Travel back in time to witness the classic era of Bollywood cinema, with our fine selection of over 20+ Iconic Movies that still amaze the present audience. These old Bollywood movies are more than just movies; they are golden treasures that have succeeded in overcoming the test of time, every movies narrating an entirely unique tale, overlapping generations. Ranging from iconic romance to high-paced dramas, these classics depict the golden era of Indian movies, where storytelling had reigned and characters remained deep in the hearts of the fans. Whether you’re a huge retro Bollywood fan or an excited newbie cautious to learn all about the origins of Indian cinema, this list has a little something for everyone. Get ready, for you shall be taken to a time when emotions were high, songs touched the heart, and storytelling was an art. Come journey with us into old Bollywood as we revisit those timeless and unmissable films still fondly remembered by audiences worldwide.
During its time, Bollywood’s Golden Era (1940s–1970s) brought with it some evergreen classics, which still manage to mesmerize audiences even today. Irresistible performances, captivating music, and compelling storytelling of these old Bollywood films left an imprint with some of the best in Indian cinema.
Here’s a curated list of the Iconic old Bollywood movies with the highest IMDb ratings that you absolutely must watch!
1. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)- IMDb: 8.2
Visually breathtaking, graceful, and the musical underpinning behind the song, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, is legendary. The historical epic tells Prince Salim’s tragic love story with Anarkali amidst the grand building of the Mughal empire. The cast is Dilip Kumar-Madhubala-Prithviraj Kapoor- the greatest love triangle fantasy ever filmed. With dialogues and phenomenal sets, it served as the foundation upon which the rest of Indian cinema was built.
2. Pyaasa (1957)- IMDb: 8.4
Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa is an emotional tale of an unsuccessful poet struggling for recognition in a materialistic world. It had the most poetic storytelling, lovely songs like Jaane Woh Kaise Log The Jinke for its soundtrack, and is among the most critically acclaimed Bollywood films. It is in the list of films suited for any connoisseur of artistic cinema.
3. Mother India (1957)- IMDb: 8.1
Mother India is an Oscar-nominated classic in Bollywood which shows the resilience and sacrifices of a rural Indian mother. The movie had great performances by Nargis-Sunil Dutt-Rajendra Kumar and an emotionally charged drama in it. It represents womanhood in India, the struggle she had, and her eternal spirit. Its powerful narration was a landmark in Indian cinema.
4. Sholay (1975)- IMDb: 8.1
The ultimate Bollywood action movie, Sholay changed the Indian film industry forever with its riveting storyline and everlasting dialogues. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Amjad Khan, it introduced Gabbar Singh as one of the most feared villains. The Jai-Veeru friendship and the song Yeh Dosti remain iconic. A must-watch for all Bollywood fans.
5. Anand (1971)- IMDb: 8.6
The tragic-but-cheerful tale of Anand, a terminally sick person exceptionally positive about life, has Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles. Anand is one of the most touching Bollywood drama films. Babumoshai, Zindagi Badi Honi Chahiye, Lambi Nahi- these dialogues have etched themselves in our hearts with meaning. The song, Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye, is still a favorite with the audience.
6. Guide (1965) – IMDb: 8.4
Based on R.K. Narayan’s novel, Guide tells a story of a tourist guide’s journey from love to spirituality. In this film, Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman starred and was well known for the deep philosophical concept it carried with it. In fact, the evergreen Bollywood song Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai is still popular. It won a few Filmfare Awards for a remarkable performance.
7. Do Bigha Zamin (1953) – IMDb: 8.4
A Bimal Roy masterpiece, Do Bigha Zamin portrays an emotional struggle associated with a farmer trying to save his land. A brilliant performance by Balraj Sahni gives a definite edge to the movie. This film introduced the concept of Indian neo-realism to the world and won international certifications including one at the Cannes Film Festival.
8. Deewar (1975) – IMDb: 8.0
A gripping crime drama about two brothers on either side of the law, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor.The film gifted Bollywood of the most notable dialogues ever-Mere paas maa hai. It continued representing Bachchan’s angry young man persona. A defining Bollywood action flick of the 1970’s.
9. Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) – IMDb: 8.0
Guru Dutt’s magnum opus, Kaagaz Ke Phool, tells a story of a filmmaker’s rise and fall through the prism of a totally melancholic and ahead-of-its-time magical realism. Added to this timelessness would be the soulful song Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam.
10. Awara (1951) – IMDb: 7.9
Awara is a striking drama directed and acted by Raj Kapoor, and about the eternal conflict between nature and nurture. The story is about the inner struggle of a young man, who is torn between his criminal upbringing and his apparent goodness, while Prithviraj Kapoor plays the strict judge and Nargis his love interest. Its timeless song called “Awara Hoon” later achieved international fame and made him a global icon. A brilliant mix of courtroom drama and emotional undertone, Awara is still a colossus in Indian cinema.
11. Chupke Chupke (1975) – IMDb: 8.3
A laugh-out-loud comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chupke Chupke is a classic mistaken identity comedy. With Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, and Jaya Bachchan as stars, the film revolves around the mischievous husband, who devises a long-planned trick upon his in-laws. Light-hearted and filled with solid dialogues, it is one of the best comedies of Bollywood. So effortless was the humor and performance that this film never goes out of style.
12. Baiju Bawra (1952) – IMDb: 7.8
Baiju Bawra was a musical epic about a young musician named Baiju, who swore to get revenge against Tansen, the Mughal court singer, for the death of his father. The film starred Bharat Bhushan and Meena Kumari and showcased a heart-gripping story of love, devotion, and musical rivalry. With songs like Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj, it played an important role in popularizing Indian classical music in cinema. Other aspects: What will be remembered is highly important.
13. Madhumati (1958) – IMDb: 7.9
A never-ending reincarnation thriller, Madhumati stars Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala in a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. Directed by Bimal Roy, the movie revolves around a man trying to uncover the tragic past of his lost love in some celestial mansion. Its moody aura and songs like Aaja Re Pardesi also remain as one of the landmarks of Bollywood’s supernatural dramas.
14. Naya Daur (1957) – IMDb: 7.6
The riveting social drama Naya Daur features Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala and deals with the conflict between industrialization and traditional values. Directed by B.R. Chopra, the film portrays the struggle of rural workers against the rise of machines threatening their livelihood. With songs like Maang Ke Saath Tumhara, this film has a very strong presentation about unity and progress. A gripping narrative with performances straight from the heart defines this as a true Bollywood classic.
15. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) – IMDb: 8.1
In this film of nostalgia, loneliness, and decay by society, Meena Kumari, Guru Dutt, and Rehman star in a brooding period drama. It tells the tragic decline of a neglected wife, drunk with loneliness, who finds companionship in her faithful servant. It is impossible to forget Meena Kumari’s heart-wrenching portrayal of Chhoti Bahu, very possibly one of Indian cinema’s best performances. In addition to its somberly gorgeous songs, “Na Jao Saiyan,” is a veritable cinematic work of art.
16. Kala Patthar (1979) – IMDb: 7.9
Considered to be inspired by actual mining calamities, Kala Patthar is an engrossing tale about the strength of the human spirit, redemption, and human courage. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, and Raakhee, the film deals with the condition of coal miners working under life-threatening conditions. Amitabh Bachchan portrays his character as an indignant former naval officer by the name of Yashwant, seeking redemption in a valuable performance. Intense action, palpable emotions, and the heartrending “Ek Raasta Hai Zindagi” – the film earns its place among the great Bollywood films.
17. Sujata (1959) – IMDb: 7.8
Sujata(1959), directed by Bimal Roy, is a poignant social drama based on a story revolving around an orphaned Dalit girl raised by an upper-caste family. The film, starring Nutan and Sunil Dutt, is a beautiful portrayal of love, acceptance, and social prejudice. The song ‘Kali Ghata Chhaye’ adds to the emotional depth of the movie. With its strong message and heart-wrenching performances, Sujata remains a landmark in Indian cinema.
18. Aradhana (1969) – IMDb: 7.6
Romantic drama that made Rajesh Khanna a superstar, Aradhana tells the story of love, loss, and sacrifice that transcends generations. Starring Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna, features timeless songs such as ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’ and ‘Roop Tera Mastana.’ It describes the emotional trials of a woman who brought her son into the world on her own after facing insurmountable odds. Aradhana remains, emotively, a classic-historic Bollywood classic immortalized by its soulful music.
19. Bandini(1963)- IMDb: 7.9
Under the direction of Bimal Roy, Bandini is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and atonement, encapsulating a sense of reality with India’s freedom struggles. Starring Nutan, Ashok Kumar, and Dharmendra, it follows the destiny of a woman imprisoned for a crime rooted in love and bitter betrayal. Nutan carries the film with great dexterity, and the musical number ‘Mora Gora Ang Lai Le’ makes this a noteworthy film. Deep emotional development of Bandini, combined with the heartfelt storytelling, made this one of the top-classics in the history of Bollywood.
20. Ganga Jamuna (1961) – IMDb: 7.8
Ganga Jamuna is a gripping dacoit drama, featuring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, that tells the tale of two brothers on opposing sides of the law. This film was a groundbreaking work in Bollywood history, as the principal characters spoke in the Awadhi language, thus adding a touch of authenticity to it. Dilip Kumar has delivered one of his finest performances in the role of a tragic hero. The fascinating storyline and the magnificent score by the actors will eternally hold people’s hearts captive.
21. Sangam (1964) – IMDb: 7.5
A grand romantic drama directed by Raj Kapoor, Sangam is a gripping love triangle about love, friendship, or sacrifice. It stars Raj Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala, and Rajendra Kumar, among the first major Bollywood productions to be shot extensively abroad. “Dost Dost Na Raha” remains an immortal song in the emotional-house. With its depth of emotional feeling and wonderful visuality, Sangam set standards in Indian cinema for romance.
Conclusion
Top-rated Bollywood classics from the Golden Era (1940s-1970s). From epic historical dramas like Mughal-E-Azam to emotional masterpieces like Anand and Pyaasa, these have thoroughly shaped the industry with outstanding script writing, timeless performances, and evergreen music. From gut-wrenching drama, musicals, action to social critique atmospheric pieces, these old Bollywood movies must be seen to appreciate. They have forged the path for modern cinema. Very important for a Bollywood fan.