Everyone has their favorite iconic films of all time that's why any debate over 'what makes the best movies of all time' can take hours. But do we ever think, which aspects make a film iconic? Well, from past many decades Bollywood has witnessed several films but no one can match the level of acting, music, and direction part when it is about the old cult-classic films. Though they are all iconic movies it is very difficult to rank them so these are being listed according to the year they were released. Let's have a look at Bollywood's most iconic films of all time.
A movie that became an overnight sensation worldwide is none other than Raj Kapoor's romantic-drama film, 'Awaara'. This film is a blend of social and reformist themes with the crime, romantic comedy, and musical melodrama genres and portrays a deep dying love between Nargis and Raj Kapoor.
The cult-classic drama film Pyaasa (1957), produced and directed by Guru Dutt is a story of Vijay, a struggling Urdu poet trying to make his works known in post-independence India, and Gulabo (Waheeda Rehman), a prostitute with a heart of gold, who helps him to try and get his poems published. Its music is by S.D. Burman, songs, acting is among those aspects that make this film an iconic film of all time.
Mother India is an epic drama film directed by Mehboob Khan that featured Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar in lead roles. It still ranks among the all-time Indian box office hits.
Who can forget a heartbreaking story of an emperor's son, Salim falls in love with a beautiful courtesan. This 1960 Indian epic historical drama film, directed by K. Asif is considered to be a milestone of its genre, earning praise from critics for its grandeur and attention to detail.
Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman starrer romantic-drama was an adaptation of 1958`s novel 'The Guide', by R. K. Narayan. The movie proved memorable for its award-winning performances by the lead actors and memorable music by S. D. Burman. Even Time magazine listed it at Number Four on its list of Best Bollywood Classics.
Padosan is considered as one of the best comedy films in the history of the Indian film industry. It starred the iconic actors like Kishore Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Saira Banu.
Directed by Raj Kapoor, this classic drama film stars Raj Kapoor as a clown who makes his audience laugh at the cost of his own sorrows.
Pakeezah is India's first color film in cinemascope and Meena Kumari's most memorable films of all time. Kamal Amrohi, who was known for his perfectionism, directed the drama with the unforgettable Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad Ali music.
A film that became a trendsetter genre of teenage romance showcasing a rich-versus-poor clash. Raj Kapoor directed and Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia starrer film were among the top-grossing Indian hits of 1973. The classic song 'Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho' is still in the minds of the new generation.
Sholay is one of the classics and best-ever films of Indian cinema which is about the Jodi of Jai and Veeru who capture the iconic character, Gabbar Singh in the film.
Despite being in controversy for promoting 'Obscenity' through the film, Raj Kapoor`s directed 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' and Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman starrer film beautifully showcase the social drama about the differences between physical and spiritual love.
Yash Chopra's romantic drama film 'Silsila' is one of the iconic pieces that was extremely praised by the Indian audience. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, and Sanjeev Kumar in the lead roles.
A film by Pawan Sai Paranjpye featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Farooq Shaikh, and Deepti Naval is a story about the daily lives of people living in Mumbai 'Chawl'. Moreover, the film is based on S.G. Sathye's Marathi play Sasa Aani Kasav (Hare and Tortoise).
Gulzar's directed comedy-satire and Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma featured Angoor is a story of identical twins separated at birth and how their lives go haywire when they meet in adulthood.
This film is a dark satire about rampant corruption in the government system. The movie received a great response from the public.
Popularly known with the name DDLJ, this evergreen romantic movie is about the story of Raj (Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) who fall in love.
'Dil Chahta Hai' by Farhan Akhtar is an unforgettable roller coaster ride with three friends who face transitions in their romantic lives.
This comedy-drama by Rajkumar Hirani is one of the best films with a social message for the students and parents.
The first mainstream Bollywood film to be selected for the Director's Fortnight, this two-part crime film is produced and directed by Anurag Kashyap. These films narrate the saga of a coal mafia family in the town of Wasseypur in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. Both films were loved by the masses for their drama and rawness and acclaimed by the classes for cinematic aesthetics.