10 soothing Bollywood movies to watch when you’re having a bad day: ‘Jab We Met’, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani’

Movies have the unique ability to deeply affect our emotions and provide comfort during difficult times. These comfort films are like a familiar hug, providing comfort and joy when you need it most. Whether it’s the nostalgia of childhood favorites or the reassurance of beloved characters, these movies can be a reliable source of happiness. They hold a special place in our hearts, acting as a cinematic refuge in our down moments, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling to uplift and inspire. I’ll give it to you. Here are some movies to watch on a bad day.

List of feel-good Bollywood movies to lift your spirits

1. Rocky Oru Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2023)

• IMDb rating: 6.7/10
• Starring: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan
• Director: Karan Johar
• Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
• Screenplay: Shashank Khaitan, Ishita Moitra, Sumit Roy
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

The recently released romantic comedy tells the story of two polar opposites, Rocky, a flashy Punjabi boy, and Rani, a Bengali journalist, who fall in love and struggle to win their families’ approval. They decided to live in each other’s homes for three months before getting married. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is a trademark of Bollywood with family drama, emotions, chemistry and music.

2. Dear Zindagi (2016)

• IMDb rating: 7.4/10
• Starring: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan
• Director: Gauri Shinde
• Genre: Drama
• Writer: Gauri Shinde
• Where to watch/OTT platform: Netflix

‘Dear Zindagi’ takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery. It deals sensitively with mental health issues as the protagonist Kaira seeks the help of a psychologist played by Shah Rukh Khan.

3. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013)

• IMDb rating: 7.2/10
• Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapur
• Director: Ayan Mukerji
• Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
• Screenplay: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

In this youth drama, Naina, a studious girl played by Deepika Padukone, goes on a trip with her old classmates and her life changes forever. She falls in love with Bunny, who is career-minded and wants to travel the world.

4. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

• IMDb rating: 8.2/10
• Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin
• Director: Zoya Akhtar
• Genre: Adventure drama/romance
• Screenplay: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Farhan Akhtar
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Three friends go on a solo trip to Spain and discover the joys of life in their adventure.

5. 3 Idiot (2009)

• IMDb rating: 8.4/10
• Starring: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Boman Irani
• Director: Rajkumar Hirani
• Genre: Comedy/Drama
• Writer: Rajkumar Hirani/Abhijat Joshi
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

A story about three college friends who spend their school days together and form an inseparable bond.

6. Wake Up Sid (2009)

• IMDb rating: 7.6/10
• Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak
• Director: Ayan Mukerji
• Genre: Romance/Comedy
• Screenplay: Ayan Mukerji, Niranjan Iyengar
• Where to watch/OTT platform: Netflix

Wake Up Sid is a story about a man who is lazy and has no goals in life. He leaves his parents’ home and lives with a new arrival in Bombay, Ayesha, and falls in love with her.

7. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)

• IMDb rating: 7.4/10
• Starring: Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar, Manjari Phadnis
• Director: Abbas Tailewala
• Genre: Romance/Comedy
• Writer: Abbas Tailewala
• Where to watch/OTT platform: Netflix

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is a story of two best friends falling in love. The film is a Bollywood cliché that tells the story of friendship to the audience through music and comedy.

8. Jab We Met (2007)

• IMDb rating: 7.9/10
• Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan
• Director: Imtiaz Ali
• Genre: Romance/Comedy
• Writer: Imtiaz Ali
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

Jab We Met follows the life of Geet, a carefree girl whose life changes when she meets Aditya.

9. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

• IMDb rating: 7.9/10
• Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Jaya Bachchan
• Director: Nikkhil Advani
• Genre: Romance/Drama
• Screenplay: Karan Johar, Niranjan Iyengar
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Kal Ho Naa Ho tells the story of the broken bond of a family who wishes an angel would come and solve their problems. Aman meets Naina and teaches her how to live her happy life.

10. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum (2001)

• IMDb rating: 7.4/10
• Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrithik Roshan
• Director: Karan Johar
• Genre: Drama
• Screenplay: Karan Johar, Sheena Parikh
• Viewing location/OTT platform: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a story about family and love for parents. Rahul falls in love with Anjali, but Anjali is not accepted by her father. Years later, the second son promises to bring back his lost brother and reunite the family.