Spanning five decades with 197 films credits and almost two hundred awards, Vilma Santos’ filmography is a kaleidoscope picture of changes in times. Different genres, from teen musicals, folksy fantasies, campy horrors, animated actions to mature adult dramas, her films demonstrated her inner acting talents honed by directors, maneuvered by film producers/benefactors (who some are no longer with us) and supported by her ever loyal fanatics. The results were a long list of film titles that covered several social relevance that capture each decades. A long list of record-breaking box office returns that gave her the title, “the longest reigning box office queen of all time.” A long list of films that sustained her career to different transformation, ensuring her longevity no other Filipino movie queen ever enjoyed. We have painstakingly choose the best of the best. Basing our selection with three criteria. First, the financial success of the film. Cliche it maybe, financial success sustained her bankability and longevity. Second is the critical recognitions the film received. Third, is the other factors that contribute to the overall success of the film, namely, relevance, entertainment value, and the question of, is this film a career milestone or is this film contributed to her popularity. Here are Vilma Santos’ top 100 films.
Total score consists of (A) 10 points for box office records, (B) 10 points for critics recognitions, (C) 10 relevance/longevity, (D) “other factors” that contribute to overall success, gives us total score of 30 points.
RANK, MOVIE TITLE, YR, DIRECTOR’S NAME, SCORE = (A) + (B) + (C) + (D)
SCORE: 4(A) + 8(B) + 5(C) + 0.2(D) = 17.2(T)
Directed by Romy Susara, stars Beth Manlongat, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Nick Romano, a film version of Vilma’s television drama show in the 70s. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 7(B) + 5(C) + 0.2(D) = 17.2(T)
Directed by Leonardo L. Garcia, stars Nora Aunor, Romeo Vasquez, Tirso Cruz III, with Odette Khan, Rustica Carpio, Estrella Kuenzler, Rudolfo Boy Garcia, Zandro Zamora, Babette Villaruel, Romnick Sarmenta. One scene in the film, showcased Vilma and Romeo’s dancing skills while Nora and Pip, watched in amazement. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 7(B) + 5(C) + 0.3(D) = 17.3(T)
Directed by Nilo Saez, with Romeo Vasquez, Perla Bautista, Dexter Doria Romeo Vasquez, Romy Diaz, Rodolfo Boy Garcia, Nello Nayo. Film title was also a hit record. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 8(B) + 4(C) + 0.4(D) = 17.4(T)
Directed by Maria Saret, co-star: Beth Bautista, Laila Dee, Brenda Del Rio, Angie Ferro, Mary Walter, Odette Khan, Anita Linda, George Estregan, Ernie Garcia, Rez Cortez, Cloyd Robinson, Dick Israel. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 7(B) + 5(C) + 0.5(D) = 17.5(T)
Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, starring Romeo Vasquez, Christopher De Leon with Maila Gumila, Cora Guinto Ripp Rivera. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 7(B) + 5(C) + 0.6(D) = 17.6(T)
Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, starring dramatic veterans Gina Pareño, Liza Lorena, Delia Razon, with new stars Gretchen Barretto, Amy Austria Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 4(A) + 7(B) + 6(C) + 0.7(D) = 17.7(T)
Directed by Leonardo L. Garcia directed this love triangle starring sexy star, Carmi Martin battling out with Vilma over Romeo Vasquez’ love. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 7(B) + 5(C) + 0.8(D) = 17.8(T)
Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, Vilma Santos reunited with movie queen Amalia Fuentez in this drama opposite Gabby Concepcion and Eddie Gutierrez. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 6(B) + 5(C) + 0.9(D) = 17.9(T)
Directed by Gil M. Portes, co-starring Nonoy Zuniga and Ian Veneracion. The film was also a hit song by Zuniga – MORE INFO
SCORE: 4(A) + 10(B) + 4(C) + 0.5(D) = 18.5(T)
Directed by Tony Santos, a film version of the teen musical television show of the 70s, starring singing teen sensations Perla Adea, Baby De Jesus, Rhodora Silva, Angge, Beth Manlongat, Scarlet, Edgar Mortiz, Ike Lozada, Romy Mallari, Tony Santos Jr., Darius Razon, Vic Pacia, Ben David. – MORE INFO
RECAP:
100. Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma 1972
99. Pinagbuklod ng Pag-ibig 1972
98. Pag-ibig ko sa iyo lang Ibibigay 1978
97. Amorseko: Kumakabit, Kumakapit 1978
96. Gusto Ko Siya, Mahal Kita 1980
95. Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas 1987
94. Ayaw Kong Maging Kerida 1983
93. Asawa ko, Huwag Mong Agawin 1986
92. Never Ever Say Goodbye 1982
91. The Sensations 1971
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
100. Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma 1972
99. Pinagbuklod ng Pag-ibig 1972
98. Pag-ibig ko sa iyo lang Ibibigay 1978
97. Amorseko: Kumakabit, Kumakapit 1978
96. Gusto Ko Siya, Mahal Kita 1980
95. Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas 1987
94. Ayaw Kong Maging Kerida 1983
93. Asawa ko, Huwag Mong Agawin 1986
92. Never Ever Say Goodbye 1982
91. The Sensations 1971
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE