10 Bollywood Blockbusters You Didn’t Know Were Hollywood Remakes
Great stories aren’t bound by culture, language, or geography—they evolve, travel, and find new life in different parts of the world. Bollywood, with its grand sets, larger-than-life action, and signature song-and-dance sequences, has a style so distinct that even the simplest stories are transformed into unforgettable cinematic experiences. In fact, Bollywood’s storytelling is so distinctive that sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a movie is an original creation or an adaptation of an existing film.
From Sholay to Ghajini, some of Bollywood’s most iconic films have been inspired by Hollywood classics—yet they’ve been such massive hits that many fans never even realized they weren’t the originals. Curious to see which other Bollywood blockbusters were reimagined from Hollywood films? Check out JustWatch’s streaming guide below to explore 10 iconic Bollywood movies that are actually Hollywood remakes.
Sholay
Sholay is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Bollywood films of all time. It cemented Jai, Veeru, and Gabbar Singh as legendary characters, redefining the landscape of Indian cinema. However, what many people don’t realize is that Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay draws heavy inspiration from the Hollywood classic The Magnificent Seven (1960), which itself was adapted from the iconic Japanese film Seven Samurai. While Sholay takes cues from The Magnificent Seven and other American Westerns, it stands out with its unforgettable dance sequences, sharp-witted comedic dialogues, and deeply rooted Indian cultural essence, making it a film that remains uniquely its own.
Black
Michelle McNally, a girl with visual, speech, and hearing impairments, is trapped in a world devoid of color and connection, struggling to learn and integrate with those around her. That is until she meets Debraj, a determined yet alcoholic teacher whose unconventional but relentless methods become her guiding light. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black broke the mould of a traditional Bollywood blockbuster—no extravagant dance sequences, no melodramatic romances, and no over-the-top action. Instead, it delivered a deeply moving story of a girl who overcomes extraordinary challenges through perseverance and the unwavering support of her mentor. The film earned Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji widespread critical acclaim, multiple awards, and lasting fan admiration, cementing its place as a Bollywood classic. But what many may not know is that Black is actually a remake of the 1962 film The Miracle Worker, which itself is based on the true story of Helen Keller.
Ghajini
Struck by an iron rod, Sanjay suffers from short-term memory loss, unable to retain anything for more than fifteen minutes. To stay on track in his quest for vengeance, he tattoos key details of his life all over his body, determined to hunt down the killers who murdered his fiancée and left him in this fragmented state. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan stunned audiences with his transformation in Ghajini, taking on an intense, action-packed role that was a stark departure from his usual performances. With its gripping revenge plot, emotional depth, and signature Bollywood masala, Ghajini became a massive hit. But what many don’t realize is that the film is actually a remake of Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed Memento, starring Guy Pearce. While Ghajini brings its own flavor of drama and high-energy action, its core premise is heavily inspired by the Hollywood classic.
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. isn’t a direct remake of a Hollywood film, but it is loosely inspired by the biographical comedy Patch Adams, where Robin Williams plays a mental health patient who discovers that humor and compassion are often more effective in healing than traditional medical treatments. Determined to help others, he embarks on a journey to become a doctor. While Rajkumar Hirani borrows the core premise of an unconventional man using humor to treat patients and enrolling in medical school, he adds his own original twist by making the protagonist a lovable gangster. He also introduces an iconic sidekick, Circuit, whose unwavering loyalty and comedic timing add to the film’s charm. In fact, the friendship between Munna Bhai and Circuit is one of the most memorable highlights of the movie. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. was such a massive success that it went on to spawn a highly successful franchise, with two more beloved sequels that cemented Munna Bhai’s place in Bollywood history.
Aitraaz
Aitraaz marked global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ breakthrough in Bollywood, showcasing her as Sonia, a powerful and manipulative woman who falsely accuses a man of sexual harassment. The film was bold for its time, earning both critical and commercial acclaim for tackling the sensitive and rarely explored subject of male victimization in workplace harassment. While Aitraaz broke conventions and featured stellar performances from Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Akshay Kumar, and Kareena Kapoor, it isn’t an entirely original story. The movie is based on the Hollywood film Disclosure, starring Michael Douglas and Demi Moore.
Welcome
Welcome is one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy films, featuring an unforgettable ensemble cast. Nana Patekar shines as the eccentric gangster Uday Shetty, while Akshay Kumar plays the lovable, innocent Rajiv, who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in the world of crime—all for the sake of love. The film also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Anil Kapoor as the ever-hilarious Majnu Bhai, Paresh Rawal, and a host of other talented actors who elevate the comedy to another level. With its witty dialogues, over-the-top humor, and endlessly rewatchable moments, Welcome remains a fan favorite. But if you love Welcome and are curious about its inspiration, check out Mickey Blue Eyes, starring the charming Hugh Grant as an English auctioneer in New York City. While both films share a similar premise of an unsuspecting man getting caught up with a gangster family, Welcome adds its own Bollywood flair, adapting the story to fit the Hindi film audience. One major difference is how the romantic dynamic plays out—Welcome introduces an arranged marriage scenario where the groom is initially unaware of his in-laws' criminal background. Whereas Mickey Blue Eyes follows a man who is fully aware of his fiancée’s mafia ties from the start, as she confides in him about her fears before their marriage, both films offer their own unique take on the premise, making them entertaining and distinctive in their own way.
Hum Tum
Hum Tum was one of the most original Bollywood films in terms of its comic book-style editing and narrative approach. The film follows Karan Kapoor, a charming yet flirtatious cartoonist who creates a comic strip called Hum Tum, which humorously explores the ongoing clash between men and women—while also subtly reflecting his own evolving relationship with Rhea. With its refreshing storytelling, witty dialogues, and signature romantic comedy style, Hum Tum became an instant blockbuster and remains a beloved classic. Over the years, the film has often been compared to When Harry Met Sally.. due to its uncanny similarities. However, when director Kunal Kohli was asked about this, he clarified that Hum Tum actually draws more inspiration from Annie Hall rather than When Harry Met Sally. That said, the film appears to be unofficially influenced by both Hollywood classics, blending their essence with Bollywood’s signature charm. Interestingly, Hum Tum isn’t the only Bollywood movie to take inspiration from When Harry Met Sally. Imtiaz Ali’s Jab Harry Met Sejal also echoes similar themes proving Bollywood’s love for drawn-out love stories.
Lal Singh Chaddha
Aamir Khan Productions’ Laal Singh Chaddha is an official adaptation of the 1994 classic Forrest Gump. While the film follows the same premise of a kind-hearted yet simple-minded boy with physical limitations who discovers his ability to run and explore the world, Aamir Khan has beautifully adapted the story to fit Indian culture and geography. The movie was shot across 100 different locations in India and remained in development for over two decades. While it did not perform well commercially in India, it received significant global praise and found success on streaming platforms.
Chachi 420
A divorcee disguises himself as an elderly nanny to spend more time with his daughter. Chachi 420 is a brilliant Hindi classic that blends romance and comedy in equal measure. Written, directed, and co-produced by Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan, the film is actually an official remake of the Tamil movie Avvai Shanmughi, which itself is a remake of Mrs. Doubtfire. While the film retains the humor and charm of its Hollywood counterpart, the Bollywood adaptation adds its own emotional depth, making it a heartwarming watch in its own right.
Baadshah
Bollywood’s King of Romance, Shah Rukh Khan, proved that he could do much more than just love stories with this iconic film. Baadshah showcased his versatility, blending action, comedy, and suspense, cementing his status as an all-round performer beyond just romance. With his impeccable comic timing, high-energy action sequences, and charismatic screen presence, SRK truly lived up to the film’s title, establishing himself as the Baadshah of Bollywood in every sense. Baadshah is a timeless entertainer that masterfully combines humor, thrill, and drama. It’s one of those films that has earned a spot on countless rewatch lists, loved for its fast-paced storyline and unforgettable moments. However, very few people know that Baadshah is loosely inspired by the Hollywood movie Nick of Time, starring Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken. While it borrows elements from the Hollywood thriller, Baadshah infuses its own Bollywood-style masala, making it a cult favorite in its own right.
Where to Stream Bollywood’s Best Hollywood Remakes in India
The movies listed in this guide are scattered across streaming platforms like Jio Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, and more, making it tricky to find where to watch them all in one place. This guide makes it simple by helping you stream, buy, or rent these Bollywood remakes with just a few clicks.
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