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: 8(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.09(D) = 24.09(T)
Directed by Luis Enriquez, starring: Beth Bautista, Liz Alindogan, Wendy villarica, Rosemarie Gil, Lucita Soriano, Raul Aragon, Michael de Mesa, Eddie Garcia, Fred Montilla. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 7(B) + 10(C) + 0.1(D) = 24.1(T)
Directed by Ishmael Bernal. co-starring: Romeo Vasquez, Mat Ranillo III, Anita Linda, Mary Walter, Fred Montilla – MORE INFO
SCORE: 8(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.2(D) = 24.2(T)
Directed by Maryo J. De Los Reyes, co-starring: Gabby Concepcion, Aga Muhlach, Alice Dixon, Aiko Melendez, Melinda Mendez, Mila Ocampo, Luz Valdez, Ricardo Cepeda, Charlie Davao, Philip Gamboa, Orestes Ojeda. Written by Jose Javier D. Reyes. Vilma received a best actress nomination from the Manunuri. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 8(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.3(D) = 24.3(T)
Directed by Lino Brocka, co-starring: Gabby Concepcion, Eric Quizon, Dennis Roldan, Snooky Serna, Perla Bautista, Maritoni Fernandez, Gina Perez, Ruben Rustia. Written by Ricardo Lee. Vilma received an academy award (Luna) nomination for best actress – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) + 0.4(D) = 24.4(T)
Directed by Danny Zialcita. co-starring: Ronaldo Valdez, Tommy Abuel, Christopher Deleon, Dante Rivero, Chanda Romero, Marianne Delariva, Aurora Salve, Suzanne Gonzales, Martha Sevilla, Odette Khan, Virginia Montes, Bella Flores, Etang Ditcher, Vic Silayan, Fred Montilla, Renato Robles, Ruel Vernal, Augusto Victa, Butch Aquino. Vilma Santos won the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) + 0.5(D) = 24.5(T)
Directed by Elwood Perez, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Anthony Castelo, Deborah Sun, Mila Ocampo, Subas Herrero, Ed Villapol. Vilma Santos won the 1981 FAMAS Best Actress – MORE INFO
SCORE: 8(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.6(D) = 24.6(T)
Directed by Joel Lamangan, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Jay Manalo, Boots Anson-Roa, Amy Austria, Sheryl Cruz, Jean Garcia, Karylle, Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban, Cherry Pie Picache, Carlo Aquino, Eddie Garcia, Patrick Garcia, Allan Paule, John Prats, Dennis Trillo, Gardo Versoza. Vilma Santos won the best actress from the Metro Manila Film Festival, the PMPC STAR and the Gawad Suri. She also received a Luna nomination. The film was the Philippines’ Official Entry to the 2005 8th Shanghai International Film Festival. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 8(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.7(D) = 24.7(T)
Directed by Laurice Guillen, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Charito Solis, Bing Loyzaga, Amy Perez, Delia Razon, Ruby Rodriguez, Vivian Foz, Lorli Villanueva, Joonee Gamboa, Johnny Wilson, Terence Baylon. Written by Olivia M. Lamasan. Vilma received the 1991 Gawad Urian Best Actress and a nomination from FAP – MORE INFO
SCORE: 8(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.8(D) = 24.8(T)
Directed by Eddie Garcia, co-starring: Ricky Davao, Tonton Gutierrez, Cherrie Gil, Gloria Romero, Alicia Vergel. Alicia Alonzo, Perla Bautista, Suzanne Gonzales, Rose Rosado, Vangie Labalan, Jonee Gamboa, Rey Hipolito, Eddie Arenas. Written by Gilda Olvidado. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) + 0.9(D) = 24.9(T)
Directed by Olivia M. Lamasan, co-starring: John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Tirso Cruz III. Vilma Santos received the best actress from Gawad Tanglaw and PMPC Star. She also received nominations from the Golden Screen and Gawad URIAN. The film Earned P20M on its first day of showing in Metro Manila. – MORE INFO
RECAP:
30. Ex-Wife 1981
29. Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon 1977
28. Sinungaling Mong Puso 1992
27. Hahamakin Lahat 1990
26. Karma 1981
25. Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981
24. Mano Po 3 My Love 2004
23. Ipagpatawad Mo 1991
22. Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? 1987
21. In My Life 2009
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
30. Ex-Wife 1981
29. Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon 1977
28. Sinungaling Mong Puso 1992
27. Hahamakin Lahat 1990
26. Karma 1981
25. Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981
24. Mano Po 3 My Love 2004
23. Ipagpatawad Mo 1991
22. Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? 1987
21. In My Life 2009
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
