Top 10 Best Filipino Films of All Time

Filipino filmmakers have gifted us with films that resonate deeply, not just within the archipelago, but around the world. From hilarious comedies and heartfelt romances to gripping dramas and historical epics, Philippine cinema has showcased an incredible range of emotions, themes, and storytelling techniques.
The Top Ten
1 Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) Lino Brocka directed this drama that delves deep into the dark, gritty reality of urban Manila. The film follows a provincial boy named Julio in search of his missing girlfriend amidst poverty, crime, and exploitation.
2 Himala (1982) Ishmael Bernal's "Himala" is a drama film featuring Nora Aunor as Elsa, a woman who claims to see the Virgin Mary and later becomes a local sensation. Set in a drought-stricken town, the movie explores themes of faith, belief, and miracles.

The best film ever made by a Filipino. Best ensemble and the best portrayal of any actor or actress ever. Ms. Nora Aunor, best director and cinematography, and also all actors and actresses are at their best.

Nora's superb and brilliant performance remains unparalleled by any other local actors to date.

Deserves no less than the top position itself.

3 Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976) Directed by Eddie Romero, this historical drama is set during the late Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The film follows the adventures of a naïve Filipino named Kulas, played by Christopher de Leon, as he navigates love, identity, and nationhood amidst societal changes.
4 Oro, Plata, Mata (1982) Directed by Peque Gallaga, this historical drama offers a grim portrayal of the Philippines during World War II. Focusing on two elite families, the film showcases the societal decay and moral compromises made during the Japanese occupation.
5 Scorpio Nights (1985) A film by Peque Gallaga, "Scorpio Nights" delves into the passionate, clandestine affair between a student and a lonely wife. Set in a Manila boarding house, this erotic drama is both controversial and critically acclaimed.
6 Kisapmata Mike De Leon's 1981 film is a chilling tale based on a real-life crime story. It's a psychological exploration of family dynamics, obsession, and control, resulting in an ending that's both shocking and tragically inevitable.
7 Norte, Hangganan Ng Kasaysayan (2013) Directed by Lav Diaz, "Norte" is an epic drama that delves into themes of justice, morality, and fate. Set over a four-hour narrative, it's an intimate tale of a man wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and its impact on his family.
8 Bride for Rent "Bride for Rent" is a 2014 romantic comedy film that stars Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. The story revolves around a wealthy man who hires a woman to pretend to be his wife, only to find himself falling in love with her.

It's fun, exciting, surprising, amazing, active. Haha!

9 It Takes a Man and a Woman (2013) In this third installment of the trilogy, John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo reprise their roles as Miggy and Laida. Their love story continues, dealing with past mistakes, forgiveness, and taking second chances.

Sarah and John Lloyd are the only major stars in this film. This means they carried the movie. The new movie with Toni and Piolo features Iza Calzado, with Lani Misalucha singing the theme song. The three parts of this romantic movie demonstrate the people's love for the tandem.

It grossed more than 500 million pesos in total.

A perfect ending to the sequel.

10 Felix Manalo This 2015 biographical film tells the life story of Felix Manalo, the founder of the Iglesia ni Cristo religious sect in the Philippines. Directed by Joel Lamangan, the movie showcases the challenges and persecutions faced by Manalo during the church's establishment.
The Contenders
11 One More Chance (2007) Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, "One More Chance" is a romantic drama starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. It chronicles the struggles and reconciliation of a couple, Popoy and Basha, after their breakup.
12 My Amnesia Girl (2010) Starring John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga, this romantic comedy centers around a man who encounters his ex-fiancée, who claims to have amnesia. As he tries to right his past wrongs, comedic situations ensue.
13 This Guy's in Love with U Mare! (2012) Directed by Wenn V. Deramas, this comedic film stars Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano, and Toni Gonzaga. It tells the story of a gay man attempting to win back his ex-boyfriend by pretending to be a woman.
14 Starting Over Again Starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual, this 2014 romantic drama revolves around a woman who tries to rekindle her relationship with her former lover, only to discover he's moved on. The movie explores the complexities of love and second chances.
15 Sisterakas (2012) In this comedy film, Vice Ganda, Kris Aquino, and Ai-Ai delas Alas play rivals in the fashion industry. Their professional competition escalates to comedic proportions, leading to unexpected turns in their personal lives.

I've seen it 5 times in the theater and 20 times & counting in my living room after buying my own copy.

16 A Love Story (2007) Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, this romantic drama involves a successful businessman, played by Aga Muhlach, who finds himself torn between his loving wife, portrayed by Maricel Soriano, and a passionate lover, played by Angelica Panganiban.

Great acting! Believable, and the story is so good! Effortless.

Great acting and a very nice story. More Maricel Sotiano movies, please.

I love this film because I love Maricel.

17 Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? A 2013 romantic comedy starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, the film delves into the life of a woman seeking advice on love and heartbreak from her witty and humorous boss. It's a light-hearted exploration of modern relationships.

I really think the movie was awesome. For me, any movie by Kim Chiu and Xian Lim is really the best. No doubts about it.

Cool movie... Loved the lead pair!

18 The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin (2011) Vice Ganda stars as Benjamin, a gay man who enrolls in the military to prove himself to his grandfather. In this comedic film, directed by Wenn V. Deramas, Benjamin's journey involves both hilarious misadventures and moments of self-discovery.
19 The Mistress (2012) In this dramatic film, directed by Olivia Lamasan, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo deliver compelling performances. The plot revolves around a young man who falls in love with an older woman, only to discover she's the mistress of his father.
20 Heneral Luna Directed by Jerrold Tarog, "Heneral Luna" is a 2015 historical biopic that portrays the life and death of General Antonio Luna, a fiery Filipino general during the Philippine-American War. John Arcilla's memorable performance sheds light on Luna's passionate fight for Philippine independence.

What is it doing at number 26? This is the best historical movie in the Philippines along with El Presidente.

Definitely the greatest movie.

Just an epic historical film.

21 Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat (2008) A sequel to the popular "Ang Tanging Ina," this comedy film, directed by Wenn V. Deramas, continues the story of Ina Montecillo, played by Ai-Ai delas Alas. As Ina tries to juggle the responsibilities of being a mother to a dozen kids, she unexpectedly becomes the Philippine president.
22 Pagpag "Pagpag" is a 2013 horror film starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Following Filipino superstitions about deaths and funerals, the story unravels as a group of friends encounters a series of terrifying events after failing to perform the traditional "pagpag" ritual.
23 No Other Woman (2011) A tale of temptation and betrayal, this drama stars Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay, and Cristine Reyes. The plot centers on a married man who gets entangled in an affair, leading to intense confrontations and decisions that could alter their lives forever.

The story and the actors of this film are superb!

24 Unofficially Yours (2012) Starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, this romantic comedy, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, revolves around a man and a woman who engage in a casual relationship. As feelings intensify, they are challenged to redefine the boundaries of their connection.
25 The Love Affair This 2015 dramatic film stars Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and Bea Alonzo. The story delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and forgiveness as it unravels the intricacies of marital infidelity and the consequences it brings to a family.
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