We’ll admit, the friends-to-lovers movie arc is one of the most common romantic tropes out there. Maybe it’s the sense of familiarity and comfort that brings them together, or the predestined nature of their relationship that makes us want to keep rooting for the pair. Nevertheless, there’s something undeniably heartwarming about watching two best friends fall in love.
From ’90s classic Maine Pyaar Kia where Mohnish Bahl’s prophecy of ek ladka aur ladki kabhi dost nahi hote comes true to modern-day romantic comedies like Jaane Tu Jaane Na, keep reading for 10 must-watch movies where best friends fall in love.
1. Wake up Sid | Sid & Ayesha
They are one of the most heartwarming and realistic portrayals of how friendships can evolve into something deeper. Plus, set against the backdrop of Mumbai, it captures that vibrant, bustling energy of the city, which adds another layer to their story.
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2. Kal Ho Na Ho | Rohit & Naina
Naina (Preity Zinta) is a serious, introverted girl dealing with family issues, while Rohit (Saif Ali Khan) is a cheerful, carefree guy who brings laughter into her life. They start as really good friends, with Rohit always trying to cheer Naina up and make her smile. It’s like they have this unspoken connection that slowly transforms into something deeper. It’s a classic tale of friends discovering love, filled with emotional moments, heartfelt confessions, and a lot of humour along the way.
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3. Aisha | Aisha & Arjun
Director Rajshree Ojhaa’s Aisha is a modern Bollywood take on Jane Austen’s Emma. Sonam Kapoor plays Aisha, a meddling match-maker of the Delhi high-society, and along with her best friend Pinky Bose (Ira Dubey), she takes it upon herself to refine a new entrant into her circle, Shefali Thakur (Amrita Puri). Amidst all the chaos is her long time neighbour, friend, and conscience, Arjun Burman (Abhay Deol).
4. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Rahul & Anjali
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai really captures the essence of friends discovering love, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s chemistry making Rahul and Anjali’s story truly unforgettable. At the start, they’re best buddies—playful, competitive, and always teasing each other. Rahul is this cool college dude, while Anjali is the tomboyish, spirited girl who’s always by his side. You can tell they have this deep bond from the beginning, but they don’t realize their romantic feelings for each other until much later.
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5. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | Naina & Bunny
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani portrays a heartfelt story of friendship evolving into love, with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s on-screen chemistry adding depth and authenticity to Naina and Bunny’s relationship. Naina had taken a leap of faith with Bunny and his friends Avi (Aditya Roy Kapur) and Aditi (Kalki Koechlin) for the Manali trek, and her life changed forever. It’s a journey that resonates with many, capturing the joy, complications, and transformative power of love.
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6. New York | Samir & Maya
New York portrays Samir and Maya’s relationship with sensitivity and depth, exploring themes of resilience, compassion, and the impact of traumatic events on personal relationships.
7. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na | Jay & Aditi
Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na beautifully captures the innocence and warmth of friendship evolving into love. Jay and Aditi’s journey is filled with heartwarming moments, humorous exchanges, and relatable emotions, making their storyline a favourite among audiences who enjoy romantic comedies with a heartfelt twist.
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8. Band Baaja Baaraat | Bittoo & Shruti
As their romantic relationship blossoms, business partners Bittoo and Shruti learn to communicate openly, compromise, and support each other’s dreams. They realize that their friendship has provided a solid foundation for a meaningful and supportive partnership.
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9. Cocktail | Meera & Gautam
Meera and Gautam’s journey culminates in a deeper commitment to each other, where they choose to prioritize their love and overcome obstacles together. Their storyline in Cocktail showcases the transformative power of friendship evolving into a meaningful romantic connection amidst life’s complexities.
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10. I Hate Luv Stories | Jay & Simran
As they transition from friends to lovers, Jay and Simran navigate the challenges of maintaining their professional relationship while exploring their romantic connection. They learn to communicate openly, support each other, and overcome misunderstandings.
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