Top 8 Bollywood films that shone in 2024 and how women ruled the screens

Dubai: In 2024, Bollywood gave women their much-deserved moment in the sun, both on-screen and behind the camera.

From heartfelt tales to sharp social commentary, these films showcased women as the driving force of the year’s best cinema.

Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light tugged at heartstrings with its quiet strength, while Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies charmed with its witty take on sisterhood and patriarchy.

Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon lit up Crew with their electric chemistry, while Kho Gaye Hum Kahan starring Ananya Panday offered a fresh, modern spin on relationships in the social media age.

Of course, men weren’t far behind.

Imtiaz Ali’s Chamkila captivated with its raw energy, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail inspired with its tale of resilience. So before you get ready to embrace the movies in 2025, here's a look at the top eight Bollywood films that made 2024 hugely entertaining.

All We Imagine As Light:

In All We Imagine As Light, Payal Kapadia turns the bustling chaos of Mumbai into a stage for a deeply moving tale of sisterhood, resilience, and survival. With powerhouse performances from Kani Kusruti as Prabha, Divya Prabha as Anu, and Chhaya Kadam as Parvaty, the film shines a light on the struggles of working-class women whose voices are often unheard. Kapadia’s delicate, understated storytelling immerses viewers in a world of quiet strength and solidarity. It’s a narrative that doesn’t need to shout to leave an impact, offering a raw, empathetic portrait of lives shaped by hardship yet brimming with humanity. Having already clinched the Grand Prix at Cannes and a coveted Golden Globe nomination, All We Imagine As Light isn’t just a film—it’s a global moment for Indian cinema.

Laapataa Ladies:

Director Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies is a delightful, feel-good comedy that proves her 14-year sabbatical hasn’t dulled her storytelling brilliance. Set in 2001 rural India, this satire seamlessly blends humor and heart, tackling complex themes like feminism, sisterhood, and patriarchy without ever feeling preachy. Its unconventional narrative, driven by a stellar yet largely obscure cast, is refreshingly novel in Bollywood’s star-driven landscape. Rao’s sensitive portrayal of rural life and nuanced characters, like Nitanshi Goel’s cherubic Phool and Chhaya Kadam’s fiercely independent Manju, adds depth to this cinematic gem. With witty performances, a sharp script, and a message of hope, Laapataa Ladies is a palate-cleansing, life-affirming joyride that celebrates women’s resilience with charm and simplicity.

Stree 2:

Stree 2 builds on the quirky charm of its predecessor, serving up another round of supernatural comedy with its signature gender-war twist. While it doesn’t exactly raise the stakes in terms of genuine scares or narrative depth, it stays afloat with its sharp one-liners and the effortless camaraderie of its lead actors—Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi. The fantastical story darts from one chaotic moment to another, delivering enough laughs to keep the audience hooked, even if it occasionally feels like it’s going in circles. Though the zing of the original might be missing, Stree 2 retains its offbeat charm, blending mythology and folklore into a bemusing, entertaining ride.

Sector 36:

Sector 36 is a gripping, unsettling thriller that dives deep into systemic failure and human depravity. Inspired by the Nithari killings, the film avoids over-the-top gore and focuses instead on the chilling psyche of its characters. Vikrant Massey delivers a haunting performance as a predator preying on marginalised children, while Deepak Dobriyal shines as a morally conflicted cop forced to confront his own biases after a personal tragedy. With sharp storytelling and powerful symbolism, the film captures the class and caste divides that allow such horrors to persist. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and refuses to offer easy redemption, making it one of the year’s most impactful films.

Kho Gaye Hum Kahan:

There’s something so real about Kho Gaye Hum Kahan that it stays with you. With standout performances by Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Adarsh Gourav, the film dives into the world of modern relationships and our slightly obsessive love affair with social media. It’s not in-your-face about its message, but it makes you think—how much of our lives are we actually living versus curating for the ’gram? The film nails the awkwardness, the disconnect, and the vulnerability of trying to find love and identity in a world that’s always online. At its heart, it’s a story about stepping away from the screen and reconnecting with what—and who—really matters. Relatable, emotional, and so now.

12th Fail:

Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail is a deeply moving tale of resilience and hope, brought to life by Vikrant Massey’s stellar performance as Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young man battling impossible odds to crack India’s grueling UPSC exams. Set against the harsh realities of rural India, the film paints a vivid portrait of the challenges faced by those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Manoj’s struggles, from working in a flour mill to studying in cramped, dingy conditions, highlight systemic biases in education and the disparity between English-medium and Hindi-medium aspirants. 12th Fail is not just a story of one man’s fight against the odds; it’s a scathing commentary on a flawed system that values rote learning over true potential. Keep your tissues handy. The ending just makes you tear up in a good way.

Crew:

Crew is proof that when Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon team up, you’re in for a good time—even if the plot takes a few detours. This black comedy about cash-strapped airhostesses turned gold smugglers is equal parts chaotic and charming. Tabu steals the show as the no-nonsense gang leader, balancing sass and smarts like a pro. Kareena shines as the unapologetically self-centered diva, while Kriti holds her own as a sidelined pilot with relatable struggles. Their chemistry is electric, and their antics—however implausible—keep things zippy and fun. Sure, the plot’s twists are far-fetched, and the brand placements feel clunky, but who cares when you’re watching these three light up the screen? Crew isn’t perfect, but it’s an entertaining ride you’ll enjoy.

Amar Singh Chamkila:

Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra delivered powerhouse performances in Amar Singh Chamkila, a biopic that charted the meteoric rise of Punjab’s most provocative folk icon. Dosanjh perfectly captured Chamkila’s magnetic charm and fearless defiance, while Chopra impressed as Amarjot, his wife and singing partner, bringing vulnerability and quiet strength to her role. The film offered a raw, unvarnished look at Chamkila’s life, including his flaws and the controversies that surrounded his provocative lyrics. While it skirted a deeper exploration of caste and gender dynamics, its bold critique of societal hypocrisies and electrifying performances made this a fitting and memorable tribute to a complex legend taken too soon.