81 Brazilian Films to Watch
81 titles
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My CountryMovie · 2011 · 95mThis film explores the possibility of healing a family fractured by past pain. It's an intense yet gentle story about a man's journey to reconnect with his family and rediscover the love that binds brothers together, ultimately rebuilding a sense of belonging.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8 - 2
Xuxa and the ElvesMovie · 2001 · 90mKira, a botanist with mysterious magical abilities, has her life changed when her friend Nanda finds a trapped elf named Damiz in her room. They discover Damiz is a prince, captured by Gorgon, a ruthless executive aiming to buy Nanda’s family home. To help defeat Gorgon, Kira journeys into the world of the elves and uncovers long-hidden secrets about her own past.IMDb 2.3TMDB 3.8 - 3
As Cartas Psicografadas Por Chico XavierMovie · 2010 · 87mIMDb 8.0TMDB 8.2 - 4
TropicáliaMovie · 2012 · 87mTropicália is a documentary film set in the turbulent 1960s. It explores the Brazilian artistic movement of the same name and the artists' fight to express revolutionary ideas through their music, challenging the traditional sounds of Brazil at the time.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 5
Black God, White DevilMovie · 1964 · 120m · Adventure, Western, DramaManuel and Rosa flee into the sertão, the harsh, remote region of Northern Brazil, after an unforeseen act of violence involving their employer. There, battling to survive, they face a series of menacing figures who exert a growing influence over them. The film is a gripping story about desperation, survival, and how the unforgiving landscape shapes people's actions, offering a powerful and immersive cinematic experience.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 6
Cheating in ChainsMovie · 2006 · 92m · ComedyOlímpia, a well-meaning but clumsy maid, works in a middle-class condo where complicated relationships abound. Her employers, Inês and Eduardo, are entangled in a web of affections. Eduardo is married to Inês, who is married to him. Meanwhile, Inês is friends with Lígia, whose husband is Cristiano. Cristiano is married to Lígia. Vera is married to Cláudio, who does not reciprocate her feelings. Amidst these tangled partnerships, suspicion and jealousy fester: Inês believes Eduardo is having an affair with Salete, Cristiano thinks Lígia is cheating with Ricco, Vera suspects Cláudio is involved with Inês and Eduardo, and Eduardo believes Inês is seeing Cláudio. Olímpia's unintentional blunders only amplify the misunderstandings, leading everyone to believe that love is nothing but a game of deception.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 7
If 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 - 8
The AssailantMovie · 2009 · 94m · Drama, Action, Adventure"Besouro" tells the incredible story of a young Brazilian man with African heritage who journeys to discover his purpose. The film is inspired by the life of a legendary capoeira fighter from Bahia.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 9
Chico XavierMovie · 2010 · 124m · DramaThis is a biography of Francisco Candido Xavier, a spiritual medium and author.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 10
Cat's CradleMovie · 2002 · 92mCristiano, Francisco, and Gabriel, lifelong friends, celebrate their university entrance with a night of revelry. However, their fun takes a dark turn when a horrifying event erupts, turning their celebration into a violent ordeal.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.3 - 11
Bog of BeastsMovie · 2006 · 80m · DramaA man develops feelings for a teenage girl who is being abused by her grandfather. The grandfather exploits her by taking her to gas stations and offering her for sexual acts in exchange for money.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 12
VerônicaMovie · 2009 · 90mA teacher visits one of her students at his home in a slum and learns a shocking truth: the boy's parents were murdered by drug traffickers, who are now searching for him.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.1 - 13
Elite Squad: The Enemy WithinMovie · 2010 · 115m · Drama, Action, CrimeFollowing a violent raid by the BOPE special forces unit at the Bangu 1 high-security prison in Rio de Janeiro, aimed at suppressing an inmate rebellion, Lieutenant-Colonel Roberto Nascimento and Captain André Matias are accused by human rights advocate Diogo Fraga of executing prisoners. Matias is reassigned to the corrupt Military Police, while Nascimento is cleared of wrongdoing by the Governor.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 14
The ClownMovie · 2011 · 90m · Comedy, DramaPuro Sangue e Pangaré is the story of a father and son who run a circus together, with both performing as clowns. At one point, Pangaré begins to express weariness and unhappiness with his life as a clown.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 15
That's ItMovie · 2008 · 80mA woman decides to leave her boyfriend and run away to a new place. Before she departs, she arranges a final meeting with him, giving them just one hour to playfully reflect on their relationship.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0 - 16
Barren LivesMovie · 1963 · 100m · DramaThis documentary follows a drover and his family as they struggle to survive in Brazil's harsh northern badlands during a severe drought. Driven by resilience, they search for a new start. The film offers an intimate look at their lives, capturing both their hardships and moments of hope in a world where destiny is uncertain but the fight for a better future continues.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 17
Money on the SideMovie · 2007 · 81mA wealthy businessman secretly deposits funds into his secretary's account, who is also his lover. However, a clerical error redirects the money to the account of an honest woman whose husband has recently lost his job.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.4 - 18
MacunaimaMovie · 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 - 19
The House of SandMovie · 2005 · 115m · DramaIn 1910, a woman and her mother are brought to a remote desert by the woman's husband. Following his death, she is left to spend the next 59 years desperately trying to escape.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.6 - 20
Cazuza: Time Doesn't StopMovie · 2004 · 98m · Drama, Music, HistoryBased on Lucinha Araújo's memoir, "Só as Mães São Felizes," the film chronicles Cazuza's intense and short life over a decade. It follows his journey from early success at the Circo Voador in 1981 through his rise to fame with Barão Vermelho, his solo career, and his relationships with family, friends, lovers, and passions. The film also portrays his courage in confronting his final years with HIV, culminating in his death in 1990.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1 - 21
The 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 - 22
The Given WordMovie · 1962 · 98m · DramaZé, living in a poor community, considers his donkey his most prized possession. When the animal falls gravely ill, Zé desperately prays to Saint Bárbara for a cure. Miraculously, the donkey recovers, and Zé vows to carry a cross on a pilgrimage to Saint Bárbara's church, a journey mirroring Jesus'. As he travels to the state capital, Zé faces hardships and gains new insights that change his view of faith and sacrifice. However, upon arriving, a harsh priest dismisses the importance of Zé’s devotion, forcing him to question the true meaning of faith and belief.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.1 - 23
Carlota Joaquina, Princess of BrazilMovie · 1995 · 100m · History, ComedyThis historical film follows Carlota Joaquina, a Spanish princess whose life changes when she meets the Portuguese prince at age ten. The movie explores her emotional journey as she deals with a planned marriage and the pressures of royal life, showing how her initial unhappiness evolves into a story of love, duty, and sacrifice. Set in detailed historical locations with compelling performances, the film offers an intimate look at Carlota's inner world as she navigates politics and personal struggles while fulfilling her role as a queen.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 24
Lula, the Son of BrazilMovie · 2010 · 130m · Drama, HistoryThis is the story of a young man from a working-class background who relocates to Brazil's financial center. He rises to become one of the country's most powerful and influential politicians.IMDb 4.5TMDB 5.5 - 25
Brazilian WesternMovie · 2013 · 108m · Crime, Drama, WesternJoão travels to Brazil hoping for a better future and meets Maria, a woman passionate about punk music. They fall in love. However, João's connection to the city's drug trade puts him in danger from a ruthless drug lord.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 26
Waste LandMovie · 2010 · 90m · DocumentaryThis inspiring documentary follows acclaimed artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from the world's largest landfill in Rio de Janeiro to international fame. Muniz collaborates with the "catadores," the landfill's waste pickers – resourceful individuals who offer a unique perspective on life and recycling. Through their stories, the film explores the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 27
Meu Passado Me Condena: O FilmeMovie · 2013 · 102m · ComedyImmature Fábio Clóvis marries the seemingly intellectual Miá and they embark on a European cruise aboard a luxurious ship. While onboard, Fábio and Miá are invited to dinner with the affluent Beto Assunção and his wife Laura at a VIP restaurant. They soon discover Beto was Miá's former boyfriend, and Miá learns that Fábio had a crush on Laura during college. Meanwhile, the cynical chambermaid Suzana Mello and her husband, an entertainer named Wilson, bet that Fábio and Miá will break up during the trip. Upon arrival in Casablanca, Fábio reunites with his troublesome childhood friend Cabeça, disrupting their honeymoon.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.4 - 28
Astral City: A Spiritual JourneyMovie · 2010 · 103m · DramaDr. André Luiz dies and finds himself in a place called "Umbral," a painful, swamp-like limbo. He's rescued by a white light and brought to "Nosso Lar," or "Our Home," a peaceful community where people live in harmony, awaiting...IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.2 - 29
OlgaMovie · 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 - 30
Federal Bank HeistMovie · 2011 · 101m · Crime, Drama, Thriller"The Baron" planned an elaborate, non-violent heist targeting three tons of money. To pull it off, he needed a team willing to risk a million dollars. Based on true events from 2005, 168 million Brazilian Real – nearly 80 million US dollars – were stolen from a Brazilian Central Bank, making it the largest peacetime robbery in history and arguably the most audacious ever conceived.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.3 - 31
The 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 - 32
Lisbela and the PrisonerMovie · 2003 · 106m · Comedy, RomanceLisbela is a movie enthusiast. Leléu is a traveling con man who performs at local events, showcasing outlandish acts like turning a woman into a gorilla. He becomes involved with Linaura, a beautiful and alluring woman who is married to the town's most feared hitman. When the hitman discovers his wife’s infidelity, he pursues Leléu, forcing him to flee. He finds refuge in another town where he instantly falls for Lisbela, who is engaged to Douglas, a man-of-the-people who desperately tries to appear sophisticated.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 33
As Mães de Chico XavierMovie · 2011 · 90m · DramaThree mothers – Ruth, whose teenage son Raul struggles with drug issues; Elisa, striving to compensate for her husband's absence by focusing on her son Theo; and Lara, a teacher grappling with an unexpected pregnancy – find solace together while seeking out Chico Xavier. Meanwhile, reporter Karl persistently tries to interview the medium, even though he isn't fully prepared for the experience.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.8 - 34
Confessions of a Brazilian Call GirlMovie · 2011 · 109m · DramaRachel, raised in an affluent São Paulo family, shocked them all by leaving home and her studies at 17 to become a call girl. Soon after starting this new life, she began blogging about her experiences. Inspired by clients who remarked on her resemblance to a surfer, she adopted the online persona "Surfistinha," meaning little surfer girl.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.5 - 35
Love is AllMovie · 2011 · 90mFacing financial hardship, a family devises a plan for their daughter Lindinha: to have her become pregnant by the famous singer Ivan Cláudio, hoping to secure a large inheritance and improve their situation. They carefully coordinate an encounter between Lindinha and the star, then meticulously track his schedule. However, they overlook one crucial element: Ivan's jealous wife, Jennifer, who is determined to disrupt their scheme.IMDb 4.5TMDB 2.2 - 36
Raul: O Início, o Fim e o MeioMovie · 2012 · 120m · Music, DocumentaryAmidst the cultural upheaval of the 1960s – the rise of motorcycles, Elvis, Beatniks, and a burgeoning counterculture – a young man from Bahia ignited Rock in Brazil. Raul Seixas, a charismatic figure who captivated thousands, became a legend. He embraced rock and roll, free love, alternative lifestyles, drugs, and challenged the military dictatorship, all while exploring themes of women and family. A man dedicated to his art, he lived life intensely and died young pursuing it. This film explores the complex and ongoing story of his life, using rare archival footage and interviews with family, artists, producers, and friends to reveal the trajectory of his legendary career.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 37
The Other Side of the StreetMovie · 2004 · 98mRegina, a solitary 65-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer in Copacabana, thinks she saw a murder in the building across the street. This leads her to become involved with the suspect, setting off a dangerous series of events that compels her to re-evaluate her life.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 38
Madame 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 - 39
Vai Que Dá CertoMovie · 2013 · 87m · ComedyFive friends devise a plan to rob a vehicle transporting valuable goods, hoping it will fundamentally alter their futures.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1 - 40
God Is BrazilianMovie · 2003 · 113m · Adventure, Comedy, FantasyTo enjoy a well-deserved break, God needs to find a saint to run the universe in His absence. He travels to Northeast Brazil, convinced he'll find the perfect candidate there. Upon arriving, he's joined by a young man who offers assistance with his search.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2 - 41
Four for NoneMovie · 2005 · 108mIn the bustling city of Copacabana, four individuals with contrasting lifestyles cross paths. Rita and Waldick, newcomers from the countryside, befriend two locals upon their arrival: Paulo Roberto, a charming playboy and surfer, and Tim, a pimp.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.2 - 42
The Man from the FutureMovie · 2011 · 106m · Comedy, Fantasy, Science FictionZero is a brilliant scientist haunted by a past heartbreak: twenty years ago, he lost Helena, the woman he loved, in a public humiliation. An accidental activation of one of his inventions sends him hurtling back to 1991. Seeing a chance to alter his history, Zero returns to his own time to discover a world completely transformed.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.2 - 43
Central StationMovie · 1998 · 110m · DramaA kind former teacher now writes letters for people who can't read or write. He meets a young boy struggling with the loss of his mother. They connect and set out to find the father the boy has never met. The teacher’s wisdom helps the grieving child, while the boy’s innocence gives the teacher renewed hope. As they search, they face life's complexities and discover healing through their bond. This drama explores human strength and how meaningful connections can change lives.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 44
The Two Deaths of Quincas WateryellMovie · 2010 · 104m · Comedy, DramaFollowing the death of their friend Quincas, his companions take his body on a final journey to the places he held most dear in Bahia, Brazil.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.9 - 45
Cinema, Aspirins and VulturesMovie · 2005 · 99m · DramaIn 1942, deep in Northeastern Brazil, an unlikely pair crosses paths. Johan, an aspirin salesman trying to evade the German military draft, encounters Ranulpho, a rural Brazilian searching for relief from a severe drought.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 46
A Dog's WillMovie · 2000 · 104m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyJoão Grilo and Chicó, two impoverished men from the Brazilian countryside, make their living by swindling people in a small northeastern town. After they die, they face judgment before Christ, the Devil, and the Virgin Mary, who decide their fate regarding entry into paradise.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.4 - 47
Along the WayMovie · 2012 · 102mHaunted by painful memories, truck driver João embarks on a solitary cross-country journey across Brazil. While driving, he discovers a young boy hidden in his truck, searching for his father. Hesitantly, João agrees to take the boy to the nearest town. The trip forces João to confront his past and find the strength to face his inner demons.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.6 - 48
Posthumous MemoriesMovie · 2001 · 101m · Drama, Comedy, FantasyA lighthearted adaptation of a classic novel. The story is told by a wealthy deceased man, who recounts his life and the world around him, often with a humorous, satirical tone.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2 - 49
Gonzaga: From Father to SonMovie · 2012 · 120m · Drama, History, MusicLuiz Gonzaga leaves his hometown for the city, seeking a fresh start after a heartbreak. There, he meets and falls in love with Odaleia. The arrival of his son and his wife's declining health prompt him to return to his music, hoping to secure a better future for his child. He travels to Brazil with his son and a friend, but the distance creates unexpected challenges in his relationship with his son, complicated by their strong personalities. Told through conversations between father and son, this is the story of Luiz Gonzaga, the renowned singer and accordion player known as Rei do Baião, or Gonzagão.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 50
The StorytellersMovie · 2003 · 100mThe impoverished community of Javé faces imminent destruction from a new dam. Their only hope is to prove the town’s historical significance. With most residents illiterate, they must enlist the help of Antônio Biá, a man previously shunned for spreading false rumors about the town's people to maintain his job at the local post office. Now, Biá must document the community's recollections of Javé's founding, but each person remembers the past differently.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 51
Owner of the StoryMovie · 2004 · 87mA 50-year-old woman reflects on her life, revisiting her 20s through a game that explores countless "what if" scenarios. She considers how different choices – like declining a fateful invitation – might have altered her path. What if she'd chosen a different connection over the one she had? The film intertwines the present with the past as a younger woman imagines her own future in a captivating exploration of memory and desire.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 52
Elite SquadMovie · 2007 · 115m · Drama, Action, CrimeIn 1997, as the Pope prepares to visit Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento of BOPE (Special Police Operations Battalion) is tasked with neutralizing threats from drug dealers in a nearby, dangerous slum.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 53
Lost and FoundMovie · 2007 · 92mA retired police officer is suspected of murdering a sex worker.IMDb 6.0TMDB 4.9 - 54
Bye Bye BrazilMovie · 1980 · 110m · DramaThe enchanting Caravana Rolidei arrives in a quiet town, offering a dazzling show with magic by the Gypsy Lord, captivating dances by Salomé, and incredible strength displays by the silent Swallow. A young accordion player is instantly drawn to Salomé and yearns to join the troupe. With his pregnant wife Dasdô, he asks the Gypsy Lord for permission to travel with them. The enigmatic leader agrees, welcoming them and including them in their performances as they journey from town to town, captivating audiences. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and following your dreams in a world that embraces the unusual.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 55
Me, 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 - 56
Possible 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 - 57
Os Normais: O FilmeMovie · 2003 · 93m · ComedyThe film depicts the day Rui and Vani first encountered each other – at their respective weddings (with different partners). Vani was marrying Sérgio, and Rui was marrying Marta in the same church, with Vani's ceremony preceding his. While waiting for the service to begin, they strike up a conversation, leading to unforeseen complications.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 58
Ó Paí, Ó: Look at ThisMovie · 2007 · 92m · Music, ComedyAgainst the backdrop of Carnival in Salvador da Bahia's historic Pelourinho district, the film explores the lives of the residents of a dilapidated tenement building. They navigate daily struggles with resourcefulness, wit, humor, and music.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0 - 59InesquecívelMovie · 2007 · 90mIn Buenos Aires, Laura develops feelings for a photographer named Guilherme. Back in Brazil, she learns a surprising truth: Guilherme is the best friend of her fiancé.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.2
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The Battle of CanudosMovie · 1997 · 170m · War, History, DramaIn early 1900s Brazil, the isolated community of Canudos is led by Antônio Conselheiro, a charismatic leader seen by his followers as a prophet. A poor family's arrival draws them into Canudos' close-knit life, which soon provokes unease from the region's powerful elite. The new Brazilian government, determined to assert control, dispatches the military to destroy Canudos, sparking a violent and devastating war—one of the bloodiest in Brazilian history. This story explores faith, community, and the impact of power, set against a backdrop of a major historical conflict.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 61
BrainstormMovie · 2001 · 84m · DramaNeto is an ordinary teenager from a middle-class family. When his father discovers a marijuana cigarette in his pocket, Neto is committed to a mental institution. There, he encounters a bizarre and brutal world where individuals are consumed by a corrupt and merciless system.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.9 - 62
The Man Who Challenged the DevilMovie · 2007 · 106m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyZé Araújo is forced into an unwanted marriage and subjected to demeaning work under his father-in-law. He transforms into the legendary Ojuara, a rebellious figure known for his unconventional and hedonistic lifestyle.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9 - 63
My Name Ain't JohnnyMovie · 2008 · 124m · Crime, DramaThis is the true story of João Guilherme Estrella, known as "Johnny." A young man from a comfortable background, he transformed into a major cocaine trafficker in Rio de Janeiro during the early 1990s.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 64
Zuzu AngelMovie · 2006 · 108m · Drama, HistoryZuzu Angel chronicles the final years of her life as she fights for justice in the case of her activist son, Stuart. He was arrested, tortured, murdered, and his body secretly disposed of by the Brazilian military in Rio de Janeiro during the early 1970s. This period was marked by a repressive military regime and strict media censorship.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 65
Estômago: A Gastronomic StoryMovie · 2007 · 113m · Drama, Comedy, MysteryIn a competitive world, Raimundo Nonato finds success through his cooking. Across different social circles, this seemingly gentle young man develops his culinary skills and sharpens his knives, and then he falls in love. Jorge's clever, humorous story uses food as a metaphor for ambition and staying alive.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9 - 66
Two 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 - 67
HelenoMovie · 2011 · 116m · Drama, HistoryJosé Henrique Fonseca delivers a sweeping, long-awaited tribute to a key figure in Brazil's 20th-century history. This biopic, styled after film noir, recounts the dazzling yet ultimately tragic life of football legend Heleno de Freitas. The elegant black and white cinematography captures the glamorous atmosphere of 1940s Rio de Janeiro, captivated by the rise of sports stardom. Heleno was a celebrated player known for his skill and scoring prowess, leading Botafogo to success and propelling himself into a destructive decline.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2 - 68
The Well Beloved OneMovie · 2010 · 107m · ComedyFollowing an unforeseen event, Odorico becomes the mayor of the small town of Sucupira. To maintain public trust and conclude his term positively, he must open the city cemetery and confront accusations of corruption.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 69
5x Favela, Now by OurselvesMovie · 2010 · 96m"5 x slum, now by ourselves" brought together over 80 young people from Rio de Janeiro's favelas. They were chosen through workshops focused on scriptwriting and filmmaking to create a feature film. The movie features five stories that show different aspects of daily life in these communities, aiming to move beyond common stereotypes.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.2 - 70
CarandiruMovie · 2003 · 145m · DramaA doctor launches an AIDS prevention program within Brazil's largest prison, Carandiru. He encounters the inmates who will become victims of a horrific massacre: in 1992, the São Paulo Military Police killed 111 people under the guise of maintaining order. This film is based on true events and Dráuzio Varella's book about the tragedy.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 71
Two 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 - 72
OrfeuMovie · 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 - 73
Favela RisingMovie · 2005 · 82mA man rises from the poverty of Rio de Janeiro to become the leader of Afro-reggae, a movement centered on nonviolent cultural expression.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.8 - 74
The Big Family: The MovieMovie · 2007 · 104m · Comedy, FamilyLineu, a public servant and devoted husband, celebrates the 40th anniversary of his first date with his wife, Nenê. In the present day, Lineu is unsettled by the death of a colleague, Pacheco, and seeks a medical check-up. Fearing a tumor after receiving his tomography results, Lineu steals the document, convinced he doesn't have much time left. Simultaneously, Nenê reconnects with Lineu's old rival, Carlinhos, who now runs the local market, and invites him for dinner.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 75
The 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 - 76
BróderMovie · 2010 · 93mThree friends from childhood arrange a day together to reconnect and resolve their ongoing conflicts. One is involved in criminal activity, another is a successful football player, and the third struggles to maintain a comfortable life.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.9 - 77
If I Were You 2Movie · 2009 · 96m · Comedy, FantasyClaudio and Helena are about to end their relationship when they encounter an unusual event that seems to offer them a new perspective on each other.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.1 - 78
The Man of the YearMovie · 2003 · 104m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerMaiquél loses a bet and dyes his hair blond. This simple act unexpectedly throws his life into chaos, transforming him from an ordinary person into a hero, then an outlaw, all within a single day.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 79
Dona Flor and Her Two HusbandsMovie · 1976 · 117m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyFlor, a young widow, begins a new chapter after her husband Vadinho's death. Though charming, Vadinho had a complicated past. Hoping for stability, Flor marries Dr. Teodoro, a dependable man who offers her a fresh start.
But Vadinho unexpectedly returns, disrupting Flor’s happiness. His ghostly presence complicates her marriage as she tries to reconcile love and loyalty while exploring the mysteries of the afterlife. This film blends heartfelt moments with humor, offering a charming look at life, loss, and the lasting power of love.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 80
Lower CityMovie · 2005 · 98m · DramaIn Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, best friends Deco and Naldinho run a cargo boat together. They offer a ride to Karinna, a captivating prostitute, and find themselves increasingly drawn to her. Her intense allure tests their friendship and challenges their boundaries.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 81
Behind the SunMovie · 2001 · 95m · Drama, Thriller, RomanceApril 1910, in the Brazilian backlands. Tonho's father commands him to avenge his brother's death. Tonho understands that carrying out this act will mean he has only a short time left to live, before the other family seeks revenge. He struggles with the choice between honoring his family's tradition and defying it, with his younger brother Pacu urging him to rebel. Their lives change when a small traveling circus arrives in the vast, desolate region where Tonho's family resides.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3
