As a director, Imtiaz Ali has made the most unique movies for Indian Cinema. He is known for his soulful storytelling, deep characters, and unforgettable music; he has given us films that stay in our hearts long after we leave the theater.
Whether it’s the lively Geet from Jab We Met or the struggling artist in Rockstar, his characters feel real and relatable.
Over the years, Imtiaz has directed, written, and even produced movies that focus on love, freedom, identity, and following one’s heart.
His films are not just about romance but about journeys, both on the road and within the soul. Here I have combined all the Imtiaz Ali movie lists that you surely wanted to know.
So, let’s explore this;
Imtiaz Ali Movies List
Socha Na Tha (2005, Director)
Imtiaz started his journey with this fresh romantic drama starring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia. The film explored arranged marriage, friendship, and unexpected love. Though not a big hit in theaters, it later gained cult status for its realistic writing and heartfelt storytelling.
Ahista Ahista (2006, Writer)
Written by Imtiaz, this film featured Abhay Deol and Soha Ali Khan. It told the story of a small-town boy trying to find his place in the world. The film was simple and emotional and showed Imtiaz’s ability to write about love with honesty.
Jab We Met (2007, Director)
This Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor starrer changed everything for Imtiaz. The story of Aditya, a depressed businessman, and Geet, a lively Punjabi girl, became one of Bollywood’s most loved romantic comedies. Kareena’s performance as Geet became iconic, and the film’s dialogues and songs are still remembered today.
Love Aaj Kal (2009, Director)
This movie by Imtiaz Ali starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone showed two love stories, one from the present and one from the past, proving that while times change, feelings of love remain the same. The film was a commercial success and strengthened Imtiaz’s reputation as a storyteller of modern romance.
Rockstar (2011, Director)
This was a turning point in Imtiaz’s career. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Janardhan/Jordan, a boy who becomes a rockstar through heartbreak and pain, the film was raw, emotional, and intense. The music by A. R. Rahman became legendary, and Ranbir’s performance was widely praised.
Cocktail (2012, Writer)
Though not directed by him, Imtiaz wrote the story for this Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty starrer. It dealt with love, friendship, and modern relationships. The film was stylish and popular, especially among younger audiences.
Highway (2014, Director)
This time Imtiaz ALi think very differently and directed a very different kind of love story starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. It followed a young woman who finds freedom after being kidnapped. The film’s road-trip style and deep emotional layers touched audiences, and Alia’s performance was considered one of her best.
Tamasha (2015, Director)
The most popular movie of Imtiaz Ali with the star cast Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, this film explored identity and the conflict between following society’s rules versus following one’s true passion. It didn’t do well at the box office initially but has since become a cult classic for its bold storytelling and Rahman’s music.
Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017, Director)
With Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma in lead roles, this romantic drama of Imtiaz Ali had beautiful visuals and music. However, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Despite that, it had moments of charm and some memorable songs.
Laila Majnu (2018, Writer)
This was written by Imtiaz and directed by his brother Sajid Ali, this film retold the legendary tragic love story of Laila and Majnu. It was appreciated for its honesty and intensity, even if it didn’t do huge numbers at the box office.
The Other Way (2018, Short Film)
This was a short film experiment by Imtiaz that explored modern love and urban life.
Love Aaj Kal (2020, Director)
Imtiaz revisited his 2009 classic with Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan. The film attempted to explore modern love struggles again but received mixed responses. While the music and visuals were appreciated, the story couldn’t match the impact of the original.
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024, Director)
This Netflix film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra told the life story of Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila. Imtiaz’s direction brought rawness and depth to the tragic tale, making it one of his most critically acclaimed works in recent years.
My Melbourne (2024, Anthology, Director)
Part of an international anthology project, Imtiaz contributed a short film exploring love and identity in a multicultural setting.
Why Do People Love Imtiaz Ali’s Movies?
His films focus on characters and emotions, not just flashy stories.
- Music in Imtiaz Ali movies is always a highlight, from Tum Se Hi in Jab We Met to Kun Faya Kun in Rockstar.
- He often mixes travel, self-discovery, and romance, creating memorable journeys.
- His stories feel relatable because they show real struggles of love and life.
To wrap up
The Imtiaz ALi movies list shows that he is not just a director who directs love stories but the one who understands the human heart.
From the cheerful Jab We Met to the heartbreaking Rockstar and the powerful Chamkila, his work has touched different shades of love and life.
While some of his films became blockbusters and others received mixed reactions, one thing is clear: Imtiaz Ali continues to create cinema that starts conversations, gives us unforgettable music, and stays with us for years.
With upcoming projects, audiences are excited to see what new journeys he will take us on next.
