Movies

Best Spanish movies of the 80s

Explore a selection of the most notable Spanish films from the 1980s, a period marked by the cultural effervescence of the Movida Madrileña. Discover cinematic works that defined an era, from intense dramas to innovative comedies and thrillers. This list is ideal for cinephiles interested in classic Spanish cinema and the rich production of those years. Delve into the history of Spanish cinema from the eighties with these essential recommendations.

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  1. 1

    The Holy Innocents (1984)

    89 Global Votes
    • Shows horror and brutality of rural life

      (+4)

    It is one of the most acclaimed films in Spanish cinema, with memorable performances by Alfredo Landa and Francisco Rabal. It won awards in Cannes and remains a powerful indictment against social injustice, portraying the harsh life of peasants.

  2. 2

    Dawn Breaks, Which Is No Small Thing (1989)

    65 Global Votes
    • Intelligent Spanish surrealist comedy

      (+2)

    It has become a cult film in Spain, with phrases and situations that are part of the collective imagination. It is celebrated for its originality and its unique absurd humor, being an unforgettable surreal comedy.

  3. 3

    Law of Desire (1987)

    64 Global Votes
    • Spanish comedy thriller film

      (+4)

    It is one of Pedro Almodóvar's key works from his early career, which consolidated his style and his transgressive vision of desire and identity. This melodrama with thriller elements is fundamental for understanding his filmography.

  4. 4

    The South (1983)

    53 Global Votes
    • Considered one of the best films in Spanish cinema history

      (+4)

    Despite being incomplete due to production problems, it is considered a masterpiece for its visual beauty and emotional depth. It has influenced generations of filmmakers for its poetic exploration of memory and the father-daughter relationship.

  5. 5

    Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

    52 Global Votes
    • Absurdist dark comedy film

      (+4)

    This black comedy catapulted Pedro Almodóvar to international fame and was nominated for an Oscar. It is an icon of the Movida Madrileña, standing out for its frantic pace, witty dialogues, and the performances by Carmen Maura and Antonio Banderas.

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  7. 6

    The Heifer (1985)

    25 Global Votes
    • Spanish comedy film

      (+2)

    Considered one of Luis García Berlanga's great comedies, it offers a critical and humorous look at the Spanish Civil War. Its exceptional ensemble cast and its satire make it an essential classic.

  8. 7

    The Beehive (1982)

    10 Global Votes
    • Golden Bear winner at Berlin

      (+4)

    Its literary adaptation of Camilo José Cela's novel and its stellar cast maintain its status as one of the great films of Spanish cinema. It stands out for its realism and social critique of post-war Madrid society.

  9. 8

    Debut Film (1980)

    5 Global Votes
    • Marked by la Movida Madrileña

      (+2)

    This film is a benchmark of the comedy of its time and an early example of Fernando Trueba's talent, who would later win an Oscar. It captured the spirit of the Spanish Transition and marked the beginning of the 'new Madrid comedy'.

  10. 9

    Start Over (1982)

    4 Global Votes
    • Won the Nobel Prize in Literature

      (+4)

    This film is a historical milestone for Spanish cinema, being the first to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Its international recognition and moving story make it essential in this ranking.

  11. 10

    The Trip to Nowhere (1986)

    4 Global Votes
    • Adorable and cheerful story

      (+3)

    Winner of three Goya Awards, it is an emotional tribute to the world of theater and itinerant life. With a masterful script and performances by Fernando Fernán Gómez, it is a masterpiece of Spanish cinema.

  12. 11

    The Nest (1980)

    2 Global Votes
    • One of the great Spanish films of the post-Franco era

      (+1)

    Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, 'The Nest' stands out for its delicacy and the exploration of an unusual relationship. It is an example of international quality auteur cinema that continues to be valued.

  13. 12

    Demons in the Garden (1982)

    0 Global Votes
    • Drama film directed by Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón

      (+2)

    It is a key work for understanding the auteur cinema of the era and its capacity to address historical and social themes in depth. It explores the Spanish post-war period through the eyes of a family.