16 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Slumdog Millionaire

Rang De Basanti is a movie that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, just like Slumdog Millionaire did. Both films capture the essence of India, with its vibrant colors, rich culture, and complex societal issues. While Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a Mumbai teenager accused of cheating on a game show, Rang De Basanti follows six young Indians as they assist an English woman in making a documentary on freedom fighters. Both movies tackle themes of friendship, murder, and the awakening of a nation. However, Rang De Basanti takes it a step further by exploring the long-forgotten saga of freedom fighters, making it a powerful and thought-provoking film. The performances in both movies are exceptional, with Aamir Khan shining in Rang De Basanti, just like Dev Patel did in Slumdog Millionaire.

Maharathi is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire as both movies fall under the genres of Crime and Drama. While Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a Mumbai teenager accused of cheating on a game show, Maharathi revolves around a street-smart chauffeur who partners with his late employer's wife to pocket an insurance claim. Both movies involve elements of mystery and murder, showcasing the dark side of India. However, the similarities end there. Slumdog Millionaire is a gripping and uplifting film that takes the audience on a rag-to-riches journey, while Maharathi is a suspense thriller that keeps the viewer guessing until the end. Despite its flaws in the script, Maharathi offers some of the finest performances from its lead actors. If you're in the mood for a desi version of Sleuth, Maharathi is worth a watch.

Life of Pi is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire because both movies take place in India and explore themes of survival and personal growth. However, while Slumdog Millionaire focuses on the harsh realities of poverty and organized crime, Life of Pi takes a more fantastical approach, showcasing a young man's epic journey of adventure and discovery. The two films also differ in terms of their visual styles. Slumdog Millionaire captures the gritty and colorful streets of India, while Life of Pi mesmerizes with its stunning CGI, especially in its portrayal of animals and a breathtaking shipwreck. Both films have received critical acclaim and numerous nominations, but Life of Pi stands out for its ability to bring the relationship between the protagonist and a fearsome Bengal tiger, Richard Parker, to vivid and moving life. Overall, if you enjoyed the heartwarming and visually captivating nature of Slumdog Millionaire, you should definitely watch Life of Pi for its mesmerizing storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Unfreedom is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire in its portrayal of India and its exploration of societal issues. Both films delve into the darker side of Indian society, addressing topics such as organized crime and oppressive social norms. However, while Slumdog Millionaire takes a more optimistic and uplifting approach, Unfreedom presents a grittier and more controversial perspective. Slumdog Millionaire tells a rag-to-riches story with love at its core, engaging the audience with its colorful and stylish delivery. On the other hand, Unfreedom focuses on the struggles of a lesbian daughter fighting against an arranged marriage and a religious fundamentalist targeting an anti-extremist scholar. Despite its ban in India, Unfreedom fails to strike a balance between reality and fiction, resulting in a shabby art project. Nonetheless, for those who have seen Slumdog Millionaire and are looking for a thought-provoking and controversial film set in India, Unfreedom might be worth a watch.

Kaabil, released in 2017, is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire. Both movies take place in India and deal with themes of crime, drama, and romance. However, while Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a Mumbai teenager accused of cheating on a game show, Kaabil follows a blind man seeking revenge after his wife is raped and killed. Despite the differences in plot, both films capture the essence of India, with vibrant visuals and captivating storytelling. Slumdog Millionaire is known for its fragmented time structure, which adds depth to the narrative, while Kaabil delivers a strong social message about the current scenario in the country. With Hrithik Roshan's exceptional acting and beautiful music, Kaabil is a must-watch film that showcases the evolution of Bollywood.

The Karma Killings is a modern-day crime thriller that shares some similarities with Slumdog Millionaire. Both movies take place in India and revolve around the theme of murder. However, while Slumdog Millionaire tells a fictional story of a teenager accused of cheating on a game show, The Karma Killings is a documentary that delves into India's most infamous serial killings. The Karma Killings not only explores the complexities of the case but also delves into Indian mythology and class warfare. It presents a suspenseful and scary mystery, with a huge twist - one of the killers may be innocent. While Slumdog Millionaire is an uplifting and visually stunning film, The Karma Killings offers a more gritty and realistic portrayal of crime in India. If you enjoyed the captivating storytelling and cultural immersion of Slumdog Millionaire, you should definitely watch The Karma Killings to gain a deeper understanding of India's dark side and its impact on the nation.

Lion is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire as both films take place in India and explore the journey of a protagonist overcoming obstacles to find their way home. However, while Slumdog Millionaire tells a fictional story of a young man accused of cheating on a game show, Lion is based on a true story. Lion follows the emotional journey of a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost and is adopted by an Australian couple, only to search for his birth family 25 years later. The films share the theme of family and the struggle to find one's identity, but Lion takes a more poignant and heart-wrenching approach. With its breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances, Lion is a must-see film that will leave you both uplifted and emotionally moved.

"The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" takes us back to India, just like "Slumdog Millionaire." While the first movie explores the gritty poverty of Mumbai, the second one presents an exotic and somewhat fantastical environment. Both films capture the essence of India, but in different ways. "Slumdog Millionaire" tells a rag-to-riches story with love at its core, using a fragmented time structure to keep us engaged. On the other hand, "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" focuses on the opportunities of old age, delivering a positive message that good things can still happen regardless of age. With fabulous casting and a gentle storytelling approach, this movie feels like catching up with old friends who always make you smile. So, if you enjoyed "Slumdog Millionaire," you should definitely watch "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" for its charming characters, humor, and warmth.

That Girl in Yellow Boots is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire in its portrayal of life in India, but with a darker and more explicit twist. While Slumdog Millionaire is an uplifting, feel-good film that tells a rag-to-riches story with love at its core, That Girl in Yellow Boots takes viewers on a journey into the seedy underbelly of Mumbai's massage parlors. The film explores themes of drug addiction, oral sex, and child abuse, presenting a disturbing and realistic picture of the city. Both films showcase the talent of their respective directors, with Danny Boyle capturing the vibrant colors and energy of India, and Anurag Kashyap delving into the gritty and unconventional. However, That Girl in Yellow Boots lacks the emotional connection and conflicting drama that Slumdog Millionaire possesses. While it is a bold and daring piece of cinema that pushes boundaries, it falls short of being one of Kashyap's best efforts.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire in terms of its setting in India and its exploration of organized crime. However, the similarities end there. While Slumdog Millionaire is an engaging and uplifting film that tells a rag-to-riches story with love at its core, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara falls short in several aspects. The acting performances in the latter film fail to add depth to the characters, and the one-liners lack impact. Additionally, the music and background score are average at best, and the direction and scriptwriting do not meet the standards set by its prequel. Overall, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara neither entertains nor bores, making it a film that can easily be missed.

Singham: A truly honest police officer is transferred to a town controlled by a gangster he has humiliated. The gangster believes he can use good power to bring down this officer who made him look foolish and weak.
Singham reminds me of Slumdog Millionaire because both films are set in India and revolve around characters who face challenging circumstances. While Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a Mumbai teenager accused of cheating on a game show, Singham focuses on a truly honest police officer who is transferred to a town controlled by a gangster. Both films explore themes of power, corruption, and the triumph of the underdog. However, Singham takes a more action-packed approach with over-the-top sequences and larger-than-life characters, while Slumdog Millionaire captivates the audience through its colorful visuals and engaging storytelling.

Split Wide Open takes the audience on a wild ride through the underbelly of Bombay, exposing the city's dark secrets. While Slumdog Millionaire showcased the poverty and struggle in India, Split Wide Open goes deeper, exploring modern sexual behavior and the corrupt water mafia. The film jumps between different subjects, creating a chaotic narrative that mirrors the chaotic nature of the city itself. Despite the slow pace, the film fails to deliver the speed and drive expected from a modern big city story. The acting, reminiscent of a soap opera, leaves much to be desired. In contrast to Slumdog Millionaire's uplifting and feel-good nature, Split Wide Open offers a gritty and uncomfortable portrayal of reality. Although both films shed light on the harsh realities of life in India, Split Wide Open lacks the captivating storytelling and visual style that made Slumdog Millionaire a cinematic masterpiece.

Singham Returns is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire in its portrayal of India and its themes of crime and justice. While Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a Mumbai teenager accused of cheating on a game show, Singham Returns follows an honest and fierce police officer returning to wipe out injustice. Both movies showcase the gritty realities of India, with Slumdog Millionaire focusing on poverty and suffering, and Singham Returns highlighting the evils of black money. However, Singham Returns takes a more action-packed approach, with fast-paced sequences and intense performances by Ajay Devgn as the lead. In contrast, Slumdog Millionaire captures the hearts of the audience with its uplifting and romantic storyline. Despite their differences, both movies provide a captivating and immersive experience, making Singham Returns a must-watch for fans of Slumdog Millionaire who crave a thrilling and patriotic ride through the streets of Mumbai.

Kalashnikov is a gripping film that will remind you of Slumdog Millionaire. Both movies explore themes of murder, brotherhood, and love. While Slumdog Millionaire takes place in the gritty poverty of India, Kalashnikov is set in Tehran, Iran. The main characters in both films are driven by revenge and are on the run, with Slumdog Millionaire's protagonist accused of cheating on a game show and Kalashnikov's protagonist seeking a hideout after murdering his sister's husband. What sets Kalashnikov apart is the addition of a mute sister, adding a unique dynamic to the story. The film follows the journey of the main character as he encounters a local driver who decides to help him. With its intense plot and strong performances, Kalashnikov is a must-watch for fans of Slumdog Millionaire who are looking for another thrilling and engaging film.

Banaras is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire in its portrayal of India as a backdrop for a captivating story. While Slumdog Millionaire explores the themes of poverty, crime, and love, Banaras takes us on a mystic love story set in the oldest living city on Earth. Both films showcase the vibrant culture and colorful landscapes of India, immersing the audience in a visually stunning experience. However, Slumdog Millionaire delves deeper into the grittiness of poverty and suffering, while Banaras focuses more on the spiritual and emotional journey of its characters. The performances in both movies are commendable, with Dev Patel and Urmila Matondkar delivering strong performances. Slumdog Millionaire received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, while Banaras, although less known, offers a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and spiritual evolution.

Raid is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire because both movies take place in India and explore themes of crime, poverty, and corruption. However, while Slumdog Millionaire is a colorful and stylish fairytale that uplifts the audience, Raid is a more straightforward and gritty film. It focuses on the story of a fearless income tax officer who raids the mansion of the most powerful man in Lucknow. Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, Raid is not an action-packed movie, but rather a mysterious one. Although the songs in Raid are not particularly good, the film compensates for it by showcasing the love and support between the husband and wife, even in the face of difficult circumstances. Overall, Raid is a good movie to watch as it portrays themes of dignity, honesty, and loyalty in a captivating manner.