7 best uplifting Bollywood movies, including “3 Idiots”

Bollywood March 30, 2024

More than a decade after its release, 3 Idiots remains a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences then and now. Capturing the essence of college life, friendships, personal growth, and pursuing dreams, this film delves into the complexities of the educational system and provides valuable life lessons.

For those who have fallen in love with movies, this article presents a selection of eight movies like 3 Idiots that you will absolutely enjoy.

7 must-see Bollywood movies including “3 Idiots”

1. Chhichhore (2019)

IMDB rating: 8.3/10
Movie genre: comedy/sports
Movie star cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Sharma, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Prateik Babbar
director: Nitesh Tiwari
Release year: 2019
Where to watch / OTT platforms: Disney+Hotstar

If you are looking for a movie like 3 Idiots, you cannot miss Chichhore. This is a heartwarming story of friendship, resilience, and a journey of self-discovery. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film depicts a group of college friends who reunite years later to support their comrades in crisis. Through laughter and tears, they rediscover the true meaning of life and success.

2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

IMDB rating: 8.2/10
Movie genre: Comedy/Adventure
Movie star cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin, Naseeruddin Shah
director: Zoya Akhtar
Release year: 2011
Where to watch / OTT platforms: Amazon Prime / Netflix

If you are looking for a movie like “3 Idiots” then you must check out “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”. This work stands out for its realistic depictions, complex characters, poetic dialogue, and heartwarming celebration of friendship and youth. These elements combine to make this one of the most uplifting and well-directed films in modern Indian cinema.

3. Munna Bai MBBS (2003)

IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Movie genre: comedy/drama
Movie star cast: Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, Gracie Singh, Sunil Dutt, Jimmy Shergill
director: Rajkumar Hirani
Release year: 2003
Where to watch / OTT platforms: amazon prime

Munna Bai MBBS is a story about Munna, a kind-hearted thug who pretends to be a doctor to fulfill his father’s wish. He enrolls in medical school, where he understands the importance of compassion and honesty and makes heartfelt changes in his life and relationships. This is a riot of laughter and one of his best films like OTT’s 3 Idiots.

4. Hitchki (2018)

IMDB rating: 7.5/10
Movie genre: comedy/drama
Movie star cast: Rani Mukerji, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Rohit Suresh Saraf, Jannat Zubair Rahmani
director: Siddharth Malhotra
Release year: 2018
where clock / OTT platform: amazon prime

If you’re still looking for movies like “3 Idiots,” consider watching “Hichki.” This is a heartwarming story about Naina Mathur, a teacher with a rare disease called Tourette’s Syndrome. Despite facing her challenges, Naina dreams of becoming a teacher and inspiring her students.

She overcomes obstacles and discrimination to prove herself. Through her determination and kindness, Naina teaches us her valuable lessons about acceptance, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself.

5. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013)

IMDB rating: 7.2 / 10
movie genre: Comedy / Romance
movie star cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kalki Koechlin
director: Ayan Mukerji
Release year:2013
Where to watch / OTT platforms: Amazon Prime / Netflix

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a fun Bollywood movie about friendship, love and adventure. It follows the story of Naina, a studious girl who goes on a journey with her old classmates. She reunites with her old crush Bunny and rediscovers her bond. The film explores the escapades, dreams, and importance of cherishing the moments of their youth.

6. Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)

IMDB rating: 7/10
Movie genre: family/drama
Movie star cast: Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Anushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Rahul Bose, Vikrant Massey
director: Zoya Akhtar
Release year: 2015
Where to watch / OTT platforms: Amazon Prime/Netflix

A great movie like 3 Idiots on OTT platform is Dil Dhadakne Do. It depicts the Mehra family’s cruise vacation, where secrets and tensions come to the surface. The story revolves around Kabir who wants to pursue his passion for flying but faces family pressure. Meanwhile, her younger sister Asha is troubled by the failure of her marriage. In a luxurious setting, the family faces their problems and learns to follow their hearts and break free from society’s expectations.

7. Ko Gaye Hum Kahan (2023)

IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Movie genre: crime/thriller
movie star cast: Ananya Panday, Adarsh Gurav, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Kalki Koechlin
director: Arjun Varun Singh
Release year: 2023
Where to watch / OTT platforms: Netflix

Ko Gaye Hum Kahan tells the story of three best friends in their 20s living in Mumbai. They experience love, dreams, and heartbreak while dealing with the effects of social media. If you like movies like 3 Idiots, you’ll like this movie.

And we ended up with great movies like 3 Idiots. May they inspire you to reach new heights of ambition, personal growth, and friendship!