At the present time, Bollywood is dwindling due to some recent failures. It seems like, the movies are out of touch with the audience. Therefore, it seems to be a perfect time to look back at the legacy we left behind. There were some truly amazing films that were made in the golden age that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and technical finesse in Indian cinema. Here are 20 old family-friendly Hindi movies from the decade 50s to 80s.
1. Awara (1951)
Awara was a huge hit and was loved in China, Russia, and Turkey. A petty thief kills his employer when he attacks his mother and is arrested for the crime. However, he is shocked to find out when he discovers that the judge is his estranged father.
2. Do Bigha Zameen (1953)
Directed by Bimal Roy, Do Bigha Zameen was the early forbearer of the parallel cinema in India. It follows a poor farmer who fails to repay his debts as zamindar threats to seize the land owned by his family. Shambhu comes to Calcutta to work as a rickshaw puller to earn money.
3. Madhumati (1958)
Madhumati was the first Indian film to deal with the topic of reincarnation. When a landslide blocks his route to the railway station, he takes shelter in a mansion. He finds the mansion eerily familiar and soon learns about the story of his previous birth.
4. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Mughal-E-Azam took over a decade to make due to its director’s grand vision. Emperor Akbar’s son falls in love with a beautiful courtesan. His father decides to break them apart even though he is determined to be with her.
5. Haqeeqat (1964)
Directed by Chetan Anand, Haqeeqat follows a fighting platoon in the Sino-Indian war of 1962 who is presumed dead in the hilly terrains of Ladakh. They are rescued by tribals.
6. Teesri Manzil (1966)
Sunita blames a drummer, Rocky, after her sister commits suicide. As she decides to seek revenge against him, she finds out that her sister was murdered.
7. Shree 420 (1955)
Raj Kapoor’s Shree 420 follows Raj who lives an unethical lifestyle when a rich businessman, Sonachand, lures him into it. When Raj becomes aware of Sonachand’s methods, he decides to mend his ways.
8. Boot Polish (1956)
Two orphan siblings are forced to beg by their conniving aunt, they chose to earn money by polishing shoes. When a policeman comes after them, the two get separated.
9. Ujala (1959)
Ujala follows Ramu, a person from a poor neighbourhood in Bombay. He finds it difficult to support his family. But things take a turn when he is offered a chance to earn quick money.
10. Naya Daur (1957)
In an attempt to make quick profits, a man introduces a bus service that endangers the peace and livelihood of local farmers and workers.
11. Pakeezah (1972)
Pakeezah follows the story of Sahibjaan, a courtesan, and Salim Ahmed Khan, a forest ranger, who fall in love with each other. Her aunt and an obsessive patron, however, stand in the way of their true happiness.
12. Sholay (1975)
There’s nothing really to say about Sholay, is there? It is considered to be one of the greatest Indian films ever made and certainly one of the best family-friendly Hindi movies. It follows two ex-convicts, Jai and Veeru, who are hired by a retired policeman, Thakur Baldev Singh to help him catch a notorious dacoit known as Gabbar Singh.
13. Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Three brothers who were separated at birth were raised in different households, each following a different religion. Namely, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. They reunite after a chance encounter and seek revenge on those responsible for separating them.
14. Golmaal (1979)
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Golmaal follows Bhavani, who discourages his employees from pursuing any hobbies. Things take a hilarious turn when he catches one of his employees at a hockey match and the employee lies about having a twin.
15. Chashme Buddoor (1981)
Chashme Buddoor follows two womanizers who are surprised to find a beautiful woman with their nerdy friend. They set a devious plot to break the lovebirds apart.
16. Coolie (1983)
Zafar’s obsession with Salma causes the destruction of her family and her mental breakdown. Her sons are united by fate years later. And they decide to free Salma from Zafar’s captivity.
17. Deewar (1975)
Deewar, directed by Yash Chopra probably has one of the most quotable dialogues in the history of Indian cinema. It follows Vijay and Ravi who are brothers. Vijay turns to a life of crime while Ravi becomes an honest police officer. The cat and mouse chase begin when Ravi is sent to nab Vijay.
18. Don (1978)
A wanted criminal who goes by the name Don succumbs to his injuries in a police chase. Things take a turn when a lookalike of Don named Vijay replaces him and tries to trace his illegal activities.
19. Mirch Masala (1987)
Mirch Masala was a monumental film in the parallel cinema movement. It follows a woman who decides to fight against her powerful oppressor. The women and the teacher of the village join her to openly defy the prevailing repression.
20. Umrao Jaan (1981)
After Amiran’s father testifies against a corrupt cop, he sells her to a brothel. She grows up to be an accomplished poetess and a renowned courtesan, Umrao Jaan.
Also read: 15 Best Old Hindi Comedy Movies That Will Tickle Your Funnybone
These were the 20 old family-friendly Hindi movies from the decade 50s to 80s. Hope you enjoy watching them.