Filipino movies have always had a unique way of reflecting the lives of Filipinos. They blend humor, tragedy, love, and hope in a way that feels local to us and universally relatable at the same time. There’s literally a Filipino movie for any mood you’re in: family comedies that’ll make you laugh until your stomach hurts, love stories that’ll make you sob uncontrollably, thrillers that’ll send shivers down your spine… you name it.
But what’s more impressive is how our films are being received internationally. Filipino movies are now winning awards and gaining recognition at prestigious film festivals around the world! It just goes to show how much talent we have in this country when it comes to storytelling. We truly are living in the golden age of Philippine cinema, and I’m here to guide you through its shining gems. So, buckle up! We’re about to dive into the soul of the Philippines with every film we watch.
Table of Contents
Top Categories of Filipino Films
The heart and soul of our nation can be seen in these diverse narratives that paint a picture of what it’s like to be Filipino. From historical dramas that tell stories about national heroes who fought for our freedom to social realism films that show us the harsh realities of society – not to mention romance/comedies, independent films, action/thrillers – there’s really no shortage of genres here. So, without further ado, let me give you a taste of each category by listing some notable examples.
Historical Dramas:
1. Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014)
This film delves into the life of Andres Bonifacio, a national hero who fought for Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule. It highlights his leadership in the Katipunan, a revolutionary society, and his tragic downfall.
Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo provides a stirring look at a pivotal figure in Philippine history, combining intense drama with rich historical detail. Robin Padilla’s portrayal of Bonifacio was both powerful and poignant, bringing depth to the revolutionary hero’s story.
Rating: 6.5/10
Release: December 25, 2014
Director: Enzo Williams
Cast: Robin Padilla, Vina Morales
Related Series: N/A
2. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)
Gregorio Del Pilar was one of the youngest generals during the Philippine-American War. The film focuses on him, leading up to the battle that would go down in history as the Battle of Tirad Pass. This is where Goyo will face themes such as heroism, leadership, and youth in war.
Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral knocked me off my feet. It redefines how we see our local heroes and instills a sense of pride that’s hard to put into words. Paulo Avelino’s portrayal of del Pilar is incredible, showing us his weaknesses and what makes him so strong.
Rating: 6.5/10
Release: September 5, 2018
Director: Jerrold Tarog
Cast: Paulo Avelino, Carlo Aquino
Related Series: Sequel to “Heneral Luna”
3. Heneral Luna (2015)
General Antonio Luna’s life was marked by his fiery persona as he tried leading his fellowmen against different colonizers while trying to unite them despite their own arguments with one another. The film offers an intense exploration of patriotism and unity.
Heneral Luna not only reignited interest in Philippine history but did so with such vigor and wit that it became impossible not to be drawn in. John Arcilla’s portrayal of Luna was both intense and deeply human.
Rating: 7.2/10
Release: September 9, 2015
Director: Jerrold Tarog
Cast: John Arcilla, Mon Confiado
Related Series: N/A
4. Jose Rizal (1998)
This biopic tells the story of our national hero, Jose Rizal, focusing mainly on his works and how he was executed by Spanish colonizers. The film is a poignant examination of Rizal’s commitment to his homeland and his beliefs in peaceful reform.
Watching Jose Rizal was a profound experience. Cesar Montano brilliantly brings Rizal to life, offering a window into the mind of a visionary who used his pen as his weapon.
Rating: 7.6/10
Release: June 12, 1998
Director: Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Cast: Cesar Montano, Joel Torre
Related Series: N/A
Social Realism:
1. Kinatay (2009)
As part of their training, a group tasked with disposing of a body shows young police academy students what corruption within law enforcement looks like. The film’s graphic depiction forces viewers to face the most gruesome side of crime.
There are many ways I could describe Kinatay, but none would do justice to its brutal honesty towards life than unsettling. It shows truly graphic depictions of society’s worst acts. This difficult watch serves as a powerful punch towards the decay found within the justice system.
Rating: 6.6/10
Release: July 17, 2009
Director: Brillante Mendoza
Cast: Coco Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez
Related Series: N/A
2. Ma Rosa (2016)
A couple gets caught in an attempt to buy their freedom after being arrested for drugs. The film gives us a look at how dangerous it can be to trust anyone when corrupt police officers are working against you.
The depth of Jaclyn Jose’s performance as Rosa will leave you dumbstruck. Her ability to portray helplessness along with a desperate desire for freedom evokes an emotion so intense that lasts throughout watching her ordeal.
Rating: 6.9/10
Release: July 6, 2016
Director: Brillante Mendoza
Cast: Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz
Related Series: N/A
3. Respeto (2017)
An aspiring rapper and veteran poet try their bests not only create good music together but to win the respect they deserve. However, this is not an easy task in a society that’s filled with political unrest and poverty.
Respeto is a prime example of our generation’s love for hip-hop and poetry. The film intertwines both genres perfectly to create an authentic experience of the times we live in now.
Rating: 7.4/10
Release: August 5, 2017
Director: Treb Monteras II
Cast: Abra, Dido de la Paz
Related Series: N/A
4. Metro Manila (2013)
Seeking a better life, a farmer moves his family to Manila only to find themselves deceived in every step they take. The film presents the harsh reality of life in the city and how hard it is for those who can’t afford basic needs.
Metro Manila is one of those films that stick with you long after you’ve watched it. It includes all the emotions necessary to make your heart break as you watch the characters go through unimaginable hardships.
Rating: 7.6/10
Release: October 9, 2013
Director: Sean Ellis
Cast: Jake Macapagal, Althea Vega
Related Series: N/A
Romance/Comedy:
1. The Breakup Playlist (2015)
An ambitious law student and a talented musician collided to create a song that rocked the Philippines. They face all sorts of challenges as they struggle with their careers and personal lives.
The Breakup Playlist is a beautifully made movie that tells an age-old story about love and ambition through music. Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual’s performances are both powerful, encapsulating the highs and lows of a relationship tested by fame.
Rating: 6.4/10
Release: July 1, 2015
Director: Dan Villegas
Cast: Piolo Pascual, Sarah Geronimo
Related Series: N/A
2. That Thing Called Tadhana (2014)
Two heartbroken strangers find comfort in each other after meeting at an airport. The two then go on a trip that was unplanned yet necessary for their healing process. It sparks friendship, lessons, healing, and even love.
That Thing Called Tadhana takes away all the fluff that comes with romantic movies to show us that sometimes all we need is simplicity when it comes to heartbreaks. Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman make these characters feel like people you could run into on your own trip of self-discovering.
Rating: 7.3/10
Release: November 9, 2014
Director: Antoinette Jadaone
Cast: Angelica Panganiban, JM De Guzman
Related Series: N/A
3. Kita Kita (2017)
In Sapporo, Japan, tour guide Lea becomes blind just before she meets Tonyo, who happens to be her new neighbor from the Philippines too.
Kita Kita gives us a charming, fresh twist on love. It proves that it can be seen without seeing the physical form. Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez have a chemistry that is so delightful that it’s hard to believe. Their love story is heartwarming and unforgettable.
Rating: 7.4/10
Release: July 19, 2017
Director: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, Empoy Marquez
Related Series: N/A
4. One More Chance (2007)
Long-time lovers Basha and Popoy struggle through a crossroads that ultimately leads to their painful breakup. They eventually find their way back to each other only after experiencing extreme growth and forgiveness.
One More Chance certainly deserves all its glory as one of the best Filipino movies in the romance genre. Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz are unforgettable in this heart-wrenching story about love and acceptance.
Rating: 7.5/10
Release: November 14, 2007
Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina
Cast: John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo
Related Series: “A Second Chance” (2015)
Independent Cinema:
1. Seklusyon (2016)
An innocent deacon was sent to a remote convent in the 1940s so he can be protected from temptation before his ordination. Little did he know, he was going to meet a girl with her own set of supernatural abilities. The film is chilling as it explores faith, purity, and darkness.
Seklusyon is hauntingly beautiful because it mixes horror with drama in an interesting way. Critics hailed this film as thought-provoking and terrifying.
Rating: 6.2/10
Release: December 25, 2016
Director: Erik Matti
Cast: Ronnie Alonte, Rhed Bustamante
Related Series: N/A
2. Birdshot (2016)
A young farm girl accidentally killed one of the last remaining Philippine eagles on earth, but she didn’t even notice. Once she finds out what she’s done, she gets wrapped up in police investigations that reveal even more about her community than just its secrets.
Birdshot has stunning visuals accompanied by an intense drama/mystery narrative. It packs a punch while still making a thought-provoking statement about society.
Rating: 6.6/10
Release: October 16, 2016
Director: Mikhail Red
Cast: Mary Joy Apostol, Arnold Reyes
Related Series: N/A
3. Kubrador (2006)
Life as a bet collector is hard. Especially when you’re collecting bets for an illegal numbers game in the Philippines. The film shows how our daily lives are affected by faith, luck, and survival.
Kubrador is a deeply human story that highlights the everyday struggles of a Filipino woman. It’s relatable and full of hope despite the adversity Gina Pareño faced while filming it.
Rating: 7.2/10
Release: July 29, 2006
Director: Jeffrey Jeturian
Cast: Gina Pareño, Fonz Deza
Related Series: N/A
4. Bwakaw (2012)
Rene came out as gay when he reached his twilight years. It’s sad that it took him that long, but at least he had his loyal dog, Bwakaw, by his side. This tale is about late-life awakenings, companionship, and the search for meaning.
Bwakaw is bittersweet because it highlights how love sometimes doesn’t come until later in life — if it does at all. Eddie Garcia delivers a performance that’s both touching and powerful.
Rating: 7.2/10
Release: September 5, 2012
Director: Jun Lana
Cast: Eddie Garcia, Princess
Related Series: N/A
Action/Thriller:
1. BuyBust (2018)
A team of special forces goes on a buy-bust operation in a Manila slum, only for the mission to go awry and turn into a night-long battle for survival against wave after wave of hostile gang members and residents. The film offers an unflinching look at Duterte’s drug war through intense, claustrophobic action.
BuyBust is one hell of a ride that never lets up on its relentless action. Anne Curtis’ physically demanding role anchors the film’s visceral energy, resulting in one of the most chaotic and thrilling movies you’ll ever see.
Rating: 5.7/10
Release: August 1, 2018
Director: Erik Matti
Cast: Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera
Related Series: N/A
2. On the Job (2013)
Two prisoners get released to do hits on politicians and high-ranking military officials — legally. They don’t want to do this, but they have no choice if they ever want to see their families again. The movie exposes corruption and the criminal underworld in the Philippines with its brutal storylines.
On the Job may be full of violence and death, but it also tells an important story about society’s underbelly that we should all know about.
Rating: 6.9/10
Release: September 27, 2013
Director: Erik Matti
Cast: Joel Torre, Gerald Anderson
Related Series: Inspired by a 2021 miniseries adaptation.
3. Neomanila (2017)
An orphaned teenage boy falls under the wing of a hitwoman in this crime thriller set among hired killers involved in extrajudicial killings in Manila.
Neomanila takes viewers deep into the dark corners of society where morality takes on new shades of gray, as characters try to navigate a world where survival often comes at great cost. It’s powerful, thought-provoking cinema at its finest.
Rating: 6.9/10
Release: October 20, 2017
Director: Mikhail Red
Cast: Eula Valdez, Timothy Castillo
Related Series: N/A
4. Norte, the End of History (2013)
Justice is subjective; morality is subjective; everything seems to be subjective in this movie inspired by Crime and Punishment. In northern Philippines, three people went through something so terrible that it changed them forever… or did it?
Norte, the End of History challenges viewers to rethink their own morals and beliefs while being visually stunning from beginning to end.
Rating: 7.5/10
Release: June 20, 2013
Director: Lav Diaz
Cast: Sid Lucero, Archie Alemania
Related Series: N/A
Where to Find Disney Movies
With various streaming services and film festivals showcasing local talent all year round, there are countless ways you can access the best Filipino movies. Here are some of them:
Streaming Services
· iWantTFC: A vast library filled with both beloved classics and contemporary hits makes iWantTFC an ideal destination for movie buffs looking to immerse themselves in Filipino cinema.
· Netflix: As part of its efforts to cater to global markets, Netflix has been steadily growing its collection of Filipino films. From indie favorites to mainstream blockbusters, it’s easier than ever for global viewers to find something they’ll love.
Film Festivals
· Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival: An annual event that showcases independent movies from local talents and out-of-the-box storytelling methods. This is the place to be if you’re looking for fresh voices among aspiring filmmakers or groundbreaking work that might not otherwise have a home.
· Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Feast of Philippine Cinema): Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), this Filipino film festival screens local movies exclusively in theaters nationwide. It’s a chance for viewers to support their favorite artists while discovering new ones.
· Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF): While not focused solely on independent cinema, MMFF is a widely celebrated annual festival that screens Filipino films every Christmas season. Offering titles from various genres — drama, fantasy, and comedy—is a fantastic opportunity for audiences to gather and watch locally produced movies together.
There are so many ways to get into Filipino cinema nowadays. Whether you prefer streaming or gathering with friends at a festival, take advantage of these opportunities and more soon.
Conclusion
Transitioning from the classics to contemporary works, the quality of films that Filipino filmmakers produce is truly something special. Every movie — be it an indie sleeper hit or box office smash — contributes to the rich Filipino cultural tapestry.
I encouurage you to take a plunge into Filipino cinema. Beyond the hits of the mainstream, there’s a world of the best Filipino movies out there waiting for you. From compelling stories at Cinemalaya and Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino festivals to iWantTFC and Netflix, there has never been a better time to explore digital Philippine storytelling.
As you venture deeper into this journey of great films, you’ll discover that the true heart of the country’s cinema lies in its ability to tell universal tales through the lens of unique Filipino experiences. So, enjoy tales about love, struggle, triumph, and various human emotions.
