Movies like Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
The best movies like Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) are Mangal Pandey - The Rising (2005), Gold (2018) and Begum Jaan (2017). If Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India hooked you with its adventure and drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDangal (2016)7.9/10 from 1,253 votes
- NewestMain Vaapas Aaunga (2026)Released 2026
- In HindiMangal Pandey - The Rising (2005)Also in Hindi
Mangal Pandey - The Rising (2005)
The film begins in 1857, when India was ruled by the British East India Company. Mangal Pandey is a sepoy, a soldier of Indian origin, in the army of the East India Company. Pandey is fighting in the Anglo-Afghan Wars and saves the life of his British commanding officer, William Gordon. Gordon is indebted to Pandey and a strong friendship develops between them, transcending both rank and race.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGold (2018)
Set in 1948, the historic story of India's first Olympic medal post their independence.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBegum Jaan (2017)
On the eve of Independence, the chairman of the Border Commission, Sir Cyril Radcliffe decides to divide India and Pakistan into equitable halves. What the administration doesn’t account for is the line running through the middle of Begum Jaan’s brothel situated plonk on the border; with one half falling in India and the other in Pakistan.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Padmaavat (2018)
Rajputana, India, 13th century. The tyrannical usurper Alauddin Khilji, sultan of Delhi, becomes obsessed with Queen Padmavati, wife of King Ratan Singh of Mewar, and goes to great lengths to satisfy his greed for her.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRaja Shivaji (2026)
Chronicles the rise of young Shivaji Bhonsale, who challenged the might of established empires to found the Maratha kingdom and lay the groundwork for 'Swarajya' (self-rule) during a turbulent period of Indian history.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both history & drama
Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
A sixteenth century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a Mughal emperor and a Rajput princess.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both history & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChak De! India (2007)
A team of rag-tag girls with their own agenda form Team India competing for international fame in field hockey. Their coach, the ex-men's Indian National team captain, returns from a life of shame after being unjustly accused of match fixing in his last match. Can he give the girls the motivation required to win, while dealing with the shadows of his own past?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBajirao Mastani (2015)
Peshwa Bajirao married to Kashibai, falls in love with Mastani, a warrior princess in distress. They struggle to make their love triumph amid opposition from his conservative family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both history & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
Born in British India, Bhagat Singh witnesses numerous atrocities during his childhood and grows up to become one of the most fearless freedom fighters in the country.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
The true story of the "Flying Sikh" world champion runner and Olympian Milkha Singh who overcame the massacre of his family, civil war during the India-Pakistan partition, and homelessness to become one of India's most iconic athletes.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMary Kom (2014)
A chronicle of the life of Indian boxer 'Mary Kom' who went through several hardships before audaciously accomplishing her ultimate dream.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPaan Singh Tomar (2012)
Paan Singh Tomar goes from celebrated runner to star brigand and rebel when life after sports fails to unfold as planned.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRang De Basanti (2006)
After a group of friends graduate from Delhi University, they listlessly haunt their old campus, until a British filmmaker casts them in a film she's making about freedom fighters under British rule. Although the group is largely apolitical, the tragic death of a friend owing to local government corruption awakens their patriotism. Inspired by the freedom fighters they represent in the film, the friends collectively decide to avenge the killing.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Chess Players (1977)
In the year 1856, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is the King of Awadh, one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British intend to control this rich land and send General Outram to clear way for an annexation. Pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political maneuvers, but the Nawab whiles away his time in pursuit of pleasure and religious practice. The court is of no help either — noblemen Mir and Mirza ignore all duties and spend their days playing endless games of chess.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like this83 (2021)
On the 25th of June 1983, the Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed one of the biggest underdog stories in the history of sports. Fourteen inspired players - led by a man's self-belief and conviction - fought against all odds and orchestrated India’s greatest sporting triumph by beating the two-time World Champions West Indies.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSwades (2004)
A successful Indian scientist returns home to his village to take his nanny back to America with him, and in the process rediscovers his roots.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisM.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
Based on the life story of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and his journey to being the world cup winning captain of the Indian cricket team.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMain Vaapas Aaunga (2026)
Haunted by a childhood romance and recollections of love lost during the 1947 Partition of India, 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal shares his story with his grandson Nirvair, the past unfolding through memories of migration, longing, and a romance that endures across generations.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Soorma (2018)
Soorma, a comeback story of the hockey legend Sandeep Singh is a biopic that chronicles the life and times of the famed hockey player.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPatiala House (2011)
Parghat Singh 'Gattu' Kahlon is a middle aged shopkeeper who secretly practices bowling at night in order to keep his dream of playing for England alive. Even though his family members despise him for giving up his dreams only due to his father's wish, they find a ray of hope and convince him to play for England while they plan to hide the truth from his father.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSultan (2016)
The ageing wrestler Sultan Ali Khan decides to try his luck on the mat again; to do this, he wants to represent his country at the Olympic Games, but first has to overcome personal issues.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMohenjo Daro (2016)
During the Indus valley civilization, an Indigo farmer strives for the justice and protection of the city of Mohenjo-Daro and its civilians from an evil politician.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both adventure & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGandhi (1982)
In the early years of the 20th century, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence. Faced with armed resistance from the British government, Gandhi adopts a policy of 'passive resistance', endeavouring to win freedom for his people without resorting to bloodshed.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIqbal (2005)
This is all about chasing your dreams, no matter what the obstacles. The story involves a young deaf and dumb boy who is crazy about cricket.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisVeer-Zaara (2004)
Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh, a pilot in the Indian Air Force, rescues the stranded Zaara, a woman from Pakistan, following a bus accident, and their lives are forever bound.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDangal (2016)
Dangal is an extraordinary true story based on the life of Mahavir Singh and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film traces the inspirational journey of a father who trains his daughters to become world class wrestlers.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPeddi (2026)
In a village that doesn't officially exist, a laborer's unmatched athletic talent becomes his weapon to fight for his people's right to be recognized.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisDevdas (2002)
In 1900s India, Calcuttan zamindar Devdas Mukherjee — unable to marry his lover — takes up alcohol and the company of a courtesan to alleviate the pain.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSardar Udham (2021)
A young Sardar Udham Singh left deeply scarred by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, escaped into the mountains of Afghanistan, reaching London in 1933-34. Carrying an unhealed wound for 21 years, the revolutionary assassinated Michael O’Dwyer on 13th March, 1940, the man at the helm of affairs in Punjab, April 1919 to avenge the lost lives of his beloved brethren.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
During the partition, Tara marries Sakina and they live a happy life. However their happiness is short-lived when Sakina's father forces her to stay in Pakistan and separates her from her family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India?
The closest matches to Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India are Mangal Pandey - The Rising (2005), Gold (2018) and Begum Jaan (2017). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India?
People who watched Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India most often go on to Mangal Pandey - The Rising (2005), Gold (2018) and Begum Jaan (2017).
What is the highest-rated movie like Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India?
Dangal (2016), rated 7.9/10 by 1,253 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India?
Main Vaapas Aaunga (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Hindi movies like Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India?
Yes: Mangal Pandey - The Rising (2005), Gold (2018) and Begum Jaan (2017).
How are movies similar to Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.