W2TCH

57 Brazilian Films: A World Cinema Collection

57 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1Song of the SeaMovie · 1953 · 84mIn drought-stricken Northeastern Brazil, families migrate in search of water and a better life. Some head to Recife, hoping to find passage to Santos and a new beginning in the South. In Recife's poor district, an elderly washerwoman struggles to provide for her family. Her husband, Zé Luis, a former sailor, is mentally unstable following a severe head injury. Their eldest son, Raimundo, works at a grocery store and sells mangoes to save money for a move to the Southeast with his girlfriend, Aurora. Their daughter considers prostitution for a better life, while their youngest son battles a serious illness.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.0
  2. 2The Turning WindMovie · 1962 · 78m · DramaA sophisticated Black man returns to his ancestral home in a traditional fishing village in Bahia. Seeking to overcome what he sees as oppressive mysticism and superstition, especially the Candomblé religion, which he believes hinders progress, he tries to guide his community toward modernity. However, his efforts lead to a series of devastating events that reveal the profound strength of these traditions. The protagonist is forced to confront the complex relationship between honoring his heritage and pursuing a modern future.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8
  3. 3The Daughter of the LawyerMovie · 1926 · 92mIn Recife, Dr. Paulo, a prominent lawyer, has a daughter, Heloísa, with his mistress, who lives in the countryside. Before a planned trip to Europe, Dr. Paulo asks a friend to bring Heloísa to Recife. There, his irresponsible son Helvécio meets her and, unaware of their familial connection, attempts to assault her. In self-defense, Heloísa kills him. She is arrested and put on trial with no evidence to support her claim of self-defense.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0
  4. 4Os Três CangaceirosMovie · 1959 · 93mWhen bandits raid a quiet town, kidnapping a wealthy man's daughter and other young women, a rescue mission is organized. However, three of the town's most timid citizens choose a different path, deciding to become the most hilarious heroes the world has ever seen.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.0
  5. 5JubiabáMovie · 1987 · 100mJubiabá is a French-Brazilian film adapted from Jorge Amado's novel of the same name. It recounts the interracial romance between the daughter of a wealthy Commander and Antonio Balduíno, a notorious rogue, revolutionary, and celebrated lover from Salvador.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.2
  6. 6Madame SatãMovie · 2002 · 105m · Crime, Drama, RomanceRio de Janeiro, 1930s. João Francisco dos Santos exists on the fringes of society – a man with a complicated past as the son of slaves, a former convict, and known for his rough behavior. He's also a protector to those cast out by society, and openly gay. On stage at a cabaret, João transforms into the flamboyant performer Madame Satã.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
  7. 7PachamamaMovie · 2010 · 105mThis documentary follows a journey through the Brazilian rainforest, into Peru and Bolivia, to explore the lives of people who have historically been denied a voice in their countries' politics. It documents their efforts to finally gain meaningful participation in shaping their own futures.IMDb 6.9
  8. 8Os Saltimbancos TrapalhõesMovie · 1981 · 100m · Adventure, Comedy, FamilyIn a quiet town, Didi, Dedé, Mussum, and Zacarias lead simple lives. Their world changes when they get a job at the Bartolo Circus, using their talent for making people laugh. They quickly become the circus's main attraction, enjoying newfound fame. But success brings problems. Magician Assis Satan is jealous of their popularity, seeing them as a rival. The circus owner, a greedy Baron, wants to profit from their talent without paying fairly. The friends realize they must face competition and difficult people. Together, they fight back against Assis Satan and the Baron's unfair plans, showing that friendship can overcome any obstacle.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9
  9. 9If I Were YouMovie · 2006 · 108m · Comedy, FantasyClaudio, a publicist, and Helena, a housewife and choir teacher, have been married for many years but struggle to understand or respect each other's feelings. Claudio views Helena as someone who shops and teaches choir, while Helena sees Claudio as insensitive and rough. On the night before their fiftieth wedding anniversary, they decide to switch places.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.4
  10. 10Now BoardingMovie · 2009 · 87mWagner, a 22-year-old Brazilian, longs to emigrate for a better future. His plans change when he meets Justina, a woman with considerable life experience who profoundly alters his perspective. Together, they begin to realize life holds unexpected possibilities.IMDb 4.6TMDB 5.0
  11. 11VeraMovie · 1986 · 88mThis powerful drama is inspired by the life of Brazilian poet Anderson Bigode Herzer. It follows Bauer, a transgender man who faces hardship in an orphanage. He eventually finds love with Clara, a young librarian.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.4
  12. 12I Travel Because I Have to, I Come Back Because I Love YouMovie · 2010 · 75m · DramaJosé Renato, a 35-year-old geologist, undertakes a solo expedition to the remote areas of northeastern Brazil. He's tasked with evaluating potential routes for a canal that would link the region to its primary river. As his journey unfolds, Renato finds himself mirroring the landscapes he's surveying – marked by emptiness, abandonment, and profound isolation.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  13. 13Women in FuryMovie · 1984 · 90m · Horror, Action, DramaAngela Duvall, a young woman with a gentle nature, is wrongly accused of murder and finds herself in a harsh Latin American prison. She faces brutal initiation rites from other inmates. The prison doctor, a compassionate and honest man, sees her innocence. He becomes determined to uncover the truth of her imprisonment and help her escape. Their connection forms the heart of a story about hope, courage, and finding redemption in the face of injustice.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.9
  14. 14LimiteMovie · 1931 · 114m · Drama, AdventureThree people are adrift on a vast ocean, with no hope of rescue. To endure their dire situation, they begin sharing stories from their past, revealing the events that brought them to this isolated place. Each story shows how their lives shaped them and led to their current struggle. Confined together, their shared hardship becomes the focus of everything. This emotional journey connects three separate stories, highlighting the strength of the human spirit when facing impossible odds.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.1
  15. 15Porto das CaixasMovie · 1963 · 80mIn Porto das Caixas, a woman plots to kill her unfaithful husband, initially seeking assistance from several lovers. Ultimately, determined to escape her situation, she resolves to carry out the murder independently.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.5
  16. 16The QuartetMovie · 1995 · 110m · Drama, RomanceThe film follows two immigrant couples as they strive to build lives in a new country. Teresa and Angelo, and Pierina and Massimo, each encounter different obstacles while seeking new possibilities. Amidst these difficulties, Massimo and Teresa unexpectedly develop a romantic connection, leading them to question their traditional obligations. Their relationship forces them to confront not only their families' expectations but also their own cultural heritage. The card game "Quatrilho," where players must betray each other to win, parallels their experiences, highlighting the sacrifices and complexities of love and loyalty during times of transition. The story examines how personal relationships, cultural identity, and the desire for happiness evolve in a constantly changing world.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.2
  17. 17Tent of MiraclesMovie · 1977 · 132mA celebrated American Nobel Prize winner travels to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil – a city with a predominantly Black population. He sparks strong reactions by highlighting the work of Pedro Archanjo, a little-known local writer who advocated for the idea that humanity's progress depended solely on racial mixing.IMDb 6.2TMDB 4.7
  18. 18The Man of The SputnikMovie · 1959 · 98mA mysterious object, possibly the Soviet satellite Sputnik, crashes into a hillbilly's chicken coop.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7
  19. 19TurbulenceMovie · 2000 · 95mFollowing a sleepless night, a man is jolted awake by persistent doorbell rings. Peeking through the peephole, he finds an unfamiliar stranger. He can't explain the man's presence, but he's instantly convinced this person poses a grave danger. He hastily gets dressed and quietly escapes, certain the stranger is already after him, and that the real trouble is just beginning.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.5
  20. 20Saudade do FuturoMovie · 2000 · 92mThis film captures the vibrant world of street musicians from northeastern Brazil. Through their music and lyrics – filled with improvised humor, drama, and colorful language – they share the stories of their lives.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2
  21. 21PlayingMovie · 2007 · 105m · DocumentaryAfter seeing a newspaper advertisement, everyday women share pieces of their life stories with director Eduardo Coutinho. These stories are then acted out by actresses, creating a fascinating blend of reality, drama, and perspective.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.4
  22. 22IracemaMovie · 1976 · 96mA young woman travels to Belém for the Círio de Nazaré festival, but is lured into prostitution and dreams of relocating to Brazil's wealthier Southeast. While at a nightclub, she meets a truck driver who transports wood. Hoping for a life in the city, she asks him for a ride, and they embark on a journey along the Trans-Amazon highway. The film portrays the social tragedies of the Amazon, including conflict with Brazilian military authorities, deforestation, forced labor, and child prostitution. It received international acclaim but was banned by Brazilian censors, only being released years later and winning the Brasília Film Festival in 1981.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4
  23. 23Twenty Years LaterMovie · 1984 · 119m · Documentary, HistoryIn 1964, Eduardo Coutinho started filming in northeastern Brazil, unknowingly capturing the beginning of the military coup that would later interrupt his work. Returning in 1981, he resumed documenting the lives impacted by the coup and the following social changes. He reconnected with a family whose father was murdered for defending rural communities. Through his film, Coutinho portrays their fight to cope with their loss and the wider effects of political violence on individuals and the country's memory. The film is a powerful look at grief, memory, and strength amidst turmoil and tragedy.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.5
  24. 24SantiagoMovie · 2007 · 80mThis documentary follows Santiago, an unusual man who previously served as a butler to a film director and his parents. The footage was captured in 1992 but remained unedited by the director for years. Rediscovering the material in 2005, he decides to finally begin the editing process.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6
  25. 25Me, You, ThemMovie · 2000 · 106m · Drama, RomanceThis is a true story about an everyday woman and her three husbands. They all share a house in a poor, dry village in northeastern Brazil. The film humorously explores their dynamic.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9
  26. 26Possible LovesMovie · 2001 · 98mFifteen years ago, Carlos waited at the cinema for Júlia, a university colleague he loved, but she never arrived. Alone in the lobby, an unexpected event occurs that dramatically alters his path. This seemingly small moment shapes the course of his life. Now, fifteen years later, we see three distinct possibilities for Carlos's life. In one, he's trapped between a comfortable marriage and a yearning for passionate love. In another, he embraces his homosexuality and prioritizes desire. The third shows him struggling to find love, experiencing repeated disappointments in his search for the ideal woman. One of these lives is his reality, another isn't, and the third is the life he always wished for. Which one is truly his?IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.7
  27. 27A Super FêmeaMovie · 1973 · 101mEva, a striking model, is cast in an advertising campaign for a groundbreaking new male contraceptive pill. However, convincing men to try it proves challenging, as many are skeptical and fear it will cause impotence.IMDb 4.3TMDB 5.2
  28. 28Deu Pra Ti Anos 70Movie · 1981 · 107m"Deu Pra Ti Anos 70" is a Brazilian film shot on Super-8 in Porto Alegre in 1981. It chronicles the encounters and conflicts between Marcelo and Ceres throughout the 1970s, set against the backdrop of bars, dance gatherings, and summer camps. The film features appearances by artists who would later become prominent figures in the Rio Grande do Sul music scene, including Nei Lisboa, Júlio Reny, Augusto Licks, Wander Wildner, and Carlos Gerbase. It marks the debut performance of actor Werner Schünemann.IMDb 6.9
  29. 29WomanMovie · 1931 · 70mIn a Rio de Janeiro shantytown, Carmen, a beautiful but impoverished woman, is the object of desire for many men, including her stepfather. She loves only Milton, her boyfriend. After being forced to leave home, she discovers Milton is married. Disillusioned, she seeks work in a boarding house but struggles to find employment. Exhausted and hungry, she collapses on the street and is taken in by a stranger who brings her to the home of Flávio Martins, a man caught between a planned marriage, a past love, and his new guest.IMDb 7.5TMDB 9.0
  30. 30In the Land of the AmazonsMovie · 1922 · 129m"No País das Amazonas" introduces the indigenous people of the Amazon region. It then details the economic activities of the area, tracing the entire production process of emerging local industries, including workers leaving a factory at the end of their shift. The documentary also depicts riverboats, manatee fishing and meat preparation with salt, rubber trees, the extraction and processing of rubber into finished mattresses for export, as well as the harvesting of Brazilian chestnuts, guaraná, and insects.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.5
  31. 31At Midnight I'll Take Your SoulMovie · 1964 · 83m · Horror, Thriller, FantasyIn a quiet Brazilian village, Zé do Caixão, known as "Zé from the Coffin," is an undertaker. He is married but dreams of having a child with special abilities, a wish he can't fulfill because his wife is infertile. Deeply saddened by this, Zé makes a disturbing choice: he kills his wife, believing her death will allow him to have a child. This dark story explores the disturbed mind of a man desperate to control his destiny. Driven by love, loss, and a need for sacrifice, Zé begins a difficult search for a woman to carry his child. Beneath his ordinary appearance, he hides a fierce obsession as he navigates life in the small town.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
  32. 32A Public OpinionMovie · 1967 · 65mThis documentary follows middle-class residents of Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s, a time of significant hardship for Brazil marked by a military coup and subsequent dictatorship. Through candid interviews, the film reveals the people's anxieties, hopes, and growing disillusionment with the political climate.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0
  33. 33Saint BernardMovie · 1972 · 113m · DramaPaulo Honório, a former farmhand, embraces the growing agricultural industry and rises to become a wealthy farmer through hard work and good fortune. But his pursuit of wealth strains his marriage to Madalena, a teacher with strong principles. Madalena struggles with Paulo’s increasingly controlling behavior and the widening gap between them. As their professional and personal lives become more complicated, can they reconcile, or will their love be overshadowed by the desire for material success? The film explores ambition, love, and the price of wealth through the story of a couple navigating unexpected changes.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6
  34. 34Jean CharlesMovie · 2009 · 92m · DramaThis is the true story of Jean Charles de Menezes, an innocent Brazilian man who was fatally shot by British police in London in 2005, during a period of heightened terrorism concerns.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3
  35. 35Memories of PrisonMovie · 1984 · 190mDuring the 1930s, acclaimed novelist and politician Graciliano Ramos is accused of communist sympathies. Consequently, he is arrested and imprisoned on Ilha Grande, enduring the harsh conditions typically imposed on ordinary inmates.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.7
  36. 36The TrespasserMovie · 2002 · 97m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeTwo business partners arrange for the murder of their third colleague. Subsequently, the hitman demands a price for his silence, leveraging his control over the company as leverage to blackmail the remaining two men.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
  37. 37MacunaimaMovie · 1969 · 110m · Comedy, Fantasy, AdventureIn the Brazilian jungle, a grown Black man named Macunaíma unexpectedly arrives in a small village. He then undergoes a remarkable change, transforming into a white man and traveling to São Paulo. There, he embraces a stylish life and falls deeply in love with Ci, a fiery revolutionary. Her tragic death in a bombing leaves him devastated. Seeking revenge, Macunaíma robs a powerful industrialist. However, his wealth and experiences provide little comfort when he returns to his village. This imaginative story by Mário de Andrade explores themes of identity, social expectations, and love, set against the backdrop of Brazilian culture and history. It’s a captivating adventure that gently examines what it means to be human through one man's extraordinary journey.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.9
  38. 38QuilomboMovie · 1984 · 120mIn 17th-century Brazil, Quilombo dos Palmares was a thriving, democratic society founded by escaped slaves. This film explores its origins as a refuge for all kinds of outcasts – including Indigenous people and Jews. Ganga Zumba (Toni Tornado) rises to become Quilombo's first elected leader in the Western Hemisphere. The Portuguese authorities seek to crush Zumba and his people, but the Quilombians are prepared to defend their freedom. Though the community ultimately falls, Zumba's followers continue his legacy in the hills. Director Carlos Diegues draws parallels between Quilombo's history and contemporary Brazil.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9
  39. 39The Year My Parents Went on VacationMovie · 2006 · 103m · DramaIn 1970, a young boy finds himself alone in a Jewish neighborhood in Brazil, a time marked by both the excitement of the World Cup and the oppressive reality of a dictatorship.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  40. 40The Landowner's DaughterMovie · 1953 · 120mSet in 19th-century Brazil, the story follows young people in São Paulo as they oppose the institution of black slavery and the landowners who profit from it. Amidst this conflict, Sinhá Moça falls in love with a young lawyer, and their romance unfolds.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.0
  41. 41Two Sons of FranciscoMovie · 2005 · 132m · Drama, History, MusicFrancisco is a humble, impoverished man with a heartfelt ambition: to see his children achieve fame as country music stars. He dedicates himself entirely to making that dream a reality.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
  42. 42Rio, Northern ZoneMovie · 1957 · 83m · Drama, MusicThis film follows a talented composer who finds happiness and recognition through his lively samba music. Living in a vibrant city, he's increasingly aware of the city's deep-seated social problems. The movie explores not just the energy of the dance, but also the realities of daily life and how art can both mirror and question societal issues. It’s a moving story about one person trying to pursue his dreams while also confronting important issues affecting his community.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.2
  43. 43What Is It Worth?Movie · 2005 · 110mThis film is a free adaptation of Machado de Assis's short story "Pai Contra Mãe," drawing inspiration from Nireu Cavalcanti's 18th-century chronicles. It explores connections between life during the era of slavery and contemporary Brazil.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.5
  44. 44A Hungarian PassportMovie · 2001 · 72mA filmmaker grapples with questions about her sense of belonging.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.0
  45. 45The Prisoner of the Iron BarsMovie · 2004 · 123mIn 2002, Complex Carandiru, Latin America's largest prison, was demolished. A few months prior to its demolition, director Paulo Sacramento worked with inmates, training them to create extensive footage documenting daily life inside the prison.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
  46. 46Two Lost in a Dirty NightMovie · 2002 · 100mIn New York City, an undocumented immigrant faces trouble due to his involvement with a troubled prostitute.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  47. 47MutumMovie · 2007 · 95mThiago lives with his family on a remote farm in the drylands of Minas Gerais, Brazil. As he experiences family divisions and betrayals, Thiago gradually begins to perceive his surroundings in a new way, slowly losing his naiveté.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.5
  48. 48OrfeuMovie · 1999 · 110m · Drama, Crime, MusicOrfeu, a respected composer from a lively samba school, lives in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. His life changes when he meets Euridice, a beautiful newcomer to the neighborhood. They fall in love against a backdrop of vibrant samba and street parties. But their romance is threatened by Lucinho, a powerful and dangerous drug lord who controls the streets. Orfeu and Euridice must face the harsh realities of crime and violence as they fight for their love and survival in this vibrant but precarious world.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.4
  49. 49To the Left of the FatherMovie · 2001 · 163m · Romance, DramaIn 1940s São Paulo, Pedro is sent to find his brother André. André left home because of their father's controlling nature, their mother's excessive affection, and Pedro's resentment over the father's preference for André. Adding to the family tensions is André’s unusual relationship with their sister, Ana.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1
  50. 50Love for SaleMovie · 2006 · 90m · DramaIn northern Brazil, Hermila waits for her husband, who has left her. Determined and independent, she holds a raffle, with herself as the only participant, for "a night in paradise." This visually stunning film portrays the challenges faced by a young woman who has endured hardship, while also highlighting her strength in choosing her own path.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3
  51. 51OlgaMovie · 2004 · 141m · Drama, History, WarThis is based on the true story of Olga Benário, the German-born wife of Brazilian communist leader Luís Carlos Prestes. During the dictatorship of Getúlio Vargas (1930-1945), she was arrested and deported to Nazi Germany, where she was killed in a concentration camp. After World War II began, Vargas chose to support the Allied forces.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.1
  52. 52The Middle of the WorldMovie · 2003 · 85m · DramaRomão, who cannot read or write and is out of work, embarks on a journey to Rio de Janeiro hoping to find employment and a better life. He joins a family of seven on a 2,000-mile bicycle trip through the Brazilian countryside. The story follows the family's relationships as they face hardship with determination, pursuing their aspirations together.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6
  53. 53ViramundoMovie · 1965 · 37mViramundo follows the daily journey of northeastern migrants arriving in São Paulo and, later, their departure, a cycle that repeats endlessly. The film explores the absence of popular resistance to the Brazilian military coup, questioning why Brazilian society did not react.IMDb 7.4TMDB 8.6
  54. 54The Man Who CopiedMovie · 2003 · 123m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceA young man working at a copy shop develops a crush on his neighbor. Unable to afford anything from her business, he begins engaging in dishonest activities to earn money.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
  55. 55MaidsMovie · 2001 · 88mThis episodic, impressionistic film follows five maids in São Paulo. The women connect with each other, commute on buses, work, and dream of things: Rai desires a husband, Créo longs for her daughter, and Roxane hopes for a modeling career. Quitéria is trusting and easily taken advantage of, while Cida navigates a marriage and an affair. Though each woman achieves her desires – to varying degrees – it doesn't necessarily bring happiness.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
  56. 56XicaMovie · 1976 · 114mThis is the romantic story of Xica da Silva, a slave who strategically used her charm to gain influence.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
  57. 57São Paulo, a Metropolitan SymphonyMovie · 1929 · 90mSão Paulo, late 1920s. A city undergoing rapid change: its urban development, fashion, public spaces, industrial growth, historical developments, expanding coffee industry, and evolving education system – all interwoven with the sounds of everyday life. Inspired by the influential documentary *Berlin: Die Sinfonie der Großstadt* (1927), Hungarian filmmakers Adalberto Kemeny and Rodolf Lustig, who ran Brazil's leading film laboratory, created this observational documentary.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.7