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) + 8(B) + 6(C) + 0.4(D) = 20.4(T)
Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, co-starring: Snooky Serna, Maricel Soriano, Liza Lorena, Chanda Romero, Deborah SunGabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez, Eddie Garcia, Jimi Melendez – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 8(B) + 6(C) + 0.5(D) = 20.5(T)
Directed by Lauro Pacheco, starring: Lolita Rodriguez, Eddie Rodriguez, Marlene Dauden with Vilma Valera. Film adaptation of Aning Bagabaldo’s radio drama broadcasted on DZRH. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 8(B) + 5(C) + 0.6(D) = 20.6(T)
Directed by Mar S. Torres, co-staring: Gloria Romero, Rita Gomez, Mario Montenegro, Eddie Garcia – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 8(B) + 6(C) + 0.7(D) = 20.7(T)
Directed by Cirio H. Santiago, co-starring: Carol Varga, Olivia Cenizal, Jose Padilla jr, Ramon D’Salva. Written by Mars Ravelo. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 8(B) + 7(C) + 0.8(D) = 20.8(T)
Directed by Fely H. Crisostomo, co-starring: Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Patria Plata, Edgar Mortiz, Eddie Garcia, Jay Ilagan, Romy Mallari, Joseph Sytangco. Entry to the 1975 MMFF. Film was written by Nerissa Cabral. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 7(A) + 7(B) + 6(C) + 0.9(D) = 20.9(T)
Directed by Jose Javier Reyes, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Aga Muhlach with Cherrie Pie Picache, Amy Perez, Jao Mapa, Orestes Ojeda. Vilma received a best actress nomination from PMPC’s 1994 Star. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 10(B) + 6(C) + 0.04(D) = 21.04(T)
Directed by Joey Gosiengfiao, co-starring: Rita Gomez, Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Romeo Rivera, Ernie Garcia – MORE INFO
SCORE: 5(A) + 10(B) + 6(C) + 0.05(D) = 21.05(T)
Directed by Pablo Santiago, co-starring: Anita Linda, Jun Aristorenas, Max Alvarado, Lito Legaspi, German Moreno, Martin Marfil – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 10(B) + 5(C) + 0.06(D) = 21.06(T)
Directed by Tito C. Sanchez, co-starring: Alona Alegre, Marissa Delgado, Daria Ramirez, Lucita Soriano, George Estregan, Nick Romano, Rudy Fernandez, Arnold Mendoza – MORE INFO
SCORE: 6(A) + 10(B) + 5(C) + 0.07(D) = 21.07(T)
Directed by Tito C. Sanchez, co-starring: Edna Diaz, Lito Anzures, Rudy Fernandez, Greg Lozano – MORE INFO
RECAP:
70. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 1986
69. Kay Tagal ng Umaga 1965
68. Anak, ang Iyong Ina 1963
67. Ging 1964
66. Karugtong ang Kahapon 1975
65. Nag-iisang Bituin 1994
64. Takbo, Vilma, Dali 1972
63. Vilma Viente Nueve 1975
62. Ibong Lukaret 1975
61. Bertang Kerengkeng 1976
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
70. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 1986
69. Kay Tagal ng Umaga 1965
68. Anak, ang Iyong Ina 1963
67. Ging 1964
66. Karugtong ang Kahapon 1975
65. Nag-iisang Bituin 1994
64. Takbo, Vilma, Dali 1972
63. Vilma Viente Nueve 1975
62. Ibong Lukaret 1975
61. Bertang Kerengkeng 1976
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
