood, the more rewarding they’ll be on rewatch. Keep watching for the final credits.

Highway and films by Imtiaz Al

Image by Hotstar / Window Seat Films

Imtiaz Ali is a controversial filmmaker – his deeply personal romantic films are gorgeous, filled with unforgettable music and complex (often unlikable) characters and stories that are sure to spark discussion. HighwayThe film, which is his greatest work, tells of a young, wealthy girl who falls for her abductor and receives freedom in return. His other films include four: Jab We Met, Jab Harry met Sejal, TamashaPlease see the following: Aajkal is my loveYou can also stream (2020). His films, whether you love him or not, are fascinating and reveal a messy, flawed humanity that’s hard to ignore.

Dedh Ishqiya & Ishqiya

Ishqiya has a tone unlike any other movie — a buddy road trip comedy that is heartwarming without being saccharine, funny yet dark and sad, Ishqiya is steeped in a love for classic Hindi music and art. The film features three stellar performances by Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah. Beautiful photography and witty written dialogue give it a contemporary indie feel. Ishqiya’s The classic Bollywood structure. This and its equally brillant sequel are classic Bollywood. Dedh ItshqiyaYou can make an entertaining, sexually-charged, and funny story.

Dev.D (2009)

Image: Gravitas Ventures

The Bengali novel Devdas, about a man who descends into depression and alcoholism after losing the woman he loves, has had several screen adaptations, but Anurag Kashyap’s Dev.DThis is something entirely different. Dev, a young, spoiled slacker, turns to drugs when he loses his love of childhood. He eventually finds a similar haunted sex worker and his life is transformed. Dev.DThe comedy is darkly comic, filled with drug abuse and drugs. This show has an almost parody-like quality. Subversive storytelling challenges our reverence for the tragic hero while offering forgiveness and redemption. Even a decade after its release, this subversive movie still has a strong cult following.

Amrapali (1966).

Image: Eagle Films

It is a period piece with intricate costumes and sets. AmrapaliIt takes place in 500 BC. The story is about a hungry king who wants to conquer all cities he can. He meets Amrapali (played by Vyjayanthimala), who makes him question his beliefs. Although it was not a huge success upon release, the film has a lot of the same erotic energy as today, including violence and power.

Andhadhun (2018)

Image: Matchbox Pictures/Viacom18 Motion Pictures

AndhadhunThe film was so popular upon release, there have been two remakes. There is also a third. The story of a blind musician getting dragged into a murder mystery with a femme fatale is pure Hitchcock, and this is the rare homage to the master that blends classic and modern techniques in a way that doesn’t feel tired or derivative. Not only does it deliver big on surprises, it’s impeccably shot and performed, with leading actors Tabu and Ayushmann Khurrana deftly switching from suspense to dark humor with a depth not usually found in the genre. It will be a great choice for anyone who is looking for something different and those who are tired of the usual Hollywood thrillers.

Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

Image: Balaji Telefilms

This epic drama, set in 16th-century Mughal Empire is a true masterpiece. It has all you would expect from a period film with hefty budgets. The romantic love between Hrithik Roshan (a stunning star) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is perfectly set in a world of royal intrigue, extravagant costumes, music and action. They truly don’t make them like this anymore – the big budget dedicated primarily to aesthetic pleasures and the slow burn of both a relationship and an empire in turmoil is a pleasure to sink into and escape for a few hours.