Brazil has a rich and diverse film industry that has produced many internationally acclaimed films over the years. From classic dramas to modern comedies, Brazilian cinema has something to offer for everyone.
Some of the best Brazilian movies explore the country’s complex history, social issues, and cultural traditions, while others showcase the talent and creativity of Brazilian filmmakers.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Brazilian movies of all time, spanning different genres and eras.
Best Brazilian Movies
Get ready to discover the vibrant world of Brazilian cinema!
1. City of God (2002)
“City of God” is a Brazilian crime drama film released in 2002, directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. The movie is based on real-life events that took place in the 1960s and 1970s in the City of God, a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The movie follows the lives of several characters, including a young boy named Rocket, who dreams of becoming a photographer, and a violent gang leader named Li’l Zé, as they navigate through poverty, violence, and drugs in the city’s favelas.
The film is known for its stylistic cinematography, nonlinear narrative structure, and gritty realism. It received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. “City of God” is often cited as one of the best Brazilian and Latin American films of all time and has been praised for its depiction of social issues and human struggles in the favelas of Brazil.
- English (Subtitle)
2. Elite Squad (2007)
“Elite Squad” (Tropa de Elite in Portuguese) is a 2007 Brazilian crime drama film directed by José Padilha. The film tells the story of a police captain in Rio de Janeiro who is tasked with leading a special forces unit to combat drug trafficking and gang violence in the city’s favelas.
The film is known for its intense action scenes, gritty portrayal of Rio’s favelas, and its exploration of the complex relationships between police, drug dealers, and residents of the favelas. The film also touches on broader social issues in Brazil, such as poverty, corruption, and police brutality.
“Elite Squad” was a commercial and critical success in Brazil and abroad, and won the Golden Bear award at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival. The film’s success led to a sequel, “Elite Squad: The Enemy Within” (Tropa de Elite 2: O Inimigo Agora é Outro) in 2010, which also received critical acclaim and broke box office records in Brazil.
![The Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61brzhZoW7L.jpg)
- The Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite) [DVD]
- English (Subtitle)
3. Central Station (1998)
“Central Station” (original title: “Central do Brasil”) is a Brazilian movie released in 1998. The film was directed by Walter Salles and starred Fernanda Montenegro and Vinícius de Oliveira. The movie tells the story of Dora, a cynical and bitter retired schoolteacher who works at Rio de Janeiro’s Central Station writing letters for illiterate people.
After a young boy named Josué asks for her help in finding his father, Dora decides to take him on a journey across Brazil to locate his missing parent.
The film was well received both critically and commercially, and won numerous awards including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.
“Central Station” is considered a classic of Brazilian cinema and is praised for its exploration of social issues and its authentic depiction of Brazilian culture and landscapes.
4. A Dog’s Will (2000)
“A Dog’s Will” (O Auto da Compadecida) is a 2000 Brazilian comedy film directed by Guel Arraes. The film is based on the play of the same name by Brazilian playwright Ariano Suassuna, and is set in the Brazilian Northeast in the early 20th century.
The story follows two friends, João Grilo and Chicó, who live in poverty and get by with their wits and humor. They become embroiled in a series of misadventures involving the local priest, a wealthy landowner, and other colorful characters. Along the way, they are helped by a dog who seems to have a divine connection.
The film is known for its irreverent humor, colorful characters, and lively musical score. It also explores important themes such as poverty, religion, and the struggle for justice and equality in Brazilian society.
“A Dog’s Will” was a critical and commercial success in Brazil, becoming one of the highest-grossing Brazilian films of all time. It has since become a beloved classic of Brazilian cinema, and has been screened at film festivals and events around the world. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in Brazilian culture, history, and cinema.
- English (Subtitle)
- Portuguese (Publication Language)
5. Estomago: A Gastronomic Story (2007)
“Estomago: A Gastronomic Story” is a 2007 Brazilian drama film directed by Marcos Jorge. The film tells the story of Raimundo Nonato (played by João Miguel), a poor man from the Northeastern region of Brazil who moves to the city of São Paulo to try and make a living.
After getting involved with a local gangster, Nonato discovers his talent for cooking and starts working in a restaurant, where he develops a reputation for his delicious meals.
As Nonato climbs the ranks in the restaurant industry, he faces a series of moral dilemmas and struggles to balance his newfound success with his sense of identity and values. The film explores themes of class, ambition, and identity, and is known for its poignant portrayal of Brazilian society and its culinary culture.
“Estomago: A Gastronomic Story” received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Best Film at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival.
- Joao Miguel, Carlo Briani, Fabiula Nascimento, Jean Pierre Noher, Babu Santana (Actor)
- Marcos Jorge (Director)
- Castilian, Catalan (Subtitles)
6. Elite Squad 2: The Enemy Within (2010)
“Elite Squad 2: The Enemy Within” is a Brazilian crime drama film released in 2010, directed by José Padilha. The movie is a sequel to the 2007 film “Elite Squad” and follows the character of Captain Nascimento, who now works as a high-ranking official in Rio de Janeiro’s secret police force.
The movie portrays the corruption and violence within the Brazilian police force and how it is intertwined with the drug trade and political system in the country.
The film was a critical and commercial success in Brazil, breaking box office records and becoming the highest-grossing Brazilian film of all time at the time of its release. It won several awards, including the Golden Bear at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival. The movie is known for its gritty realism, intense action sequences, and political commentary on corruption and violence in Brazil.
![Elite Squad : The Enemy Within [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61cfoCVeaRL.jpg)
- English (Subtitle)
7. Pixote (1980)
“Pixote” is a 1980 Brazilian drama film directed by Hector Babenco. The film tells the story of a young boy named Pixote who is forced to live on the streets of São Paulo and becomes involved in crime and prostitution.
The film is known for its raw and realistic portrayal of life on the streets of Brazil, as well as its critique of the country’s social and economic inequalities. It also features non-professional actors, including a young boy named Fernando Ramos da Silva who played the title role of Pixote.
Despite facing controversy and censorship upon its release in Brazil, “Pixote” gained international acclaim and became a landmark of Brazilian cinema. It was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and is often cited as one of the greatest Latin American films of all time.
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
8. The Given Word (1962)
“The Given Word” (original title: “O Pagador de Promessas”) is a Brazilian movie released in 1962. The film was directed by Anselmo Duarte and starred Leonardo Villar, Glória Menezes, and Dionísio Azevedo.
The movie tells the story of a man named Zé do Burro who makes a promise to carry a heavy wooden cross from his rural farm to the city’s church if his donkey recovers from a fatal disease. When he arrives at the church, he is met with resistance from the local priest and other members of the church, who consider his promise to be heretical.
Zé do Burro’s stubbornness leads to a dramatic confrontation between tradition and modernity in Brazilian society.
“The Given Word” was a critical and commercial success, both in Brazil and internationally. It won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Brazilian movie to receive this prestigious award. The film is praised for its strong performances, social commentary, and exploration of Brazilian culture and tradition. It remains an important part of Brazilian cinema history and is still studied and celebrated today.
![The Given Word ( O Pagador de Promessas ) ( Keeper of Promises (Payer of Promises) ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - France ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513TweJLWSL.jpg)
- The Given Word ( O Pagador de Promessas ) ( Keeper of Promises (Payer of Promises) )
- The Given Word
- O Pagador de Promessas
- Keeper of Promises (Payer of Promises)
- Leonardo Villar, Glória Menezes, Dionísio Azevedo (Actors)
9. A Wolf at the Door (2013)
“A Wolf at the Door” (O Lobo atrás da Porta) is a 2013 Brazilian thriller film directed by Fernando Coimbra. The film tells the story of a young girl who is kidnapped on her way home from school, and the subsequent investigation by the police and the girl’s parents to find her.
The film is known for its non-linear narrative structure, which gradually reveals the truth behind the kidnapping and the motivations of the various characters involved. It is a tense and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge.
“A Wolf at the Door” was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and won several awards at international film festivals. It is considered one of the best Brazilian films of the decade, and a notable example of the country’s growing reputation for producing world-class cinema.
Overall, “A Wolf at the Door” is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful thrillers and Brazilian cinema. Its complex storytelling and powerful performances make it a memorable and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
- Thalita Carauta, Juliano Cazarré, Milhem Cortaz (Actors)
- Fernando Coimbra (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
10. Bye Bye Brazil (1980)
“Bye Bye Brazil” is a 1980 Brazilian-French drama film directed by Carlos Diegues. The film follows the journey of a group of traveling performers who travel across the Brazilian countryside in a caravan, staging shows for local communities.
The film explores themes of cultural identity, modernization, and the clash between tradition and progress in Brazil during the 1970s.
The three main characters are Salomé (played by Betty Faria), Lorde Cigano (played by José Wilker), and Andorinha (played by Fábio Jr.), who navigate their way through a changing Brazil, encountering various obstacles and challenges along the way.
The film features stunning cinematography and a soundtrack that incorporates traditional Brazilian music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the country.
“Bye Bye Brazil” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic of Brazilian cinema. It was selected as the Brazilian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 53rd Academy Awards.
- José Wilker Betty Faria, Fábio Jr., Zaira Zambelli (Actors)
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
11. The Deceased (1965)
“The Deceased” (Korean title: 죽은 자의 집, translit. Jugeun Jaui Jib) is a 1965 South Korean horror film directed by Kim Ki-young. The movie follows a man named Yongsoo, who becomes obsessed with a woman named Suni after visiting her house, only to find out that she had died years ago. Yongsoo’s obsession leads him to become increasingly unhinged as he begins to experience strange occurrences and hallucinations.
The film is known for its unique and unsettling imagery, as well as its exploration of themes such as obsession, guilt, and the supernatural. It has been cited as a classic of Korean horror cinema and as one of Kim Ki-young’s most acclaimed works.
3 Characteristics of Brazilian Movies
Social realism: Brazilian movies often explore social and economic issues that are prevalent in the country, such as poverty, crime, and inequality. These movies aim to shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities and bring attention to social injustice.
Magical realism: Brazilian movies also frequently incorporate elements of magical realism, a literary and artistic style that blends fantasy and reality. This often creates a dreamlike atmosphere in the movie and allows for exploration of deeper themes and emotions.
Music and dance: Brazil is famous for its vibrant music and dance culture, and this is often reflected in Brazilian movies. Many Brazilian movies feature lively musical performances, whether it’s traditional samba music or modern pop songs, and dance sequences that showcase the country’s unique rhythms and movements.
3 Reasons To Watch Brazilian Movies
Diversity: Brazilian cinema is incredibly diverse, with films that cover a wide range of genres, themes, and styles. From gritty crime dramas to romantic comedies, Brazilian cinema has something for everyone.
Cultural Insight: Brazilian films offer a unique insight into the country’s rich culture and history, as well as its contemporary social and political issues. Watching Brazilian movies can help you gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people.
Acclaimed Filmmakers: Brazil has produced many talented filmmakers who have made a significant impact on the global film industry. Directors such as Fernando Meirelles, Walter Salles, and Kleber Mendonça Filho have gained international recognition and critical acclaim for their work, and watching their films can give you a sense of the depth and breadth of Brazilian cinema.
Best Brazilian Movies – Wrap Up
In conclusion, Brazilian cinema has produced some of the most exciting and diverse films in recent years, with a range of genres and themes that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic society. From the gritty realism of “City of God” to the poetic beauty of “Central Station,” Brazilian cinema offers a unique and powerful perspective on the world.
Other notable Brazilian films include “Black God, White Devil” (1964), “The Year My Parents Went on Vacation” (2006), “Elite Squad” (2007), “Aquarius” (2016), and “Bacurau” (2019). These films explore a range of themes, including social inequality, political corruption, cultural identity, and historical memory.
With its vibrant energy and innovative spirit, Brazilian cinema continues to captivate audiences around the world and is sure to produce many more masterpieces in the years to come.
