Family films have lost the charm and popularity that they gained over the years in the Bollywood industry, recently after the rise of OTT, finding family Friendly web Series or Movies is a big task.
While the industry saw some of the best family movies during the 90s and 2000s, the trend is slowly diminishing in the industry, thanks to action-packed masala movies and adult comedy movies.
I still remember those days when I used to go to movies with the whole family and we used to have so much fun just to spend a gala time during the movie. In context with the Indian standards, there were many films produced in the family-friendly movie genre during that era.
Today, I am planning to share some of my favorite family Friendly Hindi films, some of which I have watched with my family and some I wish to.
List of Best Family-Friendly Bollywood Movies
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Taare Zameen Par is one of the best films I have watched to date. You can only expect brilliance and nothing else when Aamir Khan, the Mr. Perfectionist takes over the direction.
This film tells the story of a dyslexic young boy, who is often demeaned and tagged as dumb until he is noticed by the new art teacher, played by Aamir Khan himself. It’s a beautiful and inspirational movie as well as a must-watch for everyone.
OMG – Oh My God! (2012)
OMG – Oh My God! is a 2012 satirical comedy film directed by Umesh Shukla. The film is actually based on a Gujarati play Kanji Virudh Kanji as well as the Australian film The Man Who Sued God.
The film stars Paresh Rawal in the lead role of Kanji, whereas Akshay Kumar plays Lord Krishna. The film exploits the unethical traits of the so-called Godmen in the country and tries to send a message to the people of India.
To understand the message, I urge everyone to watch the film, if you haven’t yet.
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)
The list of best family Friendly Movies would be incomplete without the Munna Bhai series. In the year 2003, Rajkumar Hirani introduced us to Munna Bhai and Circuit with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
The film is actually based on the 1998 English movie Patch Adams. The film tells the story of a kind-hearted goon Munna Bhai, played by Sanjay Dutt, who gets admission into a medical school run by Dr. Asthana, played by Boman Irani. From there, a series of comedy and a laughter ride begins.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai is the second installment in the Munna Bhai series. Both Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi reprised their roles as Munna Bhai and Circuit respectively in the film.
Although the second film in the series, Lage Raho Munna Bhai isn’t a sequel to the first film and instead follows a completely new storyline.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai tells the story of Munna Bhai, who starts seeing the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and adopts his philosophy of Gandhism with a pinch of Munna Bhai essence and calls in Gandhigiri. The film also stars Vidya Balan and Boman Irani in important roles.
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)
Although India’s No.1 romantic film of all time, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was loved by people from all generation and become one of the best family movies in the Bollywood industry.
The film made Shah Rukh Khan a star overnight and also gave us the hit pair of SRK and Kajol, which was destined to make history in the industry with 100% success rate with several romantic films over the years. The film also marked as the directorial debut for Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra’s son.
Chupke Chupke (1975)
The list of great family movies can’t be complete without a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film. Hence, we have the 1975 Indian comedy film Chupke Chupke.
The film stars Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore in the lead roles, whereas Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, and others play important roles in the supporting cast.
The film was released in the same year just before the pair of Amitabh and Dharmendra became popular as Jai and Veeru with Sholay. However, Chupke Chupke gets the credit for pairing the two superstars together and displaying their comical chemistry with one another.
Also Read: Best Comedy Movies of Bollywood Ever
Bumm Bumm Bole (2010)
After Taare Zameen Par, Darsheel Safari starred in yet another children’s film titled Bumm Bumm Bole. The film was an official remake of the 1997 Iranian film Children of Heaven which was even nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language category.
Alongside Darsheel Safary, the film also stars Atul Kulkarni, Rituparna Sengupta, and newcomer Ziyah Vastani. The film is directed by the legendary Priyadarshan.
Khosla ka Ghosla (2006)
Not all films in Bollywood require stars for success. There are many films like the 2006 comedy drama Khosla ka Ghosla that gained popularity and success at the box office merely because of the acting performances and great story.
Directed by Dibaker Banerjee, the film features Anupam Kher and Boman Irani in the lead roles and as rivals. The film also pleased the critics and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 2006.
Iqbal (2005)
Iqbal is a coming-of-age Hindi film based on the most popular sport in India. The film tells a story about a deaf and mute young boy who aspires to become a fast bowler and get selected in the Indian Cricket Team against his father’s wishes.
The film is directed by one of the most versatile and talented Nagesh Kukunoor and stars Shreyas Talpade in the titular role as Iqbal. The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, Shweta Prasad, Yatin Karyekar, and Prateeksha Lonkar in pivotal roles.
Also Read: Best Bollywood Movies on Cricket
Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
After a long time, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh were paired together in the 2010 Hindi comedy-drama film Do Dooni Chaar directed by Habib Faisal and produced by Arindam Chaudhuri.
The film tells the story of a middle-class family who dreams of buying a car amidst inflationary times. It’s a must-watch film as it represents the typical urban Indian middle-class family.
English Vinglish (2012)
English Vinglish marks the comeback of Sri Devi in Bollywood after 15 long years. Directed by Gauri Shinde, the film follows the story of an Indian housewife who visits New York to attend her niece’s wedding.
While there, she gets enrolled in an English-speaking course to stop her husband and daughter mocking her lack of English-speaking skills. The film is a must-watch for everyone in order to realize the efforts that Indian housewives put into the care and nurture of a family and the respect they deserve.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! is considered one of the most successful films at the Indian Box Office after adjusting inflation.
The film also happens to be one of the most-watched family films of all time. Produced under the Rajshri banner, the film is directed by Sooraj Barjatya and stars Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles.
Vivah (2006)
Another Rajshri film that makes it to our list is the 2006 Indian romantic film Vivah. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film tells the story of two individuals describing their journey from engagement to eventually their Vivah (marriage).
The film stars Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao in the lead roles, whereas Anupam Kher, Alok Nath, Seema Biswas, Samir Soni, Lata Sabharwal, Amrita Prakash, and Manoj Joshi in important roles.
Jab We Met (2007)
Jab We Met is an interesting love story starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film tells the story of a free-living Punjabi girl Geet, played by Kareena Kapoor, who misses her train to Delhi after she bumps into a depressed Mumbai businessman, played by Shahid Kapoor.
From there, a beautiful friendship between the two begins and eventually turns into love.
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge (2010)
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge is a Hindi comedy film starring Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal, and Konkana Sen Sharma. Directed by Ashwni Dhir, the film tells the story of a couple living in Mumbai, who get a visit from an unknown paternal uncle Lambodhar, and a series of comical errors begin in their life.
Lagaan (2001)
Lagaan is an Indian historical sports drama written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film tells the story of Victorian-era India under the British Raj and focuses on a Cricket match played between the villagers and British officers.
The film stars Aamir Khan in the lead role, whereas Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Paul Blackthorne play the supporting roles.
The film was also nominated at the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category, a feat achieved only twice by Indian films prior to Lagaan.
Tanu Weds Manu (2011)
Tanu Weds Manu is a Hindi romantic drama film directed by Anand L. Rai. Tanu Weds Manu tells the story of a strangely opposite couple and their budding love story throughout the film.
The film stars R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut, and Jimmy Shergill in the lead roles. Owing to the popularity of the film, a sequel to Tanu Weds Manu was released in 2015. Just like the first film, the sequel also performed well at the Box Office and the audience loved the film.
Chillar Party (2011)
Children’s films are the best to watch with family as the kids are entertained and glued to the screen and the parents can spend good family time without much disturbance.
One such film is Chillar Party directed by Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl. The film tells the story of a bunch of kids living in Chandan Nagar Society and their fight against the big bad world of politics. The film also features an item number starring Ranbir Kapoor.
Also Read: Films About kids or for Kids
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham contains emotional drama that takes the audience to a completely new world of love and affection.
The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and Jaya Bachchan in important roles. Directed by Karan Johar, the film takes you on an emotional ride within a family that is separated and then united forever.
3 Idiots (2009)
3 Idiots is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film based on the novel Five Point Someone authored by Chetan Bhagat. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film focuses on the education system in India and tries to convey the message stating that practical knowledge is much more important than theoretical and most importantly one should follow their passion for success instead of the herd.
The film stars Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles, whereas the supporting cast includes Boman Irani, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Omi Vaidya, and Parikshit Sahni.
Gol Maal (1979)
Gol Maal is one of the best old Classic Bollywood films directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The film is about a young man, who dons a Gandhian look to please his boss for a job, however gets tangled into living a dual life when the boss catches him watching a hockey game at the stadium.
From there, a series of comical errors begin resulting in a lot of Gol Maal (chaos) throughout the film.
The film stars Amol Palekar in the lead role, whereas Utpal Dutt and Bindiya Goswami play supporting characters.
Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999)
Hum Saath Saath Hain makes the third Rajshri film on our list as Rajshri Productions is known to make films that are meant for families to watch together.
The film features an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Karishma Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, and Mohnish Behl in main roles, whereas Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo, Neelam Kothari, and others play important characters in the film.
Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film tries to tell the story of Ramayana from the perspective of a modern world.
Your Turn!
Share, Your favorite Hindi Family Friendly Films from the list or you can add some more Movies that you can watch with the Whole Family.
