The Best Romantic Bollywood Movies

A love triangle set against the backdrop of World War II, Rangoon is packed with lush scenes, beautiful music and great performances. Starring Kangana Ranaut, Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, the film follows the story of actor and stuntwoman Julia and her love stories with two men – soldier Jemadar Malik and film producer Rustom Billimoria.

A fictional retelling of one of the most famous love stories in India – that of Mughal Prince Salim and courtroom dancer Anarkali – Mughal-E-Azam is one of the most celebrated Bollywood films ever. Besides holding the title of highest-grossing Bollywood film for more than 15 years following its release, Mughal-e-Azam also pleased critics with its grand aesthetics and cinematography. This heart-wrenching romantic tragedy is one everyone should watch.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, this modern Bollywood classic follows the story of Aditya, a depressed business tycoon who bumps into spirited Punjabi woman Geet on an overnight train ride – a chance encounter that alters both their lives forever. Blending quintessential Bollywood melodrama with great acting and a still-cherished soundtrack, this is one of those Bollywood romantic movies that’s every bit worth watching.

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bollywood adaption of a novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Devdas tells the tragic love story of Devdas and Paro, childhood friends turned lovers. With striking cinematography, extravagant aesthetics and performances by Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai that were described as “effortless” by critics, the film tells the story of how Paro and Devdas try to cope when their families refuse to allow their marriage.

This coming-of-age romantic drama follows the story of two best friends who are unconvinced of their romantic compatibility – even while everyone around them can see it. They embark on individual quests for love, only to make matters more complicated. Among the most influential mainstream Bollywood films for Indian millennials, this is a must-watch.

Karan Johar’s directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, is arguably the most popular tear-jerker produced by Bollywood in recent times. This romantic drama follows the love triangle of three college students, touching upon almost all of Bollywood’s favourite themes, with plenty of unrequited love, untimely death and family drama.

The most successful film of 2000, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai follows the story of Sonia and Rohit, who are in love against her family’s wishes. When Rohit is mysteriously killed, Sonia finds herself in a deep depression until she bumps into Raj, his lookalike, who helps her investigate Rohit’s death. Featuring debut performances by Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel, this is one of the more entertaining Hindi romantic movies.