Not every great Bollywood movie comes with massive hype, and sometimes the most surprising films are the ones we least expect to enjoy. From the suspense-filled Gajab Raat and the powerful courtroom drama Haq to the emotional story of Last Man in Tower, several Hindi movies of 2026 have offered memorable stories, strong characters and unexpected entertainment. If you love discovering underrated movies that deserve more attention, these 12 picks are worth adding to your watchlist.
12 Best Underrated Hindi Movies of 2026
1. Gajab Raat (Netflix)
What begins as a police officer’s effort to help an injured woman quickly becomes a dangerous mystery involving several suspicious people. As he attempts to understand the violent events of one particular night, he discovers that influential individuals may be working to prevent certain facts from becoming public. Starring Manoj Bajpayee, this gripping thriller keeps the suspense alive through a complicated investigation where every fresh discovery raises more questions.
2. Reporting Live (Netflix)
A story about illegal sand mining takes an unexpected turn when journalist Sandhya and cameraman Vinod discover that the operation is connected to criminals with powerful backing. Despite facing serious threats, the two continue following the evidence, determined to reveal the people benefiting from the illegal business. Featuring Parineeti Chopra, Deven Bhojani, Shekhar Suman, Adil Hussain and Amol Palekar, this investigative thriller offers an engaging mix of suspense, corruption and courageous journalism.
3. Dilwali Diwali (Netflix)
A festive homecoming brings a young man face-to-face with the complicated emotions and expectations that often remain hidden inside families. As relatives gather for Diwali, differences between generations and long-unspoken feelings begin changing the mood of the celebrations, creating moments of tension and understanding. Featuring Mihir Ahuja, Manoj Pahwa and Neelu Kohli, this heartwarming family drama explores relationships, traditions and the importance of staying connected.
4. Haq
Inspired by the historic Shah Bano case, this powerful legal drama follows a woman who refuses to let social pressure silence her demand for justice. Her decision to approach the courts turns a deeply personal struggle into an important debate about women’s rights, personal laws and fairness within marriage. As she faces resistance from different directions, her determination makes this an emotional story about dignity, courage and challenging an unequal system.
5. Last Man in Tower (ZEE5)
Residents of Mumbai’s ageing Vishram Society believe their financial worries are finally over when developer Dharmen Shah offers them a generous amount to surrender their apartments for a luxury redevelopment project. But retired teacher Masterji refuses to leave the home filled with memories of his life, creating an unexpected conflict with neighbours who are desperate to accept the deal. As the pressure on him grows, this emotional drama explores how greed and personal interests can destroy even the strongest sense of community.
6. Meethe Mein Kya Hai (Netflix)
A big family reunion during Diwali seems like the perfect opportunity to celebrate together, but old disagreements soon begin disturbing the festive atmosphere. Conversations between relatives bring forgotten arguments and unresolved emotions back into focus, revealing how differently generations understand love, responsibility and family relationships. Starring Ritwik Bhowmik and Rohini Hattangadi, this touching Hindi drama offers a relatable look at the emotional challenges that come with being part of a family.
7. System (Prime Video)
A public prosecutor hoping to succeed in an important legal case finds herself working with an intelligent stenographer whose background and personal ambitions are very different from her own. What initially appears to be another courtroom challenge gradually exposes hidden interests, class divisions and uncomfortable questions about the influence of powerful people. This engaging legal thriller combines emotional conflict and suspense while exploring whether professional success and genuine justice always lead to the same result.
8. Kartavya (Netflix)
Police officer Pawan’s world is shaken when a journalist is murdered despite being under his protection, leaving him determined to understand who organised the attack. His investigation takes him into a dangerous network of corruption and political influence, where powerful individuals appear willing to do anything to protect themselves. Featuring Saif Ali Khan, this intense police thriller becomes particularly gripping when the people Pawan is pursuing begin putting his family in danger.
9. Maa Behen (Netflix)
A widowed mother and her two daughters suddenly find themselves facing a frightening problem when a dead body becomes an unwanted secret inside their home. Their decision to hide the situation leads to increasingly ridiculous complications as neighbours grow suspicious and disagreements within the family threaten to expose everything. This entertaining dark comedy turns an ordinary household into a chaotic crime mystery filled with panic, unexpected situations and sharp humour.
10. Sumo Didi (ZEE5)
Inspired by the remarkable journey of India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave, this sports drama follows a woman determined to prove that her appearance cannot decide her future. Despite facing criticism and body-shaming, she leaves Kolkata for demanding professional training in Japan, where she begins turning the qualities people once questioned into her greatest strengths. Her inspiring struggle challenges traditional expectations about women, sports and the courage required to follow an unusual dream.
11. Governor: The Silent Saviour (Prime Video)
India faces a frightening economic emergency when a severe shortage of foreign exchange pushes the country dangerously close to bankruptcy. RBI Governor A. Ramanan must navigate difficult financial decisions and enormous pressure while attempting to protect the nation’s economic future. Starring Manoj Bajpayee and loosely inspired by former RBI Governor S. Venkitaramanan, this unusual financial thriller creates suspense through a battle against economic collapse rather than conventional crime or action.
12. Pooja Meri Jaan (ZEE5)
Pooja’s life takes a disturbing turn when she faces criminal charges following the death by suicide of a man whose romantic advances she had rejected. Her legal battle becomes even more emotionally complicated when Sana, a lawyer personally connected to the deceased, agrees to represent her. This powerful courtroom drama explores grief, unwanted attention, social judgment and the difficult questions surrounding responsibility and justice.
From the powerful emotions of Haq and Last Man in Tower to the gripping investigations of Gajab Raat and Kartavya, these 12 Bollywood movies of 2026 remind us that some of the most enjoyable stories are the ones that arrive without big expectations.