Through recent years, Netflix‘s library of Filipino movies has grown significantly, with the streaming giant even helping local filmmakers to produce and put out their films for audiences in the Philippines and beyond. As such, the platform now has a great selection of movies across different genres. But if your choice of what films to watch is highly influenced by their awards and critics’ reviews, then this list is for you!
We’ve rounded up the Filipino movies on Netflix that have received positive praises and recognition from award-giving bodies. Check them out below:
Pan De Salawal (The Sweet Taste of Salted Bread and Undies)
Aside from winning four awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2018, Pan De Salawal also won the Best Film and Best Screenplay awards in the Low Budget Category of Spain’s Calella Film Festival. It tells the story of the homeless girl Aguy who wears underwear over her head, and her newfound friend, the baker Sal who suffers from a kidney ailment. Watch Pan De Salawal on Netflix.
Fan Girl
Antoinette Jadaone’s Fan Girl swept 9 awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020, including the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, and Best Lead Actress awards. Starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, the film revolves around a teenage girl who gets to spend a night with her celebrity crush, but would soon discover the dark reality behind the revered star. Watch Fan Girl on Netflix.
Lola Igna
Lola Igna bagged four awards at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019, including Best Film and Best Screenplay. The movie tells the story of the 118-year-old, grumpy old woman Igna who suddenly becomes a celebrity when she becomes eligible for the record of being “The Oldest Living Grandmother in the World.” This also brings her closer to her great-great-grandchild, softening her grumpy facade. Watch Lola Igna on Netflix.
Pamilya Ordinaryo (Ordinary People)
Aside from bagging multiple awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2016, including Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Director, the film also went on to receive a Gawad Urian Award as well as more prizes overseas. The film follows a dirt-poor, teenage couple in Manila who desperately scours the gritty city to find their kidnapped baby. Watch Pamilya Ordinary on Netflix.
BuyBust
BuyBust won Best Picture and three more prizes at the 2019 Gawad Urian Awards. Erik Matti’s action flick with social commentary follows the PDEA agent Nina Manigan and her squad as they go on a mission to infiltrate the heart of Manila’s dangerous slums and capture a high-profile drug lord. But the mission goes south and Nina finds herself in a bloody fight for survival against brutal drug gangs and bloodthirsty citizens seeking for vengeance. Watch BuyBust on Netflix.
Birdshot
Mikhail Red’s Birdshot won the Critics’ Choice Award at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2017, and also took home prizes from the Tokyo International Film Festival and ASEAN Film Awards. The film follows the teenage farm girl who mistakenly shoots down an endangered Philippine Eagle. As authorities investigate the incident, a more horrific crime comes to light. Watch Birdshot on Netflix.
Hintayan Ng Langit (Heaven’s Waiting)
Taking home two awards at the QCinema International Film Festival back in 2018, Hintayan ng Langit stars the late Eddie Garcia opposite Gina Pareño. Set in purgatory which looks just like a hotel, the film follows Lisang who had been overstaying there for years because of her bad behavior. Soon, her ex-boyfriend finally arrives, annoying her as they were forced to share a room together. Watch Hintayan ng Langit on Netflix.
Kalel, 15
This film bagged awards from the Asian Film Festival 2020, Gawad Urian Awards 2020, FAMAS Awards 2019, and more. It tells the story of Kalel, a teenage Catholic boy who has a troubled parentage. When he is diagnosed with HIV, Kalel’s world proceeds to fall apart when his mother leaves him while his sister stays with her junkie boyfriend. He then meets with his father, who gives him money so he could live on his own, but Kalel had other plans. Watch Kalel, 15 on Netflix.
Iska
Iska bagged awards at the 2019 Cinemalaya festival, as well as prizes from multiple local and international award-giving bodies. The film follows Iska, an employee at one of UP’s photocopying centers, who faces the challenges of life head-on to provide for her autistic grandson. Watch Iska on Netflix.
Kung Paano Hinihintay and Dapithapon (Waiting for Sunset)
This film swept five awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2018 including Best Film and Best Screenplay. The movie is about an old unmarried couple, whose monotonous lives are shaken when the woman’s estranged husband reaches out, asking for forgiveness and reconciliation. Watch Kung Paano Hinihintay and Dapithapon on Netflix.
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