Bollywood’s golden years between 2004 and 2010 delivered not just entertainment but unforgettable cinematic experiences that left audiences spellbound. From larger-than-life romances to rib-tickling comedies and high-octane thrillers, these films didn’t just dominate the box office—they shaped an era. Their impact is still felt today, with dialogues, songs, and characters that live on in pop culture. Let’s rewind to seven iconic blockbusters that ruled hearts, broke records, and still remain evergreen in the world of Indian cinema.
1. Veer-Zaara (2004) – A Timeless Love Saga
When Yash Chopra, the king of romance, released Veer-Zaara, audiences knew they were in for magic. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, the film told a cross-border love story that resonated deeply with millions. With soul-stirring music by the legendary Madan Mohan (revived by his son Sanjeev Kohli), the film became the highest-grossing Bollywood movie of 2004. The performances of Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini added immense depth to the narrative. Even today, Veer and Zaara’s tragic yet hopeful love story is remembered as one of Bollywood’s most emotional narratives, making it a timeless watch for romantics across generations.
2. No Entry (2005) – Comedy That Cracked Records
Laughter truly became the best medicine when Anees Bazmee’s No Entry hit the screens. With a star-studded cast featuring Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, and glamorous performances by Bipasha Basu and Lara Dutta, this comedy of errors turned into a smashing success. Packed with confusion, double-entendres, and non-stop entertainment, it became the highest-grossing film of 2005, proving that comedy could be just as powerful at the box office as action or romance. Its catchy music and hilarious one-liners made it a repeat-watch favorite for families. Even now, No Entry remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedies that defined mid-2000s humor.
3. Dhoom 2 (2006) – Hrithik Roshan’s Stylish Heist
If there’s one movie that redefined cool in Bollywood, it’s Dhoom 2. With Hrithik Roshan in a career-defining role as the suave thief Mr. A, paired with Aishwarya Rai’s sizzling screen presence, the film raised the bar for action cinema in India. High-speed chases, jaw-dropping stunts, and stylish cinematography made it a cult hit. It became the highest-grossing film of 2006 and solidified the Dhoom franchise as a blockbuster machine. The sizzling chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya added a glam factor that kept fans talking for years. Truly, Dhoom 2 set the stage for Bollywood’s obsession with sleek action thrillers.
4. Om Shanti Om (2007) – A Reincarnation Extravaganza
Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om wasn’t just a film—it was a celebration of Bollywood itself. Marking Deepika Padukone’s grand debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan, the film’s reincarnation theme, dazzling sets, and chart-topping songs made it a pop culture phenomenon. The cameo-filled “Deewangi Deewangi” song brought together an unprecedented lineup of stars. Unsurprisingly, it became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2007, proving nostalgia and glamour never go out of style. Deepika’s stunning debut performance turned her into an overnight sensation. The movie’s blend of retro charm and modern appeal made it a classic that fans continue to adore.
5. Ghajini (2008) – The Rise of the 100-Crore Club
Aamir Khan has always been a trendsetter, and with Ghajini, he redefined what it meant to be a box-office blockbuster. Inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Memento but with a Bollywood twist, the film showcased Aamir in a never-seen-before bulked-up avatar. Its intense action, emotional depth, and gripping revenge plot struck a chord with audiences. Ghajini became the first Bollywood film to cross ₹100 crore, opening the floodgates for the industry’s obsession with box-office milestones. The tragic love story between Aamir and Asin added emotional weight to the action-heavy narrative. Without doubt, Ghajini changed Bollywood’s commercial game forever.
6. 3 Idiots (2009) – Entertainment With a Message
Few films can entertain, inspire, and reform society all at once, but Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots did just that. Starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Kareena Kapoor, the film humorously yet poignantly highlighted the pressures of India’s education system. Its memorable dialogues (“All is Well”) and emotional scenes turned it into a cultural revolution. It became the highest-grossing film of 2009, breaking all previous records and touching lives far beyond the theater. Parents, students, and educators alike found its message relatable and transformative. Even today, 3 Idiots remains one of the most impactful films in Indian cinema history.
7. Dabangg (2010) – The Salman Khan Era Begins
When Salman Khan strutted onto the big screen as Chulbul Pandey, Bollywood witnessed the birth of an unstoppable phenomenon. Dabangg, with its masala action, catchy music (“Munni Badnaam Hui”), and Sonakshi Sinha’s debut, redefined commercial cinema. The film not only became the highest-grossing movie of 2010 but also kickstarted the Salman Khan box-office dominance that lasted for nearly a decade. Salman’s quirky dialogues and larger-than-life persona made Chulbul a household name. With its mix of action, drama, and romance, Dabangg became the perfect Bollywood masala entertainer.
Why These Films Still Matter
What ties these seven films together is not just their box office success but their lasting cultural impact. Whether it was the timeless romance of Veer-Zaara, the comedy of No Entry, or the message-driven brilliance of 3 Idiots, each film reflected the evolving tastes of audiences and pushed Bollywood into new territories. Their songs are still played, their dialogues quoted, and their characters remembered. These movies remain a testament to the magic of cinema that can touch both hearts and history.
