Top 10 Bollywood Blockbusters of 1976 That Turn 50 in 2026
Posted On: 07 Feb 2026 | Last Updated : 07 Feb 2026 | Views : 116
As Bollywood celebrates the golden jubilee of the year 1976 in 2026, it’s the perfect moment to revisit a remarkable lineup of films that ruled the box office and left a lasting impact on Hindi cinema. This was a year when romance, drama, music, and mass entertainment came together seamlessly, producing movies that audiences continue to cherish even five decades later. These films didn’t just dominate the box office—they captured the pulse of a nation. Packed with unforgettable performances, iconic music, powerful storytelling, and larger-than-life emotions, the top 10 Bollywood blockbusters of 1976 reflected an era of change, hope, and mass entertainment. Here’s a look at ten of the most iconic Bollywood blockbusters of 1976 and why they still matter.
1. Dus Numbri (7 May) (Budget: 1.00 Cr, Domestic: 4.50 Cr, Worldwide: 9.00 Cr)
Director Madan Mohla’s action-drama Dus Numbri turned out to be the biggest Bollywood blockbuster movie of 1976. Starring Manoj Kumar, Hema Malini, Pran, Bindu, Kamini Kaushal and Premnath, the film was a typical action drama that ran to packed houses despite facing tough competition from big-budget movies that followed later in the year. Once again, the music of Laxmikant–Pyarelal ruled the music charts that year with hits like Yeh Duniya Ek Numbri, Prem Ka Rog Bada Bura, Dilruba Dilliwali, Mujhe Dard Rehta Hai, etc.
2. Laila Majnu (26 November) (Budget: 1.20 Cr, Domestic: 4.25 Cr, Worldwide: 9.00 Cr)
Director-producer H.S. Rawail’s timeless, tragic, legendary love saga, Laila Majnu, easily gets listed in the top 10 Bollywood blockbusters of 1976. Rishi Kapoor once again proved his mettle as the romantic hero opposite debutant Ranjeeta Kaur, having Danny Denzongpa and Asrani for company. Music director Madan Mohan passed away during the making of the film, leaving Jaidev to compose the remaining songs. The film had hit songs, including Is Reshmi Paajeb Ki Jhankar, Tere Dar Par Aaya Hoon, Husn Haazir Hai, Tere Dar Pa Aaya Hoon, Barbaad-E-Mohabbat Ki Duaa, etc.
3. Nagin (23 January) (Budget: 1.50 Cr, Domestic: 3.50 Cr, Worldwide: 7.00 Cr)
Filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli’s second outing as director was the multi-starrer revenge action drama, Nagin. Nagin not only went on to become one of the top Bollywood movies of 1976 but also had one of the biggest starcasts ever to be seen on the silver screen, which included Sunil Dutt, Reena Roy, Feroz Khan, Jeetendra, Mumtaz, Rekha, Vinod Mehra, Sanjay Khan, Yogeeta Bali, Kabir Bedi, Anil Dhawan, Aruna Irani, and Ranjeet. The film popularized the snake-revenge subgenre, inspiring several films in the years that followed. The songs were composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal and penned by Varma Malik, which included hits like Tere Sang Pyaar Main Nahin Todna, Tere Mera, Mera Tera Mil Gaya Dil Dil Se, Hafte Mahine Barson Nahin, Tere Ishq Ka Mujh Pe Hua Yeh Asar Hai, etc.
4. Hera Pheri (10 September) (Budget: 1.40 Cr, Domestic: 3.00 Cr, Worldwide: 5.50 Cr)
Director Prakash Mehra’s action-comedy drama Hera Pheri was among the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 1976, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saira Banu, Vinod Khanna, Sulakshana Pandit, Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Pinchoo Kapoor, Padma Khanna, and Asrani. Strong performances from Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna made it a major commercial success. The film's music was by Prakash Mehra loyalist Kalyanji–Anandji, which subsequently ended up becoming the fourth highest grosser of that year.
5. Charas (28 May) (Budget: 1.20 Cr, Domestic: 2.70 Cr, Worldwide: 5.50 Cr)
Among Bollywood movies turning 50 in 2026 is Ramanand Sagar’s action-spy thriller, Charas. Set against the backdrop of the expulsion of the Indian community from Uganda in 1972, the film starred Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Ajit, Amjad Khan, Sujit Kumar, Aruna Irani, Asrani, Keshto Mukherjee, and Tom Alter. The film was applauded for its scenic foreign locales and Laxmikant–Pyarelal’s melodious songs, including Aaja Teri Yaad Aai, Kal Ki Haseen Mulaqaat Ke Liye, and others.
6. Fakira (10 September) (Budget: 1.00 Cr, Domestic: 2.50 Cr, Worldwide: 5.00 Cr)
Director C. P. Dixit’s Fakira was a gripping action drama about an innocent man falsely branded a criminal, forced to survive on the fringes of society. Packed with powerful emotions, memorable music, and social relevance, the film stands tall among Hindi cinema blockbusters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences of its era. The film was produced by N.N. Sippy and starred Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Danny Denzongpa, Aruna Irani, Asrani, and Iftekhar, etc. Music and lyrics were by Ravindra Jain and included gems like Tota Maina Ki Kahaani, Fakira Chal Chala Chal, Hum To Jhuk Kar Salaam, and others.
7. Kalicharan (6 February) (Budget: 1.00 Cr, Domestic: 2.25 Cr, Worldwide: 4.50 Cr)
Subhash Ghai’s directorial debut, Kalicharan, was a powerful action-revenge drama about a hardened criminal whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a police informer. Packed with gripping action, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances, the film became a massive commercial success, achieving one of the highest box office collections of 1976 and cementing its cult status. The film was produced by N.N. Sippy and starred Shatrughan Sinha, Reena Roy, Premnath, Ajit, Madan Puri, Danny Denzongpa, and Alka. Music was by Kalyanji–Anandji, who composed chartbuster songs like Ek Batta Do, Jaa Re Jaa O Harjaai, etc.
8. Kabhi Kabhie (27 February) (Budget: 1.20 Cr, Domestic: 2.00 Cr, Worldwide: 4.00 Cr)
A poetic exploration of love across generations, Yash Chopra was back after the super success of the monumental Deewaar with Kabhi Kabhie, redefining romance in Hindi cinema. With soulful music, mature storytelling, and unforgettable performances, the film became a benchmark for emotional dramas. One of the then-highest earning Hindi movies of 1976, Kabhi Kabhie starred Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Raakhee, Waheeda Rehman, Neetu Singh, Simi Garewal, Parikshit Sahni, and newbie Naseem. Songs written by Sahir Ludhianvi and composed by Khayyam became immortal.
9. Maa (10 September) (Budget: 90.00 Lakhs, Domestic: 1.70 Cr, Worldwide: 3.50 Cr)
M.A. Thirumugam’s Maa, starring Dharmendra, Hema Malini & Nirupa Roy, was a deeply emotional family drama that celebrated a mother’s unconditional love and resilience. Rich in sentiment, powerful performances, and timeless values, Maa continues to resonate with audiences, earning its place among classic Bollywood films 1976 remembered for heartfelt storytelling and enduring emotional impact. Songs were penned by Anand Bakshi while music was by Laxmikant–Pyarelal, which included hits like Hataari Main Shikari, Gaaunga, Naachunga, Maa Tujhe Dhoondoon Kahan, etc.
10. Do Anjaane (26 November) (Budget: 90.00 Lakhs, Domestic: 1.50 Cr, Worldwide: 3.10 Cr)
Dulal Guha’s poignant romantic drama Do Anjaane, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Prem Chopra, Urmila Bhatt, Pradeep Kumar, and Mithun Chakraborty, was about a once-married couple who unknowingly reunite years later under new identities. As past wounds resurface, love, fate, and sacrifice collide—cementing its place among the highest Bollywood grossers of 1976 and a timeless emotional classic. Music by Kalyanji–Anandji was one of the highlights of the film, while Prem Chopra walked away that year with the ‘Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award’.
