20 Best 1990s Bollywood Movies of All Time
12 min read
Are you to rekindle the joy of 90’s Bollywood fun, action, and love story then you have to watch these handpicked movies that offer great entertainment.
These Bollywood movies are a series of classic drama stories that will force your emotions to outbreak natural dynamics. Its romantic, funny, and character-based storytelling will hook you till the end giving you a most satisfactory watch. This list of Best 1990s Bollywood Movies will make your day!
Best 1990s Bollywood Movies of All Time
Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge (DDLJ) (1995)
Genre: Drama/Romance
Director: Aditya Chopra
Do you know that this film still sells thousands of tickets today even after decades of its release?
For many, DDLJ is one of the greatest romance films ever made in the history of Bollywood. This movie is a tale of two lovers eager to have a lifetime bond despite the late realization of their love.
The film features SRK at his very best, as Raj. It isn’t the love at first sight when he first meets Simran (Kajol), in London. When Simran returns to India for an arranged marriage, she realizes she is in love with Raj.
The chemistry between Shahrukh Khan and Kajol is exceptional. This movie set a landmark, making these two among the best couples in the industry. A pure classic love story makes it one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies.
Stars: Sharukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal
Ram Jaane (1995)
Genre: Action/Crime
Director: Rajiv Mehra
The film’s intriguing plot is inspired by ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’, a classic Hollywood movie from 1938.
It’s a triangular love story but character dynamics make it a thrilling watch. Two orphans Murali and Ram Jaane are childhood friends. Murali runs an orphanage, turning misery into an opportunity to help others. Ram Jaane has different motives and engages in crime, working for an underground don.
Both Murali and Ram Jaane love Bela but she loves Murali, a good orphan. Interestingly, the film resonates with the story of Ram Jaane and Bela, giving it a much-needed emotional tone.
How Ram Jaane got his name is one of the classic moments in this film. When he meets the priest and asks what his name is, the priest replies “Ram Jaane”, meaning God knows.
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Gulshan Grover, Vivek Mushran
Hum Sath-Sath Hain (1999)
Genre: Drama/Family
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
What happens when a beautiful family starts to break apart? This movie delves into the story of a happy family. But misunderstanding challenges their relationship. What will the family do next?
What makes this movie a great watch is the story of a family. One of the best 1990s Bollywood movies. The first half focuses on families’ happy moments. They eat together and help each other out in difficulties. But misunderstanding affects their relationship, making living under the same roof difficult. Good music and performance add an emotional tone to the story. Be ready for a happy ending though!
Stars: Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo
Kuch Kuch Hota Hain (1998)
Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Karan Johar
This film is a gem for romantic people. The first half is pure joy and will bring a smile to your face. The second half is like staring at a blooming Rose which you can’t take your eyes off. Despite its thrones, you will still want to pick it up.
Anjali and Rahul are two best friends from high school. Tina, a new student makes a grand entry to the college as Rahul falls in love with her. Tina and Rahul get married and decide to name their daughter, Anjali, as a tribute to their high school friend. In a misfortune event, Tina passes away. Anjali, Rahul’s daughter holds a strong will to unite her dad with his best friend.
Wow Fact: Rani Mukerji’s husky voice became her trademark. Thanks to Karan Johar who wanted to dub her voice but that decision was changed.
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Farah Khan, Farida Jalal.
Chamatkar (1992)
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy
Director: Rajiv Mehra
Chamatkar tramslates as “Magical”. Sunder, after losing everything seeks shelter in a graveyard. There he meets a ghost, Marco, who becomes his best friend. There is a little bit of a love punch to the movie after Sunder meets Marco’s daughter.
This movie takes a serious turn after the interval when Marco’s relationship with Sunder gets cold. Otherwise, it is a funny movie. A bunch of ghostly stuff will hook you till the end. This is a unique idea considering the culture in the 90’s Bollywood industry. This is why it is considered one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies.
Stars: Naseerudin Shah, Urmila Matondkar, Shahrukh Khan.
Duplicate (1998)
Genre: Action/Crime
Director: Mahesh Bhatt
Two similar-looking faces, Babloo and Manu with two different personalities come face-to-face. One is a young chef while the other is an underground don. After Manu finds out about his look-alike, he plans to murder him to escape. Babloo is however killed by Lily, who mistakes him for Manu.
The film grips the viewers as the antagonist lives the life of our protagonist
Duplicate bore a heavy loss after the death of Juhi Chawla’s mother. This caused SRK to lose half of his salary. Despite the loss, the movie became a hit, becoming 3rd highest-grossing film in the year 1998 of the franchise. One of the best 1990s Bollywood thriller movies you must watch.
Stars: Juhi Chawla, Shahrukh Khan, Sonali Bendre, Kajol
English Babu Desi Mem (1996)
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Director: Praveen Nischol
After his brother’s death, Vikram is back in India to care for his nephew. He slowly falls in love with the caretaker. He has to make a tough decision between his nephew and going back to England or he loses everything.
A simple film carried by performances. The film is emotional and the best part is its music, making it one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies. Overall, it is a predictable film but will hook you till the end.
You will love this if you have watched ‘It Started in Naples’.
Stars: Srk, Saeed Jaffrey, Kiran Kumar
Hum Apke Hain Kaun (1994)
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
This love story is a beautiful tale of sacrifice and empathy. Prem and Nisha are two young students. They fall in love after meeting during a family ceremony of their elder siblings. Unfortunately, after the death of Pooja, Nishas’s sister, their relationship becomes insecure as Nisha is bound to decide to save the family.
The film is known for its exceptional and grippy plot. It is filled with romance and family drama that will whisper the song of true love. The ending of the film is satisfactory and you will love each character in this film. This is one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies played by Salman Khan.
Important fact: Amir Khan declined the main role because he did not find the plot appealing. Thanks to this, Salman Khan was able to break out from the bad phase of his career and this movie became a massive hit making it one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies.
Stars: Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, Alok Nath, Anupam Kher, Reema Lagoo
Agneepath (1990)
Genre: Action/Crime
Director: Mukul Anand
Agneepath revolves inside every Bollywood filmgoer even to this date. This movie is a mixture of family drama and crime. Its plot delves into the sad execution of an honest school teacher, killed by people of his village, falsely accused of raping a student. Vijay, the son of the teacher, finds out this was all planned by Kancha, a gangster. He now sets a rebellion to find Kancha and avenge his father’s death.
This is no doubt the best 1990s Bollywood movie played by Amitabh Bachaan. The film has done an excellent job of portraying the character of Vijay. You will dive into the story with the same emotions as Vijay, wanting to kill the antagonist yourself. The ending ties in with the beginning, creating an extraordinary contentment.
Do you know how Amitabh became Amitabh that he is today? They say this movie marked Bachaan’s era of greatness.
Stars: Amitabh Bachaan, Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavi, Danny Denzongpa, neelam Kothari
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994)
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Director: Kundan Shah
Shahrukh Khan’s favorite movie he acted in.
It is a triangular love story that focuses on three main characters, Chris, Sunil, and Aana. Sunil falls in love with Aana but Aana loves Chris. Sunil tries to create a drift in their relationship. However, Chris’s parents arrange his marriage somewhere else and Sunil sees this as an opportunity to trap Aana.
Both Deepak Tijori (Chris) and Shah Rukh Khan (Sunil) role in this movie makes it a great watch. Their simple performance has added great depth to the film’s plot. You will feel a smooth transition in the story throughout.
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Tijori, Suchita Krishnamoorthi, Tiku Talsania, Naseeruddin Shan
Dil Toh Pagal Hain (1997)
Genre: Musical/Drama
Director: Yash Chopra
Dil Toh Pagal Hain was one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies for youths of that time. Two dreamy young girls Pooja and and Nisha are looking for true love to come their way. They meet Rahul who does not believe in true love and relationships. Will two girls find their true love? How will Rahul’s belief change?
This is a movie for a dreamer. The two young girls in this film are the center point of attraction. Their dream of falling in love with the boy their heart desires is romantic. The movie also has a little suspense which makes it a great watch.
Nisha’s role was offered to many stars including, Juhi Chawla, Manisha Koirala, Raveena Tandon, and Shilpa Shetty, No one accepted the role. Karishma Kapoor accepted the role and went on to win the National Award.
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukharji, Karishma Kapoor
Aaina (1993)
Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Deepak Sareen
This movie is a triangular love story between Ravi, Roma, and Reema. Ravi and Roma are in love but Roma breaks the relationship for higher pursuits. Reema, her sister is secretly in love with Ravi but there is a twist in this relationship after Roma returns and demands her old boyfriend be returned to her.
As expected, the film has some plot holes in classic Bollywood drama stories. But this is a different movie and I mean in a positive sense that it does challenge the unethical actions of movies of that time. Aaina resonates with lighter viewing experiences and smooth narratives. The ending is satisfactory no doubt Amrita Singh’s performance is top-notch.
Stars: Jackie Shroff, Amrita Singh, Juhi Chawla, Saeed Jaffrey
Border (1997)
Genre:
Director: Action/History
The film is known for its top cast and carries deep tones of patriotism. It delves into border conflict between two different nations (India and Pakistan). One side has to fight with limited resources while the other is continuously attacking and destroying other bases.
This movie is different from most war movies because of its emotional sonority. Its top casts have delivered a magnificent performance. This is a must-watch movie if you are an Indian resident. This ranks at the top among the best 1990s Bollywood movies because it carries national sentiments.
Stars: Sunil Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Tabu
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Genre: Action/Romance/Comedy
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Two individuals from middle-class families struggle with their lives. Unknown to each other, both try to trap the daughters of a multi-millionaire don in their lives. The plot takes an unprecedented turn when the property they are after is at stake.
What makes this an interesting watch is the multi-millionaire antagonist of the story. Paresh Rawal as Shyam and Ram (twin brothers) gave this movie a great height with the performance. Apart from its action and romance, the film is well-praised for its classic comedy.
Stars: Salman Khan, Amir Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon
Baazigar (1993)
Genre: Crime/Drama
Director: Abbas and Mastan Burmawalla
Baazigar starts with Ajay’s vow to his widowed mother. In search of dreams, he goes to Mumbai. There he meets a young girl Seema, with whom he promises to marry. But Ajay betrays her for another girl, Priya, who happens to be Seema.’s sister. However, Priya is shocked by the death of Seema and investigates the situation.
The film will start as a normal dream story but takes a huge twist. Our dearest SRK as an anti-hero makes Baazigar a phenomenal watch. The film resonates more with his anti-villain characteristics. This is the reason why it feels different from other Bollywood movies. A great suspense thriller!! Give it a watch. Its musical brilliance and acting make it one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies.
Casts: Shah Rukh Khan, Rakhee Gulzar, Kajol, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Johny Lever
Krantiveer (1994)
Genre: Action/Crime
Director: Mehul Kumar
Somewhere in India, a village is owned by underground dons and politicians. A young but alcoholic Pratap decides to fight against the odds after coming under the influence of a journalist. They both try and fight until the villagers get their freedom.
The film is about Vengeance and discrimination. Its emotional plot and Patekar’s extremely good performance make this a must-watch film. Krantiveer is also known for its sharp editing and direction. One of the best Bollywood movies featuring Nana Patekar.
Stars: Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Danny Denzongpa, Mamta Kulkarni, Dimple Kapadia
Khiladi (1992)
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Director: Abbas and Mastan Alibhai Burmawalla
Sheetal along with her friends plays a practical joke on her dad. They demand 20,000 Rs saying Sheetal is kidnapped. Things take a massive twist when Sheetal is found dead. The police investigate the situation to find the real killer.
Khiladi turned out to be an unbelievable movie of the decade. When everyone was expecting a romantic movie, as it was a trend of the time. This film turned out to be a surprise suspense movie that left everyone in amusement. Even after 27 years of its release, you will find out how good the film is with its story and performance, making it one of the best 1990s Bollywood movies.
Stars: Akshay Kumar, Ayesha Jhulka, Deepak Tijori, Sharat Saxena, Johny Lever
Ishq (1997)
Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Indra Kumar
Ishq is the love story of two couples with different economic backgrounds. In one couple, the boy is rich, and in the other, a girl. Both rich parents want them to get married. But both are in love with other people from another background. This causes their relationship to break down and are forced to obey their parent’s decision.
The film is a comedy at the beginning. It will make you smile. But the middle part of the film gets serious and emotional. It is when Jony Lever delivers one of his best performances in revealing the politics in the plot of the movie, that it gives great satisfaction.
A great and satisfactory watch!
Stars: Ajay Devgan, Juhi Chawla, Amir Khan, Kajol
Swarg (1990)
Genre: Drama
Director: David Dhawan
Krishna, a well-behaved servant treats his landlord with respect and loyalty. The landlord, Mr. Kumar is, however, mistreated and hurt by his children. They also throw Krishna from their house. After becoming a wealthy man, Krishna comes back to his former landlord only to discover a harsh truth.
Swarg is one of the 1990s Bollywood movies. It is carried by Govinda’s masterclass acting and dramatic plot. Everyone who has watched this movie has cried. Take your tissue paper, sit down, and watch this movie. A masterpiece with top-class performance.
Stars: Rajesh Khanna, Govinda, Juhi Chawla, Madhavi
Laadla (1994)
Genre: Family/Drama
Director: Raj Kanwar
The story delves into the life of Raju, who gets a factory job and falls in love with a co-worker. After winning the head of the worker union, he faces challenges with the factory owner’s daughter, who forces Raju’s mother to arrange their marriage. Raju’s girlfriend Sheetal is kidnapped but he is arrested for a fire breakout in the factory.
Laadla’s plot seems to be revolving around a triangular love story. It is more about the mother-and-son relationship. How Raju tackles his challenges but shows his love and respect towards his mother is exceptional. Its unique plot and storyline make it one of the best Bollywood movies of the 1990s.
Stars: Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Raveena Tandon, Farida Jalal.
