The best of Spanish cinema –

Spanish cinema has come a long way since the early 20th century, when pioneers like Segundo de Chomón began making experimental and avant-garde films. Over the years, the country’s cinema has gone through different stages, from social realism during Franco’s regime to an explosion of creativity and artistic freedom during the transition. Indeed, it was with the arrival of the transition that it flourished like never before.

Since then, visionary directors like Pedro Almodóvar and Alejandro Amenábar have left an indelible mark on the country’s film history. And how could we not mention the protagonists of Spanish cinema? Javier Bardem, with a look that could melt even the coldest iceberg, and Antonio Banderas, with more charisma than Puss in Boots.

When people think of Spanish cinema, they usually think of the muggers in Netflix’s red suits, but today we’re taking off the Dalí mask and putting on our critic’s hat. Yes, because today we are going to talk about the best of Spanish cinema. This article has an international focus, so we will concentrate mainly on contemporary films that are more accessible to a global audience rather than delving into the classic masterpieces that laid the foundation for what we see today.

So, without further ado, Gamereactor invites you to discover what we consider the best of Spanish cinema.

5. Animated films

Since Spanish cinema offers such a wide range of films, let’s bend the rules a bit and divide each entry by category rather than just by individual films. In Spanish cinema, live-action has always been more dominant than animation. But let’s start with the fifth spot with two animated films.

Everyone from Spain knows this one. Tad, directed by Enrique Gato, is a fun animated adventure that follows the escapades of an amateur archaeologist. While at first glance it may seem like a family film, the mix of humor, action and cultural references makes it appealing to all ages. Spanish animation has found its way onto the international stage with Tad, proving that sometimes you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but rather build on what’s already there. There are currently three Tad films available, with one more to come.

On the other hand, we have a more recent film. Klaus, directed by Sergio Pablos, has transformed the animation genre by offering a Christmas story that is both magical and heartfelt. This film explores the friendship between a mailman and a toy maker in a town that has forgotten how to be merry. Its combination of traditional animation with a fresh visual style earned it Oscar nominations and reawakened interest in Spanish animation cinema. Along with Tad, it proves that while Spanish animation cinema may not have the highest quantity, it certainly excels in quality.

4. Thriller movies

Why not? Let’s move on to two thrillers, starting with Cell 211, directed by Daniel Monzón. This intense drama tells the story of a prison guard who ends up in the middle of a riot. Luis Tosar shines as Juan Oliver, the prison guard facing this chaotic situation. His powerful and realistic performance earned him the Goya Award for Best Actor, propelling him to the forefront of contemporary Spanish cinema and earning him international recognition for his ability to portray complex and emotionally charged roles. Not only is the film a thrilling ride, it also raises important questions about justice and survival, making it a landmark in prison cinema.

Now let’s talk about No Rest for the Wicked. This thriller, directed by Enrique Urbizu, follows Santos Trinidad, a corrupt police officer entangled in a web of organized crime. Here I was deeply impressed by José Coronado’s portrayal of this character. His performance also earned him the Goya Award for Best Actor, highlighting his skill in capturing the moral ambiguity and emotional intensity of his roles. With strong direction and a solid script, No Rest for the Wicked stands out as an important reference in Spanish noir cinema.

3. The films of Juan Antonio Bayona

Some consider him the Spanish Spielberg – and for good reason. You may be familiar with some of his films, but if not, let’s share something about each one we chose. Beginning in 2007, when he released The Orphanage, a story that follows Laura as she returns to her childhood home in search of her missing son. As Laura unravels the mysteries surrounding the orphanage, she discovers that her son has a connection to the spirits of the children who once lived there. This film is not only a landmark in Spanish horror cinema, but also establishes Bayona as a master at creating unsettling atmospheres.

His next big success came in 2012 with The Impossible, which depicts the devastating tragedy of the 2004 tsunami, focusing on a family struggling to reunite amid the chaos. With a powerful performance by Naomi Watts, the film became a huge hit, both at the box office and with critics, and demonstrated Bayona’s ability to capture the emotional intensity of extreme situations.

In 2017, he released A Monster Calls, in which Bayona explores grief and acceptance through the story of Conor, a young boy dealing with his mother’s illness. Using fantasy as a means of exploring his emotions, the film offers a moving perspective on the protagonist’s internal struggles.

Finally, Society of the Snow recounts the poignant 1972 plane crash in the Andes, highlighting human resilience in extreme circumstances. You’ve probably heard of it, because it’s received a lot of attention over the past year…. And that’s enough Bayona for now. Through these four works, Bayona demonstrates his mastery of storytelling that transcends genres, blending elements of horror, drama and fantasy into visually stunning and emotionally resonant narratives. And the fun part? There’s plenty more Bayona coming our way!

2. The films of Alejandro Amenábar

The Others has great sentimental value for me because it was filmed in my hometown, and I watched it many times while being very interested in its background. Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, The Others is a psychological thriller that has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, not only in Spain, but also internationally. Starring Nicole Kidman, the film plays with the perception of reality and our deepest human fears. Its haunting atmosphere and shocking twist have made The Others a benchmark that has paved the way for other directors to follow. Amenábar creates a haunting story that goes beyond fears and explores themes of loss and guilt. This is Amenábar’s best-known film on the international stage.

However, it is with The Sea Inside that Alejandro Amenábar truly shines, delivering a masterpiece that delves into themes of dignity and love. Above all, I must highlight Javier Bardem. You may know him from his villainous role in Skyfall, or as Chigurh in No Country For Old Men (another incredible performance, by the way), but for me his best work is in The Sea Inside. Here Bardem delivers a moving performance as Ramón Sampedro, a paraplegic fighting for his right to euthanasia. His masterful acting earned him the Goya Award for Best Actor. And the film is pure poetry. It invites reflection on the value of life and death, and its emotional depth makes it one of the greatest films in Spanish cinema.

1. The films of Pedro Almodóvar

Pedro Almodóvar is a master at capturing the complexity of human life, and All About My Mother is a prime example. A tribute to women and motherhood, this film weaves together stories of love, loss and redemption. With a star-studded cast including Carmen Maura and Penélope Cruz, Almodóvar’s vivid visual style explores deep themes of identity and sexuality, making this work not only one of his most beloved, but also a classic that has influenced generations of filmmakers.

Another gem in Almodóvar’s filmography is Talk to Her, where he explores the complicated nature of human relationships. The story centers on two men caring for two women in comas and explores themes of love, communication and the struggle for connection. This gripping film further confirms Almodóvar’s reputation as a brilliant storyteller.

Looking ahead, Volver demonstrates Almodóvar’s unique ability to combine humor and drama. This film, starring Penélope Cruz, tells the story of strong women facing secrets from the past and offers a vivid picture of Spanish culture. Cruz’s heartfelt performance earned her the Goya Award for Best Actress, making Volver a modern classic.

Finally, Almodóvar delves into darker and more complex themes in The Skin I Live In. Antonio Banderas shines as a plastic surgeon obsessed with creating synthetic skin for his deceased wife. This surreal and provocative film highlights Banderas’ emotional range and solidifies his status as one of Spain’s most recognized actors. Almodóvar’s stories about marginalized characters shine and make The Skin I Live In an unforgettable experience. Of the four I’ve mentioned, this is my favorite from Almodóvar.

Honorable mention: Pan’s Labyrinth

We’re out of slots and we have yet to talk about our favorite! So let’s improvise while we’re at it. Claiming the last spot – number 0, if you will – is Pan’s Labyrinth, a masterpiece by Guillermo del Toro. This film masterfully weaves fantasy and reality against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain. And okay, we know del Toro is Mexican and all, but since the production is Spanish, we wanted to give it a special place. After all, this film is essential to understanding Spanish cinema.

Through the eyes of a young girl named Ofelia, the story unfolds with rich symbolism and deep emotional resonance. As she makes her way through the horrors of her harsh reality marked by oppression and cruelty, Ofelia encounters a magical world full of mythical creatures and daunting challenges. The contrast between the stark reality of war and the enchanting but dangerous realm of fantasy makes for a powerful story. Ofelia’s journey leads her into a mysterious labyrinth, where she encounters these fantastic creatures and undergoes various trials. These elements highlight the vast difference between her adventures in this fantasy realm and the harsh life she endures under her stepfather’s oppressive regime.

With masterful direction and stunning cinematography, Pan’s Labyrinth stands not only as a landmark of Spanish cinema, but also as a cherished gem in international film history. Its compelling themes of innocence, sacrifice and childhood loss have resonated with viewers around the world, making it a film that lingers long after the end. Del Toro’s ability to blend dark fairy tales with gripping historical commentary has set a new standard for storytelling in cinema, ensuring that Pan’s Labyrinth will be remembered as a timeless classic.

And that’s all for today! Spanish cinema has evolved tremendously over the years, showcasing a remarkable range of talent and creativity. From the pioneering efforts of early filmmakers to the vibrant and diverse stories of contemporary directors, Spanish films have carved out an important place in the global film landscape. The films we examined highlight not only the technical prowess and storytelling ability of Spanish filmmakers, but also their ability to address universal themes that resonate with audiences around the world.

Whether it is the heartbreaking dramas of Alejandro Amenábar, the emotionally rich character studies of Pedro Almodóvar or the innovative stories of Guillermo del Toro, each film offers a unique perspective on the human experience. We only hope that Spanish cinema continues to produce films that offer the same powerful experiences. But for now, let’s revisit the numbers we mentioned!

Now we’d love to hear about your encounters with Spanish cinema! Which films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? Do you have any memorable moments from watching these films? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!