1. Mother India (1957)
The movie that showcased Nargis, Sunil Dutt & Rajendra Kumar was nominated at the Academy Awards. You must know that to date only 3 Bollywood movies have been nominated for this category. The film known for its cultural & patriotic significance is one of the classic Bollywood movies ever made.
2. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
The movie showcasing Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Prithviraj Kapoor was one of the most affluent movies at that time. This love tale to date holds noteworthy importance in Hindi cinema & old Hindi movies.
3. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
This movie based on a novel was highly appreciated by the spectators and critics. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam made it the TIME magazine's 'All-Time Best 100 Movies' list.
4. Waqt (1965)
A movie based on a family drama, Waqt had a completely different story-line to that of the nationalistic movies of the 1960's one of the greatest Bollywood films of all time. The movie directed by the supremely talented late Yash Chopra was a thorough entertainer and is known for some remarkable performances by actors like Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor & Balraj Sahni.
5. Guide (1965)
Termed by TIME magazine in the list of “Best Bollywood Classics”, 'Guide' was the rising point in Dev Anand's career. The movie was made both in English and Hindi and the English version was premiered in 2007 for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival.
6. Bobby (1973)
The teenage love genre in Bollywood was first introduced by this movie. The debut film of both Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, the film was appreciated both by the critics and audiences.
7. Garm Hawa (1973)
The movie that focused on the post-partition period, brought to light many relatable events in Indian history, one of them being the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
8. Sholay (1975)
Sholay belongs to the ultimate list of iconic old Bollywood movies. Besides being one of the highest gross earning films of all time, Sholay ran in theatres for five years!
9. Aandhi (1975)
An administrative drama supposed to have been based around the life of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Aandhione of the classic Bollywood film was praised not only for its brave and fascinating story but also career's best presentation by Suchitra Sen.
10. Golmaal (1979)
This light-hearted comedy entertainer is still well-known for its fascinating screenplay and remarkable performances.
11. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)
Two photographers, who are employed by a newspaper editor to expose the scandalous activities of the rich, come across corruption by a builder and accidentally photographed a murder.
This movie that focused upon the widespread corruption in Indian politics connected with the audiences and won hearts, despite having any big Bollywood stars.
12. Masoom (1983)
An adaptation of Erich Segal's novel 'Man, Woman, and Child, this debut film of Shekhar Kapur the movie went on to win many awards and was one of the best films of its time.
13. Saraansh (1984)
The debut of actor Anupam Kher, who played a 60-year old retired headmaster, discovered the lonesomeness of Kher and his wife (played by Rohini Hattangadi) after the departure of their only son.
14. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
A modern version of William Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet,' 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' one of the good Bollywood movies that featured relative strangers Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla, who became heroes instantly.
15. Bandit Queen (1994)
An important & one of the most controversial film’s in Shekhar Kapoor’s career, 'Bandit Queen' is a courageous, influential biopic on Phoolan Devi, an Indian dacoit-turned-politician.
16. Hum Aapke Hai Koun...! (1994)
Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, Hum Aapke Hai Koun became a standard for family dramas to come.
17. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
This characteristic love story starring the timeless couple Shahrukh Khan and Kajol redrafted the rules of romance in Hindi cinema.
18. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
This romantic comedy, directed by then-newcomer Farhan Akhtar, was a revitalizing, truthful take on bond and affection.
19. Lagaan (2001)
Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, this epic sports drama not only established universal praise but also went on to get chosen for an Academy Award (Best Foreign Language film category).
20. Swades (2004)
The first and the only Indian movie who had the privilege to get shot inside the NASA Research center, Swades was based on the real-life story of an NRI couple.