I’m a sucker for movies that make me feel something, and by that, I mean twisted plots that make me cry towards the end. There’s a time for feel-good romantic comedies, there’s a time for a good ol’ tearjerker film. (Not to be a spoiler or anything, but tragedy to me goes beyond one of the main characters dying.)
And it really makes me happy to see more and more Filipino movies on Netflix that are not just all happy and stray from the usual I’m-rich-and-my-parents-don’t-like-you stories.
So if you’re up for some Filipino movie marathon, here are my recommendations available on Netflix Philippines (only if you want to cry or something).
Meet Me in St. Gallen
Probably my favorite on this list of the best Filipino movies on Netflix, Meet Me in St. Gallen is a meet-cute turned the-one-that-got-away. I first watched this at a local cinema and boy was I sobbing towards the end.
Read the full review here: Meet Me in St. Gallen
My Amanda
My Amanda hits different because I remember my guy best friend every time I watch it. It’s not that I’m in love with him—this movie will make you realize how much you treasure your friends, especially if you’re one of the boys. The twist is also a pure wtf.
Read the full review here: My Amanda
On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets
On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets is a more serious and delicate film revolving around alcoholism with romance on the side. This is the best acting I’ve seen of Bella Padilla.
Read the full review here: On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets
Sid and Aya (Not a Love Story)
Perhaps my second favorite on this list of the best Filipino movies on Netflix, Sid and Aya is a slow-burning film that will still lure you in. Anne is so charming, and it’s not every day that you see Dingdong like this.
Read the full review here: Sid and Aya (Not a Love Story)
100 Tula Para Kay Stella
100 Tula Para Kay Stella had a lot of bad reviews, but I liked it because it was one of the first few modern films that didn’t follow the usual sappy Filipino romance film.
Read the full review here: 100 Tula Para Kay Stella
The Day After Valentine’s
I personally don’t recommend The Day After Valentine’s because it wasn’t that much of a tearjerker for me, but some of my friends liked it so adding it for the sake of this streak of Bella Padilla films. Some lines are still relatable and I guess we can all agree how we (sometimes) have a tendency to be attracted to broken people.
Again, this is probably not the best Filipino movie on Netflix, but it’s still Bella, so.
Read the full review here: The Day After Valentine’s
That Thing Called Tadhana
I take back what I said about Meet Me in St. Gallen being my favorite on this list of the best Filipino movies on Netflix. That Thing Called Tadhana is the best—relatable, poetic, charming, and tragic at the same time. It also briefly features One More Chance, which used to be my breakup movie (like seriously, I know every line), so it was cute to see.
Bonus: A sequel is in the works so better watch it before the release.
I’m Drunk, I Love You
I’m Drunk, I Love You seemingly became that heartbreak movie that every friend-zoned millennial watches. It’s about two people who have been friends for over seven years, with one of them being in love while the other is, well, unknown.
The good news is that a sequel is also in the works, and it’s set in 2022. So… perhaps we’ll get it soon, too?
Four Sisters and A Wedding
I’m calling it—Four Sisters and A Wedding is one if not the most iconic Filipino film for us millennials. The lines are just pure relatable (and quotable) that they are used in memes anytime, everywhere.
It’s also a close look at how Filipino families are, in case you want to learn more about the culture.
Seven Sundays
Another family-friendly Filipino film, Seven Sundays will make you cry and laugh the same way as Four Sisters and A Wedding. The two are comparable at times but this is like the guys’ version as there are three brothers and a sister.
PS. Will continue to update this post as I see more movies that I like. Feel free to comment on any recommendations.
Here are other films/TV series roundups you might like: