Focus: Top Indian Movies, Past 25 Years

Recently, we came across the Top Indian Movies List for the past 25 years. These Indian films were released each year between January 1, 2000, and August 31, 2025.

Best & Top Indian Movies In The Last 25 Years

The List: Top Indian Movies (130 Films from 2000 to 2025) in FOCUS

Also, it is worth noting that in this list, the majority of the Top Indian Movies are in Hindi. However, in recent years, we have been witnessing the steady rise of movies originating from the Southern states of India. Also, if one takes a closer look at the following list of the Top Indian Movies, one could witness the fall of the Hindi movie industry. Moreover, we witness the rise of the South Indian movie industry in this Top Indian Movie list. Notably, the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has shared the list of 130 Top Indian Movies (Best 5 from each year) belonging to different regions, languages, genre, etc.

2000

Hera Pheri

Recommended by FM Team

2001

Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, & Monsoon Wedding

Recommended by FM Team

2002

Company, & Saathiya

Recommended by FM Team

2003

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.

[Recommended by FM Team]

2004

Swades, & Lakshaya

Recommended by FM Team

2005

Sarkar, & Ghajini

Recommended by FM Team

2006

Rang De Basanti

[Recommended by FM Team]

2007

Taare Zameen Par, Chak De! India, & Jab We Met

Recommended by FM Team

2008

A Wednesday, & Jodhaa Akbar

[Recommended by FM Team]

2009

3 Idiots

Recommended by FM Team

2010

Udaan

[Recommended by FM Team]

2011

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, & Rockstar

Recommended by FM Team

2012

Gangs of Wasseypur

Recommended by FM Team

2013

The Lunchbox

[Recommended by FM Team]

2014

Haider, & 1: Nenokkadine

Recommended by FM Team

2015

Bahubali: The Beginning

[Recommended by FM Team]

2016

Dangal

Recommended by FM Team

2017

Bahubali: The Conclusion

Recommended by FM Team

2018

K.G.F.: Chapter 1, Tumbbad, & Andhadhun

[Recommended by FM Team]

2019

Gully Boy

Recommended by FM Team

2020

Soorarai Pottru

Recommended by FM Team

2021

Jai Bhim [Recommended by FM Team]

We recommend that you all watch this great legal drama movie because of the realistic subject matter, well-written script, and captivating acting by both Lijo Mol Jose and Suriya. It was released on Prime Video in November 2021, and then it received universal acclaim from critics in India.

Jai Bhim | Movie Review in FM

2022

K.G.F.: Chapter 2 [Recommended by FM Team]

If you wish to have a sumptuous meal of full-course South Indian masala movies, then watch both KGF: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. Like us, the masses adored the famous lines in these movies (dhansu-dialogue-baazi, as we say in India) and the unbelievable action sequences shot by their stars. As a bonus, of course, these movies have mandatory romance plus usual song-and-dance numbers.

K.G.F.: Chapter 2 | Movie Review in FM

2023

12th Fail [Recommended by FM Team]

The 12th Fail movie is an inspiring film from India. We found this real-life story about the proverbial dark horse emerging as the champion to be emotionally moving and heart-touching. Under normal circumstances, we do not expect the 12th-fail students, especially from Hindi-medium schools in rural areas, to aspire to become high-profile and prestigious civil servants in India.

12th Fail | Movie Review in FM

2024

Maharaja & Stree 2 [Recommended by FM Team]

[Read the FM Movie Reviews of Jai Bhim, Jawan, 12th Fail, Leo, Stree 2, Maharaja and others in our Focus Magazine.]

We loved his screenplay and film direction by Nithilan Saminathan. No doubt, the screenplay is the real winner in this mystery and suspense-filled movie. The police (as well as the audience) spent the better part of the movie finding out the truth about the missing “Lakshmi” and understanding the single-minded focus of “Maharaja” (Vijay Sethupathi) to find the criminal elements.

Maharaja | Movie Review in FM

2025

Conclusion

After going through the above Top Indian Movies list, one could say that in the first two decades, the Hindi Movie Industry (in Mumbai) was regularly churning out very good quality movies. However, after 2020, there has been a marked decline in their merit and standards. Maybe the censorship (self and CBFC) of their creativity is to blame. Also, quite a few filmmakers are choosing the freedom of (almost) censor-free long-form storytelling on the OTT platforms in India.

Meanwhile, the Southern Movie industries (of India) are taking huge strides with their top-class films. Maybe, they can make movies freely, devoid of any interference from the political ideological leanings and thought censorships in the other parts of India. A food for thought, perhaps. And that concludes the Top Indian Movies List Past 25 Years article.

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[Lastly, check out the YouTube link to the Mahavatar Narsimha | Official Trailer | Netflix India.]

Featured Image of the Top Indian Movies List Past 25 Years | Pictures Credit: Canva.com & IMDb.