I still remember the first television I had growing up. It belonged to my grandfather, an Onida with a CRT display in black and white. We only had 2 channels Doordarshan and DD Metro (Doordarshan Metro). It gave me a lot of time to do things like be a nerd, read Tinkle, and play Dave, Doom, and NFS Porsche Unleashed. We were also at the mercy of these two channels showing us movies sometimes, repetitive boring ones that we hated. It wasn’t until I was 16, that we got cable and went from having 2 channels on the television to over 100.
In my opinion, these movies are good to watch even today, in a way they are ardent family entertainers that also pack a good laugh.
Iqbal was one of the first movies I watched on a colour television as a child, and it left a lasting impression. Equal parts funny and heartfelt, it delivers a powerful message about hard work and resilience. The film features outstanding performances by Shreyas Talpade, Naseeruddin Shah, and Shweta Basu Prasad, with a memorable cameo by the legendary cricketer Kapil Dev.
What sets Iqbal apart is its unflinching portrayal of harsh realities, class divides, corruption, and societal judgment. Yet, at its core, the film underscores a timeless truth: when the chips are down, hard work triumphs over raw talent. Iqbal wasn’t just a film about cricket; it was a life lesson in perseverance. It taught me that no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem, refusing to give up is what truly matters. Its humour, emotional depth, and inspiring message make it an unforgettable experience.
2. Makdee (2002)
Who else remembers being both scared and fascinated by Makdee as a kid? Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this movie was the perfect mix of spooky and funny, and honestly, it gave us all the chills in the best way possible. The story is about twin sisters—one gets trapped in a creepy mansion ruled by a so-called witch, played brilliantly by Shabana Azmi. The “witch” claims the girl is cursed and won’t be released unless her sister trades a hundred chickens (yes, chickens!). The plot may sound wild, but trust me, it works!
Makdee was memorable because it tapped into our childhood fears and imagination. It explored rural superstitions in a way that felt real yet magical. Shweta Basu Prasad performed excellently, in the role of the twins. Looking back, the movie wasn’t just scary fun; it also had a sweet message about sibling love and bravery.
3. Raju Chacha (2000)
Ajay Devgn played the cool, larger-than-life guardian we all wished we had as kids. The story revolves around three orphan siblings and their life-changing encounter with Devgn’s character, Raju, who is full of charm and heart. He starts as a mischievous con man but evolves into the ultimate protector of these kids.
The film was emotional, silly, and heartwarming rolled into one. There’s abundant humour (anyone remember the funny disguises?) but also touching moments that hit home. The movie dives into themes of family, not just the one you’re born into but the one you choose. And somewhere in the middle of all the comedy, musical numbers, and courtroom drama is this beautiful takeaway about love being more important than blood ties.
4. Koi… Mil Gaya (2003)
Koi… Mil Gaya is a sci-fi adventure that left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Hrithik Roshan delivered one of his standout performances as Rohit, a kind and differently-abled young man who encounters an alien named Jadoo. With his glowing blue head and unique behaviour, Jadoo quickly became a cultural icon.
The movie wasn’t just about aliens and sci-fi; it explored themes of friendship, acceptance, and personal growth. Rohit’s transformation, both physically and emotionally, was central to the story and resonated with audiences.
Beyond its entertainment value, Koi… Mil Gaya carried an important message. It challenged stereotypes around disabilities and highlighted values like kindness, determination, and courage. While often seen as a family film, it also offered deeper reflections on societal attitudes.
5. Mr. India (1987)
Ah, Mr. India! Have you ever wanted to find out the possibilities of choosing invisibility over immortality or flight or teleportation? Anil Kapoor played Arun, the humble do-gooder who finds a way to disappear while fighting off the ultimate villain, Mogambo, played to perfection by Amrish Puri. Who could forget the phrase “Mogambo khush hua”?
But Mr. India was so much more than just a superhero story. It was about standing up for the little guy, fighting injustice, and showing that even ordinary people could be heroes. The orphan kids, the hilarious disguises, and Sridevi’s unforgettable performance (remember her dance in “Hawa Hawai”?) added layers of charm that made this movie timeless.
What’s amazing is how the movie blended action, comedy, and heartfelt moments. Arun wasn’t a typical superhero; he didn’t have powers. He just wanted to protect the innocent, even if it meant risking everything. And by the time you hit the finale, with the kids and the big showdown against Mogambo, you were cheering with everything you had.
6. Chamatkar (1992)
This gem from the 90s gave us Shah Rukh Khan in one of his early roles as Rocky, a guy who’s down on his luck until he meets Charlie… who just happens to be a ghost. Charlie, played hilariously by Naseeruddin Shah, is a spooky good ghost back for revenge.
The story is full of funny twists and some surprisingly clever moments as Rocky and Charlie team up to fix all sorts of messes in life (and the afterlife). It’s part comedy, part buddy movie, and a little bit of redemption thrown in for good measure. Watching SRK figure things out with a ghost at his side is such a fun ride, and their banter is spot on.
Would you give friendly ghosts a second shot at revenge?
7. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Taare Zameen Par, at its heart, it’s also a hopeful and creative movie. The story centres on Ishaan, a kid who struggles in school. Turns out, he’s dyslexic—not something anyone around him understands until Aamir Khan enters as the coolest art teacher you’ll ever meet.
What makes this movie so relatable is how it shows the school life most of us knew—the pressure, the comparisons, the “why can’t you just focus” frustrations. Taare Zameen Par compels you to reflect on who you are and who you might have become if only you had received the support, love, and trust of those closest to you.
8. Pardes (1997)
Pardes takes us straight back to a time when Bollywood dealt with “East vs. West” cultural clashes with all the drama and songs you could ask for. It kicks off with Arjun, played by Shah Rukh Khan, heading to India with an NRI family to help arrange a marriage.
What sets Pardes apart is its thoughtful portrayal of Arjun’s character, which serves as a lens for exploring the clash between “modern” ideals and “traditional” values—without ever feeling preachy. The film masterfully blends classic Bollywood elements: love triangles, heartfelt family moments, and just the right dose of cultural conflict.
And, of course, for many men who’ve been through their “simp” phase, the iconic song “Meri Mehbooba” likely holds a special place—me included.
9. Dhoom (2004)
If you didn’t dream of owning a super-fast bike after watching Dhoom, were you even a 2000s kid? This movie kicked off Bollywood’s obsession with action-charged heists and made bikes cooler than we could ever imagine. John Abraham stole the show as the smoothest thief in town (seriously, can anyone pull off that leather jacket look like him?).
The plot is simple but genius, a good cop (played by Abhishek Bachchan) teams up with a street-smart biker (Uday Chopra) to bring down a gang of ridiculously skilled robbers who zip around on motorcycles.
10. Lagaan (2001)
Cricket and Bollywood. Can you think of a more iconic duo? Lagaan took this pairing to a whole new level with its epic story of villagers going head-to-head with British officers, not on the battlefield, but on a cricket field. That’s right, it’s a period drama and a sports movie rolled into one!
Aamir Khan plays Bhuvan, the guy who rallies his village to take on the Brits in a high-stakes match to escape their oppressive taxes. Even if you don’t care about cricket, Lagaan is a must-watch for how it brings history and sports together.
Which movie was your childhood favourite growing up? Let me know in the comments below.
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