Essel Group’s Zee5 OTT platform has been a constant source of on-demand entertainment since its inception. Since it comprises myriad titles in multiple languages, we thought it would be valuable for our readers to have a master list of the 50 best Hindi movies that are currently streaming on the Zee5 OTT platform.
While compiling the list, we have tried to include a mix of post-2k and pre-2k movies. For the sake of convenience, we have also mentioned the year of release alongside the movie titles.
We have taken into consideration the user rating parameter, as ranking a movie can be subjective and a matter of choice. We hope you will find the list to be as useful for your weekend binge fests as we had enjoyed making it for you.
50. Aakrosh (2010)
It’s an action thriller film that centers around a CBI investigation in relation to the disappearance and suspected honor killing, of three medical students. The film was helmed by veteran director Priyadarshan and had an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Bipasha Basu in proinetn roles.
49. Pardes (1997)
Helmed by Subhash Ghai, the film follows the story of a simple woman (Mahima Chaudhry), who is sent off by her father (Alok Nath) to the USA in order to get married to the rich brat NRI son (Apoorva Agnihotri) of his old friend (Amrish Puri).
Things take an interesting turn with the woman’s growing friendship with her fiancé’s friend (Shahrukh Khan) instead, as she is unable to adjust to the westernized and ultra-modern lifestyle.
48. Qarib Qarib Single (2017)
A feel-good rom-com directed by Tanuja Chandra (Dushman, Sangharsh), the film features two diametrically opposite personalities (played by Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Thiruvothu) who meet on an online dating app. Thereafter, they undertake an amusing journey and shared misadventures across the country ranging from Dehradun to Jaipur to Gangtok.
47. Raat (1992)
The only horror film on this list, ‘Raat’ was directed by maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. The film revolves around a college-going girl (Revathi), who begins to exhibit ‘strange’ behavior after her family moves to a new house. When the goings-on turn ‘dead’ serious, her family is forced to take the help of an exorcist (Om Puri).
46. Rustom (2016)
The film is loosely based on the court case of a Naval Commander (played by Akshay Kumar), who was accused of murdering his wife’s lover. How the protagonist defends himself and fights the nail-biting legal battle forms the rest of the story. Akshay Kumar had won the National Film Award for his earnest performance in the movie.
45. Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
The film’s premise is based on the accidental discovery of extra-terrestrial beings by a developmentally disabled man (Hrithik Roshan) through a device created by his deceased scientist father.
The protagonist forms an unlikely friendship with his newly found alien friend, and they help each other until the end. Helmed by Rakesh Roshan, the ambitious sci-fi drama was a stern reminder of Hrithik Roshan’s acting prowess, especially for his detractors who had earlier tagged him as a one-film-wonder.
44. NH 10 (2015)
A married couple’s (Anushka Sharma & Neil Bhoopalam) perfect getaway turns out to be their biggest nightmare when they encounter a violent gang of criminals on the way. A Navdeep Singh directorial (The man behind Manorama Six Feet Under), ‘NH 10’ is a hard-hitting revenge thriller with a compelling performance by Anushka Sharma duly supported by Neil Bhoopalam, Darshan Kumar and Deepti Naval. The film is not for the faint of heart though.
43. Gadar (2001)
Set against the backdrop of the partition of India in the year 1947, the film revolves around a love story between a good-hearted Sikh man (played by Sunny Deol) and a rich Muslim woman (played by Ameesha Patel).
When the woman is virtually imprisoned by her powerful father (Amrish Puri), the husband and their son follow her to Pakistan in order to get her back. The epic drama was directed by Anil Sharma.
42. Gandhi My Father (2007)
The film’s central point is the tumultuous and complicated relationship between Mahatma Gandhi (played by Darshan Jariwala) and his eldest son Harilal Gandhi (played by Akshaye Khanna).
While Harilal wanted to go abroad to get his education, his father wanted him to fight against the Britishers. The biographical drama also featured Shefali Shah and Bhoomika Chawla in the roles of Kasturba Gandhi and Gulab Gandhi, respectively.
41. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
When the affluent son (Salman Khan) and the poor daughter (Bhagyashree) of friends turned foes (Alok Nath and Rajeev Verma) become friends and eventually fall in love, the son must prove that he is worthy enough to marry the girl. The romantic musical film was directed by Sooraj Barjatya and went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of that time.
40. Shaurya (2008)
An intense courtroom drama loosely based on Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise starrer film ‘A Few Good Men’. The story follows a carefree Indian Army lawyer (Rahul Bose), who must defend the virtually undefendable accused.
It’s an apparently open and shut case of an Army officer (Deepak Dobriyal) who is accused of killing his superior. The film’s climactic courtroom scene boasts one of the best performances (by Kay Kay Menon) witnessed in Indian cinema.
39. Ghajini (2008)
Helmed by A. R. Murugadoss, the film is a revenge drama that follows the story of a business tycoon (Aamir Khan) suffering from short-term memory loss.
Armed with a polaroid camera and body tattoos, the protagonist sets out to avenge the brutal death of his love interest (Asin) by the titular villain, against all odds. ‘Ghajini’ was reportedly the first Bollywood film to cross the 100-crore benchmark domestically.
38. Mom (2017)
After her stepdaughter is brutally assaulted by four persons and left for dead, her stepmother (played by Sridevi) makes it her mission to bring the culprits to justice in an equally ruthless way.
To complete her mission, she takes the help of an eccentric but resourceful private detective (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui). This gritty revenge thriller also featured Akshaye Khanna and Abhimanyu Singh in prominent roles.
37. Firaaq (2008)
Directed by Nandita Das, the film explores multiple storylines which take place a month after the 2002 Gujarat riots. The stories include a guilt-ridden woman, a Muslim boy in search of his father, and a music maestro.
‘Firaaq’ features a supremely talented cast such as Naseeruddin Shah, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Shahana Goswami, Deepti Naval, Sanjay Suri, Nassar, Raghubir Yadav, and Tisca Chopra, in the lead roles.
36. Nail Polish (2021)
Contrary to the film’s title, ‘Nail Polish‘ is an underrated and hard-hitting courtroom drama with Arjun Rampal and Manav Kaul in the lead roles, and Anand Tiwari in a prominent role.
The film follows the case of a former army officer (Manav Kaul) when he is accused of killing migrant children. A high-profile lawyer (Arjun Rampal) steps in to defend the accused. Is the alleged killer as sinister as his associate claims to be? Or there is more to the mystery than meets the eye? The film’s riveting climax will take you off guard.
35. Parichay (1972)
Somewhat inspired by ‘The Sound of Music’, the film follows the story of an unemployed man (Jeetendra), who accepts the seemingly straightforward job of teaching five children, who live under the guardianship of their strict and wealthy grandfather.
The rest of the film centers around the teacher’s relationship with these spoiled children and how he dramatically transforms them. The film also featured Jaya Bachchan and Pran in significant roles. It was directed by Gulzar.
34. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994)
A renowned 90s blockbuster featuring one of the ruling Khans of Bollywood – Salman Khan, who was paired opposite the elegant Madhuri Dixit in this family extravaganza.
With a plot reminiscent of ‘Nadiya Ke Paar’, the story follows the lead pair, who fall in love during the grand Indian wedding of their respective siblings. However, their short-lived romance is interrupted after an unfortunate incident. The film eventually went on to win the coveted National Film Award.
33. Virasat (1997)
Another Priyadarshan film on this list. When an educated man (Anil Kapoor) returns to his native town, he finds it difficult to adjust to the rugged lifestyle in a place brimming with animosity and belligerence.
However, his life suddenly takes a U-turn when his father (Amrish Puri) dies, leaving him at the helm of his familial and business affairs. He takes up the challenge in an attempt to continue his father’s legacy. During the process, he must make some selfless sacrifices.
32. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)
It’s an adeptly executed love triangle featuring Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Kriti Sanon and directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.
The film follows a freethinking girl, who falls for an author of a book called ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ that she had read. However, finding the book’s author proves to be an arduous task so she takes the help of a man called Chirag Dubey – incidentally, the original author of the book. The film also has Pankaj Tripathi and Seema Bhargava in supporting roles.
31. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ was Mansoor Khan’s directorial debut and the film that catapulted Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla into their subsequent stardom. The film is set amidst the backdrop of an inter-family enmity. The plotline follows a young man from one family, who falls in love with a woman of the rival family. Eventually, the lovers elope, albeit, with a devastating outcome.
30. Kaagaz (2021)
Helmed by old-hand filmmaker Satish Kaushik, this comedy-drama is a film based on the real-life story of a common man (played by Pankaj Tripathi), who is somehow wrongly declared dead on government records. His subsequent endeavors to prove that he is alive, forms the rest of the story.
29. Woh 7 Din (1983)
A heart-rending love triangle featuring Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, and Padmini Kolhapure in the lead roles. The story is about a poor woman who unwillingly marries a well-to-do doctor. When the doctor finds out that his wife actually loves an aspiring musician, he decides to reunite the lovers. Reminiscent of a splendid Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, isn’t it?
28. Trapped (2016)
This rare Bollywood survival thriller revolves around a call-center employee (played by Rajkumar Rao). One day, he gets accidentally trapped inside a flat, which is located within an empty apartment complex.
He is forced to survive without any basic amenities and contact with the outside world. His desperate attempts to stay alive despite all odds, forms the rest of the story. The movie was directed by Vikramaditya Motwane.
27. Madaari (2016)
When a common man (Irrfan Khan) loses his son in an accident he believes is caused by corruption, he kidnaps the home minister’s son to exact revenge and get justice. The film, helmed by Nishikant Kamat, was blessed with one of the finest performances by Irrfan Khan. The film also dealt with the concept of Stockholm syndrome (between Irrfan Khan and the boy he kidnaps).
26. Rakta Charitra (2010)
Helmed by Ram Gopal Varma, ‘Rakta Charitra’ is a riveting political drama that narrates the story of former politician Paritala Ravindra (played by the underrated actor Vivek Oberoi).
The film revolves around how he avenges his father’s death and eventually contests an election. Besides Vivek Oberoi, the film features an ensemble cast including Shatrughan Sinha, Sudeep, Radhika Apte, Abhimanyu Singh, Sushant Singh, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Darshan Jariwala, etc. The film’s sequel was released in the same year.
25. Hotel Mumbai (2018)
‘Hotel Mumbai is based on the true events of the 2008 terrorist attacks at the Taj hotel in Mumbai. It follows the story of the brave endeavors of the hotel staff in order to keep the people inside the hotel safe from terrorists. The film featured acclaimed actors like Anupam Kher, Dev Patel and Armie Hammer in prominent roles.
24. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
This was the sequel to the Aanand L. Rai’s 2011 film ‘Tanu Weds Manu’. The skillfully crafted film centers around the dysfunctional marriage of the titular characters (played by Madhavan and Kangana Ranaut), who are on the verge of getting a divorce.
Things get more complicated when Manu starts to get attracted to his wife’s lookalike, leading to an engrossing laugh riot. The film also features a first-rate supporting cast including Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar, and Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, amongst others.
23. Raanjhanaa (2013)
‘Raanjhana’ was the Bollywood debut of the proficient actor Dhanush and was helmed by Aanand L. Rai. The storyline is about a Brahmin boy’s (Dhanush) incessant attempts to woo a Muslim girl (Sonam Kapoor) he is madly in love with since his childhood.
He plays spoilsport after feeling betrayed upon learning that the girl is marrying a Sikh boy (Abhay Deol). This leads to a further rift between them. The film boasted an ensemble supporting cast of the likes of Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Swara Bhaskar, Kumud Mishra and Vipin Sharma.
22. Matrubhoomi (2003)
This hard-hitting film throws some light on the sensitive issues of female infanticide and female foeticide and the consequent chilling repercussions in a disturbing, alternate future. The film portrays a hypothetical situation in a village suffering from critical gender imbalance leading to disastrous and hair-raising consequences.
21. Rockstar (2011)
Imtiaz Ali’s directorial venture follows the protagonist’s journey from being a simple college Jat boy named Janardhan Jakhar to becoming a rockstar called Jordan.
Initially using heartbreak from a pretty Stephanian girl (Nargis Fakhri) as his inspiration, his story later takes some interesting turns. While the film generally received positive reviews, Ranbir Kapoor’s intense performance was said to be the movie’s highlight. Another strong point of the film was its mellifluous soundtrack.
20. Sehar (2005)
The criminally underrated film ‘Sehar’ revolves around a young and honest cop (Arshad Warsi) and how he deals with organized crime in Uttar Pradesh under the Special Task Force.
The film chronicles his confrontation with a politically connected criminal called Gajraj Singh. The criminal uses modern technology to escape the police. However, the cop finds a way to counter him with a professor’s help. Arshad Warsi’s performance in the film was commendable. The film also featured the likes of Pankaj Kapur, Mahima Chaudhry, and Sushant Singh.
19. Trishul (1978)
Written by celebrated writers Salim-Javed and directed by Yash Chopra, ‘Trishul’ is a revenge drama that revolves around an illegitimate son (played by Amitabh Bachchan), who holds his father (played by Sanjeev Kumar) responsible for their condition.
After his mother’s demise, he vows to destroy his father’s business empire along with his father’s personal life. The blockbuster multi-starrer also featured Shashi Kapoor and Rakhi in important supporting roles.
18. Shakti (1982)
‘Shakti’ was Ramesh Sippy’s next directorial project after the two cult films ‘Sholay’ and ‘Shaan’. The film featured two legendary actors of that time. They were Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan in the roles of a father and a son on the opposite sides of the law.
In the story, when the son gets kidnapped, he learns that his cop father is willing to sacrifice him in the name of his duty. He is rescued but his feeling of growing hatred against his father pushes him in the wrong direction. Interestingly, both the celebrated actors were nominated for Filmfare Awards for the Best Actor category, which was eventually won by Dilip Kumar.
17. Aligarh (2015)
Based on true events, the film features Manoj Bajpayee as a professor at the Aligarh Muslim University. After a sting operation that exposes his sexual orientation, the professor gets suspended from his job and loses his university house. A journalist (Rajkumar Rao) approaches the professor and tries to get him his job back. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance had won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics) for the film.
16. English Vinglish (2012)
A simple and sweet homemaker (played by Sridevi) is often looked down upon by her own family for her flawed English accent. During her visit to a wedding function in America, she gets a chance to fulfill her latent desire to learn to speak in English.
Whether circumstances allow her to achieve this little dream is what comprises the film’s basic premise. Directed by Gauri Shinde, it’s a compelling drama with a fantastic lead performance by Sridevi and, ironically, effectively supported by a wonderful cast.
15. Mr. India (1987)
‘Mr. India’ is one of the rare Indian superhero films done right. Helmed by Shekhar Kapur, the film revolves around a good-hearted man (Anil Kapoor) who looks after orphaned children, despite his limited means.
Their well-being is threatened by an international criminal called Mogambo (Amrish Puri). When the protagonist discovers a gadget that makes him invisible, he uses his power to confront the formidable adversary Mogambo and becomes the common man’s savior. The film also starred Sridevi, Annu Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, and Aftab Shivdasani (as a child actor), amongst others.
14. Jab We Met (2007)
A dejected businessman’s (Shahid Kapoor) life suddenly takes an upward turn when he meets a vivacious and extremely positive woman (Kareena Kapoor). However, tables turn soon, as the now successful businessman must motivate the same woman who is depressed after being let down by her boyfriend. The Imtiaz Ali film was praised for its direction and lead performances.
13. Company (2002)
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the film revolves around a small-time criminal (played by Vivek Oberoi) who joins hands with an astute gang leader (played by Ajay Devgn). However, circumstances drift them apart and their friendship soon turns into a ruthless gang war.
RGV’s films ‘Satya’ and ‘Company’ were cited by ‘Trainspotting’ director Danny Boyle as an inspiration behind his Academy Award-winning ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ for their “slick, often mesmerizing portrayals of the Mumbai underworld, their display of brutality and urban violence, and their gritty realism”.
12. Ugly (2013)
A dark, crime drama that revolves around the kidnapping of a ten-year-old girl of a divorced couple (played by Rahul Bhat and Tejaswini Kolhapure).
The film starts off with the girl getting kidnapped from her biological father’s car, who is a struggling actor. The kidnapping case is investigated by the girl’s stepfather (Ronit Roy). In a race against time to find the missing girl, the character’s darker sides are revealed during the investigation. Helmed by Anurag Kashyap, the film also features Vineet Kumar Singh in an interesting role.
11. Mukkabaaz (2017)
An Anurag Kashyap directorial, this sports film is the epitome of his ingenious style of filmmaking. The film chronicles the story of an aspiring boxer (Vineet Kumar Singh) who comes in the bad books of the boxing federation head (Jimmy Sheirgill).
On top of that, the boxer falls in love with the federation head’s niece, which further aggravates their animosity. The only way he could get his lover back is by going back into the ring. Undoubtedly one of the best boxing films made in India.
10. Haider (2014)
Another modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Hamlet’ helmed by Vishal Bhardwaj. When a young student (Shahid Kapoor) learns about his father’s disappearance, he returns home to Kashmir.
But his mother’s (Tabu) strange proximity with his uncle (Kay Kay Menon) upsets him. After a mysterious man (Irrfan Khan) informs him that his uncle is responsible for his father’s murder, he sets out to avenge his death.
9. Sonchiriya (2019)
Set in the Chambal valley during the 1970s, the film revolves around a gang of dacoits (played by Manoj Bajpayee, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ranvir Shorey).
After the gang leader gets killed, the remaining gang members are on the run from the cops. During this time, they come across a brutally assaulted girl called Sonchiriya and decide to help her. The film was critically acclaimed, particularly for its intense lead performances.
8. Deewaar (1975)
The film revolves around the story of a poor mother (Nirupa Roy) and her two sons. The elder son (Amitabh Bachchan) takes the criminal route to become rich while the younger one becomes a cop (Shashi Kapoor).
“Deewar’ was adeptly directed by Yash Chopra and beautifully written by the eminent duo Salim-Javed. Even today, the film’s famous dialogue “Mere paas maa hai” (I have Mother with me) is still remembered by many.
7. Iqbal (2005)
The inspiring sports drama follows an aspiring cricketer (Shreyas Talpade), who is deaf and mute. He lives in a remote Indian village. Besides helping his farmer father during the day, he secretly starts training under an alcoholic ex-cricketer (Naseeruddin Shah) at night.
While navigating through cricket club politics and dubious sports agents, he dreams of wearing the coveted blue Indian cricket uniform one day. The film was beautifully directed by Nagesh Kukunoor with spellbinding performances.
6. Omkara (2006)
The film is Vishal Bhardwaj’s take on William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello. The story starts off with a gangster called Omkara (Ajay Devgn) choosing the upper-class and educated Keshav (Vivek Oberoi) over his close aide Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) to be the next Baahubali.
Consequently, an irked and jealous Langda Tyagi tries to create a rift between Omkara and his lover Dolly (Kareena Kapoor). The Award-winning film also featured Naseeruddin Shah, Konkana Sen Sharma, Bipasha Basu, Deepak Dobriyal, and Pankaj Tripathi.
5. Anjali (1990)
‘Anjali’ is one of the earlier gems directed by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam. The underappreciated film is a sensitive portrayal of a mentally disabled child, who is also the film’s two-year-old titular character.
When a woman (Revathi) learns that the supposedly stillborn child she gave birth to, two years back, is actually alive but mentally ill, she decides to bring her home. The critically acclaimed film eventually won three National Film Awards. The film also featured Raghuvaran and the titular child actor Shamili, amongst others. Please keep a tissue box handy while watching this tear-jerker.
4. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
The epic period film narrates the love story of Prince Salim (played by Dilip Kumar) and a beautiful dancer (played by Madhubala). Their romantic relationship faces resistance from the prince’s father – the Mughal Emperor Akbar (played by Prithviraj Kapoor). The film went on to become a humongous critical and commercial success and regarded as the benchmark in Indian cinema.
3. Roja (1992)
When the husband (Arvind Swami) of a simple but strong-willed South Indian woman (Madhoo) gets kidnapped in Kashmir by militants (led by Pankaj Kapur), his wife makes extraordinary efforts to get him free. Another marvel from virtuoso filmmaker Mani Ratnam and beautifully shot by eminent cinematographer Santosh Sivan.
2. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
Undoubtedly, this Mansoor Khan’s film is one of the best sports dramas of Indian cinema. The film revolves around a father’s (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) dream to see his elder son (Mamik Singh) win the prestigious inter-college cycle race.
When the arrogant brat (Deepak Tijori) defeats him, the younger son (Aamir Khan) takes charge and challenges the reigning champion. The film was praised for its lead performances, evergreen songs, and crisp direction.
1. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
Aditya Dhar directed this intriguing war-action drama that was based on retaliation to the abominable attack on the Uri Army base camp in Kashmir.
‘Uri’ revolves around how the surgical strikes against militant launch pads were planned and executed. The film chronicles the covert operation that was carried out by the Indian Military. The film’s cast includes Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Mohit Raina, Rajit Kapoor, Yami Gautam, and Kirti Kulhari.
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