The 10 best Argentine films in history

Argentine cinematography is one of the most important in Spanish-speaking. On many occasions it has made collaborations with Spain and some other countries, resulting in films that are already a fundamental part of the history of world cinema.

If you want to get excited until you cry or laugh, and enjoy excellent performances, you have to immerse yourself in the richness of Argentine cinema. To delve into its cinematography, we leave you a list of the 10 best Argentine films in history.

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The 10 best Argentine films in history

To get to know better and delve into the soul of Argentine cinema, you have to go through its history. Since the 1970s, the cinematography of this country has produced unforgettable and renowned films. Many of them deserve to be seen by any Spanish-speaking person.

In this list of the best films in Argentina you can see a clear inclination: tell historical passages or true events from a dramatic narrative. However, there are also romantic and light comedy productions that are a real delight.

1. God Pay Him (1947)

Dios se lo paga is the first Argentine film with a special mention at the Oscar Awards. Directed by Luis César Amadori, it starred Zully Moreno and Arturo de Córdoba. The first great Argentine film in history.

Although it did not receive the statuette, it was one of the first foreign films to be well received by the Hollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences. It is an adaptation of a book with the same name that tells the story of a beggar who hides a strange secret.

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2. The Rebel Patagonia (1974)

La Patagonia Rebelde is a film based on a relevant historical event for the country. This film tells of the tragic event that occurred in 1921 when the then president Hipólito Yrigoye ordered the Argentine army to shoot the workers in the Patagonian countryside during a revolt.

The film was directed by one of the most acclaimed directors of Argentine cinema, Héctor Olivera, and starred Héctor Alterio, Luis Brandoni, Federico Luppi and Pepe Soriano. The film is based on the book "The Avengers of Tragic Patagonia" by Osvaldo Bayer.

3. The Night of the Pencils (1986)

The night of the pencils is another historical film. It narrates another dramatic event in the history of Argentina: in 1976 seven students are kidnapped, tortured and killed as a result of protests over the ticket increase student.

Without a doubt a shocking film, since it is told from the perspective of the only survivor of this event. Directed by renowned director Héctor Olivera, this film was nominated for the San Jorge de Oro award and the Moscow International Film Festival.

4. The Official Story (1986)

La historia oficial is the first Argentine film to win an Oscar award. A shocking story that takes place during the last decade of the Argentine military dictatorship. Alicia and her husband adopt a girl and years later decide to look for the biological parents, getting a big surprise.

It was directed by Luis Puenzo and starred Norma Aleandro and Héctor Alterio. It was nominated for best original screenplay and that same year it won the Golden Globe for best foreign language film. It is one of the most awarded films in the history of Argentine cinema.

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5. Son of the Bride (2001)

The son of the bride is a touching story. Rafael, a burdened and stressed businessman, sees his life turned upside down by the illness of his mother, who develops Alzheimer's. In the midst of her busy life, he decides to make her mother's dream come true, which is to marry in the Church.

This film was directed by Juan José Campanella and was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign film. Although it was not a winner, the film was acclaimed and today it is undoubtedly one of the best Argentine films of all time.

6. Elsa and Fred (2005)

Elsa y Fred is one of the most popular Argentine films in the world. It tells the story of Elsa, an elderly woman living in Paris, and Fred, a man of the same age who moves into the same building. Between them arises a romance that in addition to making you laugh will move you.

This film is an Argentine-Spanish film directed by Marcos Carnevale and starring China Zorrila, Manuel Alexandre, Blanca Portillo and Roberto Carnaghi. It is a story that you should certainly not miss.

7. Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The film The Motorcycle Diaries narrates the travels of Che Guevara and Alberto Granado. A biographical film based on the diaries of Ernesto Guevara and his travels through South America. This story shows how this trip changed the course of Che Guevara's life.

This film was directed by Walter Salles and starred Gael García Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna. It was the winner of the Oscar for best original song and winner of 21 international awards at different festivals around the world.

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8. The secret of your eyes (2009)

The secret of your eyes is the most successful Argentine film of recent times. This film tells the story of Benjamin, a retired judge who decides to write a book. It tells the story of Liliana Colotto, a young woman raped and murdered in the 1970s.

This film is a Spanish-Argentine co-production and won the 2010 Oscar for best foreign film. In addition, it is the highest grossing film of all time in Argentina and has won multiple awards at international festivals around the world.

9. Wild Tales (2014)

Wild Tales tells six seemingly unrelated stories, but with one point in common. This plot has an interesting structure that reflects how certain situations can turn a normal person into a being out of control.

This multi-award-winning film has received critical and public acclaim. Directed by Damián Szifron, it was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign film. Although he did not finally get it, it is undoubtedly one of the best Argentine films of the last decades.

10. The Illustrious Citizen (2016)

The Illustrious Citizen is one of the most recent Argentine productions of worldwide success. This Argentine film tells the story of an Argentine writer living in Spain and winner of the Nobel Prize, who on his return to his hometown causes conflicts among his inhabitants.

The film was directed by Gastón Duprat and starred Óscar Martínez. This recent production has been acclaimed at festivals around the world for its brilliant performances and its simple but captivating script.

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Bibliographic references

• Chappuzeau, B. (2016). Contemporary Argentine cinema: visions and discourses. Iberoamericana Editorial Vervuer.