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: 6(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) + 0.2(D) = 23.2(T)
Directed by Pablo Santiago, co-starring: Fernando Poe Jr.,Mila del Sol, Janine Frias, Lorna Tolentino, Liza Anzures, Angge, Fred Montilla, Dencio Padilla, Phillip Salvador, Liza Anzures, Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Lito Anzures. FPJ and Vilma Santos first film together. A big box-office hit during its theater run in 1974. Vilma sings the film theme song! – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 6(C) + 0.3(D) = 23.3(T)
Directed by Luis Enriquez, co-starring: Eddie Rodriguez, Ernie Garcia, Gloria Romero, Marissa Delgado, Patricia Mijares, Renato Robles, Nello Nayo. Part two of the box office hit, Nakakahiya. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 6(C) + 0.4(D) = 23.4(T)
Directed by Luis Enriquez, co-starring: Eddie Rodriguez, Gloria Romero, Barbara Perez. Vilma received the 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival Best Actress. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) + 0.5(D) = 23.5(T)
Directed by Pablo Santiago, co-starring: Fernando Poe Jr., Dencio Padilla, Jun Soler, Jumbo Salvador, Phillip Salvador, Rowell Santiago, Millie Mercado, Connie Angeles, Yvonne Salcedo, Tina Monasterio. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) + 0.6(D) = 23.6(T)
Directed by Chito S. Roño, co-starring: Ronnie Ricketts, Cesar Montano, with Janine Barredo, Vangie Labalan, Josie Tagle, Evelyn Vargas, Dencio Padilla, Roldan Aquino, Cris Daluz, Mon Fernandez. Written by Bibeth Orteza. Box office hit of 1993. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 6(C) + 0.7(D) = 23.7(T)
Directed by Gil M. Portes, co-starring: Mark Gil. Filmed in the red district of Armsterdam. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 8(B) + 8(C) + 0.8(D) = 23.8(T)
Directed by Laurice Guillen, co-starring: Richard Gomez, Gloria Romero, Charo Santos-Concio, Kristine Garcia, Carmina Villaroel, Eula Valdez, Metring David, Lillian Laing, Vangie Labalan, Jeffrey Santos, William Lorenzo, Tony Carreon, Terence Baylon. Written by Salvador Royales. Vilma received a best actress nomination from the Manunuri. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 3(B) + 10(C) + 0.9(D) = 23.9(T)
Directed by Mike De Leon, co-starring: Gina Alajar, Laurice Guillen, Anita Linda, Liza Lorena, Adul de Leon, Jay Ilagan, Tony Santos Sr., Ruben Rustia, Eddie Infante, Rody Vera, Pen Medina. Vilma Santos recived her third consecutive Gawad Urian best actress. She also received nominationf from FAMAS and FAP. The film was the official Philippines’ entry to the 1985 Venice International Film Festival. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 10(B) + 8(C) + 0.07(D) = 24.07(T)
Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, starring: Divina Valencia, Mina Aragon, Rossana Marquez, Chanda Romero, Elizabeth Vaughn, Patria Plata, Romeo Miranda, Joseph Sytangco, Lito Calzado, Ricky Valencia, Ike Lozada, German Moreno, Greg Lozano. 2nd Top Grosser of the 8th Manila Film Festival – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 10(B) + 7(C) +0.08(D) = 24.08(T)
Directed by Wenn V. Deramas, starring: Sandara Park, Pokwang, Eugene Domingo, Nikki Valdez, Candy Pangilinan, Joseph Bitangcol. Box office hit of 2006. A Vilma Santos tribute film – MORE INFO
RECAP:
40. Batya’t Palu-Palo 1974
39. Hindi Nakakahiya 1976
38. Nakakahiya? 1975
37. Bato sa Buhangin 1976
36. Ikaw Lang 1993
35. Miss X 1980
34. Kapag Langit Ang Humatol 1990
33. Sister Stella L. 1984
32. Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe 1973
31. D’ Lucky Ones 2006
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
40. Batya’t Palu-Palo 1974
39. Hindi Nakakahiya 1976
38. Nakakahiya? 1975
37. Bato sa Buhangin 1976
36. Ikaw Lang 1993
35. Miss X 1980
34. Kapag Langit Ang Humatol 1990
33. Sister Stella L. 1984
32. Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe 1973
31. D’ Lucky Ones 2006
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE