Amitabh Bachchan, often hailed as the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, has carved an unparalleled legacy in Indian cinema spanning over five decades. From his iconic baritone to his charismatic presence on screen, Bachchan has enthralled audiences with his versatility and powerhouse performances. As we delve into the treasure trove of his filmography, here are 21 best Amitabh Bachchan movies that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of cinephiles worldwide.
21 Best Amitabh Bachchan Movies of All Time
- Sholay (1975): Regarded as one of the greatest Indian films of all time, “Sholay” features Bachchan in the role of Jai, a charismatic and fearless outlaw. His bromance with Dharmendra’s character, Veeru, and his iconic dialogue delivery continue to resonate with audiences.
- Deewaar (1975): In this crime drama directed by Yash Chopra, Bachchan portrays Vijay, a disillusioned and morally conflicted protagonist torn between his loyalty to his family and his conscience. His portrayal of the ‘angry young man’ archetype became a defining moment in his career.
- Anand (1971): In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s poignant tale of friendship and mortality, Bachchan delivers a memorable performance as Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, a terminally ill doctor who forms a deep bond with his vivacious patient, Anand (played by Rajesh Khanna).
- Don (1978): Bachchan showcases his versatility by playing a dual role in this action-packed thriller directed by Chandra Barot. His portrayal of the suave and cunning underworld don, Don, captivated audiences and solidified his status as a superstar.
- Zanjeer (1973): This crime drama directed by Prakash Mehra marked Bachchan’s emergence as the ‘angry young man’ of Indian cinema. His portrayal of Inspector Vijay Khanna, seeking vengeance against the criminal underworld, struck a chord with audiences nationwide.
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977): In this classic masala entertainer directed by Manmohan Desai, Bachchan plays Anthony, one-third of the titular trio alongside Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. His comic timing and infectious energy light up the screen in this tale of lost and found identities.
- Paa (2009): Bachchan’s transformative performance as Auro, a child suffering from progeria, garnered widespread acclaim in this heartwarming drama directed by R. Balki. His portrayal of the endearing and wise-beyond-his-years Auro earned him accolades and reaffirmed his acting prowess.
- Black (2005): Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, “Black” features Bachchan as Debraj Sahai, a teacher who forms a special bond with a deaf-blind girl named Michelle (played by Rani Mukerji). Bachchan’s nuanced portrayal of a flawed yet compassionate character is a testament to his acting caliber.
- Shahenshah (1988): Bachchan dons the role of a vigilante superhero in this action-packed film directed by Tinnu Anand. With his iconic dialogue “Rishtey mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hain,” Bachchan’s larger-than-life portrayal of Shahenshah continues to resonate with fans.
- Kabhie Kabhie (1976): In this romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra, Bachchan delivers a soul-stirring performance as Amit Malhotra, a poet caught in a love triangle with Anand (played by Rajesh Khanna) and Pooja (played by Rakhee). His portrayal of unrequited love and sacrifice is both poignant and memorable.
- Agneepath (1990): Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, seeking revenge against his father’s killers, is iconic in this cult classic directed by Mukul Anand. His intense performance and powerful dialogues have etched the character of Vijay into the annals of Indian cinema.
- Namak Halaal (1982): Bachchan showcases his comedic chops in this rib-tickling comedy directed by Prakash Mehra. His portrayal of Arjun Singh, a loyal and naive man navigating the complexities of the urban jungle, is filled with memorable moments and hilarious one-liners.
- Coolie (1983): Directed by Manmohan Desai, “Coolie” features Bachchan as Iqbal, a spirited young man who overcomes adversity and fights for justice. Bachchan’s real-life injury on set during the filming of a fight scene added a layer of emotional resonance to his performance.
- Silsila (1981): In this romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra, Bachchan shares screen space with his real-life wife Jaya Bachchan and former flame Rekha. His portrayal of an artist torn between duty and desire is marked by emotional depth and restraint.
- Shakti (1982): Directed by Ramesh Sippy, “Shakti” features Bachchan as Vijay Kumar, a police officer at odds with his father, played by Dilip Kumar. The film’s powerhouse performances by both acting legends elevate this intense father-son drama to cinematic greatness.
- Sarkar (2005): Bachchan’s portrayal of Subhash Nagre, a powerful political figure reminiscent of Bal Thackeray, is riveting in this crime thriller directed by Ram Gopal Varma. His commanding presence and nuanced performance anchor the film amidst its gritty narrative.
- Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978): Directed by Prakash Mehra, this romantic drama features Bachchan as Sikandar, a troubled orphan who rises from rags to riches. Bachchan’s portrayal of unrequited love and tragic heroism resonates deeply with audiences.
- Baghban (2003): Bachchan delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Raj Malhotra, a devoted father navigating the challenges of old age in this family drama directed by Ravi Chopra. His portrayal of a patriarch grappling with familial discord strikes a chord with viewers of all ages.
- Piku (2015): In this slice-of-life comedy directed by Shoojit Sircar, Bachchan plays Bhaskor Banerjee, a quirky and hypochondriacal father to Deepika Padukone’s character, Piku. His endearing portrayal of a father-daughter relationship is marked by warmth and humor.
- Cheeni Kum (2007): Directed by R. Balki, “Cheeni Kum” features Bachchan as Buddhadev Gupta, a 64-year-old chef who falls in love with a much younger woman. Bachchan’s chemistry with Tabu and his witty portrayal of an unconventional romance make this film a delightful watch.
- Pink (2016): Bachchan delivers a powerhouse performance as Deepak Sehgal, a retired lawyer defending three young women accused of attempted murder in this courtroom drama directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. His portrayal of a principled and righteous advocate resonates with the