Bollywood and romance are two terms that are practically inseparable. For decades, Indian cinema has been the global torchbearer for epic love stories, blending soulful music, breathtaking visuals, and high-octane emotions into a genre that defines a culture. From the black-and-white era of poetic yearning to the modern age of “situationships” and complex urban love, Bollywood has explored every facet of the human heart.
In this definitive guide, we take a deep dive into the best romantic Bollywood movies of all time. Whether you are looking for a tear-jerker, a feel-good rom-com, or a historical epic, this list covers the cinematic masterpieces that have shaped generations.
1. The Golden Era: Where Romance Was Poetic
Before the Swiss Alps became a staple, Bollywood romance was rooted in intense dialogues and symbolic storytelling.
Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
No list of romantic movies is complete without K. Asif’s magnum opus. It tells the tragic tale of Prince Salim and the court dancer Anarkali.3 Their love defied the might of an Emperor, giving us the immortal line, “Pyaar kiya toh darna kya” (Why fear when in love?). The film’s grandeur and Madhubala’s ethereal beauty remain unmatched even 60 years later.
Pyaasa (1957)
Directed by and starring Guru Dutt, Pyaasa is a soulful exploration of love, rejection, and the materialistic nature of society.4 It’s a movie for the thinkers—the ones who find romance in poetry and the quiet sacrifices of a selfless heart.
2. The 90s Revolution: The Birth of the “Rahul & Raj” Era
The 1990s redefined romance by mixing traditional Indian values with a modern, youthful spirit.5 This was the decade that gave us the “King of Romance,” Shah Rukh Khan.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Affectionately known as DDLJ, this isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon.6 Raj and Simran’s journey from a Eurail trip to the mustard fields of Punjab set the gold standard for Bollywood romance.7 It taught a generation that “the brave-hearted take the bride,” but only with the family’s blessing.8
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Karan Johar’s debut film introduced us to the idea that “Pyaar dosti hai” (Love is friendship). The love triangle between Rahul, Anjali, and Tina, set against a vibrant college backdrop, made friendship bands and GAP hoodies a national craze. It remains one of the most re-watchable films for anyone who has ever fallen for their best friend.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
If you want to see romance woven into the fabric of a big Indian family, this is it. The playful flirting between Prem (Salman Khan) and Nisha (Madhuri Dixit) amidst weddings and family functions captured the heart of middle-class India like no other film.
3. The Modern Classics: Love in the 21st Century
As we moved into the 2000s, filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali and Yash Chopra (in his later years) began exploring love through a more nuanced, often realistic lens.
Veer-Zaara (2004)
A cross-border epic that proves love knows no boundaries.9 The story of an Indian Air Force officer, Veer, and a Pakistani woman, Zaara, who spend 22 years apart yet remain devoted to each other, is a masterclass in the “sacrifice” trope of romance.10
Jab We Met (2007)
Geet is perhaps the most iconic female lead in modern Bollywood history. Her “main apni favourite hoon” (I am my own favorite) attitude breathed new life into the genre. The film’s transition from a bubbly road trip to a mature exploration of heartbreak and healing makes it a timeless favorite.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Bunny and Naina represent the conflict of the modern generation: the choice between chasing dreams and choosing love. With its spectacular music and relatable themes of growth and wanderlust, it has become the definitive “coming-of-age” romance for millennials.
4. Intense and Tragic Love Stories
Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that break your heart. These films are for the days when you want to feel the raw, unfiltered intensity of passion.
Devdas (2002)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s visual spectacle is a haunting portrayal of unrequited love and self-destruction. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of the alcoholic lover, flanked by the grace of Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, is cinematic poetry at its most tragic.
Aashiqui 2 (2013)
A modern-day musical tragedy, this film focuses on the relationship between a failing superstar and a rising talent. It explores how love can coexist with addiction and the heavy price of fame. The soundtrack, particularly “Tum Hi Ho,” became the anthem of lovers across the country.
Rockstar (2011)
Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar is less of a movie and more of an experience. It depicts love as a catalyst for pain, which in turn fuels art. Ranbir Kapoor’s performance as Jordan is legendary, showing that sometimes, love doesn’t complete you—it consumes you.
5. Romantic Comedies & Feel-Good Picks
If you’re looking for something lighthearted for a date night, these movies offer the perfect blend of humor and heart.
- Hum Tum (2004):11 A clever “battle of the sexes” story that follows two people who keep meeting over a decade.
- Band Baaja Baaraat (2010):12 Set in the world of Delhi wedding planners, this film is high-energy, funny, and features explosive chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma.13
- Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017):14 A charming small-town love triangle that feels grounded, witty, and incredibly sweet.
Top 10 Best Romantic Bollywood Movies (At a Glance)
| Movie Title | Year | Lead Actors | Key Theme |
| Mughal-E-Azam | 1960 | Dilip Kumar, Madhubala | Forbidden, Epic Love |
| DDLJ | 1995 | Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol | Family & Tradition |
| Dil To Pagal Hai | 1997 | SRK, Madhuri, Karisma | Musical Destiny |
| Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | 1998 | SRK, Kajol, Rani | Friendship to Love |
| Devdas | 2002 | SRK, Aishwarya Rai | Tragic Obsession |
| Veer-Zaara | 2004 | SRK, Preity Zinta | Sacrifice & Borders |
| Jab We Met | 2007 | Shahid Kapoor, Kareena | Self-Discovery |
| Rockstar | 2011 | Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis | Passion & Pain |
| Barfi! | 2012 | Ranbir, Priyanka, Ileana | Silent, Pure Love |
| YJHD | 2013 | Ranbir, Deepika | Modern Ambition |
Why Do Bollywood Romantic Movies Resonate So Deeply?
The “Bollywood style” of romance works because it doesn’t shy away from being “extra.” It understands that love is often a grand, life-altering event.
- The Music: A romantic Bollywood film is nothing without its songs. The music expresses what the characters cannot say, turning a simple scene into an emotional core memory.
- The Visuals: Whether it’s the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland or the vibrant ghats of Varanasi, these movies take us on a visual vacation.
- The Emotional Quotient: Bollywood movies often involve the family. This adds a layer of complexity—love isn’t just about two people; it’s about the world they inhabit.
Recent Trends: What’s New in 2025-2026?
In recent years, we’ve seen a shift toward “realism.” Movies like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and the record-breaking Saiyaara (2025) have shown that audiences still crave the “old-school” magic but with a more progressive outlook on gender roles and societal expectations.
Saiyaara, specifically, has redefined the box office for the romantic genre, proving that a well-told love story with great music still has the power to draw millions to the theaters, even in the age of action-packed blockbusters.15
Conclusion
From the legendary chemistry of Raj Kapoor and Nargis to the modern-day brilliance of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, Bollywood has always been the home of the heart.16 The best romantic Bollywood movies are more than just films—they are lessons in empathy, resilience, and the belief that no matter how hard life gets, love usually finds a way.17
So, grab some popcorn, keep the tissues handy, and dive into the magical world of Indian romance.
