There is much variety in Cinema, besides the very abundant English movies. However, if it comes to cinema coming from other places, Spanish movies get a prominent mention, which is what we will be covering in this blog.
Spanish Cinema has a rich heritage and there is a lot more to it than the films of Pedro Almodóvar, who has gained global popularity and become a well-known filmmaker. However, there is much to explore in Spanish movies from new to old movies. Check them out and unravel a completely new area of cinema.
Before you head on…
Just as you aim to find the perfect Spanish movie to watch, you should ensure that you have reliable internet for a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you do not have hands-on streaming-suitable internet as yet, we recommend Optimum. It offers future-proof connectivity for faster streaming. Plus, it has services available in English and Spanish. So, people who only know Spanish can get the right plans for their homes by contacting Optimum servicio al cliente.
Now, without further ado, let’s get into the list of must-watch classic and modern Spanish movies.
Must Watch Classic Spanish Movies
Here, we have listed some of the older must-watch classic Spanish movies.
La piel que habito (The Skin I Live In)
Release date: 2011
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Sci-fi
Run Time: 1h 57min
Languages: Spanish, French
The director Pedro Almodóvar works with Antonio Banderas to create a masterpiece in the thriller genre with psychological elements.
In the story, a plastic surgeon (Antonio Banderas) tries to overcome the pain of losing his wife to an accident that disfigures her face. He aims to create synthetic skin resistant to damage. But the guinea pig he is using as his experimental regime is a woman, holding the keys to mysteries from his past.
Why watch this? Well, the movie unfolds unpredictable plot twists, and with its amazing direction, it may become a favorite.
Volver (Coming Back)
Release Date: 2006
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Crime
Run Time: 2h 1min
Languages: Spanish, German, Italian
Here is another movie from Pedro Almodóvar, Volver (Coming Back). The movie throws its viewers into a tale of mystery and a spiraling plot. It is about a strong, valiant woman named Raimunda (played by Penelope Cruz), who gets hold of a family secret and an unexpected return of her mother’s ghost.
It is set up in the city of Madrid’s working-class neighborhoods. It follows the story of three generations of women who survive through, wind, fire, and even death. How? For this, you will have to watch it as no amount of details would do justice to this movie’s plot twists.
It makes a great watch that celebrates the strength of women in the face of life’s plans. It is a very tender story, performed by the best actors. It was even nominated for an Oscar.
Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes)
Release Date: 1997
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Psychological /Drama/Sci-fi
Run Time: 1h 59min
Languages: Spanish
This movie is directed by the very talented Alejandro Amenábar, who was only 25 when he made this movie. He won an Oscar with The Sea Inside (2004) and garnered success with The Others (2001).
This excellent psychodrama movie is followed by his debut Thesis (1996). It follows César, who is played by Eduardo Noriega, a man who is mixed in with reality and fantasy.
César, a handsome young man, meets an accident that changes his life due to disfiguration. Later, his life takes a turn when his life is mixed in with Life Extension, a company that specializes in cryonics. More explanation would spoil the fun and thrill of the movie. But, this one is far better than the remake Vanilla Sky, with the same actress Penelope Cruz and Tom Cruise, by Cameron Crowe.
Must Watch New Spanish Movies
Here we have jotted down some of the new must-watch Spanish movies.
Culpa Mia (My Fault)
Release date: 2023
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Genre: Drama/Romance
Run Time: 1h 57min
Languages: Spanish
Domingo González directs the movie Culpa Mia, starring Nicole Wallace and Gabriel Guevara. It is created on the famous story on Wattpad with the same title written by Mercedes Ron.
In the movie, the female lead, Noah, has to leave her town and people behind to move into a mansion with her mother and rich stepdad. There, she meets her stepbrother Nick, who is hiding one too many things.
Things unwind, and they come to fall for each other. But will their relationship be accepted by their parents and the society? The movie has great drama and touches of romance. A very nice watch with friends or in the “me time.”
Casa en flames (A House on Fire)
Release date: 2024
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Run Time: 1h 45min
Languages: Spanish
This movie is about a woman named Montse, who is divorced and has two children. The children have ignored her for a long time, but she invites them to an event of family reunion at her house in Costa Brava.
Montse is divorced, her ex-husband has a new partner, and her children are grown up with lives of their own. But she is resilient and will let nothing get in the way of a perfect family reunion and dull it down for her. The weekend must be perfect –even if she has to burn everything to the ground to make it so.
You should watch this merciless family drama; it has a great black comedy, and the characters make the movie worthwhile – and the script is just on point.
Yo No Soy Esa (I’m not that)
Release date: 2024
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Run Time: 1h 35min
Languages: Spanish
A woman named Susana, the main female lead, wakes up from a 20-year-long coma. She is now a 90s teen in the 21st century and a woman’s body. How will she deal with this change?
The movie is heart-gripping and revolves around Susana navigating life in a world that has changed completely, with nothing familiar to her. A great watch, with so much to learn from Susana –especially the vigor she shows throughout the movie.
Hey! Before you jump off the page…Read all the movie overviews to find the best fit for your viewing tastes. Who knows you might find the Spanish cinema a charm to your boredom that may stick around.
