W2TCH

62 Essential Chilean Films of All Time

62 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 1Dialogues of the Exiles posterDialogues of the ExilesMovie · 1975 · 104mIn Paris, Chilean refugees grapple with their displacement. Driven to desperate measures, they orchestrate a kidnapping and try to reshape the worldview of a popular singer visiting from Chile.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  2. 2To Kill a Man posterTo Kill a ManMovie · 2014 · 82m · Thriller, DramaJorge is a quiet, hardworking man who wants a peaceful life for his family. His world changes when he's mugged and humiliated by Kalule, a local thug. Jorge’s son is enraged by his father’s passive reaction to the attack and, seeking revenge, is shot as a result. Kalule is imprisoned, but upon release after 18 months, he begins a relentless campaign of terror targeting Jorge and his family. Frustrated by the authorities' inaction, Jorge decides to fight back himself.Stream onMidnight PulpMidnight Pulp Amazon ChannelCineverse Amazon ChannelIMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
  3. 3Road Signs posterRoad SignsMovie · 2000 · 30mThis film explores the life and art of Juan Luis Martinez. His peers discuss his perspective on reality and the political situation in Chile.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
  4. 4Nostalgia for the Light posterNostalgia for the LightMovie · 2010 · 93m · DocumentaryIn the Chilean Atacama Desert, astronomers study the universe, seeking clues about how life began. Meanwhile, a group of women combs the desert sands for remains of relatives, victims of the violent repression carried out by Pinochet's government.Stream onOVIDHooplaKanopyIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  5. 5Johnny One Hundred Pesos posterJohnny One Hundred PesosMovie · 1993 · 90mInspired by true events, the film follows 17-year-old Johnny García as he gets drawn into a robbery orchestrated by four older criminals targeting a money-laundering operation disguised as a video store. Their attempt to flee the crime scene unleashes a wave of intrusive media coverage.Stream onfuboTVTubi TVMidnight PulpIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0
  6. 6TestimonyMovie · 1969 · 8mThis documentary reveals the shockingly poor conditions endured by patients at a psychiatric hospital in Iquique.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.3
  7. 7A Long Journey posterA Long JourneyMovie · 1967 · 83mAfter the death of his newborn brother, a boy from Santiago's poor neighborhoods wanders the city carrying the baby's cardboard wings from the wake. He believes that by returning them, his little brother can fly to heaven.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.8
  8. 8The Battle of Chile: Part I posterThe Battle of Chile: Part IMovie · 1975 · 97m · Documentary, HistorySet in Chile during 1973, this film explores the complex political tensions that sparked a violent overthrow of the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende. The movie depicts the growing conflicts and shifting power dynamics as different groups clash. It shows the nation's struggle with these internal issues, highlighting the personal stories behind the major events of a time marked by unrest and significant change.Stream onOVIDApple TV StoreIMDb 8.1TMDB 7.2
  9. 9The Battle of Chile: Part II posterThe Battle of Chile: Part IIMovie · 1976 · 88m · DocumentaryThe film follows the intense period before the CIA becomes involved in a major political change. It portrays the raw emotions and complicated details of those involved in the coup as the story unfolds. More than just a historical account, the movie examines power struggles, difficult choices, and the human impact of such drastic actions. The visuals and storytelling create a compelling atmosphere, offering audiences a unique view of this crucial moment. We see the tension between characters struggling with their own values and external pressures as they confront the seriousness of what's happening. These personal stories reveal the wide-ranging effects of secret operations and their influence on global politics. Ultimately, the film explores the psychological consequences of events like this on individuals and society, providing viewers with a revealing and thought-provoking cinematic experience.Stream onOVIDApple TV StoreIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.7
  10. 10Bloody Nitrate posterBloody NitrateMovie · 1969 · 128mFollowing an attack by Peruvian troops, seventeen Chilean soldiers struggle to survive in the desert under the leadership of their Captain. Tension arises when the civilian Lieutenant, pursuing control of valuable nitrate deposits, conflicts with the Captain. The conflict is part of a larger struggle that resulted in the deaths of 25,000 soldiers from Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, all vying for control of the mineral rights for foreign companies.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.7
  11. 11The Battle of Chile: Part III posterThe Battle of Chile: Part IIIMovie · 1979 · 78m · DocumentaryIn the film's final section, director Guzmán offers a personal look at people working to revive and build upon the legacy of Salvador Allende, who was overthrown. The film explores the challenges and successes of those who keep fighting for Allende's progressive ideals from his time as president. By highlighting these determined individuals, Guzmán presents a detailed view of Chile after the coup, showing both the ongoing resistance and how shared memories influence the country's future.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  12. 12Machuca posterMachucaMovie · 2004 · 116m · DramaIn Santiago, Chile, under the controversial Marxist government of President Salvador Allende, Father McEnroe champions leftist ideals by opening St. Patrick, a prestigious Catholic prep school, to students from working-class families. Among the new students is Pedro Machuca, the son of the cleaning lady in Gonzalo Infante's affluent home. Initially, the classmates form a bond, even protesting together as Gonzalo becomes integrated into Pedro’s family and neighborhood. However, the adults disrupt this connection when General Pinochet's coup overthrows Allende, impacting figures like McEnroe who supported the regime.Stream onKino Film CollectionKanopyFandorIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.8
  13. 13Aquí se construye (o Ya no existe el lugar donde nací) posterAquí se construye (o Ya no existe el lugar donde nací)Movie · 2000 · 77mAgüero observes the overwhelming architectural landscape of Santiago de Chile around the year 2000, taking in its full, complex reality.Stream onDocAlliance FilmsOVIDIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.0
  14. 14No posterNoMovie · 2012 · 118m · Drama, HistoryIn 1988, facing international pressure, Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is compelled to hold a vote on whether he can stay in power for another eight years. Opposition leaders recruit a young, ambitious advertising executive named René Saavedra to lead their "No" campaign. With limited resources and under constant surveillance by Pinochet's forces, Saavedra and his team develop a daring strategy to win the election and liberate Chile.Stream onTubi TVAmazon VideoFandango At HomeIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2
  15. 15Gloria posterGloriaMovie · 2013 · 105m · Comedy, DramaGloria, a 58-year-old woman recently divorced and with her children grown, is determined to avoid a lonely life. She throws herself into attending singles' parties, hoping for quick romance, but finds only disappointment. However, when she meets Rodolfo, a man seven years her senior who is a former naval officer, she starts to consider the possibility of a lasting relationship.Stream onKanopyFandango At HomeYouTubeIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  16. 16Latent Image posterLatent ImageMovie · 1990 · 92mSet in late 1980s Chile under Pinochet's rule, the film follows a photographer who maintains a detached perspective on the political climate. However, he remains deeply affected by the 1975 disappearance of his activist brother at the Villa Grimaldi torture center, a loss he has yet to process.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.8
  17. 17Violeta Went to Heaven posterVioleta Went to HeavenMovie · 2011 · 110m · Drama, MusicThis film explores the life and work of Violeta Parra, the celebrated Chilean singer-songwriter and folklorist, through her music, personal reflections, relationships, and ambitions. It portrays both her successes and challenges, revealing Parra's artistic journey as she worked to protect and update traditional Chilean folk music while navigating a male-dominated music scene in 20th-century Latin America. The film showcases her passion, vulnerability, and strength, allowing viewers to understand Violeta through her lyrics and deeply emotional melodies.Stream onOVIDKanopyTubi TVIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  18. 18A Man Aside posterA Man AsideMovie · 2001 · 59mThis documentary follows Ricardo Liaño, a former businessman deeply involved in Chilean boxing, now leading a life seemingly in stark contrast to his past. Liaño appears to be actively trying to distance himself from his previous world.IMDb 7.6TMDB 5.8
  19. 19Los deseos concebidos posterLos deseos concebidosMovie · 1982 · 128mErre, a teenager living with his uncle, aunt, and distant sister, is removed from his school's records. He then drifts through locations where the unusual is subtly concealed beneath a veneer of normalcy.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4
  20. 20The Moon in the Mirror posterThe Moon in the MirrorMovie · 1990 · 75mConfined to his bed and ailing, an old sailor fiercely protects his home and his son. He uses numerous mirrors placed throughout his room and house to keep a watchful eye on them, particularly on his son's secret affair with the widowed woman next door.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3
  21. 21The Hussar of Death posterThe Hussar of DeathMovie · 1925 · 65mThe film chronicles the actions of Chilean national hero Manuel Rodriguez and the key events of Chile's War of Independence from Spain in the early 1800s.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.4
  22. 22Day of the Organ GrindersMovie · 1961 · 20mThis film follows a day in the life of a street musician in a Chilean city, known as an "organillero." He plays his distinctive organ music throughout the streets.IMDb 5.8TMDB 7.0
  23. 23El otro round posterEl otro roundMovie · 1984 · 62m"Dinamita" Araya leads a quiet, unremarkable life after retiring from boxing. A chance meeting with a woman reignites his passion for living. His toughest fight is now against life itself.IMDb 6.7
  24. 24The Chilean Charles Bronson (Or Exactly Identical)Movie · 1981 · 67mThis documentary follows a Chilean man who meticulously impersonates Charles Bronson.IMDb 7.0TMDB 4.0
  25. 25The Life of Fish posterThe Life of FishMovie · 2010 · 84mAt a house party, a charming man reconnects with old friends. Andre, a travel writer living an adventurous life in Berlin, seems to have it all. Yet, he's returned to Santiago for a reason. As the party progresses, it becomes clear that a shared tragedy connects this group – the event that drove Andre away from Chile years ago. He avoids one person above all others, but she is the one he desperately needs to find.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.8
  26. 26Days in the Country posterDays in the CountryMovie · 2004 · 87mIn a Santiago bar, two elderly men reminisce about their lives. Their conversation is unusual; they speak of themselves in the past tense, as if already deceased. The film blurs the line between truth and fiction, reality and dream, leaving the audience uncertain about what is real.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.2
  27. 27Noticias posterNoticiasMovie · 2009 · 80mThis observational film uses a news program's fragmented style to offer a cinematic look at the reality presented to us every day by the media.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.2
  28. 28A la sombra del sol posterA la sombra del solMovie · 1974 · 70mTwo thieves journey through the Chilean desert, eventually reaching a small town near Bolivia. Hoping to blend in, their past catches up to them, leading to devastating consequences. Based on a true story, the film premiered a year after the Chilean coup. The following day, script girl Carmen Bueno and director of photography Jorge Müller were arrested by the police and disappeared, joining the ranks of the Desaparecidos.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.0
  29. 29Cuídate del agua mansaMovie · 1995 · 90mA seemingly shallow geologist unexpectedly connects with a history student who is drifting through life. He then proposes marriage to his nudist neighbor.IMDb 6.9
  30. 30A Cab for Three posterA Cab for ThreeMovie · 2001 · 90mA taxi driver is forced by two petty criminals to participate in a robbery. They offer him a choice: drive them to the locations they plan to rob, or be locked in the trunk with them.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.2
  31. 31No tan lejos de Andrómeda posterNo tan lejos de AndrómedaMovie · 1999 · 131mAfter a long exile, Félix and Magui return to their homeland. Magui's father brings them to a family home. Félix struggles to adjust to the country's social customs and the presence of outsiders, which begins to worry the family patriarch.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.0
  32. 32El vecinoMovie · 2000 · 93mA young artist forms a friendship with his neighbor, a criminal grappling with guilt over a past offense and yearning for redemption.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0
  33. 33Nobody Said Anything posterNobody Said AnythingMovie · 1971 · 135mA group of four writers, fueled by alcohol, craft a short story about making a deal with the Devil. Unbeknownst to them, the events of their fictional tale begin to unfold in real life.Stream onOnDemandKoreaIMDb 6.4TMDB 5.7
  34. 34The Skinny Alejandra posterThe Skinny AlejandraMovie · 1994 · 57mDirector Carmen Castillo meets with Marcia Merino, known as La Flaca Alejandra, a former collaborator with Pinochet's secret police, DINA, who had previously been tortured by them. Merino was responsible for betraying Castillo, who suffered the loss of her newborn child as a result of her torture. Nearly twenty years after going into exile, Castillo returns to Chile to film a documentary, coinciding with Merino's testimony in court naming her former DINA superiors.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.8
  35. 35Soccer Stories posterSoccer StoriesMovie · 1997 · 87mThe film explores the lives of several young Chileans, focusing on their dedication and disappointments surrounding football – a central part of their culture. It presents three separate stories, each highlighting their personal connection to the sport and the intense emotions it evokes.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.3
  36. 36Cachimba posterCachimbaMovie · 2004 · 142mA man brings his insecure, overweight lover to a seaside resort hoping to deepen their relationship. However, while there, he unexpectedly discovers an artistic breakthrough that profoundly alters his life.IMDb 6.6TMDB 4.7
  37. 37Valparaiso My Love posterValparaiso My LoveMovie · 1969 · 90mInspired by true events in Valparaiso's port, the film follows four impoverished children abandoned after their father is arrested for stealing cattle to feed them. Told from the children’s perspective, the story unfolds in four episodes depicting their gradual entry into a life of marginality and crime. Facing harsh realities stemming from their difficult circumstances, they are drawn toward a path of marginalization they struggle to escape.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8
  38. 38The Chinese Shoe posterThe Chinese ShoeMovie · 1979 · 70mA taxi driver finds Marlene, a woman from outside the city, disoriented in a brothel. He offers to help her and takes her to his home. Gradually, his protective instincts towards her evolve into something strange and obsessive.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0
  39. 39Jackal of Nahueltoro posterJackal of NahueltoroMovie · 1970 · 95mThis experimental drama is based on a real 1960 Chilean murder case that sparked intense debate about capital punishment. It tells the story of an illiterate peasant who, while intoxicated, killed the woman he was involved with and her five children.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.7
  40. 40Julio Begins in July posterJulio Begins in JulyMovie · 1979 · 120mThe film follows a teenage boy in early 1900s Chile, belonging to the country's upper class. It explores the rituals and challenges he faces as he comes of age within his society.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4
  41. 41Surire posterSurireMovie · 2015 · 80mThe Surire Salt Flat, high in the Chilean Plateau, is one of the most isolated places on Earth. It preserves pristine natural beauty, but also holds a powerful draw: vast deposits of borax that promise enormous profits for mining companies. "Surire" visually narrates a story about our planet, addressing critical issues like the decline of indigenous cultures, the preservation of untouched nature and the environment, and the conflict between tradition and modernity.Stream onGuideDocHooplaKanopyIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5
  42. 42The Frontier posterThe FrontierMovie · 1991 · 120mRamiro, a Chilean teacher, is exiled to a remote southern town frequently hit by tidal waves. He develops a relationship with Maite, but her father asks him to leave her. Ramiro later gains his freedom but chooses to stay. When a massive wave strikes, Maite and her father perish, and Ramiro escapes into the hills.IMDb 7.4TMDB 5.7
  43. 43The Maid posterThe MaidMovie · 2009 · 97m · Drama, ComedyRaquel has worked as the live-in housekeeper for a comfortable family for years, but the monotonous routine is wearing her down. Increasingly reliant on painkillers, she begins playing pranks and avoiding work to provoke the family's college-aged daughter and new hires, desperate to maintain control in the house. Her actions alienate everyone until the new maid, Lucy, finally stands up to her.Stream onfuboTVPhiloOVIDIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7
  44. 44MimbreMovie · 1958 · 10mThe film captures the sensory experience of entering Manzanito's wicker workshop in late 1950s Santiago, Chile. It presents a visual portrait of the craftsman's workspace.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8
  45. 45Caluga o Menta posterCaluga o MentaMovie · 1990 · 100mNiki and his friends are part of a marginalized community living on the edges of Santiago. As Chile moves from dictatorship to democracy (1988-1990), they shift from a life of drug use, alcohol, and petty crime to a world of illegal markets. Niki develops a destined connection with Manuela, a middle-class woman considered "eccentric." With memorable scenes, dialogue, and a blend of realistic portrayal of Chilean life and surreal elements, this film became a significant work of the 1990s.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0
  46. 46The FrogFish posterThe FrogFishMovie · 2008 · 98mAfter a failed suicide attempt, Daniel SS attempts to rebuild his life by moving from Río Maipo to downtown Santiago. However, throughout his journey, he finds no reason to continue living.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.5
  47. 47Little White Dove posterLittle White DoveMovie · 1992 · 125mA young woman from a working-class background falls in love with a privileged young man involved in a plot to assassinate General Schneider, the head of the Chilean Army. The film was shot in 1973 over six weeks with a budget of $170,000. Following the 1973 Chilean coup and subsequent military dictatorship (1973–1990), the film was lost and not released until 1992.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7
  48. 48Cofralandes, Chilean Rhapsody posterCofralandes, Chilean RhapsodyMovie · 2002 · 311mRaúl Ruiz's 2002 Franco-Chilean digital video series is a four-part experimental work. The first part received a FIPRESCI Award at the Montreal World Film Festival in 2002, recognized for the director’s personal exploration of his homeland and his rigorous yet playful use of digital video.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.3
  49. 49Coronation posterCoronationMovie · 2000 · 140m · DramaAndres, the aging heir to a once-prominent Chilean family, lives a life of luxury and isolation. He employs the young Estela to care for his domineering grandmother. Despite their differences in age and social standing, Andres begins to court Estela, while her fiancé Mario attempts to exploit the situation for financial gain. The oppressive atmosphere of the decaying mansion outside Santiago reflects the decline of the upper class and foreshadows Andres' complete downfall.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.7
  50. 50Karadima Forest posterKaradima ForestMovie · 2015 · 98mThis film is based on true events and tells the story of Fernando Karadima, a powerful Catholic priest who committed child abuse between the 1980s and 2000s. It follows the difficult journey of his victims as they fight to expose the truth and seek justice.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1
  51. 51Tea Time posterTea TimeMovie · 2014 · 70mMore than sixty years after graduating, Alicia, Gema, Angelica, Ximena, and Maria Teresa maintain a tradition of regular afternoon teas. They gather to share news and memories while enjoying elaborate spreads. The impeccably dressed women discuss a wide range of topics, from serious subjects like mortality and infidelity to lighter ones such as soccer and twerking.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
  52. 52One Hundred Children Waiting for a Train posterOne Hundred Children Waiting for a TrainMovie · 1990 · 57mThis is the story of Chilean children who discover new worlds through film. Every Saturday, Alicia Vega holds workshops in the chapel of Lo Hermida, introducing the children to cinema under the church's guidance. The children, many of whom have never seen a movie, learn about filmmaking – from photograms and projection to camera angles and genres – and watch films by Chaplin, Disney, Lamorisse, and the Lumière brothers. They then create their own films using drawings, culminating in a trip to a downtown Santiago movie theater.Stream onDocAlliance FilmsIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.4
  53. 53In Bed posterIn BedMovie · 2005 · 85m · Romance, Drama, ComedyA chance encounter at a party in Santiago, Chile leads to a passionate night for two young people, Bruno and Daniela. After a one-night stand at a modest motel, they spend the night together, sharing intimate moments and developing a strong emotional bond.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
  54. 54The Dance of Reality posterThe Dance of RealityMovie · 2013 · 130m · Drama, FantasyAlejandro Jodorowsky’s biographical project centers on his desperate search for purpose after rejecting a false sense of self. Born in 1929 in Tocopilla, a Chilean coastal town bordering the desert, he experienced a challenging and isolated childhood as his family was displaced. It was during this time that he first grasped the core truths of existence.Stream onApple TV StoreIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  55. 55The Good Life posterThe Good LifeMovie · 2008 · 108mIn Santiago, four people pursue their dreams: a psychologist aiming to support women and prevent tragedy, a hairdresser hoping for a car, a musician striving for a spot in a philharmonic orchestra, and a young woman just trying to get by. Each of them ultimately finds something different from what they initially sought.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9
  56. 56The ExpropriationMovie · 1974 · 60mThe film documents life in rural southern Chile and the work of CORA, the Agrarian Reform Corporation. Shot over four days and nights in 1971, the project wasn't completed until 1973 in France, following the military coup.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4
  57. 57Tony Manero posterTony ManeroMovie · 2008 · 97m · DramaA man becomes fixated on the disco dancing of John Travolta's character in the film "Saturday Night Fever."Stream onOVIDKanopyIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4
  58. 58Three Sad Tigers posterThree Sad TigersMovie · 1968 · 100mThis film offers a brief look into the lives of siblings Amanda and Tito as they navigate the shadowy world of Santiago's criminal underbelly over a few days and nights. It presents a broad view of Chilean society.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2
  59. 59The Other Day posterThe Other DayMovie · 2012 · 120mThe director's house has a door leading directly to the street, a threshold between his private world and the city of Santiago de Chile. Inside, the house holds his personal history, his belongings, his thoughts, and his imagination. The narratives within are unexpectedly disrupted when an unknown visitor arrives at the door, bringing the outside world into the film.Stream onDocAlliance FilmsOVIDIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3
  60. 60Las cosas como son posterLas cosas como sonMovie · 2012 · 90mJerónimo, a reclusive local, earns a living by renting rooms to expats, using the opportunity to secretly examine their possessions. His routine is disrupted by the arrival of Sanna, a young woman who begins to draw him in. As they develop a connection, Jerónimo uncovers a hidden secret Sanna is concealing within his home.Stream onPluto TVIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0
  61. 61The Pearl Button posterThe Pearl ButtonMovie · 2015 · 82m · DocumentaryThe ocean holds the history of humanity, echoing with voices from Earth and beyond. Fueled by starlight, water connects all living things. Along Chile's 2,670 miles of coastline, the sea conceals a secret: two mysterious buttons discovered on the ocean floor. This supernatural landscape, shaped by volcanoes, mountains, and glaciers, carries the stories of Chile’s Indigenous people, early English sailors, and political prisoners alike. Some believe water remembers; this film reveals that it also speaks.Stream onKino Film CollectionOVIDHooplaIMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9
  62. 62The Club posterThe ClubMovie · 2015 · 97m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerFour former priests live in quiet isolation in a seaside town, along with the woman who manages their home. The Church has sent them here as a form of penance, a deliberate separation from their former lives to atone for past sins. They maintain a rigid daily routine, carefully avoiding anything that might offer distraction or pleasure, dedicating each moment to their spiritual purification.Stream onAmazon Prime VideofuboTVPhiloIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9