Top 15 Filipino Movies on Netflix (Nov 2023): Must-Watch! –
Introduction
Netflix, the world-renowned streaming platform, has broadened its horizon by including films from around the world, providing audiences a taste of diverse cultures, languages, and narratives. The spotlight is now on the film industry of the Philippines, a country known for its rich storytelling. Here, we have rounded up the Top 15 Filipino Movies on Netflix (Nov 2023): Must-Watch! to bring you critically acclaimed and commercial successes that paint a vivid picture of Filipino culture and history.
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1. Heneral Luna (2015)
“Heneral Luna” is one of the best films to catch if you have an interest in Filipino history. This biographical war movie brings to life the story of General Antonio Luna, a brave yet controversial figure in Philippine history. His defiant spirit and unabated patriotism are perfectly captured in the film, making it a must-watch.
2. Honor Thy Father (2015)
“Honor Thy Father” explores the grim reality of financial desperation and the lengths one man goes to protect his family. This thriller-drama film is carried by the phenomenal performance of its lead actor, John Lloyd Cruz, and the careful narrative craftsmanship of its director, Erik Matti.
3. Birdshot (2016)
“Birdshot” translates the raw and untouched beauty of the Filipino countryside into a cinematic masterpiece. This coming-of-age thriller revolves around a young farm girl who unwittingly sets off a chain of events after shooting an endangered Philippine eagle.
4. Kita Kita (2017)
“Kita Kita” is a feel-good romantic comedy that explores love through the eyes of Lea, a Filipino tour guide living in Japan who went temporarily blind. This film successfully captures the nuances of unexpected love and the beauty of Japan’s scenic landscape.
5. Sunday Beauty Queen (2016)
“Sunday Beauty Queen” is a notable documentary film that sheds light on the lives of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. The film captures the beauty and strength of these women who find solace in beauty pageants during their day off.
6. Goyo: The Boy General (2018)
A sequel to “Heneral Luna”, “Goyo: The Boy General” traces the journey of Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest General during the Philippine-American War. It’s a moving historical drama that delves into the nation’s tumultuous past.
7. First Love (2018)
“First Love” is a heartwarming drama that features two lost souls meeting and finding solace in each other’s company. The performances of Aga Muhlach and Bea Alonzo, set in the picturesque city of Vancouver, make this film an enjoyable watch.
8. Dead Kids (2019)
“Dead Kids” is a captivating crime thriller that touches upon bullying and the millennial culture in a private high school in Manila. As the first Filipino Netflix Original film, it set lofty standards for future productions.
9. Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019)
The highest-grossing Filipino film to date, “Hello, Love, Goodbye” tells the story of two overseas Filipino workers whose paths cross in Hong Kong. This romantic drama, with its emotional performances and strong storyline, will surely tug at your heart strings.
10. Sunod (2019)
“Sunod” is sure to fulfill horror fans’ cravings. A single mother, working in a call center inside a dilapidated building, experiences a series of supernatural occurrences, including a haunting by a ghostly girl.
11. Isa Pa with Feelings (2019)
“Isa Pa with Feelings” is an interesting romantic film that breaks through language barriers. It delves into a unique romance between Mara, an aspiring architect, and Gail, a deaf man.
12. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019)
The Filipino adaptation of the popular South Korean film, “Miracle in Cell No. 7”, is a tearjerker. In it, a mentally-impaired man’s love for his daughter and their struggle with the law is brilliantly depicted.
13. Fan Girl (2020)
“Fan Girl” is a dark coming-of-age story that plays on a young girl’s obsession with a matinee idol. The movie pushes boundaries and explores themes of fandom, celebrity culture, and identity.
14. The Boy Foretold by the Stars (2020)
“The Boy Foretold by the Stars” is a joyous, coming-of-age romantic drama highlighting Filipino LGBTQ+ narratives. This heartwarming film tells the story of two senior high school boys who embark on a journey to fulfillment and self-discovery.
15. Space Sweepers (2021)
“Space Sweepers” is a highly entertaining intergalactic adventure film. While it isn’t primarily a Filipino film, it features Filipino-Korean actress Kim Ji-Ah, speaking the Filipino language in a mainstream Korean movie.
Expert/Editorial Comment
“Films are a reflection of the society they originate from – they carry with them the culture, language, and soul of the people. The aforementioned films bring to the table the vibrant narratives of the Filipino cinema, bared for the global audience to understand and appreciate,” emphasizes renowned film critic Janine Peralta.
In conclusion, every cinematic consumption is a journey – a journey into the alleys of another culture, another society, another world. Hence, this list of the top 15 Filipino movies on Netflix stands as an invitation to embark on such a profound experience. Whether you’re into poignant dramas, historical narratives, or quirky comedies, Filipino cinema on Netflix has you covered.
