10 Best Peruvian Movies: A Celebration of The Cinema of Peru

Peruvian cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. Over the years, Peruvian filmmakers have produced a wide range of movies, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and more.

Peruvian cinema is known for its unique perspectives, social commentary, and exploration of complex issues such as identity, history, and culture.

In recent years, Peruvian movies have gained international recognition, winning awards at major film festivals and receiving critical acclaim.

Some of the most notable Peruvian films include La Teta Asustada (The Milk of Sorrow), Contracorriente (Undertow), La Ciudad y Los Perros (The City and the Dogs), and No Se Lo Digas a Nadie (Don’t Tell Anyone). These films showcase the talent and creativity of Peruvian filmmakers and highlight the unique cultural and historical aspects of the country.

Peruvian cinema continues to evolve and grow, with a new generation of filmmakers exploring new themes and approaches to storytelling.

Best Peruvian Movies

With a wealth of talent and a deep cultural history, it’s clear that Peruvian cinema will continue to make significant contributions to the world of filmmaking.

Every film in this guide

1. Undertow (2009)

Undertow (Spanish: Contracorriente) is a 2009 Peruvian fantasy romantic drama written and directed by Javier Fuentes-León. Set in the fishing village of Cabo Blanco, it follows Miguel (Cristian Mercado), a married fisherman expecting a child with his wife Mariela (Tatiana Astengo), who is secretly in love with Santiago (Manolo Cardona), a painter ostracized by the town for being gay.

After a tragic accident at sea, Miguel must choose between burying Santiago’s body at sea—condemning his spirit—or giving him a proper burial that would expose their relationship to Mariela and the village.

The film explores tradition, sexuality, and acceptance against Peru’s coastal culture. It won the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and was selected as Peru’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards.

2. The City and the Dogs (1985)

The City and the Dogs (La ciudad y los perros) is a Peruvian film directed by Francisco J. Lombardi. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Mario Vargas Llosa and tells the story of a group of teenage boys at a military school in Lima, Peru.

The film follows the boys as they navigate the strict and often violent world of the military school, where they must confront issues of identity, loyalty, and power.

The boys’ relationships are tested when a theft occurs at the school, and they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions.

The City and the Dogs is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the dynamics of power and authority in a hierarchical society.

The film’s vivid portrayal of the military school and the harsh realities of life in Lima’s urban landscape are both disturbing and captivating.

The film was highly acclaimed upon its release and is regarded as one of the greatest works of Peruvian cinema. Its themes and ideas continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless masterpiece of Latin American cinema.

3. Caídos del cielo (1990)

“Caídos del cielo” (Fallen from Heaven) is a 1990 Peruvian drama directed by Francisco J. Lombardi. Three Lima stories intertwine at the end of the ’80s — grieving landlords building a mausoleum, a scarred radio host and a suicidal woman, and a blind grandmother exploiting grandsons to fatten a pig — crisis-era Peru, not Mexican melodrama.

For more about Peru cinema, you can check out our overview of the best films from Peru and our country-by-country exploration of global cinema.

4. Don’t Tell Anyone (1998)

Don’t Tell Anyone (Spanish: No se lo digas a nadie) is a 1998 Peruvian drama directed by Francisco J. Lombardi, from Jaime Bayly’s novel. Santiago Magill’s Joaquín comes of age gay in conservative Lima — family pressure, secret desire, and a city that won’t look — landmark queer Peruvian cinema.

5. Madeinusa (2006)

Madeinusa is a Peruvian film directed by Claudia Llosa and released in 2006. The film is set in a small village in the Peruvian Andes, where the inhabitants participate in a strange religious festival that takes place during Holy Week.

The story follows Madeinusa (played by Magaly Solier), a teenage girl who is chosen as the Virgin Mary of the festival, and Salvador (played by Carlos de la Torre), a stranger who arrives in the village and disrupts the traditional customs and beliefs of the community.

The film explores themes of tradition, religion, and cultural clashes, as well as the coming-of-age of the young protagonist. Madeinusa received critical acclaim upon its release and was praised for its beautiful cinematography and strong performances.

The film’s exploration of Peruvian culture and its blend of magical realism and social commentary have made it a landmark in contemporary Latin American cinema.

6. Kukuli (1961)

Kukuli is a 1961 Peruvian drama directed by Luis Figueroa, Eulogio Nishiyama, and César Villanueva. Widely cited as the first feature spoken in Quechua, it stars Judith Figueroa as Kukuli, a young llama herder from the Cusco highlands.

Kukuli leaves her grandparents to attend the Feast of Mamacha Carmen in Paucartambo. On the way she meets Alaku (Víctor Chambi); their journey becomes entangled with Andean legend when the bear-like Ukuku figure intervenes, with tragic, mythic consequences.

The film blends romance, folklore, and festival ritual, and was noted for its sympathetic portrayal of Quechua culture and Andean landscape. It screened at the 2nd Moscow International Film Festival and remains a landmark of Peruvian indigenous cinema.

7. Los perros hambrientos (1977)

Los Perros Hambrientos is a Peruvian film directed by Luis Figueroa, released in 1977. The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Peruvian author Ciro Alegría, who is considered one of the most important writers in Peruvian literature.

The story takes place in the highlands of Peru, where a group of poor farmers struggle to survive in harsh conditions.

The film follows the journey of one family and their loyal dog, as they face challenges from the harsh environment and from human threats, including landowners and government authorities.

Los Perros Hambrientos is a powerful and emotional film that highlights the struggles of marginalized communities in Peru.

The film’s portrayal of the harsh realities of life in the highlands, along with its depiction of the relationship between humans and animals, has resonated with audiences both in Peru and around the world. The film was well received critically and is considered a classic of Peruvian cinema.

Overall, Los Perros Hambrientos is a testament to the talent and creativity of Peruvian filmmakers, and to the importance of cinema in exploring and highlighting important social issues.

8. Days of Santiago (2004)

Days of Santiago is a 2004 Peruvian-Norwegian drama film directed by Josué Méndez. The film tells the story of Santiago, a young man who returns to Lima, Peru after serving time in the military.

Santiago struggles to reintegrate into civilian life and becomes involved in a cycle of violence, drugs, and crime. He is haunted by his experiences in the military and feels disconnected from society, leading him to act out in increasingly destructive ways.

The film explores themes of trauma, masculinity, and the social issues facing Peru in the aftermath of the country’s internal conflict.

It received critical acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of urban life in Lima, as well as for its powerful performances and striking cinematography.

Days of Santiago was a commercial and critical success in Peru and helped to launch the international career of director Josué Méndez.

The film has been praised for its realistic depiction of the challenges facing young men in Peru, as well as its exploration of the psychological toll of war and violence.

9. Magallanes (2015)

Magallanes is a Peruvian drama written and directed by Salvador del Solar, adapted from Alonso Cueto’s novel La pasajera. It follows Harvey Magallanes (Damián Alcázar), a former soldier now working as a taxi driver in Lima.

When Celina (Magaly Solier)—a woman from his past during the war against Shining Path—gets into his cab, Magallanes is pulled back toward the retired colonel he once served under and schemes that mix guilt, greed, and a desire for redemption.

Magallanes explores memory, trauma, and moral ambiguity, with strong turns from Alcázar and Solier. It was selected as Peru’s candidate for Best Ibero-American Film at the Goya Awards (Peru’s Oscar submission that year was Héctor Gálvez’s NN).

10. The Lion’s Den (1988)

The Lion’s Den (Spanish: La boca del lobo) is a 1988 Peruvian–Spanish drama directed by Francisco J. Lombardi. Set in the Andean village of Chuspi during Peru’s internal conflict, it follows an army patrol tasked with crushing Shining Path at any cost.

Under a violent, arbitrary officer, the soldiers’ isolation and fear drive excesses against the local population—a study of what men do when surrounded by violence, solitude, and death. Gustavo Bueno and Toño Vega lead the cast.

The film won the Jury Prize at San Sebastián and was selected as Peru’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 61st Academy Awards. It remains a key Peruvian film about the dirty war and military abuse in the Andes.

3 Characteristics of Peruvian Movies

Peruvian cinema is a relatively small but vibrant industry that has produced some notable films in recent years. Here are three characteristics of Peruvian movies:

Social commentary: Many Peruvian movies are focused on exploring social and political issues in Peru, such as poverty, corruption, and social inequality.

These films often offer a critical perspective on these issues and can be seen as a way of shining a light on important societal problems.

Magical realism: Some Peruvian movies incorporate elements of magical realism, which is a literary and artistic genre that blends magical or fantastical elements with a realistic narrative.

This style can be seen in movies such as “La teta asustada” (The Milk of Sorrow), which explores the legacy of the violent conflict in Peru during the 1980s and 1990s.

Indigenous culture: Peru has a rich and diverse indigenous culture, and this is reflected in many of the country’s movies.

These films often incorporate indigenous languages, traditions, and beliefs, and can be seen as a way of celebrating and preserving these important aspects of Peruvian culture.

One example of such a film is Wiñaypacha (Eternity), which tells the story of an elderly couple who live in a remote Andean village and cling to their traditional way of life.

3 Reasons To Watch Peruvian Movies

Unique cultural perspective: Peruvian movies offer a unique perspective on the country’s culture, history, and society.

Through their stories and characters, Peruvian films explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, as well as its struggles with poverty, inequality, and political instability.

Films like La Teta Asustada and Retablo offer powerful insights into the Peruvian experience, shedding light on the country’s unique challenges and achievements.

Rich cinematic tradition: Peruvian cinema has a rich tradition that dates back to the early 20th century.

From the avant-garde experiments of the 1930s to the social realist films of the 1960s and 70s, Peruvian filmmakers have made significant contributions to the art of cinema. Today, Peruvian cinema continues to evolve, with filmmakers exploring new themes, styles, and techniques.

Diverse storytelling: Peruvian movies offer a diverse range of storytelling, spanning different genres, formats, and themes.

From the powerful dramas of The Milk of Sorrow to the irreverent comedy of La Paisana Jacinta, Peruvian filmmakers are not afraid to take risks and explore new ground.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s history, culture, or contemporary issues, there is sure to be a Peruvian movie that speaks to you.

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Read next: 7 Best Armenian Movies Of All Time: A Celebration Of The Cinema Of Armenia, 6 Best Australian Movies Of All Time: A Deep Dive Celebration Of The Cinema Of Australia, and 9 Best Belgian Movies Of All Time: A Celebration Of Cinema From Belgium.

Best Peruvian Movies – Wrap Up

The Milk of Sorrow / La teta asustada (2009) – directed by Claudia Llosa, this film follows a young woman in Lima believed to carry the “milk of sorrow,” trauma passed from her mother’s experiences during the Peruvian conflict of the 1980s and 1990s; it explores memory, fear, and identity.

Kukuli (1961) – directed by Luis Figueroa, Eulogio Nishiyama, and César Villanueva, this Quechua-language landmark follows a young llama herder whose journey to the Mamacha Carmen festival becomes entangled with Andean legend.

Contracorriente / Undertow (2009) – directed by Javier Fuentes-León, this film is a love story between a married fisherman and a male artist in a small coastal town, and explores themes of tradition, sexuality, and acceptance.

Dias de Santiago (2004) – directed by Josué Méndez, this film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of a former soldier struggling to reintegrate into society in Lima, and explores themes of trauma, violence, and masculinity.

These films offer a diverse range of narratives and themes that reflect the cultural, social, and political issues facing Peru and its people. Watching these films is a great way to explore the rich and complex history and culture of this fascinating country.

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