The Best Argentinian Movies on Netflix
Inside: A list of the best Argentinian movies on Netflix.
I’ll be honest: Argentinian films don’t feel immediately accessible to me. When I made my list of Netflix titles, and settled in to watch, I didn’t know what to expect. After having kids, especially, after a long day I often turn on Netflix looking for something easy and happy.
“Easy and happy” doesn’t seem to be the best description for Argentinian cinema.
If these movies are representative of the larger film industry, then I think it helps to approach them like this: the story is perhaps being told to make you think or feel; not to tie up all the loose ends and live happily ever. Endings may be unsettling or unsatisfactory.
I’ve been going through different Spanish-speaking countries, and the Spain movies were fairly easy– lots of Rom-Coms. When it came to Argentina, I learned to watch quietly, glass of red wine in hand.
BEST ARGENTINIAN MOVIES
Remember that Netflix regularly adds and pulls shows– just let me know if you catch something I should update! There aren’t really any family-friendly titles here, so please be sure to click on the title and check ratings. See my Spanish movies and shows page for tons more suggestions for Spanish-language titles, and of course let me know if I missed one of your favorites.
1. CORAZÓN DE LEON (HEART OF A LION)
A woman (Ivana) loses her cell phone, the man who finds it (León) calls her, and when they chat, there’s an instant connection. He asks her on a date. Though she’s shocked to discover he’s only 4.4 feet tall, she really does like him and the connection is real. The rest of the movie explores whether or not they can make it: it their mutual attraction is enough to overcome shallow societal expectations, or not.
(This is the only true Argentine Romantic Comedy I was able to find on Netflix at the moment. It’s good!!)
Info: Comedy, Romance | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
2. EL CIUDADANO ILUSTRE (THE DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN)
Anyone who grew up in a small town, and left, will relate to much of this dark comedy. A Nobel-prize -winning author travels from Spain to his hometown in Argentina to accept an award, and the story begins predictably enough: used to fame a recognition, a lauded celebrity comes homes to those who knew him before, where daily life continues. However, the story takes darker turns as we learn more of his past and why he went home. Well-done movie with a twist ending.
Info: Comedy, Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
3. VAQUERO (COWBOY)
Julian is a struggling actor who wants more out his life and career. The film moves in and out of his head, where we hear his bitter thoughts about those around him, and see life on and off-stage. When he hears that a U.S. Western will be shot in Argentina, he is consumed with getting the part. The build-up of everything seems to end in cruel irony, which we might feel he deserves– or not.
Info: Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2011
4. EL CLAN
A true story of a notorious family who kidnapped and murdered wealthy young people, while maintaining the appearance of a normal and happy family. (Currently still on my to-watch list– I wasn’t sure I could take the violence.)
Info: Biography, Crime, Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
5. NAZI GOLD IN ARGENTINA
A look into Argentinian history during World War II, political alliances with the Nazis, and business deals between the elite in Argentina and Germany. I was not well-versed in Argentinian history going into this post, and watching this documentary helped make sense of other films that take place in the 20th century (like Eva No Duerme and Gato Negro).
Info: Mystery, Thriller | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
6. EVA NO DUERME (EVA DOESN’T SLEEP)
The story of famous Eva Peron’s corpse– told over several decades, across continents, and from different perspectives, based on the real journey her body took before her final burial in Argentina. This one was difficult to follow and understand, especially if you’re not familiar with 20th-century Argentine history, but definitely fascinating.
Info: Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
7. GATO NEGRO
The life of Tito Pereyra, from his humble beginnings in a small town, to powerful businessman. We follow his turbulent life story across the 20th century: a man who was both good and bad, and made terrible sacrifices to rise out of poverty into wealth.
Info: Crime, Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Spanish Subtitles | 2014
8. EL REY DE ONCE (THE TENTH MAN)
Ariel, an Argentine with Jewish roots, returns to Buenos Aires to connect with his father, a well-known founder of a Jewish charity in Buenos Aires. Instead of meeting up directly, his father stalls and gives him errands and tasks to do over the phone. Along the way Ariel meets Eva, who is struggling in her own way and helps him face his personal history and relationship with his father.
Info: Comedy, Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2016
9. NIEVE NEGRA (BLACK SNOW)
Years ago, a teenage boy was accused of killing his younger brother in a hunting accident– or was it an accident? Now living as a recluse, he’s visited by his other brother, with his pregnant wife. They come looking for a signature to sell family land after his father’s death.The camera moves back and forth between the past and present, as the family’s sordid past is confronted, events turn awry, and dark decisions are made.
**Spoiler alert**
Sexual abuse of sorts is discovered in the family’s past. Be aware, in case this is a trigger you’d rather avoid.
Info: Mystery, Thriller | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
10. TODO SOBRE EL ASADO
Exactly what the title says: this is a documentary ALL about el asado in Argentina: the process, history, traditions, interviews, and more.
Info: Documentary | Spanish Audio, Subtitles | 2016
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Love your blog! I am a spanish teacher married to an Argentine. My favorite movie of ALL time of all countries and genres is Los Secretos en Sus Ojos which I believe had an American remake.
Thanks for the blog and thank you for the recent posts with the lists of movies on Netflix. I have added a lot of movies to my queue! I actually watched Heart of Lions last night. Very cute movie, but it is actually Colombian, not Argentinean. You will have to make a Colombian movies playlist!!
Huh, everything I’m reading online says filmed in Buenos Aires and that it’s an Argentine film. Are the actors Colombian?
Maybe there’s a Colombian version of Corazón de Leon? The one I saw was Porteño all the way!
Yes, there is a Colombian version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=t6tujrKcB_4
Hello,
Hoping all is well with you, and you can help me… I watched a movie years ago and can’t remember the name. It was probably 2008-2009 or maybe 2015.
I don’t remember the country – I thought either Peru or Argentina. A girl lost her family in a war and walked to find her Uncle, her father’s brother I believe. Her uncle’s home was like a hostel for young men and she started helping with cooking and cleaning.
Does this sound familiar? I would really like to know the title so I can watch the movie again.
Thank you!
I’m so sorry, not familiar with that one!
Heart of a Lion is an Argentine film and the lead actor is a very well known comedic actor in Argentina.
Does anyone remember the title of an Argentinian film, almost a comedy, of 2 older people who lives across each other and end up together. The likeness of the female character to Anita Ekberg was a motive in the films
I think you’re talking about “Elsa and Fred”