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The 2000s marked a unique era for the silver screen, unlike today where entertainment is just a monthly subscription away. During those times, especially in Bollywood, audiences would wait in long queues for hours to catch a glimpse of the Khan trio: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, also known as Mr. Perfectionist, who is set to star in the Indian remake of Forrest Gump titled “Laal Singh Chaddha.” It was an era when stardom was the driving force in Bollywood, and everything from the storyline to the acting had to be exceptional to draw audiences to theaters. However, as times changed and entertainment options multiplied, Indian cinema also adapted to attract viewers.
That being said, the 2000s were also renowned for producing iconic Bollywood films that gained global recognition and firmly placed Indian cinema on the world stage. These movies featured compelling storylines that captured Indian culture in every frame, impeccable casting, and the unique blend of Bollywood music and choreography. Below, we present a ranking of the best Bollywood movies from the 2000s.
Updated as of September 7th, 2023, by Gargi Chatterjee: This article has been refreshed with additional content to provide a current and engaging discussion, including new information and entries.
12 Best Bollywood Movies Of The 2000s
Main Hoon Na (2004)
Starring Shah Rukh Khan as Major Ram and Sushmita Sen as Chandni, Main Hoon Na delves into the story of fostering peace between two rival nations, subtly referencing In dia and Pakistan. However, Raghavan, the main antagonist, has ulterior motives and intends to disrupt these efforts by endangering the life of the General’s daughter. Ram takes on the task of safeguarding her while also working towards his own goal of reuniting his family. This immensely popular Bollywood film has captured the hearts of its audience due to its exceptional casting, action-packed storyline, and captivating music and dance sequences.
Jab We Met (2007)
During the 2000s, Bollywood experienced a significant trend of producing heartwarming romantic comedies, and one standout gem from that era is “Jab We Met.” The film tells the endearing tale of Aditya (played by Shahid Kapoor), who is battling depression, and Geet (portrayed by Kareena Kapoor), an exuberant young woman, who have a charming encounter at a train station. The movie chronicles how their lives become entwined over the next few days, captivating the hearts of the audience. Despite Geet initially being in love with someone else, the story ultimately culminates in a joyous and satisfying conclusion. The performances in the film are exceptional, and some of its songs continue to be cherished by audiences even today.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
“Dil Chahta Hai” initially presents a strong bond of friendship among its three main characters, Akash (played by Aamir Khan), Siddharta (played by Akshaye Khanna), and Sameer (played by Saif Ali Khan). However, as the story unfolds, their lives take different paths, leading to the emergence of three distinct love stories. Throughout these narratives, the audience witnesses how each character approaches their romantic relationships. Some may relate to Sameer’s perspective, while others may find similarities with Siddharta’s point of view. This Bollywood film quickly gained a dedicated following and has remained a beloved classic even two decades after its release. It beautifully portrays the journey of inseparable friends in a visually pleasing manner, and it continues to resonate with audiences by evoking deep emotions and thoughts that linger long after the movie concludes.
Hera Pheri (2000)
Bollywood has undoubtedly produced its fair share of outstanding comedy films over the years, and among the top contenders for the title of the greatest Hindi comedy movie of all time is undoubtedly “Hera Pheri.” Released in the year 2000, this comedy gem features three central characters: Shyam (played by Suniel Shetty), Raju (portrayed by Akshay Kumar), and Baburao (brought to life by Paresh Rawal). Their lives take an unexpected and chaotic turn when they become entangled in a cunning kidnapping plot, leading to a series of mishaps and hilarious situations that will have you laughing uncontrollably. The movie is brimming with uproarious scenes that are sure to leave you in fits of laughter. Its sequel, “Phir Hera Pheri,” featuring the same trio of main characters, is equally side-splitting and a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts.
Chak De! India (2007)
“Chak De! India,” a sports-oriented movie, follows the journey of Kabir Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan) as he strives to redeem his reputation after being accused of being unpatriotic. He becomes the coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey team, using this opportunity to demonstrate his loyalty to the nation. The film subtly promotes values of patriotism, a passion for hockey, and the importance of women’s participation in sports through its storytelling. It also encourages viewers to avoid prejudging individuals based on their ethnicity. “Chak De! India” is a cinematic delight for all hockey enthusiasts.
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
There is a limited number of Bollywood films that address the challenges faced by children with learning disabilities in their everyday lives. “Taare Zameen Par” stands out as a heartwarming movie that featured Darsheel Safari as 8-year-old Ishaan Awasthi. Ishaan struggles in school but possesses artistic talents. His parents decide to send him to a boarding school, where he continues to face difficulties in learning. The narrative takes a turn when a new art teacher named Ram Shankar Nikumbh, played by Aamir Khan, joins the school. He takes a keen interest in Ishaan and soon realizes that the young boy is grappling with Dyslexia, which explains his academic struggles. The remainder of the film portrays Ishaan’s gradual improvement under his teacher’s guidance and his unwavering pursuit of his passion for painting. This movie received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike, and it remains one of the standout films of its era.
A Wednesday (2008)
“A Wednesday” is a fictional film that takes inspiration from the July 2006 Mumbai Bombing attack. The movie features a compelling and grounded storytelling approach, with outstanding performances from renowned actors such as Naseeruddin Shah (portraying The Common Man) and Anupam Kherr (portraying Prakash Pramod). According to India Times, the film is hailed as one of the most impactful performances of the 2000s. It departs from the typical glamour of Bollywood to offer a refreshing narrative that underscores the idea that an ordinary individual possesses the potential for significant influence and action.
Omkara (2006)
Vishal Bhardwaj is undoubtedly a highly skilled filmmaker of our era, and this is prominently demonstrated in his 2006 film, “Omkara.” Drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare’s timeless play, “Othello,” Bhardwaj infuses a distinct Indian flavor into the narrative, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. The cast delivered commendable performances in portraying the various characters, making “Omkara” a rare and successful Shakespearean adaptation in the realm of Bollywood. Additionally, Bhardwaj’s earlier work includes “Maqbool” in 2003, an adaptation of “Macbeth,” and “Haider” in 2014, which draws from “Hamlet.”
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Lagaan (2001)
Set during the pre-independence era of India, “Lagaan,” featuring Aamir Khan, is a sports drama that delves into the story of a peasant named Bhuvan. He embarks on a challenging journey by challenging Captain Andrew Russell to a cricket match in unfamiliar terrain. The film masterfully presents a lighthearted narrative that entertains while also shedding light on Indian history. Among its various themes such as unity, love, and sports, the one that resonates most with the audience is the oppressive colonial rule. This aspect of the film allows viewers to step back into the days of British Raj, evoking a sense of pride for how far the nation has come on its path to progress.
Black (2005)
One of the most touching films of the decade, “Black” narrates the story of Michelle (played by Rani Mukerji), a girl who suffered the loss of her sight and hearing during her childhood, and her teacher Debraj (portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan), who battles alcoholism and becomes the only person capable of teaching her. As the story unfolds, we witness Michelle’s journey as she learns to communicate using sign language and read Braille, all thanks to Debraj’s guidance. Eventually, she manages to graduate, but Debraj’s mental health deteriorates, leading to his confinement in a mental institution due to Alzheimer’s disease. The film concludes on a poignant yet optimistic note that is likely to evoke tears from its audience.
Rang De Basanti (2006)
Rang De Basanti delves into the storyline of a dysfunctional administrative system that drives college students to transform into activists for a cause. In this Bollywood film featuring Aamir Khan, a British woman named Sue McKinley visits India with the intention of creating a movie about Indian freedom fighters. During her quest, she enlists DJ (played by Aamir Khan) and his friends to portray the roles of iconic figures from India’s struggle for independence, such as Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Ram Prasad Bismil. Initially, this involvement in Sue’s film was a form of role-playing, but following a tragic incident involving one of their own, these characters begin to fully embody the spirit of the freedom fighters. They slip into the identities of these historical figures as they rebel against their flawed system. Rang De Basanti strikes a harmonious balance between entertainment, historical narrative, and dramatic storytelling.
3 Idiots (2009)
“3 Idiots,” a movie loosely adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s bestselling novel “Five Point Someone,” features Aamir Khan in the role of Rancho and is a college drama that delves into the enigmatic persona of Rancho. The film strongly critiques the Indian education system and addresses prevalent societal issues. However, it goes beyond mere criticism by offering solutions to these problems. Throughout the film, various profound life lessons are imparted that have left a lasting impact on countless individuals. One central theme encourages the audience to pursue excellence, with the assurance that success will naturally follow. “3 Idiots” achieved unparalleled success and emerged as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the decade.
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