Gen Z these early 2000s films are your ultimate crash course in OG pop culture

If you’ve ever heard your older cousins or friends rave about Bollywood’s golden era of rom-coms but never got around to watching them, this is your cue. Long before dating apps and #couplegoals took over, films like Hum Tum and I Hate Luv Storys were setting the standard for love stories, with all the drama, iconic fashion, and soundtracks that still hit. These were the movies that gave us major crushes, taught us the meaning of slow-burn romance, and delivered dialogues we still quote without even realising it. And let’s be honest, there’s something about the early 2000s vibe—from low-rise jeans to over-the-top proposals—that just hits different. So if you want a crash course in the kind of pop culture that shaped an entire generation, these are the must-watch classics to start with.

Heyy Babyy

Heyy Babyy is peak 2000s chaotic rom-com energy, where three party-loving bachelors wake up one day to find a baby on their doorstep—and no clue what to do with her. What starts as a comedy of errors turns into a surprisingly sweet story about friendship, fatherhood, and love. Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Fardeen Khan are hilarious together, and the film’s emotional moments balance out all the madness. And let’s be real, 'Mast Kalandar' is still a certified banger.

Golmaal Returns

Bluffmaster!

Bluffmaster! is where style meets substance. Abhishek Bachchan plays a charming conman with more tricks up his sleeve than you can keep track of, and Riteish Deshmukh brings the perfect comic balance. With a slick narrative, surprising twists, and a soundtrack that was way ahead of its time (looking at you, 'Right Here Right Now'), this film made cons look cool before Scam 1992 made them serious. Plus, that ending? Still a jaw-drop moment.

Dhoom 2

If there’s one film that redefined cool for an entire generation, it’s Dhoom 2. Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai’s electric chemistry, mind-blowing heists, and that iconic sand dune scene made this one an instant classic. Every look Hrithik served was a mood (remember his diamond-stealing disguise?), and the songs, 'Dhoom Again', 'Crazy Kiya Re', were pure fire. It’s action, romance, and drama all rolled into one stylish package.

Welcome

No list of iconic 2000s films is complete without Welcome. This movie is legendary for its cast alone, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and Paresh Rawal create comedy gold with their perfect timing. From Uday Bhai’s accidental love for poetry to Majnu Bhai’s modern art obsession, every scene is iconic. Honestly, this film is so quotable that you probably don’t even realise how many lines from it you casually use in conversations.

Ta Ra Rum Pum

Ta Ra Rum Pum brought us a different side of Bollywood, one filled with race cars, family drama, and comeback stories. Saif Ali Khan as a fallen racing champ and Rani Mukerji as his supportive partner gave us a story that was as emotional as it was stylish. The film’s music, especially 'Ab To Forever', is still a vibe, and if you didn’t cry during 'Saaiyaan', did you even watch it properly?

I Hate Luv Storys

I Hate Luv Storys was every commitment-phobe’s dream movie—until they fell for someone, of course. Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor brought a fresh, young energy to this fun take on Bollywood clichés. It's meta, it's aesthetic (that Jab Mila Tu song!), and it's a reminder that even the biggest cynics can’t escape love. A true early 2010s rom-com that still holds up when you want a dose of dreamy love stories with a modern twist.

Bhagam Bhag

Bhagam Bhag is the definition of organised chaos — in the best possible way. Akshay Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal take you through a rollercoaster of wild mix-ups, mistaken identities, and mad chases. The film is a masterclass in slapstick comedy, and no matter how many times you’ve seen it, the punchlines still land. It’s perfect for a mindless laugh when you just want to escape and watch absolute madness unfold.

Love Aaj Kal (2009)

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.

A film that made everyone believe in the power of a 'Jadoo Ki Jhappi', Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. is a perfect blend of heart and humour. Sanjay Dutt as Munna and Arshad Warsi as Circuit give us friendship goals for life. It’s a film about second chances, kindness, and challenging the system — but in a way that never feels heavy. It's still the comfort movie you turn to when you need a smile.

Hum Tum

If Hum Tum taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the person you argue with the most is the one. Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji’s chemistry shines in this story that spans years, cities, and plenty of fights. The animated Hum and Tum characters add a super cute touch, and the soundtrack ('Ladki Kyon', 'Hum Tum') still holds up. It’s the OG slow-burn romance that proves timing really is everything in love.

Salaam Namaste

Way ahead of its time, Salaam Namaste was one of the first mainstream Bollywood films to talk about live-in relationships, commitment fears, and accidental pregnancies—all wrapped up in a super fun rom-com vibe. Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta are adorable together, and the film balances humour with some pretty real conversations about adulting and love. Also, 'My Dil Goes Mmmm' is still a song that instantly transports you back to 2005.

Rock On!!

Lead image credit: IMDB

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