The movies of the 90s had it all! Every genre evolved, be it romance, comedy, or crime thriller! The strict demarcation between mainstream cinema and art films was blurred. Cinema became bolder, and more experimental, especially with the plots. Let’s have a look at some of the best Bollywood movies of the 90s that you must watch!
Also read: 15 Best Bollywood Movies of the 2000s You Should Watch
1. Rangeela
An aspiring actress, Mili, finds herself at crossroads when a successful actor, and her childhood friend Munna, both fall in love with her. Rangeela is so much more than just the story of an actress, it is the celebration of dreams, of the film business, and more importantly of the vibrant city of Mumbai. It is truly a classic.
2. Rudaali
Rudaalis are women who publicly express their grief at funerals and are paid to do so. The tradition has its roots in Rajasthan. The movie follows the life of Shanichari, a woman tormented by fate, who is unable to cry despite her tragic life. Her life changes when she meets Bhikni, a Rudaali. It is one of the most powerful Bollywood Movies of the 90s.
3. Akele Hum Akele Tum
If this isn’t the most devastatingly beautiful movie, then what is! This love story of Rohit and Kiran is a heart-wrenching narration of the subtleties of marriage, separation, and parenthood. And the songs, oh-my-God! This is one of the best Bollywood movies of the 90s.
4. Maachis
This critically acclaimed movie directed by Gulzar is one of the best Bollywood movies of all time. It attempts to present the radicalisation of youth and their turning towards extremism with such dexterity that it amazes the audience. This movie is lit.
5. Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda
Manik, a storyteller, talks about the three women whom he met at three different stages of his life and how they helped him evolve as a person. This 1992 Shyam Benegal movie (based on Dharamvir Bharti’s novel of the same name) was too complex and nuanced for people to grasp back when it was released for the first time. But once one gets through the various beautiful layers of this movie with patience, one can see that this is a masterpiece.
6. Vaastav
Yes, the 50 tola movie. A man tries to set up a small food stall business with his friends in order to have an honest living. Unfortunately one night he commits murder in the heat of the moment. One thing leads to another and he finds himself drowning in the world of crime. The only way to survive in that world is to drown further. It is one of the most popular and well-performed characters ever played by Sanjay Dutt.
7. Taal
It is one of those rare romantic musicals that are as engaging with its plot as it is with its music. With applaud-worthy performances and larger-than-life cinematography, this 1999 movie is a riot wrapped in peace.
8. Satya
Mumbai ka king kaun? Bhiku Matre! On the surface, this 1998 movie seems like the story of a few criminals and their reign of power in the city of Mumbai. But deep down it is the story of every person who is destroyed from within by the violence that they inflict on others. Ram Gopal Varma’s best contribution to Indian cinema, Satya, is a seminal movie of the gangster genre.
9. Sarfarosh
A medical student quits his college and joins the Indian Police Service in order to avenge the deaths of his father and brother at the hand of terrorists. It is a seminal movie of 90s Bollywood.
10. Fire
It was 1996 and Deepa Mehta made this brilliant movie that explored homosexual love and managed to get it released with little censorship. Sisters-in-law find comfort in each other’s company after being overlooked by their husbands in this film. The movie raised quite a few eyebrows in the then-conservative (debatable) India so much so that riots broke out.
11. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander
A college student is ashamed of his origins and tries to adopt the ways of the rich. His life is changed when he has to take his elder brother’s place in an inter-collegiate bicycle race. With a brilliant representation of the ups and downs of the life of the young, this coming-of-age movie is truly a treat to watch.
12. 1947: Earth
Based on the novel ‘Icecandy Man’ by Bapsi Sidhwa, this hauntingly brilliant movie featured Aamir Khan in the titular role. All the actors in the movie did a great job at adding life to the characters of the novel. Characters from a partition novel had never been brought to life with such dexterity.
13. Dushman
When Naina gets raped and murdered by a menacing rapist named Gokul Pandit, her twin sister seeks revenge. This is one of the most brilliant performances of Ashutosh Rana in which he successfully instills a feeling of terror in the minds of the audience.
14. Dil Se
This Mani Ratnam gem is as aesthetically pleasing as it was politically relevant. The movie follows the seven stages of the love of a journalist with a woman whose identity is dubious.
15. Lamhe
Lamhe was way ahead of its time in terms of the plot being one of the boldest Yash Raj movies ever made. It still stands in the history of Indian cinema as one of the best performances of late actress Sri Devi.
16. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
“Palat, palat, palat!” We would all agree that this is the most iconic Bollywood movie ever. The love story of Raj and Simran has acted as the benchmark for generations of lovers. It is one of the most loved performances of SRK, not just in India but all over the world. From the reunion in the yellow mustard fields to the classic train scene at the end, each and every moment from this film is simply out of this world! In this movie, he proves to the world that he is indeed the king of romance. Right, Senorita? (Mandolin playing in the background)
17. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
“Pyaar dosti hai!” Rahul and Anjali are best friends in college. Rahul falls for Tina, the principal’s daughter, while Anjali realizes that she loves Rahul. Triangle ensues. Cut to, 8 years later Rahul and Tina’s daughter, also named Anjali, sets out to reunite Rahul and Anjali to fulfill the last wish of her mother. Shah Rukh Khan portrays the role of a college student and then a father in the most entertaining way possible while still maintaining his ever-charming aura.
18. Darr
“Kkkkk…Kiran.” Decades before the show You was popular, this film about a stalker was the talk of the town. This psychological thriller established the image of Shah Rukh Khan as this dangerous and psychotic villain. His acting in this film is so on point that one cannot believe that this is the same guy who is known for his extremely romantic films.
19. Dil Toh Pagal Hai
The 90s was the peak time for love triangles and flying dupattas. And this movie had them both! Rahul loves Pooja who is engaged to Ajay, meanwhile, Rahul’s friend Nisha secretly loves him! All this tension, and a few awesome songs later there’s a happy ending. So, win-win.
20. Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!
No matter how many times it is telecasted on TV, the entire family sits together to watch this classic Sooraj Barjatya movie. Rajesh and Pooja get married and eventually their respective siblings, Prem and Nisha, fall for each other. Several antakshari sessions, dance sequences, epic repartees, and one cute doggo- Tuffy, make this movie a complete family entertainment package. (*cough cough*)
21. Andaaz Apna Apna
Several suitors from all across the country set out on a mission to woo a rich heiress named Raveena. Amar and Prem befriend each other on the way but when they learn that both of them are after Raveena a hilarious cat-and-mouse fight ensues. What follows is a laugh riot!
22. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Sameer and Nandini fall for each other, but Sameer has to move back to Italy when Nandini’s father disapproves of their relationship. Nandini gets married to Vanraj, a weird abusive fellow who becomes the bigger person and offers to take Nandini to Italy and reunite her with Sameer. But you know what happens after that. (Rooting for Sameer since 1999.)
23. Border
No eye can remain dry after listening to Sandese Aate Hain, even today! Set during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, this movie is a tear session rolled up in a 3-hour run-time. Every Indian must have watched this movie at least thrice in their lives.
24. Ghatak
This 1996 action thriller is a cult classic. Everyone remembers this movie for its epic dialogue “Dhai kilo ka haat”. It is one of the most successful movies of Sunny Deol’s career and a prominent movie of the 90s.
25. Baazigar
SRK shines as the villain in this movie as he tactfully plans an act of revenge against a businessman by murdering his daughter (classic Shilpa Shetty being toppled down from the building scene). He then pretends to fall for the younger daughter while protecting his identity as her sister’s ex. I’m telling you, this movie is a thrill ride.
The 90s were indeed a golden period. Which of these movies from the 90s do you like the best? Do let us know in the comments section. For more such recommendations, click here.