Top 10 underrated movies everyone should watch this year

We’ve all been there. Endless scrolling on Netflix, Prime Video, or other streaming platforms, staring at posters dominated by familiar faces and formulaic plots. While Bollywood blockbusters certainly have their place, there’s a vast, vibrant universe of Indian cinema that often flies under the radar – films that offer unique stories, compelling characters, and unforgettable cinematic experiences. These are the underrated Bollywood movies, the best hidden Bollywood films waiting to be discovered.

In a world saturated with sequels and remakes, 2025 is the perfect year to delve into this treasure trove of offbeat Bollywood cinema. If you’re a film enthusiast, a student of media, or just someone hungry for meaningful Bollywood films that spark conversation, you’re in for a treat. Forget the predictable song-and-dance routines for a moment, and let’s explore some must-watch Indian indie films and non-mainstream Hindi movies that deserve your attention.

Finding these streaming Bollywood gems can feel like a quest, but trust us, the reward is immense. This list isn’t about box office figures; it’s about cinematic soul, original storytelling, and performances that will stay with you long after the credits roll. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to add these top underrated Hindi movies 2025 candidates to your watch list!

The Charm of Offbeat Bollywood Cinema: Why Go Beyond the Hype?

Why bother looking for underrated Bollywood movies when the big releases are so easily accessible? The answer lies in variety, depth, and authenticity. While mainstream cinema often caters to mass appeal, independent and smaller-budget films have the freedom to explore bolder themes, experiment with narrative structures, and showcase raw, unfiltered talent.

These aren’t just movies; they’re windows into different realities, thought-provoking commentaries on society, and often, deeply personal stories that resonate on a universal level. Watching offbeat Bollywood cinema allows you to break free from the ‘same old, same old’ and discover fresh perspectives. You’ll find narratives driven by characters and substance, not just star power and spectacle. These are the Indian films you missed while the spotlight shone elsewhere, and catching up on them in 2025 will enrich your cinematic palate significantly. They prove that Bollywood’s creativity extends far beyond the typical song-and-dance routine, offering everything from gritty realism to quirky fantasy.

Unveiling the Gems: Diving into Streaming Bollywood Gems (Part 1)

Let’s kick off our list of best hidden Bollywood films with five incredible examples that showcase the diverse talent within the industry. These are films that garnered critical acclaim but perhaps didn’t reach the massive audience they deserved.

Masaan (2015)

• Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
• Why it’s Underrated: Despite winning accolades at the Cannes Film Festival, Masaan didn’t become a mainstream hit in India. Its poignant, layered narrative and realistic portrayal of life in Varanasi make it a truly meaningful Bollywood film.
• What Makes it Special: Masaan is a masterclass in subtle storytelling and powerful performances (Vicky Kaushal, Richa Chadha, Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra). It interweaves multiple narratives dealing with love, loss, caste, and morality in a way that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. If you’re looking for Bollywood movies like Masaan that offer deep emotional resonance and social commentary, this is where you start. It’s a prime example of a must-watch Indian indie film.

Ankhon Dekhi (2014)

• Director: Rajat Kapoor
• Why it’s Underrated: A philosophical comedy-drama starring the brilliant Sanjay Mishra, Ankhon Dekhi is a unique exploration of truth, perception, and existentialism. It’s a film that makes you think and feel, but its unconventional premise kept it from widespread commercial success.
• What Makes it Special: Sanjay Mishra delivers a career-defining performance as Bauji, a man who decides he will only believe what he sees with his own eyes. The film’s charm lies in its simple yet profound narrative and quirky characters. It’s a delightful example of offbeat Bollywood cinema.

Udaan (2010)

• Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
• Why it’s Underrated: While critically acclaimed, Udaan wasn’t a box office giant. This coming-of-age story is raw, intense, and deeply affecting, dealing with themes of parental abuse, dreams, and rebellion.
• What Makes it Special: With powerful performances from Rajat Barmecha and Ronit Roy, Udaan is a gritty, realistic portrayal of a young man breaking free from a suffocating environment. Its beautiful cinematography and moving score add layers to this essential Indian film you missed.

Paan Singh Tomar (2012)

• Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
• Why it’s Underrated: Despite Irrfan Khan’s masterful performance, this biographical film about an athlete who became a dacoit didn’t get the massive marketing push it deserved. It’s a gripping, nuanced look at the man behind the legend.
• What Makes it Special: Irrfan Khan is Paan Singh Tomar. The film brilliantly portrays the circumstances that force a national steeplechase champion down a different path, offering sharp social commentary on the system. It’s a powerful, true story that serves as a great example of meaningful Bollywood films.

The Lunchbox (2013)

• Director: Ritesh Batra
• Why it’s Underrated: This Indo-German-French co-production gained significant international recognition but was relatively understated in the bustling Indian market. It’s a quiet, charming, and deeply human story.
• What Makes it Special: Starring Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur, The Lunchbox is a beautiful tale of two lonely souls connecting through mistaken lunchbox deliveries. Its gentle pace, authentic characters, and exploration of urban solitude make it a unique and heartwarming experience, a true streaming Bollywood gem.

More Hidden Treasures: From Drama to Dark Comedy: More Best Hidden Bollywood Films (Part 2)

Our journey through underrated Bollywood movies continues with five more films that deserve a spot on your 2025 watch list, showcasing the breadth of non-mainstream Hindi movies.

Tumbbad (2018)

• Director: Rahi Anil Barve
• Why it’s Underrated: A unique blend of horror, fantasy, and folklore, Tumbbad is visually stunning and conceptually daring. While it gained a cult following, it didn’t achieve the mainstream success of typical horror films.
• What Makes it Special: Based on Marathi folklore, Tumbbad is a visually spectacular and atmospheric film about greed and its consequences. Its production design, special effects, and unsettling narrative create a truly original cinematic experience, cementing its place as a must-watch Indian indie film.

Newton (2017)

• Director: Amit V. Masurkar
• Why it’s Underrated: India’s official entry to the Oscars that year, Newton is a sharp, satirical look at the complexities of democracy in rural India. Its understated humor and insightful commentary make it a significant film.
• What Makes it Special: Rajkummar Rao delivers a brilliant performance as a determined government clerk trying to conduct free and fair elections in a conflict-ridden area. The film is thought-provoking, relevant, and a prime example of intelligent offbeat Bollywood cinema.

Titli (2014)

• Director: Kanu Behl
• Why it’s Underrated: A gritty, dark, and realistic portrayal of a dysfunctional family involved in carjacking, Titli is not an easy watch, but it’s incredibly powerful. Its raw honesty limited its mainstream appeal.
• What Makes it Special: Produced by Dibakar Banerjee and Yash Raj Films (stepping outside their usual comfort zone), Titli features compelling performances and a raw, unflinching look at familial bonds and the cycle of violence. It’s a challenging but rewarding meaningful Bollywood film.

Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (The Man Who Feels No Pain) (2018)

• Director: Vasan Bala
• Why it’s Underrated: A quirky, stylish, and action-packed tribute to martial arts films and 80s cinema, this film is pure fun but too niche for a massive audience.
• What Makes it Special: Starring Abhimanyu Dassani and Radhika Madan, the film tells the story of a young man with a rare condition that makes him impervious to pain. It’s filled with inventive action sequences, witty dialogues, and a unique visual style, making it a truly enjoyable non-mainstream Hindi movie.

Hunterrr (2015)

• Director: Harshvardhan Kulkarni
• Why it’s Underrated: A bold and unconventional take on male sexual behaviour, Hunterrr is a character study that is both humorous and insightful, though its subject matter made it less appealing to a wide family audience.
• What Makes it Special: Gulshan Devaiah shines as Mandar, a man with a penchant for casual relationships. The film navigates his life with frankness and surprising depth, offering a different kind of narrative from typical Bollywood romances. It’s a notable streaming Bollywood gem for those seeking something different.

Finding Your Next Favourite: Navigating the World of Underrated Bollywood Movies

Now that you have a list of top underrated Hindi movies 2025 candidates, how do you find them? Streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, SonyLIV, Zee5, and MUBI often host these films, sometimes hidden within specific genre categories or curated lists. Don’t be afraid to use the search function or explore recommendations based on films you’ve enjoyed. Following film critics, indie film blogs, and online communities dedicated to offbeat Bollywood cinema can also unearth many more Indian films you missed. The journey of discovering these best hidden Bollywood films is part of the fun!

Conclusion: The Rewarding World of Meaningful Bollywood Films

Stepping beyond the tried and tested blockbusters opens up a world of incredible cinematic experiences. The underrated Bollywood movies on this list, from the emotional depth of Masaan to the satirical wit of Newton and the visual wonder of Tumbbad, represent just a fraction of the talent and storytelling waiting to be explored in non-mainstream Hindi movies.

Watching these streaming Bollywood gems in 2025 is more than just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to witness different facets of Indian culture, grapple with complex themes, and appreciate the craft of filmmaking outside the glare of the mainstream. These must-watch Indian indie films prove that Bollywood is a diverse and dynamic industry capable of producing cinema that is both profound and entertaining.

So, take this list, fire up your streaming service, and start exploring. You might just find your new favourite film among these best hidden Bollywood films.

What are your favorite underrated Bollywood movies? Have you seen any of these? Share your thoughts and your own hidden gems in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of offbeat Bollywood cinema together!