Filipino cinema has a rich history of storytelling that captures the heart and soul of the Philippines. Netflix offers a diverse selection of Filipino movies that showcase the country’s unique culture, traditions, and contemporary issues. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling action films, these movies provide a window into the lives and experiences of Filipinos. Whether you’re looking to explore new genres, learn more about Filipino culture, or simply enjoy a great film, this list of the top 20 Filipino movies on Netflix is a perfect place to start. Each film offers a compelling story, memorable performances, and a glimpse into the vibrant world of Philippine cinema.

Main Casts: Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla

Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Writer: Cathy Garcia-Molina, Carmi Raymundo, Crystal San Miguel

Date of Release: August 29, 2018

Box Office Performance: Earned over ₱805 million domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing Filipino films.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: The film follows George and Primo, a young couple who dream of a future together. As they navigate the challenges of their relationship, including personal ambitions and misunderstandings, they must decide whether love is enough to keep them together or if it’s time to let go. The narrative delves into the complexities of long-term relationships and the sacrifices involved in pursuing individual dreams.

Trivia: The movie received the Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Main Casts: Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera

Director: Erik Matti

Writer: Erik Matti

Date of Release: August 1, 2018

Box Office Performance: Grossed approximately ₱97 million worldwide.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Thriller

Synopsis: The story centers on Nina Manigan, an anti-narcotics special operative, who joins a dangerous mission to apprehend a notorious drug lord in the slums of Manila. The operation quickly spirals out of control, trapping the team in a labyrinthine neighborhood where they must fight their way out against both criminals and desperate residents. The film offers a gritty portrayal of the drug war and the moral ambiguities faced by law enforcement.

Main Casts: Alessandra de Rossi, Empoy Marquez

Director: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Writer: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Date of Release: July 19, 2017

Box Office Performance: Earned over ₱320 million, making it one of the highest-grossing independent Filipino films.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: Set in Sapporo, Japan, the film tells the story of Lea, a Filipino tour guide who temporarily loses her sight after a traumatic experience. During her blindness, she befriends and forms a unique bond with Tonyo, her cheerful and persistent neighbor. As they spend time together, an unexpected romance blossoms, leading to revelations that challenge their perceptions of love and fate.

Trivia: The film’s unique pairing of Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez was initially unconventional but received widespread acclaim for their chemistry. The movie was shot entirely in Japan, showcasing picturesque locations that added to its charm.

Main Casts: Angelica Panganiban, JM de Guzman

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Writer: Antoinette Jadaone

Date of Release: February 4, 2015

Box Office Performance: Grossed approximately ₱134 million.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Mace, heartbroken from a recent breakup, meets Anthony at an airport in Rome. Sharing their stories, they embark on an impromptu journey across the Philippines, from Baguio to Sagada. As they explore scenic locales, they confront their pasts, fears, and the possibility of new beginnings. The film delves into themes of love, destiny, and self-discovery.

Trivia: The film’s title translates to “That Thing Called Fate.” It became a sleeper hit, resonating with many for its relatable dialogue and authentic portrayal of post-breakup experiences.

Main Casts: Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes, Enrique Gil

Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Writer: Kris Gazmen, Kiko Abrillo

Date of Release: October 11, 2017

Box Office Performance: Earned over ₱271 million.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: The Bonifacio siblings reunite after their father is diagnosed with a terminal illness, giving him only seven weeks to live. To make the most of their remaining time together, they commit to spending every Sunday as a family. Throughout these gatherings, old conflicts resurface, secrets are revealed, and they rediscover the importance of family amidst life’s challenges.

Main Casts: Euwenn Mikaell, Joel Torre

Director: Benedict Mique

Writer: Benedict Mique

Date of Release: August 7, 2024

Box Office Performance: Reached number 1 on Netflix’s top 10 movies in the Philippines on August 11, 2024.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: A seasoned hustler and a resourceful young child navigate the streets, running elaborate scams on the wealthy to survive. Despite their unconventional lifestyle, they form a deep, inseparable bond, relying on each other like family. Their partnership thrives on deception, but everything changes when an unexpected opportunity arises—one that could offer them a better life but at the cost of their close relationship.

Main Casts: Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla

Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Writer: Carmi Raymundo, Charlene Grace Bernardo (based on the novel by Bianca Bernardino)

Date of Release: July 16, 2014

Box Office Performance: Earned over ₱296 million worldwide

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis:
Athena Dizon unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a fake relationship with the school’s resident “bad boy,” Kenji Delos Reyes. What starts as a playful agreement soon turns into real feelings, but Kenji’s past and true love story cast a shadow over their growing bond. The film, based on the popular Wattpad novel, takes viewers on an emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and second chances.

Trivia: The movie was a box office hit and cemented KathNiel as one of the top love teams in the Philippines.

Main Casts: Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards

Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Writer: Carmi Raymundo

Date of Release: July 31, 2019

Box Office Performance: Over ₱1 billion, the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Joy, a hardworking Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Hong Kong, is determined to provide for her family. Ethan, a bartender, is carefree and full of charm. As their paths cross, an unexpected romance blooms. However, Joy must choose between staying for love or continuing to chase her dreams.

Trivia: The film broke multiple records in the Philippine box office.

Main Casts: Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Coney Reyes

Director: Mae Cruz-Alviar

Writer: Enrico C. Santos, Joel Mercado

Date of Release: 2023

Box Office Performance: ₱924 million in gross revenue during its theatrical run. After accounting for expenses, the film achieved a net profit of ₱1.2 billion.

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: When his wife dies while their marriage is in tatters, a man makes a strange deal that sends him back to the past to turn things around — in exchange for his life. As he navigates his second chance, he must confront the choices that led to their downfall.

Main Casts: Jane Oineza, RK Bagatsing, John Tyrron Ramos

Director: Jonathan Jurilla

Writer: Jonathan Jurilla, Arden Rod Condez, Ayu Martinez

Date of Release: August 28, 2024

Box Office Performance: N/A

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Ayla and Paolo, college sweethearts, drop out of school to start a family after an unplanned pregnancy. Four years later, they are devastated to learn that their son, Kali, is diagnosed with autism. As they navigate the complexities of raising a child with special needs, they confront societal skepticism and economic stress, testing their love and resilience.

Main Casts: Sarah Geronimo, Gina Pareño, Ara Mina

Director: Jun Robles Lana, Perci Intalan

Writer: Jun Robles Lana

Date of Release: October 23, 2019

Box Office Performance: Moderate success

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Family

Synopsis: Jasmine, a girl with special needs, embarks on a journey with her dog Happy to visit her ailing grandmother. Along the way, they touch the lives of people they meet. The film highlights themes of love, family, and the bond between humans and animals.

Main Casts: Baron Geisler, Althea Ruedas, Phi Palmos

Director: Marla Ancheta

Writer: Marla Ancheta

Date of Release: October 7, 2022

Box Office Performance: Moderate success

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: A troubled lead singer of a rock band sets out to rekindle the relationship he never had with his long-lost daughter. As he tries to make amends for his past mistakes, he discovers the true meaning of fatherhood and redemption.

Main Casts: Alessandra De Rossi, Empoy Marquez, Piolo Pascual

Director: RC Delos Reyes

Writer: Rona Lean Sales (screenplay), Erwin Blanco, Rona Lean Sales

Date of Release: April 12, 2024

Box Office Performance: N/A

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Refusing treatment for her cancer, a woman goes on a road trip across Tasmania to check off items on her bucket list with her husband and best friend. Along the way, they rediscover the beauty of life and the strength of their relationships.

Trivia: The film was shot on location in Tasmania, showcasing its stunning landscapes.

Main Casts: Vilma Santos, Angel Locsin, Xian Lim

Director: Joyce E. Bernal

Writer: Irene Villamor

Date of Release: January 27, 2016

Box Office Performance: ₱208 million worldwide

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: A hard-driving real estate tycoon who becomes ill with cancer hires a medical caretaker who helps her begin to mend fences with her estranged son. The film explores themes of acceptance, love, and forgiveness.

Main Casts: Alessandra De Rossi, Piolo Pascual

Director: Alessandra De Rossi

Writer: Alessandra De Rossi

Date of Release: July 15, 2021

Box Office Performance: Moderate success

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Two unusually close friends share every aspect of their lives together. As their lives evolve, their bond remains the only constant. The film explores the complexities of platonic relationships and the blurred lines between friendship and love.

Main Casts: Cedrick Juan, Dante Rivero, Enchong Dee

Director: Pepe Diokno

Writer: Rodolfo C. Vera, Pepe Diokno

Date of Release: December 25, 2023

Box Office Performance: ₱53 million

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Drama

Synopsis: Embroiled in a bitter campaign against inequality, three priests suffer the fury of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Based on historical events, the film portrays their struggle for justice and the impact of their martyrdom on the country’s fight for independence.

Trivia: The film is based on the true story of the Gomburza priests, whose execution sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Main Casts: Cesar Montano, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas

Director: Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Writer: Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, Peter Ong Lim

Date of Release: June 12, 1998

Box Office Performance: ₱125 million

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Biographical, Drama

Synopsis: As the writer, doctor, and activist stands trial for treason in 1896, scenes from José Rizal‘s life reveal his role in the Philippines’ fight for freedom. The film explores his contributions to the country’s independence movement and his enduring legacy.

Trivia: The film is considered one of the best biographical films about the national hero, José Rizal.

Main Casts: Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, Paolo Gumabao

Director: Lester Dimaranan

Writer: Eric Ramos

Date of Release: December 25, 2022

Box Office Performance: Moderate success

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Action, Drama

Synopsis: The film depicts the events surrounding the 2015 Mamasapano clash that resulted in the deaths of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers. It shows the preparation, execution, and aftermath of the operation, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the SAF officers.

Trivia: The film is based on the official reports of the PNP and the Senate, as well as the testimonies of survivors and witnesses.

Main Casts: Robin Padilla, Eddie Garcia, Cesar Montano

Director: Brillante Mendoza

Writer:  Honeylyn Joy Alipio

Date of Release: July 19, 2024

Box Office Performance: N/A

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Drama, Action

Synopsis: Set during the Moro Rebellion, the film follows the story of a Moro warrior who fights against American colonizers to protect his homeland and people. The film explores themes of resistance, identity, and the struggle for freedom.

Trivia: The film features intense battle scenes and highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Moro people.

Main Casts: John Lloyd Cruz, Sarah Geronimo

Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Writer: Carmi Raymundo, Raz de la Torre, Vanessa Valdez

Date of Release: March 30, 2013

Box Office Performance: ₱387 million

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: The third installment in the “A Very Special Love” series, the film follows the story of Laida and Miggy as they navigate the challenges of their rekindled relationship. As they work together on a new project, they must confront their past issues and rediscover their love for each other. The film explores themes of forgiveness, growth, and the complexities of love.

Trivia: The film was a box office hit and is considered one of the most successful Filipino romantic comedies.

With such a wide array of Filipino movies available on Netflix, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These films not only entertain but also offer valuable insights into the Filipino way of life, touching on themes of love, family, resilience, and identity. As you explore these top picks, you’ll find yourself immersed in stories that are both universal and uniquely Filipino. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and get ready to be moved by the powerful narratives and captivating performances that Filipino cinema has to offer. Happy watching!