The History of Bollywood Movies

What Is Bollywood?

Bollywood is the nickname given to the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India. It’s a popular term that isn’t used outside of the Indian film industry, but the word “Hollywood” is associated with more than just the American film industry. The names have become synonymous with each other because both film industries are so large and have been around for such a long time. The first Bollywood films emerged in the early 1900s and have evolved, just as Hollywood films have. Today, Bollywood is the largest film industry in the world. The Indian film industry produces hundreds of films per year and has both Bollywood and Hollywood beat on every front. Bollywood movies are like Hollywood movies with one big difference the language. Bollywood movies are in Hindi. Nearly all of them are produced in India, whereas Hollywood movies are produced in the United States and other countries around the world.

The History of Bollywood Movies: From Silent Films to Colored Cinema

The first Bollywood films were silent films known as “phonoscens.” They were created at the very beginning of the 20th century, and they evolved into “talkies” with the advent of sound. Bollywood films also developed color cinematography at the same time Hollywood films adapted to color. This was during the 1930s when Bollywood films were distributed globally, just as Hollywood films were. While the silent era of Bollywood films was very short, the “phonoscens” of the 1930s were Bollywood’s first hit films. The rest of the 20th century is when Bollywood began to come into its own. After having been in business for 50 years, Bollywood reached new heights during the 1950s. This decade brought about the creation of many classic Bollywood films, as well as stars that are still idols to this day.

Best Bollywood Movies from the Last 50 Years

Here’s a list of 50 Bollywood films you should see if you want to get into the Bollywood scene. These are some of the best Bollywood movies from the last five decades. We’ve chosen films that showcase the evolution of Bollywood cinema, as well as those that are just simply great. Check them out!

- Devdas - This is one of the most quintessential Bollywood movies ever made. It’s a classic that is so culturally important that it’s often studied in film schools. The storyline is tragic, but it’s the cinematography that makes this one stand out.

- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam - This epic romance is full of Bollywood drama. It’s a great example of Bollywood films in the late 1990s.

- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham - This film is notable for its use of real-life stars. It brought Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan onto the world stage. This one is a family drama done right.

- Kal Ho Naa Ho - This is another drama that made headlines in the late 1990s. It was directed by the Bollywood legend, David Dhawan. This is a classic that is still loved to this day.

- Lamhe - This is a film that contains drama and romance. It was released in 1991 and was directed by Mahesh Bhatt. This is another film that showcases the evolution of Bollywood cinema in the 1990s.

- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge - This is the first of many Shah Rukh Khan films on this list. It’s a fun film that showcases the lighter side of Bollywood cinema.

- Mughal-E-Azam - This is one of the most expensive films that Bollywood has ever produced. It’s an epic drama that showcases the grandeur and scale of Bollywood films in the 1960s.

- Dil To Pagal Hai - This is another film that was made during the 1990s. It starred an all-star cast, including Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. It’s a fun film that includes a lot of Bollywood drama.

Must-watch Classic Bollywood Movies from the 1960s

The 1960s were a decade during which Bollywood films grew in popularity. They were also the decade that saw Bollywood films begin to create their tropes and clichés. Here are seven classic Bollywood films from the 1960s.

- Moksha - This film was released in 1960 and stars the Bollywood icon, Dilip Kumar. It’s a classic that showcases the dramatic side of 1960s Bollywood cinema.

- S Hum Phool - This is a comedy film that showcases the lighter side of Bollywood in the 1960s. It was directed by K. Shankar and stars Biswajeet, Kanhaiy Lal, and Jeevan.

- Barsaat - This film is often considered the first Hindi film to be referred to as a “musical”. It’s another film that showcases the lighter side of 1960s Bollywood.

- Teesri Manzil - This is a dramatic film that was released in 1966. It’s a classic Bollywood film that is full of romance and drama.

- Woh Kaun Thi - This is a fun film that was released in 1964. It’s the story of three women who impersonate men. It’s a classic Bollywood film with a comedic twist.

Must-watch Classic Bollywood Movies from the 1980s

The 1980s was a decade during which Bollywood films grew even more in popularity. It was also a decade that saw the rise of many new Bollywood stars. Here are five classic Bollywood films from the 1980s.

- Karma - This film is a dramatic romance that showcases the 1980s Bollywood style. It was directed by Subhash Ghai and stars Raaj Kumar and Sridevi. - Mr. India - This is a fun film that was released in 1987. It’s a superhero film that showcases the lighter side of Bollywood in the 1980s.

- Ram Lakhan - This is a dramatic film that was released in 1989. It showcases the dramatic side of 1980s Bollywood.

- Tezaab - This is a romantic film that was released in 1986. It’s a classic Bollywood film that showcases the lighter side of Bollywood in the 1980s.

Must-watch Classic Bollywood Movies from the 1990s

The 1990s were a decade during which Bollywood films were distributed globally. It was also a decade that saw the rise of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Here are four classic Bollywood films from the 1990s.

- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge - This is another classic romantic Bollywood film from the 1990s. It’s the same film as the one listed above, just a different release.

- Hum Aapke Hain Koun - This is a dramatic family film that was released in 1994. It’s a classic Bollywood film that showcases the dramatic side of Bollywood in the 1990s.

- Dil Toh Pagal Hai - This is a fun film that was released in 1997. It’s a classic Bollywood film that showcases the lighter side of Bollywood in the 1990s.