13 best Dilip Kumar movies that prove why he’s a ‘Abhinay Samrat’

The best Dilip Kumar movies are no less than an era in itself. Here’s a recommendation of some of his best films for a good weekend watch.

Updated on Jun 06, 2024  |  10:32 PM IST |  153.6K
13 best Dilip Kumar movies that prove why he’s a ‘Abhinay Samrat’ (Instagram/@sairabanu)
13 best Dilip Kumar movies that prove why he’s a ‘Abhinay Samrat’ (Instagram/@sairabanu)

Back in his time, Dilip Kumar was popularly known as ‘Abhinay Samrat (Emperor of acting)’ and there’s no lie in it. He has given some of the most monumental performances of all time that are still fresh in the minds of true cinephiles. Here are some of the best Dilip Kumar movies that you should watch at least once in your lifetime.

 

13 best Dilip Kumar movies that will take you down memory lane:-

 

1. Mughal-E-Azam

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Prithviraj Kapoor  

IMDB Rating: 8.1 

Movie Genre: Historical Drama  

Release Year: 1960  

Where to Watch: Zee 5

In Mughal-E-Azam, Dilip Kumar plays the role of Prince Salim, who disregards his father Emperor Akbar for the love of a courtesan, Anarkali. Kumar's portrayal of the passionate and rebellious prince is legendary making this movie one of the best movies of Dilip Kumar.

 

2. Devdas

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Suchitra Sen  

IMDB Rating: 7.7

Movie Genre: Romance, Musical  

Release Year: 1955  

Where to Watch: YouTube

In Devdas, Dilip Kumar delivers a never-seen-before performance as the tragic hero, Devdas, who is forced into self-destruction after his true love is married off to another man. His performance as an alcoholic man in pain is heartbreaking yet powerful. Kumar’s ability to convey deep emotions makes this film a must-watch.

 


 

3. Naya Daur

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Ajit  

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IMDB Rating: 7.9 

Movie Genre: Family, Musical  

Release Year: 1957  

Where to Watch: YouTube

Naya Daur features Kumar as Shankar who is a Tonga driver fighting against the encroachment of machines in his village. Kumar's heartwarming performance as a resilient and optimistic villager makes this movie one of the best Vyjayanthimala and Dilip Kumar movies of all time.

 

4. Gunga Jumna (Ganga Jamuna)

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Nasir Khan  

IMDB Rating: 7.4  

Movie Genre: Crime, Action  

Release Year: 1961  

Where to Watch: YouTube

Kumar plays the titular role of Ganga in Gunga Jumna who is a simple villager turned into a dacoit to fight against social injustices. Kumar's transformation from a loving brother to a dreaded villain is intriguing making it one of those Dilip Kumar hit movies that surely deserves a place in your watchlist.

 

5. Madhumati

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johnny Walker  

IMDB Rating: 7.8  

Movie Genre: Romance, Thriller  

Release Year: 1958  

Where to Watch: YouTube

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Madhumati features Dilip Kumar as a man named Devendra who experiences past life memories that lead him to a haunting love story. The actor’s ability to balance romance and mystery in addition to his chemistry with Vyjayanthimala makes this a platter filled with all the flavors that all cinema lovers must taste. 

 


 

6. Ram Aur Shyam

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, Mumtaz  

IMDB Rating: 7.2

Movie Genre: Comedy, Drama  

Release Year: 1967  

Where to Watch: YouTube

In Ram Aur Shyam, Dilip plays the dual roles of twin brothers, Ram and Shyam, with contrasting personalities. His comic timing and the ability to switch between the timid Ram and the assertive Shyam are too good to not watch. This is one of the best Waheeda Rehman and Dilip Kumar movies to watch.

 

7. Andaz

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Nargis, Raj Kapoor  

IMDB Rating: 6.7  

Movie Genre: Romance, Musical  

Release Year: 1949  

Where to Watch: YouTube

Andaz features Kumar as Dilip who is a man caught in a love triangle with Nargis and Raj Kapoor. His subtle and intense performance as a man dealing with unreciprocated love makes this movie an emotionally enriched classic and one of Dilip Kumar famous movies of all time.

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8. Kohinoor

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari, Mukri  

IMDB Rating: 6.6

Movie Genre: Adventure, Romance  

Release Year: 1960  

Where to Watch: YouTube

Kohinoor features Dilip Kumar in a seemingly lighter role as Prince Dhivendra, who takes a trip on an adventurous quest. His charming and playful performance simply gives a refreshing change from his usual intense roles putting up to be a great watch for cinema lovers.

 


 

9. Shakti

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhee Gulzar  

IMDB Rating: 7.6

Movie Genre: Drama, Action  

Release Year: 1982  

Where to Watch: Zee 5, YouTube

Dilip Kumar plays the role of a strict police officer in Shakti who faces off against his son, played by Amitabh Bachchan. His performance as a father torn between duty and love is powerful and gripping. Also, watch it out for its over-the-top action sequences.

 

10. Saudagar

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Raaj Kumar, Manisha Koirala  

IMDB Rating: 6.7 

Movie Genre: Action, Romance  

Release Year: 1991  

Where to Watch: YouTube

Saudagar features Dilip Kumar in the character of Veer Singh who is involved in a bitter feud with Raaj Kumar's character. He is a man driven by pride and vengeance and Kumar's commanding presence in his shoes makes this movie a memorable watch.

 

11. Babul

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Nargis, Munawar Sultana  

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IMDB Rating: 7.3 

Movie Genre: Romance, Drama  

Release Year: 1950  

Where to Watch: YouTube

In Babul, Kumar plays a postman who falls in love with a wealthy girl. What follows through is his impeccable performance beautifully capturing the innocence and tragedy of unfulfilled love. Add this to your watchlist as one of the best Dilip Kumar and Nargis movies to binge-watch.

 


 

12. Madhumati

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johnny Walker  

IMDB Rating: 7.8

Movie Genre: Romance, Thriller  

Release Year: 1958  

Where to Watch: Youtube

In Madhumati, Kumar takes up the role of Devendra, a man who brings back a past-life mystery seamlessly blending the entire narrative with romance and suspense. The film's haunting love story and Kumar's moving performance make it one of the unforgettable Dilip Kumar mystery movies of all time.

 

13. Jugnu

 

Cast: Dilip Kumar, Noor Jehan, Shashikala  

IMDB Rating: 7.7

Movie Genre: Romance, Action  

Release Year: 1947  

Where to Watch: YouTube

In Jugnu, Dilip Kumar acts as Jugnu who is an innocent man wronged by society who turns to a life of crime. Kumar's performance as a conflicted character seeking redemption is powerful and makes this an intense narrative to watch.

Not just these 13 but there are several other best Dilip Kumar movies that, over the years, cemented the veteran star's legacy as one of Indian cinema's greatest actors. Which of these is your favorite? Tell us @pinkvilla

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ALSO READ: 9 best Asha Parekh movies that ruled the golden era of Indian cinema

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Aditya Sagar is an Entertainment Journalist who holds a true-blue Bollywood heart and has his ears tuned to the

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Credits: IMDb
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