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

The influence of movies on our lives extends beyond the basic aspects. Movies are a source of great pleasure for many people and can uplift your mood with their emotional storytelling. People enjoy discovering new content, but there are moments when they turn to their favorite comforting movies when they’re feeling down, sad, or sick. These movies carve a special corner in our hearts, serving as a cinematic sanctuary during difficult times and feel like a warm embrace. Take a look at our selection of movies that are perfect for reflecting on a tough day.

List of feel-good Bollywood movies to lift your spirits:

1. Rocky Oru Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2023)

• IMDb rating: 6.7/10
• Performer: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan
• director: karan johar
• Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
• Writer: Shashank Khaitan, Ishita Moitra, Sumit Roy
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Amazon Prime Video

The romantic comedy revolves around two contrasting characters: a vivacious Punjabi young man played by Ranveer Singh and a Bengali journalist played by Alia Bhatt. They overcome the difficulties of discovering love and gaining the approval of their families. ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani’ epitomizes Bollywood with its blend of family drama, emotion, on-screen chemistry and mesmerizing musical backdrop. Rocky’s unique English and love for Rani are sure to inject some fun spirit into your day.

2. Dear Zindagi (2016)

• IMDb rating: 7.4/10
• Performer: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan
• director: Gauri Shinde
• Genre: Drama
• Writer: Gauri Shinde
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix

Dear Zindagi takes audiences on an emotional journey of self-discovery. The film, which tackles the sensitive topic of mental health, revolves around Kaira, played by Alia Bhatt, who seeks guidance from a psychologist played by Shah Rukh Khan. This youth drama offers a new perspective on life’s challenges.

3. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013)

• IMDb rating: 7.2/10
• Performer: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapur
• director: Ayan Mukerji
• Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
• Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Naina (Deepika Padukone) joins her former classmates on a journey of transformation. During this adventure, she discovers her love with Bunny, played by Ranbir Kapoor. Bunny is a career-oriented person with a desire to explore the world. This movie not only takes you on a journey, but also evokes nostalgia for the bonds of friendship.

4. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

• IMDb rating: 8.2/10
• Performer: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin
• director: Zoya Akhtar
• Genre: Adventure drama/romance
• Writer: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Farhan Akhtar
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a wonderfully comforting film that combines friendship, travel, self-discovery and celebration of life. It revolves around three friends who embark on a bachelor’s road trip in Spain. Through their adventures, they not only experience the joys of life, but also discover that travel can be an opportunity to repair relationships and heal emotional wounds.

5. 3 Idiot (2009)

• IMDb rating: 8.4/10
• Performer: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Boman Irani
• director: Rajkumar Hirani
• Genre: comedy/drama
• Writer: Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Amazon Prime Video

3 Idiots tells the story of three college buddies who share an engineering era and forge an unbreakable bond. The film gives a glimpse into the challenges of student life and shows how difficulties can be overcome with a positive outlook.

6. Wake Up Sid (2009)

• IMDb rating: 7.6/10
• Performer: Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak
• director: Ayan Mukerji
• Genre: romance/comedy
• Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Niranjan Iyengar
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix

Wake Up Sid unfolds the story of a man characterized by laziness and lack of purpose in life. After leaving his parents’ home, he moves in with Aisha, a newcomer to Bombay, and eventually falls in love with her. The film takes the audience on a journey as the protagonist transforms and learns valuable lessons about responsibility and life from Aisha.

7. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)

• IMDb rating: 7.4/10
• Performer: Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar, Manjari Phadnis
• director: Abbas Tirewala
• Genre: romance/comedy
• Writer: Abbas Tirewala
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is the story of two best friends, Jai and Aditi, who discover their love for each other. This Bollywood film promises to provide solace and warmth, weaving a tale of friendship through elements of music and comedy in a commonplace yet endearing tale.

8. Jab We Met (2007)

• IMDb rating: 7.9/10
• Performer: shahid kapoor kareena kapoor khan
• director: Imtiaz Ali
• Genre: romance/comedy
• Writer: Imtiaz Ali
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Amazon Prime Video

Jab We Met revolves around the life of Geet, whose life changes when he meets Aditya (Shahid Kapoor), a carefree and vibrant character played by Kareena Kapoor Khan. Geet’s energetic antics are sure to add a little joy to your day.

9. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

• IMDb rating: 7.9/10
• Performer: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Jaya Bachchan
• director: Nikkhil Advani
• Genre: romance/drama
• Writer: Karan Johar, Niranjan Iyengar
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Kal Ho Naa Ho tells the story of a torn family bond as they yearn for an angelic presence to mend their problems. Aman enters Naina’s life and conveys her lessons about embracing her happiness. While the climax may bring tears to your eyes, the film’s story is heartwarming and leaves a lasting impact.

10. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum (2001)

• IMDb rating: 7.4/10
• Performer: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrithik Roshan
• director: karan johar
• Genre: Drama
• Writer: Karan Johar, Sheena Parikh
• Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

In Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Rahul falls in love with Anjali but the relationship is not accepted by his father. Years pass, and the second son of the house makes a heartfelt promise to bring back his older brother. The film beautifully explores themes of family bonds, love, and reconciliation, making it an emotionally resonant cinematic journey.

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