10 Bollywood movies to watch while it rains and you’re curled up at home

Dubai: There's something about rain that slows everything down. Plans get cancelled, windows fog up, and suddenly the idea of staying home feels like a luxury instead of a compromise. It's the perfect moment for movies that linger: stories that unfold gently, sit with emotion, and feel better when watched without distractions. From quiet romances to atmospheric dramas, these Bollywood and Indian films pair beautifully with a rainy day indoors.

Set in the bustling yet oddly lonely city of Mumbai, The Lunchbox tells the story of an accidental connection between two strangers brought together by a misdelivered dabba. Through handwritten notes, a widower and a neglected housewife begin sharing thoughts, memories, and emotional truths they've never said out loud.

Why it's perfect for the rain: The film moves slowly and deliberately, allowing silences to speak louder than dialogue. Its warm, muted visuals and reflective tone feel especially comforting on a rainy afternoon when time seems to stretch.

A deeply intimate film set almost entirely during a rainy day in Kolkata, Raincoat follows two former lovers who reunite after years apart. As rain pours outside, they sit indoors reminiscing, lying, and slowly confronting the reality of who they've become since they last met.

Why it's perfect for the rain: The rain is ever-present, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere that mirrors the characters' emotional vulnerability. It's a quiet, melancholic watch that feels best experienced when the world outside has slowed down.

October follows a young hotel intern whose life changes after a tragic accident involving a colleague. The film explores grief, care, and emotional growth through understated storytelling, focusing more on internal transformation than dramatic plot twists.

Why it's perfect for the rain: Its subdued colour palette, long pauses, and introspective mood pair beautifully with grey skies. This is a film that invites you to sit with your thoughts, something rainy days are perfect for.

Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, Wake Up Sid is a coming-of-age story about privilege, responsibility, and self-discovery. As Sid navigates adulthood, friendships and love help him find purpose beyond comfort and entitlement.

Why it's perfect for the rain: The film's monsoon scenes, soft background score, and comforting familiarity make it an easy, cosy watch. It feels nostalgic without being heavy, ideal for a relaxed rainy-day binge.

A gentle, nostalgia-soaked romance, 96 revolves around two former school sweethearts who reconnect decades later during a school reunion. Over one night, memories resurface, revealing how deeply first love can linger.

Why it's perfect for the rain: Its slow pacing and emotional restraint match the quiet rhythm of a rainy evening. This is a film best watched when you're in the mood to feel, not rush.

A dark, atmospheric horror rooted in Indian folklore, Tumbbad explores greed, generational trauma, and obsession. The story unfolds in a rain-drenched village, where myth and reality blur in unsettling ways.

Why it's perfect for the rain: Constant rainfall, shadowy visuals, and haunting sound design make the film incredibly immersive. Stormy weather outside only enhances its eerie, hypnotic effect.

Set in Varanasi, Masaan weaves together two stories of love, loss, and social judgment. The film examines how deeply tradition and morality shape personal choices, while also offering quiet hope.

Why it's perfect for the rain: Poetic and reflective, this film works best when watched slowly. Rainy weather adds to its contemplative mood, making its emotional beats hit even harder.

A whimsical love story told with charm and visual poetry, Barfi! follows a mute man and his unconventional relationships with two women. The film balances humour and heartbreak with grace and sincerity.

Why it's perfect for the rain: Its warmth, innocence, and gentle humour make it an uplifting contrast to gloomy weather. Perfect when you want something emotional but not overwhelming.

At its heart, Kapoor & Sons is about family: the kind filled with unspoken tensions, secrets, and love that's rarely expressed properly. A family reunion becomes a catalyst for long-buried truths to surface.

Why it's perfect for the rain: The intimate setting and conversational storytelling feel like being indoors with real people. It's emotionally engaging without being too heavy, ideal for a cosy watch.

Udaan follows a teenager struggling to break free from an abusive father while discovering his own identity and dreams. It's a powerful story of rebellion, resilience, and self-belief.

Why it's perfect for the rain: The film's raw emotion and reflective tone suit quiet, introspective days. Rainy weather gives you the mental space this story deserves.

Rainy days in the UAE are rare, so when they arrive, lean into them. Pick a film, settle in, and let the story unfold at its own pace. These aren't movies you rush through. They're the ones you remember long after the credits roll.