30 Best Romantic Movies of Bollywood of All Times

Romance and love stories have been an integral part of Indian cinema. There are a number of romantic movies that release each year. However, there are only a few romantic movies that have become classics over the year. Owing to the love story-oriented movies’ success, actors like Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, Shahrukh Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor have become kings of love stories.

Over the years, Bollywood has seen a change in romantic movies! Gone are the days when the movie’s leading actors danced around the trees and have to persuade their families to accept their love. With cultural advancement, romantic movies have explored different dimensions of relationships and society that have uplifted the Hindi Cinema.

Here we have listed some of the best romantic movies of all times that one should definitely watch once in a lifetime.

List of Bollywood Love Story Movies of All Time

1. Pyaasa (1957)

Star Cast: Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha, Johnny Walker, Mehmood

Director: Guru Dutt

IMDB Rating: 8.5 Stars

Pyaasa is one of the cult classics that won its audience heart because of its captivating love story. Owing to its success, the movie was listed as one of the best 100 films of Bollywood of all time by TIME Magazine. The story of the movie revolves around a struggling poet who falls in love with a prostitute. It was a bold love story of its times and one of the classics that have made Indian Cinema proud.

2. Guide (1965)

Star Cast: Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman,

Director: Vijay Anand, Tad Danielewski

IMDB Rating: 8.4 stars

The romantic drama was inspired by the novel The Guide. Guide is one of the memorable movies of Indian cinema because of the highly acclaimed performances by lead actors and its swooning music that was given by S.D. Burman. It was on no. 4 in the list of best Bollywood classics in TIME Magazine.

3. Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

Star Cast: Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Dilip Kumar,

Director: K. Asif

IMDB Rating: 8.2 stars

Next in our list of best Romantic movies of Bollywood of all times is the gem of Hindi Cinema-Mughal-e-Azam. The magnum opus has recently completed 60 years. From drama, love, and romance, the movie has everything that makes it one of Indian cinema classics. The masterpiece had the best of the melodies. How can we not mention the impressive performances of Prithiviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Madhubala, who brought life to their respective characters.

4. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Star Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal

Director: Aditya Chopra

IMDB Rating: 8 stars

Counted amongst the legendry romantic movies of Bollywood, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a must-watch. The movie has the best of the star cast, including Kajol, Shahrukh Khan, Amrish Puri, who have wooed the audience with their captivating performances. Not to forget its iconic dialogues- “Jaa, Simran, jaa. Jee le apni zindagi” and “Bade bade desho mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hai” have been remembered for years.

5. Masaan (2015)

Star Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi, Richa Chadda, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra

Director: Neeraj Ghaywan

IMDB Rating: 8.2 Stars

Set in Varanasi, India, the plot of the movie has two different stories that eventually converge. On one hand, Devi is fighting with the trauma of pre-marital sex, and in another narrative, Deepak Kumar, whose parents work in a crematorium, falls in love with Shallu, who belongs to a higher cast. However, during the pilgrimage trip, Shalu dies. Deepak is shattered on knowing the same. The man gradually overcomes his grief. On the other hand, Devi plans to leave the city and get herself enrolled at Allahabad University. Post which both Deepak and Devi meet and strike a conversation. The movie was a path-breaking and one of the best love stories of Bollywood.

6. Barfi! (2012)

Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor,Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz, Roopa Ganguly

Director: Anurag Basu

IMDB Rating: 8.1 stars

This movie showcased the relationship between a mute and a deaf boy and an autistic girl. This was not one of Bollywood’s typical romantic movies where a rich boy meets a poor girl and both fall in love. With the ensemble star cast and powerful performances, this movie gained many awards. This unusual love story was one of the high grossing movies of 2012.

7.  Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

Star Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Sushma Seth, Reema Lagoo

Director: Nikkhil Advani

IMDB Rating: 8 stars

There is a reason why Shah Rukh Khan is known to be the king of romantic movies. Kal Ho Na Ho is a modern age love story. The film is the testimony of the fact that love is all about your loved ones’ happiness. The movie won many hearts and continues to rule the hearts of Bollywood lovers.

8.  Veer-Zaara (2004)

Star Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Divya Dutta

Director: Yash Chopra

IMDB Rating: 7.8 stars

A true love story is all about sacrifice! Veer Zaara changed the meaning of love stories for the generations to come. It’s not only about being with each other but also about caring for each other’s family and country. Veer, an Indian pilot, falls in love with a Pakistani girl who then spends his entire life in the Pakistani Prison. Zaara believes him to be dead and move to his home country. It was one of the best romantic movies of our generation!

 9. Jab We Met (2007)

Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Tarun Arora, Dara Singh

Director: Imtiaz Ali

IMDB Rating: 7.9 stars

Geet from Jab We Met is every girl’s favorite character. The movie was a refreshing take on the love story. The spunky and care free Geet meets a businessman, Aaditya, who was depressed with his life during the train journey, both fall in love with each other without the fact. The movie had several memorable scenes and dialogues, making it one of the best romantic movies of Bollywood.

10. The Lunchbox (2013)

Star Cast: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nakul Vaid

Director: Ritesh Batra

IMDB Rating: 7.8 Stars

Love is not restricted to age! You can find your love through a Lunchbox as well! The movie ponders upon the same thought. Ila, the housewife, sends a lunch box to his husband; however, due to the wrong address, it reaches to Saajan Fernandes. The former like her food, and the love blooms between the two. Mind you, Ila has not ditched her husband; in fact, she has been betrayed by him.

11.  Rockstar (2011)

Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Shammi Kapoor

Director: Imtiaz Ali

IMDB Rating: 7.7 stars

Rockstar broke all the box office records with a sweeping business of 108 crores. Undoubtedly, this, too, is amongst classic romantic movies. It had pain and anguish! Ranbeer’s character very well says that one who has not got pain in love cannot reflect pain in his performance. Rockstar won many pivotal awards, including Filmfare Awards. The movie is currently available on Netflix.

12. Devdas (2002)

Star Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

IMDB Rating: 7.6 stars

The movie’s plot was inspired by a Bengali Novel that revolves around Deva and Paro’s relationship. Devdas, also called Dev, belongs to a wealthy family and loves her childhood friend. However, owing to family differences, Paro is married, and Dev takes upon alcohol. Unlike most of the love stories, this did not have a happy ending. But this did not stop it from becoming one of the top-rated romantic movies of Bollywood.

13. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

Star Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonu Sood

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

IMDB Rating: 7.6 stars

Based on the 16^th century, Jodhaa Akbar is a romantic historical movie. The movie’s story revolves around the marriage alliance that leads to love between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput Princes, Jodha. With its extravaganza setup and powerful performances, the movie has itched in its audience’s heart forever.

14.  Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001)

Star Cast: R. Madhavan, Dia Mirza, Gautham Menon, Saif Ali Khan

Director: Gautham Menon

IMDB Rating: 7.5 stars

It’s been two decades since the movie released; however, we have still not gotten over the movie. The film taught us the importance of first love and what ideal love is. There were rumors that soon the sequel of the movie would be releasing. Whether the seconds part releases or nor, we are sure about the fact there could be no other movie that can equal our love for RHTDM.

15. Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)

Star Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanjay Mishra, and Sheeba Chaddha

Director: Sharat Katariya

IMDB Rating: 7.5 stars

Dum Laga Ke Haisha is one of its kind movies that broke all the stereotypes. Also, it is not important for love to happen at first sight. It could be a gradual process. The movie is all about true love that gives its audience a reality check. The movie will make you laugh, cry, and believe in a true love story.

16. Qayamat se Qayamat Tak (1988)

Star Cast: Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Dalip Tahil, Alok Nath

Director: Mansoor Khan

IMDB Rating: 7.5 stars

Known as one of the iconic romantic movies in Hindi cinema, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak has all the nuances which make it the best movies of all types. From its songs to locations and powerful acting, the film has garnered a special place.

17. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)

Star Cast: Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan,

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

IMDB Rating: 7.5 stars

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is one of the finest movies of Indian cinema. It has the best of the actors like Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, stunning locations, and funny Hindi dialogues that were a delight for the audience. What made this a distinguished Bollywood piece was its climax. 

18.  Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008)

Star Cast: Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza, Manjari Fadnis, Prateik Babbar, Ratna Pathak

Director: Abbas Tyrewala

IMDB Rating: 7. 5 stars

The romantic-comedy movie is no different from other romantic movies; however, its narrative stands out amongst others. Most of the childhood friends can relate with Jay and Aditi, who happens to the best couple; however, it does not accept the fact that both are in love with each other. Truly one of the best romantic movies of Bollywood!

19. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)

Star Cast: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and Seema Pahwa

Director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

IMDB Rating: 7. 5 Stars

Rajkummar Rao may have taken all the limelight for his outstanding performance in Bareilly Ki Barfi. But it was Ayushman’s character –Pritam, with who the audience could relate more. Undoubtedly, Kriti Sanon did her part seamlessly to make the movie one of the best romantic movies if Bollywood of all time.

20. Silsila (1981)

Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Rekha

Director: Yash Chopra

IMDB Rating: 7.3 stars

Silsila is a romantic drama that features Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Rekha in the lead role. To your surprise, the movie did average business at the box office; however, it has become cult classics of Indian cinema over the years. All thanks to its screenplay and powerful acting by the lead actors that have made it one of the best romantic movies of Bollywood.

21. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)

Star Cast: Salman Khan, Bhagyashree, Reema Lagoo, Alok Nath, Laxmikant Berde, Mohnish Bahl

Director: Sooraj Barjatya

IMDB Rating: 7.3 stars

The Hindi musical romantic movie received critical and commercial success. It was the highest-grossing Hindi cinema movie in the year 1980s. Maine Pyar Kiya is an all-time blockbuster and garnered positive reviews from the audience. Prem and Suman’s love story became a benchmark, and the movie is counted as the most successful Bollywood movies of all times.

22. Kabhi Kabhi (1976)

Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhee Gulzar, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh

Director: Yash Chopra

IMDB Rating: 7.4 stars

Kabhi Kabhi is amongst the noted romantic movies of Bollywood. The movie earned critical and commercial success for its intriguing love stories. Kabhi Kabhi also has some of the best songs like ‘’Kabhi Kabhi Mere’’, ‘’Mai Do Pal ka Shayar Hoon”. The movie was a blockbuster of its times and remains and remains to be top rated loves stories.

23.  Parineeta (2005)

Star Cast: Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Dia Mirza

Director: Pradeep Sarkar

IMDB Rating: 7. 2 stars

Parineeta- A Married Woman, happens to be the first movie of talented actress Vidya Balan in the Hindi Cinema. With her debut, the actress conquered the Indian Cinema. The movie was super hit. Set in the Bengali backdrop, the movie has two childhood sweethearts-Lolita and Shekhar, who plans to get married someday. However, Shekhar’s possessive and suspicious nature questions Lolita’s love for him. It is undoubtedly, one of the top love story movies of Bollywood.

24. Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)

Star Cast: Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Shena Gamat, Manu Rishi

Director: Maneesh Sharma

IMDB Rating: 7. 2 stars

Band Baaja Baaraat is a true take on the modern love story. Unlike the classics, this movie changes the meaning of love. The movie revolves around two wedding business partners who fall in love with each other but reject the fact. Soon they are turned into competitors but realize they both cannot work individually. This was one of the sweet love story movies of Bollywood. Not to forget the movie was the launchpad of Ranveer Singh.

25. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapur

Director: Ayan Mukerji

IMDB Rating: 7.1 stars

From its peppy songs like Badtameez Dil and Kabira to catchy dialogues like‘’ Tum Pehle Bhi Aisi Thhi Ya Vakt Ne Kiya Koi Haseen Sitam?” and several others, the movie caught the audience fancy for every element that it had. The –coming-of-age film celebrates a love that, too, without compromising one’s passion.

26. Kabir Singh (2019)

Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Nikita Dutta, Soham Majumdar

Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

IMDB Rating: 7.1 stars

Kabir Singh was a welcome change for love stories. The Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani starrer is rustic and realistic. While Kabir is a flawed man, his love for Preeti never reduces, even when she is not with him. The movie was surely a turning point for Shahid’s career. Though the story has its cons too, the love story it has explored is impeccable.

27. Tanu Weds Manu (2011)

Star Cast: Kangana Ranaut, R. Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar

Director: Aanand L. Rai

IMDB Rating: 6.8 stars

Whether you have fallen on love or not, you would relate with R Madhavan’s character Manu. He loved Tanu at that extend that he even helped her to marry the person she loves. He loved her secretly, and on the day of her marriage, Tanu too realizes the same. The movie is undoubtedly one of the best rom-com of Bollywood.

28. Vivah (2006)

Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Alok Nath, Seema Biswas, Anupam Kher

Director: Sooraj Barjatya

IMDB Rating: 6.6 Stars

It’s a bliss for every girl to get a life partner like Prem, who does not fall for Poonam looks but loves her deeply. Whatever the times are, all you need is your life partner or your loved ones to be with you. This movie is a perfect example of an ideal relationship.

29.  Salaam Namaste (2005)

Star Cast: Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Arshad Warsi, Siddharth Anand

Director: Siddharth Anand

IMDB Rating: 6.2 stars

Released in the year 2005, Salaam Namaste was one of the first movies that explored the live-in relationship. The movie is believed to be a game-changer. It is counted amongst the best movies of Bollywood.

30. Raja Hindustani (1996)

Star Cast: Aamir Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, Suresh Oberoi, Archana Puran Singh

Director: Dharmesh Darshan

IMDB Rating: 6.2 stars

There would hardly be any wedding in the ’90s and 2000 in which the song ”Aaye ho meri Zindagi Mein’’ has not been played.  Raja, a taxi driver, falls in love with Aarti, who belongs to a wealthy family. They both get married, later her family tries to create differences amongst the two. It is one of the must-watch Bollywood romantic movies.

Conclusion:

Romance has been one of the favorite genres in Bollywood. More than hundreds of romantic movies have been produced over the years; however, only a few have received critical and commercial success. As they say, love never fades; similarly, our love for romantic movies will never fade.