The best Hindi and Indian movies on Netflix, from Bollywood and beyond

Netflix has a huge stash of movies from India, which makes it a great source, but it’s a lot to wade through even if you have some idea what to look for. To make it easier, whether you’re familiar with Indian film or not, here’s a list of gems from romance to action, modern and classic, to add to the top of your list.

Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (Hindi)

Image: Legend Films

Star Shah Rukh Khan stars as Sunil, a young, passionate musician who is more concerned with having fun than studying. A love triangle between Sunil, his friend Chris, and their mutual crush Anna is at the center of the plot, but the real heart of this movie is Sunil’s struggle to grow up and balance his passion for music with his father’s expectations. The boy’s emotional, bumbling journey into maturity and the dreamy atmosphere make this a special experience with more depth than your typical “boy chases girl” story. Filled with catchy songs, lovely cinematography, bright colors, detailed set designs, and fun ’90s fashion (plus, of course, some gangsters), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa This movie is perfect for comfort and only gets better each time you watch it.

U-Turn (Kannada)

Image: Audience Films

Although it might not seem exciting to discuss traffic accidents, U-TurnThis is an unusual and darkly disturbing thriller that follows a journalist as he attempts to investigate murders of rule-breaking motorists. It’s a nice twisty story with some real surprises, and especially worth watching because of its stark style — steeped in yellow-tinted nighttime lighting, the city streets take on an otherworldly quality, and a few scenes border on horror territory. Shraddha Srinath’s natural performance is the story’s anchor. The end credits show some video footage that will leave you feeling eerie.

Agneepath in Hindi

Dharma Productions

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan gives a powerhouse performance in this intense action-drama about a gangster who spends his life obsessed with avenging his father’s death. Of course it has plenty of classic Bollywood elements — some comedic relief, fun dance numbers, outlandish action, and lots of melodrama — but AgneepathIt is an original crime thriller and genius for how it will break your heart.

Minsara Kanavu (Tamil)

Image by AVM Productions

A movie about a girl who plans to become a nun. The drama begins when her boyfriend falls for her. It features captivating performances from Kajol PrabhuDeva and Arvind Swmy. But the best part is the achingly beautiful music and dance sequences that perfectly capture youth’s dreamy feelings and indecision.

Virata Parvam (Telugu)

Image: Suresh Productions

It’s a romantic, political drama. Virata ParvamThis story is about a Telangana teenager who falls for a communist leader by his poetry. This is a short-term period film about the Naxalite Movement. But it does more than teach history. Instead, it tells a story of love, loyalty and how ideology and emotions intersect. Sai Pallavi’s brilliant acting is the highlight of this film. Her radiant presence is filled with passion and pure innocence that makes it a captivating experience. This story is thrilling, but also heartbreaking because of the beautiful music and photography.

Angamaly Diaries (Malayalam)

Image by Friday Film House

It is a slice of life story that audiences loved and was well-received by critics. This loose story is about three boys, who start a butcher business and end up in criminal activity. It’s a simple way to show a Kerala city with its many good and bad sides, bright lights, testosterone-fueled fights, youthful romance, and basic folk music mixed with ambient noise. Humor and violence are always perfectly balanced as one entity, and the natural performances from first-time actors combined with the expansive sound design and intimate camerawork make for a truly immersive experience — the opening credit close-ups of food and drink draw you in immediately. All of this energy explodes with a stunning 12-minute unbroken take of a chase through nighttime streets that is the perfect encapsulation of the movie’s “live fast, die young” heart.

Aval (Tamil).

Image: Viacom18 Motion Pictures

There have been many horror films made by Tamil filmmakers in the last ten years. AvalIt is one of our favorites. It’s a fairly straightforward haunted house story that twists into magic and mysticism, with a focus on creepy atmosphere rather than character development. If you’re sick of “explorations of grief” and just want a creepy mood piece, this is for you. Its bold and colorful lighting is what makes this film stand out from many other films, particularly those of dark, dour American productions.

Maya Memsaab (Hindi)

Image: Forum Films

The novel is transformed into a surreal, surreal version in this bizarre adaptation Madame BovaryMaya is obsessed with romantic ideas that leads her to ruinous affairs and then her eventual disappearance. Deepa Sahi’s wonderful performance as the radiant and strange Maya is pitch-perfect, and the cinematography is strange and gorgeous, mirroring her fantasies as well as her feeling of being trapped and deprived of passion. This is an abstract and sensual piece of art house cinematography that Netflix can offer.

Talaash (Hindi)

Image courtesy of Aamir Khan Productions

This atmospheric thriller is about a cop who investigates the mysterious death of a well-known actor. TalaashDoubles as an exploration on grief, depression and a falling marriage as Aamir Khan, the protagonist, plunges further into the case and confronts his personal demons. It is an engaging watch that features a fantastic twist and moody magical-realism aesthetic. There are moments when the viewer feels more than just a typical crime thriller.

Muthu (Tamil)

Kavithalayaa Productions

It wouldn’t be a list of recommendations without superstar Rajinikanth — if you aren’t familiar with the massively popular Tamil hero, there’s no better time than now to get acquainted. A comedy about a servant who falls in love with the master of his household is a fun and easy introduction to his charms. Packed with wacky antics, over-the-top fantasy musical numbers, and a truly epic horse carriage race that very likely caused some real-life injuries, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Rajni in this feel-good adventure.

Dil Se.. & the films by Mani Ratnam

Image by India Talkies

Mani Ratnam (beloved director) is one of few Indian filmmakers who has achieved critical success and international critical acclaim. Dil Se. is his most well known, 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 MuthamittalAnd O Kadhal Kamani. 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 OmThe story of a man’s search for love, reincarnation and redemption is epic. Both have plenty of comedy, romance, action, and joy — plus, the more you learn about Bollywood, the more rewarding they’ll be on rewatch. You should stay for the ending credits.

Highway and Imtiaz’s films

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, TamashaAnd Aajkal is my loveYou can also stream (2020). His films can be viewed online.

Dedh Ishqiya & Ishqiya

Image courtesy of Shemaroo Entertainment

Ishqiya has a tone unlike any other movie — a buddy road trip comedy that is heartwarming without being saccharine, funny yet dark and sad, Ishqiyais deeply rooted in the love of classic Hindi music, art and culture. The combination of three stellar lead performances by Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi, beautiful photography, and witty writing creates a contemporary indie feel. Ishqiya’s The classic Bollywood structure. The equally great sequel. Dedh IshqiyaYou can make an entertaining, sexually-charged, and funny saga.

Dev.D (Hindi)

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.DIt is quite a different animal. Modern times. Dev.DFollow Dev as a young, spoilt slacker, who uses drugs to cope with the loss of his child love. He eventually finds a similar haunted sex worker, who transforms his life. Dev.DThe comedy is darkly comic, often involving drugs and other abuse. However, it has an almost parody-like quality that makes the audience laugh. This subversive tale retells the story in a way that challenges the veneration of its tragic hero while offering forgiveness and redemption. The subversive film has enjoyed a large cult following and still feels raw a decade later.

Amrapali (Hindi).

Image: Eagle Films

This period piece is rich in costumes and set details. AmrapaliThis story takes place in 500 B.C. It tells the tale of an insatiable king who is determined to conquer all cities he can. The radiant Vyjayanthimala plays Amrapali as a dancer, which eventually forces him to question his morals. This film was a bit of a failure upon its release. It is filled with the powerful and violent energy that plays beautifully in today’s classical dance.

Andhadhun (Hindi)

Image: Matchbox Pictures/Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

AndhadhunIt was a huge hit upon its release and has already had two sequels. A third is in development. 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 (Hindi)

Image: Balaji Telefilms

This epic drama, set during the Mughal Empire’s 16th century period is a true masterpiece. Hrithik and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s long-lasting romance is set against a backdrop of lavish costumes, music and intrigue. 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.