Many people think Bollywood remakes Hollywood films, but did you know that Hollywood has also taken inspiration from Bollywood? There are several Hollywood movies that have been remade from Bollywood films, sometimes with minor changes. Here are eight Hollywood movies that are actually inspired by Bollywood.
1. Delivery Man (2013) – Vicky Donor (2012)
Vicky Donor is a Bollywood movie about a young man who donates sperm and unknowingly becomes the biological father of many children. Hollywood adapted this idea into Delivery Man, starring Vince Vaughn, where a man discovers that he has fathered over 500 kids due to sperm donation.
2. A Common Man (2013) – A Wednesday! (2008)
Naseeruddin Shah’s A Wednesday! was a gripping thriller about a common man taking justice into his own hands. Hollywood remade it as A Common Man, starring Ben Kingsley, but the Bollywood version remains more powerful and emotional.
3. Leap Year (2010) – Jab We Met (2007)
While Leap Year is officially not credited as a remake, its storyline is very similar to Jab We Met. Both movies follow a lively, talkative woman who meets a serious man and goes on a life-changing journey, ultimately finding love.
4. Fear (1996) – Darr (1993)
Shah Rukh Khan’s Darr made the word “K-K-Kiran” famous, showing the dark obsession of a stalker. Hollywood’s Fear, starring Mark Wahlberg, has a similar theme, where a young man becomes dangerously obsessed with a girl, leading to thrilling moments.
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5. Just Go With It (2011) – Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005)
Salman Khan’s Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya was about a man who pretends to be married to win over a woman. Hollywood took the same idea and made Just Go With It, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, making it a fun comedy.
6. Hitch (2005) – Partner (2007)
This is a rare case where Bollywood remade a Hollywood film (Hitch) as Partner with Salman Khan, but later, Hollywood took back some elements from Partner in other romantic comedies. Both movies focus on a love guru who helps men impress women but struggles in his own love life.
7. Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004) – Rangeela (1995)
Rangeela was a Bollywood blockbuster about a simple girl who enters the glamorous world of movies and has two men fighting for her love. Hollywood’s Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! follows a similar story where a small-town girl gets caught between an ordinary man and a celebrity.
8. Pearl Harbor (2001) – Sangam (1964)
Sangam was a classic Bollywood love triangle where two friends fall in love with the same woman. Hollywood’s Pearl Harbor had a nearly identical plot, but set against the backdrop of World War II. The emotions and conflicts were quite similar.
Final Thoughts
While Bollywood is often inspired by Hollywood, these examples prove that the influence works both ways. Stories are universal, and great ideas can travel across borders. Which of these remakes surprised you the most? Let us know!