Discovering Portugal Through Cinema

Clara Moreau
Clara MoreauSeptember 12, 2025
Portugal, a country with a rich history and culture, has been the backdrop for numerous captivating films that showcase its unique charm. From the picturesque landscapes of Lisbon to the dramatic coastlines, Portuguese cinema has a way of transporting viewers to a world of beauty and intrigue.

One of the standout aspects of Portuguese cinema is its ability to blend genres, creating complex and thought-provoking stories that linger long after the credits roll. Whether it's a haunting horror tale or a poignant drama, these films offer a glimpse into the country's vibrant culture and the people who call it home.

The selected films represent a curated collection of some of the most compelling and critically acclaimed movies from Portugal. With a focus on quality and thematic resonance, this list invites viewers to embark on a cinematic journey through the streets of Lisbon, the countryside, and the human experience.

From the haunting animation of My Grandfather's Demons to the dramatic intensity of Vitalina Varela, each film on this list offers a unique perspective on Portugal and its people. Whether you're a fan of horror, drama, or romance, there's something for everyone in this curated selection of Portuguese cinema.
My Grandfather's Demons
View Movie

My Grandfather's Demons

#1

Rosa's life, a highly valued professional, is turned upside down when her grandfather Marcelino dies.

202285 min
AnimationDramaFantasy
5.9
86 votes
Vitalina Varela
View Movie

Vitalina Varela

#2

A Cape Verdean woman navigates her way through Lisbon, following the scanty physical traces her deceased husband left behind and discovering his secret, illicit life.

2019124 min
Drama
6.7
66 votes
Tabu
View Movie

Tabu

#3

Lisbon, Portugal, 2010. Pilar, a pious woman devoted to social causes, maintains a peculiar relationship with her neighbor Aurora, a temperamental old woman obsessed with gambling who lives tormented by a mysterious past.

2012120 min
DramaRomance
7.0
171 votes
The Strange Case of Angelica
View Movie

The Strange Case of Angelica

#4

A photographer, Isaac is asked by hotel owners to take portraits of their recently deceased daughter Angélica. When he looks at her through the lens of his camera, she appears to come back to life just for him. He instantly falls in love with her. From that moment, he will be haunted by Angélica day and night.

201097 min
Drama
6.5
62 votes

Recent Reviews

Mikaela

Mikaela

Jan 7, 2026

"Mikaela" is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that takes full advantage of its unique setting - ...

Bureau 749

Bureau 749

Jan 7, 2026

"Bureau 749" is a thought-provoking science fiction film that delves into the life of a traumatized ...

Anaconda

Anaconda

Jan 7, 2026

The 2025 release of Anaconda brings a fresh twist to the classic horror-adventure genre, blending el...

The Unholy Trinity

The Unholy Trinity

Jan 7, 2026

The Unholy Trinity, set against the unforgiving landscape of 1870s Montana, is a Western adventure t...

The Great Flood

The Great Flood

Jan 7, 2026

The Great Flood, released in 2025, is a science fiction adventure drama that promises to deliver an ...

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Jan 7, 2026

James Cameron's latest installment in the Avatar saga, "Avatar: Fire and Ash", is a visually stunnin...

Cyborg She

Cyborg She

Jan 1, 2026

"Cyborg She" is a fascinating blend of action, comedy, romance, and science fiction that tells the s...

Star Trek

Star Trek

Jan 1, 2026

The 2009 Star Trek film, directed by J.J. Abrams, is a masterclass in rebooting a beloved franchise ...

Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes

Jan 1, 2026

The 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes" is a film that sparks intense debate among fans and critics ...

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning

Jan 1, 2026

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning is a Finnish science fiction comedy that has garnered a cult following...

Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision

Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision

Jan 1, 2026

The original "Timecop" film, released in 1994, was a moderately successful blend of science fiction ...

Yatterman

Yatterman

Jan 1, 2026

The 2009 Japanese film "Yatterman" is a wildly entertaining and action-packed adaptation of the clas...