Top 20 Diwali Movies You Should Watch with Your Family
Nothing brings the family together like settling down to watch a great movie. The best movies to enjoy during the Diwali festivities focus on family and love, exploring cultural values through drama, music, and even comedy.
Our Diwali movie list will help you pick a crowd-pleaser to keep your family entertained, featuring everything from vibrant Bollywood blockbusters to intimate tales of love, resilience, and personal growth.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
The course of true love doesn't always run smooth, and this is undoubtedly the case for Prem and Nisha in the smash hit, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! The lavish production, great music, and satisfyingly schmaltzy storyline make it one of the best Diwali movies ever made.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
With this sweeping epic that treats its viewers to the architectural splendour of Europe’s ancient cities and the Punjab’s scenic landscape, family members of all ages will become hopelessly invested in Raj and Simran's star-crossed love story.
Mohabbatein (2000)
Boasting an all-star cast, Aditya Chopra’s Mohabbatein tackles the complexities of cultural ties and draws its audience in with captivating tales of forbidden love. The movie’s anti-hero, Narayan, has a particularly satisfying character arc, ensuring a feel-good finale.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Bollywood Diwali movies are the perfect way to entertain your loved ones, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham knows how to keep an audience enthralled. Opulent and emotional, this sumptuous musical follows the story of wealthy Rahul, a man disowned by his father for marrying beneath his status.
3 Idiots (2009)
With a comedic and cultural tone that confidently speaks to all generations of the family, 3 Idiots is a coming-of-age blockbuster with prudent commentary on the Indian educational system. Get ready to laugh, cry, and reflect.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara follows three friends as they reunite for a road trip across Spain. Stunning scenery, storylines of cathartic self-discovery, and a strong call to live in the moment make this popular movie a wonderfully uplifting choice for Diwali.
Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
If you’re looking for Indian movies for Diwali that feel fun, fresh, and modern, give Dil Dhadakne Do a whirl. Starring Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Shefali Shah, this all-star movie delves into the complex relationships within the dysfunctional Mehras family.
Singham (2011)
One to keep the fathers, uncles, and brothers in the family happy during Diwali, Singham pays homage to the '80s Bollywood masala movies. With charismatic leads and that reliable good cop trope, Singham is comfortingly predictable – but fun with it.
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
Unfurling across nearly four hours, Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan is one of the classic movies to watch on Diwali. This underdog tale of a crucial cricket match layers an emotive, anti-imperialist storyline with breathtaking cinematography.
Piku (2015)
Adding depth to the road trip genre, Piku offers a progressive commentary on a motherless daughter’s relationship with her father. Full of humour, heart, and hope, Piku will see the family talking about the characters long after the credits roll.
Sholay (1975)
Five decades on, Sholay stands the test of time. Bursting with action and adventure, the movie still charms with its exploration of redemption, justice, loyalty, and friendship. Watch as retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh partners with two misfits to bring an end to the tyranny of the infamous bandit, Gabbar Singh.
Sooryavanshi (2021)
Chief of the anti-terrorism squad, Sooryavanshi, leads his missions with honour and integrity, but this will be put to the test as he attempts to thwart an attack on his beloved Mumbai.
Hum Do Hamare Do (2021)
When orphan Dhruv falls in love with a woman set on marrying someone with a family, he attempts to win her heart by hiring a fake mother and father. Silly, sentimental, and slick, this bright and breezy romcom offers light-hearted fun.
Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006)
The first instalment of the Golmaal movie series, this rollicking, slapstick comedy is one of the top Diwali comedies for families seeking a good belly laugh. Watch the misadventures of Laxman, Madhav, Gopal, and Lucky, keeping the giggles going with the Golmaal sequels.
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
When Sanjaylal’s brother is injured and unable to participate in the college bicycle race, he defies expectations and steps in. Exploring Sanjay’s physical and emotional journey, as well as the relationship between a father and his sons, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar is an uplifting and inspiring adventure.
Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021)
Starring Sanya Malhotra and Abhimanyu Dassani in the titular roles, this sweet romantic comedy adeptly deals with the subject of arranged marriages. Refreshingly quirky, Meenakshi Sundareshwar is unafraid to stray from the generic romcom narrative.
Shakuntala Devi (2020)
This thought-provoking biographical drama pays tribute to the mathematical genius of Shakuntala Devi. While it cleverly illustrates the depth of her talents, it also centres her as an Indian woman and mother.
Bhairava Dweepam (1994)
Bringing the fantasy to our family-friendly Diwali films collection, Bhairava Dweepam overflows with nostalgia as it follows Vijay on a quest to save his love from an evil sorcerer. Lavish costumes and innovative special effects for the era make this movie something a little special.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Indulge in some unapologetically fun and fluffy Bollywood romance with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. When reserved Naina falls for free-spirited Bunny on a trek through the Himalayas, she keeps her feelings to herself. When they eventually reunite at a wedding, will those feelings blossom again?
Baghban (2003)
The final offering on the VOX Cinemas Diwali movies list, Baghban reminds us of the importance of family, with its emotive portrayal of Pooja and her retired husband Raj, torn apart by the children they hoped would care for them through their old age.
Treat your loved ones to a trip to the cinema during Diwali. With heartwarming movies like Aabeer Gulaal, Fari Ek Vaar, and Love in Vietnam screening through the festivities, VOX Cinemas is ready to capture the spirit of Diwali.
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