Spanish movies and TV shows have been in the talks for a long time with shows like Money Heist and Narcos. Not only shows, but they have also given us some of the best movies in cinema history. With the release of Pedro Almodovar’s Parallel Mothers bagging two Oscar nominations, let’s see what gems they gave to the cinema world over the years. Here is a list of the 20 best Spanish films that need to be on your watchlist.
1. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
One of the first Spanish language films that I saw was Pan’s Labyrinth. And I remember being captivated by the world that was created by Guillermo Del Toro. The story takes place 5 years after Franco won the civil war. It blends a brutal reality with fairy tales from all over the world.
2. Devil’s Backbone (2001)
Watch on: Amazon
The second film by Guillermo Del Toro. The story follows a 12-year-old boy Carlos, who is admitted to an orphanage after his father’s execution. He lifts the veil on the tragic secrets of the school.
3. Roma (2018)
Watch on: Netflix
One of the best films by Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron. Roma is a semi-autobiography based in 70s Mexico City. It follows Cleo, one of two domestic workers helping Antonio and Sofia. Complications arise when Antonio runs away with his mistress and Cleo finds out she is pregnant.
4. Amores Perros (2000)
Watch on: Amazon Prime Video
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu is one of my favourite filmmakers working now. Amores Perros was a beautiful film when I first saw it. It still is, when I rewatch it. The story is told in a non-linear order. It follows how a horrific car crash brings together three strangers.
5. Biutiful (2010)
Watch on: Amazon
Another movie by Inarittu. This is often compared to Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru. It stars a terrific Javier Bardem as a single father who is suffering from a terminal disease.
6. The Orphanage (2007)
Watch on: Amazon
The Orphanage is one of the few good horror films out there. Directed by J. A. Bayona, it follows a grief-stricken mother who comes to her now-dilapidated orphanage where she spent her childhood. She believes she can hear spirits who may be trying to help her find her presumably dead child.
7. The Skin I Live In (2011)
Watch on: Amazon
Antonio Banderas stars as Dr. Ledgard who developed a new skin that can save the lives of burnt victims. But the path Dr. Ledgard took to invent the skin, is quite disturbing. The Skin I Live In is regarded as one of the best Spanish films of all time.
8. Parallel Mothers (2021)
Watch on: Amazon
Another gem by Pedro Almodovar. Two single women meet in a hospital room where they are about to give birth. They form a strong bond as they both confront motherhood.
9. Pain and Glory (2019)
Watch on: Amazon
A film director recalls the mistakes made in his life and cherishes the beautiful moments, and attempts to recreate his childhood on a camera reel.
10. Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001)
Watch on: Amazon
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, it follows the life of Julio and Tenoch over the course of a summer as they are out on a cross-country escapade with an older woman.
