Indian Cinema
10 Best Bollywood Movies on Netflix in the US Right Now
By ReelsMasala Editorial · · 6 min read
Netflix carries one of the largest collections of Hindi-language films available to US subscribers, but scrolling through it can be overwhelming if you are new to Indian cinema. We picked ten Bollywood movies on Netflix that work for first-timers and longtime fans alike. They include beloved romances, sports dramas, social comedies and a road-trip film that might make you book a flight.
Every title below was listed in Netflix's US catalog, including the ad-supported plan, at the time of writing, based on TMDB and JustWatch data. Catalogs change, so check the Where to Watch box on each title page before you settle in.
Before you press play: a quick Bollywood primer
"Bollywood" is the popular name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, formerly Bombay. It is only one of India's many film industries, which also include Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali cinema. Our Tollywood explainer and South Indian cinema guide cover those. The Wikipedia article on Hindi cinema offers more history.
A few things to know as a US viewer:
- Runtimes are long. Two and a half to three hours is common, and many classics include an intermission break.
- Songs are part of the storytelling. Musical numbers express emotions, move the plot forward or simply celebrate. Lean into them.
- Genres mix freely. A single film can be a romance, family drama, comedy and musical at once, the "masala" style our site is named after.
- Subtitles are available. All the films below have English subtitles on Netflix.
The 10 best Bollywood movies on Netflix US
1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Director: Aditya Chopra · Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol · Runtime: 3 h 10 min
Often called simply DDLJ, this is the romance that defined a generation. Two young Indians raised in London meet on a European trip and fall in love. Then he must win over her strict father without eloping. The film famously played at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theater for decades, and it remains the best introduction to Shah Rukh Khan's screen persona. TMDB users rate Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 8.5/10, the highest of any title on this list.
2. Dangal (2016)
Director: Nitesh Tiwari · Stars: Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra · Runtime: 2 h 41 min
Based on the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to become champion wrestlers, Dangal is a rousing sports drama with real emotional weight. If you like Rocky-style underdog stories, start here.
3. PK (2014)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani · Stars: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma · Runtime: 2 h 33 min
An alien stranded in India asks naive questions about religion and custom, to hilarious and pointed effect. PK is a satire with a big heart from the director of 3 Idiots. It is a good example of how mainstream Hindi films tackle social questions.
4. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)
Director: Karan Johar · Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor · Runtime: about 3 h 30 min
The ultimate family melodrama. A wealthy patriarch disowns his adopted son for marrying beneath their class, and the younger son sets out to reunite the family years later. Lavish sets, iconic songs and an all-star cast make K3G essential viewing. It is also listed on Prime Video at the time of writing.
5. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Director: Kabir Khan · Stars: Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kareena Kapoor Khan · Runtime: 2 h 39 min
A big-hearted devotee of Hanuman sets out to return a lost young Pakistani girl, who cannot speak, to her family across the border. Warm, funny and moving, it is Salman Khan's most widely loved film and a great family pick.
6. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Director: Nikkhil Advani · Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan · Runtime: 3 h 7 min
Set among Indian families in New York City, this romantic drama follows a grieving young woman whose life is changed by a cheerful new neighbor. US viewers will enjoy seeing Manhattan through a Bollywood lens. Bring tissues.
7. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Director: Zoya Akhtar · Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif · Runtime: 2 h 34 min
Three childhood friends take a bachelor road trip across Spain, each agreeing to face a fear along the way. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara feels more contemporary and less melodramatic than many classics, making it an ideal first Bollywood film for American viewers.
8. Swades (2004)
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker · Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi · Runtime: 3 h 15 min
An Indian scientist working at NASA returns to his home country to find his childhood nanny, and ends up helping a village bring electricity to its homes. Swades is quiet, thoughtful and especially meaningful for viewers in the Indian diaspora.
9. Chak De! India (2007)
Director: Shimit Amin · Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Sagarika Ghatge · Runtime: 2 h 28 min
A disgraced former hockey star coaches India's women's national field hockey team. With almost no romance and a strong ensemble, it is one of the best sports films India has produced, and its title song is still heard in stadiums.
10. Om Shanti Om (2007)
Director: Farah Khan · Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone · Runtime: 2 h 49 min
A playful reincarnation story and a loving tribute to 1970s Bollywood, packed with in-jokes and cameos. It marked Deepika Padukone's Hindi film debut. Even if you miss some references, the songs and sheer fun carry it.
Quick picks by mood
| If you want... | Watch |
|---|---|
| A classic romance | Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge |
| An inspiring true story | Dangal |
| Laughs with a message | PK |
| A big family saga | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... |
| A modern, easygoing film | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara |
| Sports drama | Chak De! India |
How to find more Hindi films
Browse our Bollywood collection for popular Hindi films with trailers and US availability, and the Netflix platform page for the current catalog. Netflix's own site, netflix.com, lets you browse by language: set it to Hindi to see everything available on your plan. Several titles that leave Netflix remain available to rent; our guide on finding where to watch any movie legally explains how to check.
If you are after something with even bigger action, try the Telugu epic RRR, also on Netflix in the US and covered in our Tollywood explainer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Bollywood movie on Netflix for beginners?
*Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara* is a great first choice, because its contemporary tone and road-trip story feel familiar to American viewers. For a classic, try *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge*.
Do Bollywood movies on Netflix have English subtitles?
Yes. The Hindi films on Netflix US include English subtitles, and some also offer English audio. You can change subtitles in the audio and subtitles menu during playback.
Why are Bollywood movies so long?
Many Hindi films are designed as complete entertainment packages with songs, comedy, romance and drama, and were traditionally shown in theaters with an intermission. Runtimes of two and a half to three hours are common.
Is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge on Netflix in the US?
At the time of writing, yes. *Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge* is available on Netflix in the US, including the ad-supported plan. Check our title page for current availability.
Is Bollywood the same as Indian cinema?
No. Bollywood refers specifically to Hindi-language films made mainly in Mumbai. India also has major film industries in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi and other languages.
Availability and release dates are based on TMDB/JustWatch data for the United States at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm on the provider's site. Read our editorial policy.