Even the best Argentinian movies aren’t known internationally, but they are very good and entertaining.
If you are curious to learn more about the country’s history, culture, and way of life or simply want to immerse yourself in the beautiful language or admire the incredible landscapes Argentina has to offer from the comfort of your couch, you should definitely watch a few.
Additionally, these movies can help get you prepared for your travels across Argentina, and are the perfect way to prepare and get excited!
I must say that I love Argentine movies. I think it is because I love the country through and through—though I admit I find the accent absolutely charming and addictive to listen to, which is what prompts me to watch them!
Any time I am traveling across Argentina or even when I am on a long-haul flight and have the chance to pick movies by location on the entertainment system, I end up picking an Argentine movie.
Yet the question remains—which famous Argentinian movies should you watch? This is where I can help! I have watched a good share and decided to pick some of them to tease your curiosity.
All these movies have plots that take place in Argentina and incredible settings. Some are romantic comedies, some darker movies, all of them will entertain you and make you dream of all the amazing places in Argentina.
Continue reading to find out the top Argentinian movies you should watch—in order of date of release.
The Best Argentinian Movies
La Historia Oficial – The Official Story (1985)
Director: Luis Puenzo ❘ Genre: War/Thriller ❘ Length: 1h 52m
This is one of the best Argentinian movies to watch if you want to learn more about the sad history of the Argentinian dictatorship. Released in 1985, the story is set in 1983, at the time when the dictatorship was ending—so memories were still rather fresh when it was being filmed.
The movie will tell you the story of the kidnappings, tortures, and enforced disappearances of political dissidents, which culminated in the kidnapping of their children who were illegally given for adoption to upper-class families.
The main characters are Alicia, a high school teacher, and Roberto, a lawyer. They have adopted a girl who—prompted by a school friend—begins to question them about her adoption. Alicia thus begins to question the official story and seeks the truth.
The movie won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1986.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? It represents an essential piece of Argentinian history and life that allows you to appreciate the country’s past at a deeper level when planning your Argentina itinerary.
Esperando La Carroza – Waiting For The Hearse (1985)
Director: Alejandro Doria ❘ Genre: Comedy/Drama ❘ Length: 1h 36m
This is one of the classic Argentinian movies, a comedy that tells the story of elderly Mama Cora and her four children. The family meets to discuss who’s to take care of the mother in their last days, and who her heir will be.
As an Italian, nothing in this movie is a novelty to me—and in fact, Italian cinematography has its fair share of similar stories. But if you are not accustomed to this, it will be an interesting watch—if you can somehow mute the yelling!
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This film offers an incredibly entertaining glimpse into Argentinian households (and their humor). While it’s an older film, it still accurately reflects many Argentinian characteristics.
Pizza, birra, faso – Pizza, Beer and Cigarettes (1998)
Director: Adrián Caetano and Bruno Stagnaro ❘ Genre: Crime/Drama ❘ Length: 1h 32m
This movie, released in 1998 after several years during which Argentine cinematography seemed to be missing its spark, tells the story of a violent night in a Buenos Aires suburb. The characters are all impoverished teenagers who have left home, squat together, and commit petty crimes to make ends meet.
Eventually, pregnant Sandra starts questioning this lifestyle and the future she can offer her child and thus demands her boyfriend, El Cordobes, live a more straight life. But things don’t quite go as Sandra hoped.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This film explores themes of poverty, crime, and survival. It’s an incredibly raw film, that might show you the underside of Argentina (and Buenos Aires) that you might not see otherwise.
Nueve Reinas – Nine Queens (2000)
Director: Fabián Bielinsky ❘ Genre: Crime/Thriller ❘ Length: 1h 55m
This award-winning movie (here is the complete list of awards won) was such a success that it is thought to be one of the best Argentinian movies.
It tells the story of Juan, a beginner con artist who is trying to raise money to help his father get out of prison. Things in his “career” change when he meets Marcos, a more expert con artist, who invites him to join forces.
Their biggest swindle—selling a counterfeit collection of the “nine queens,” the nine stamps of the Weimar Republic that have a value of half a million dollars—may finally put an end to their financial issues, but it’s a less-than-easy task.
The movie will take you to a part of Buenos Aires you likely ignore and teach you about scams tourists often fall for. Acclaimed Argentine Actor Ricardo Darin is majestic.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? Like the previous film, this one also offers a glimpse into Buenos Aires’ underworld and the art of deception. It can help enhance your appreciation for the complexities of Argentine society.
El hijo de la novia – Son of the Bride (2001)
Director: Juan José Campanella ❘ Genre: Comedy/Drama ❘ Length: 2h 03m
After a heart attack that almost kills him, restaurant owner Rafael Belvedere—played by Argentina’s favorite actor Ricardo Darin—reevaluates his life.
He makes important decisions about his career (should he sell the restaurant that has been in the family for decades), friendship—or the lack of it, love (Rafael asks his younger girlfriend to give him more space), family relationships (his father wants to have remarried his Alzheimer’ s-suffering mother with a Catholic ritual), and eventually re-establishing his priorities.
This is one of the most touching Argentine movies you will see—a lovely comedy that even received an Academy Award nomination.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is another film set in Buenos Aires, and it does an excellent job of portraying familial ties and interpersonal relationships. It’s filmed all over the city, so it’s also a good starter city guide.
El Bonaerense (2002)
Director: Pablo Trapero ❘ Genre: Thriller/Drama ❘ Length: 1h 45m
This is one of the saddest Argentinian movies. It’s the story of Zapa, who lives with his family in the countryside. His boss forces him to commit a robbery. When he is jailed, his father—a retired cop—bails him out and then sends him to Buenos Aires, where he is forced to join the police force.
Zapa soon discovers the corruption that characterizes the police force in the capital.
It isn’t really a merry watch, but the dark humor and the great soundtrack make it worth watching.
The movie premiered at Cannes.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? It is yet another film that focuses on the nitty-gritty of Argentina that you likely won’t experience while traveling yourself. This one emphasizes the moral ambiguity within the Argentine police force. It might help you understand the social and political landscapes of early 2000s Buenos Aires.
Historias Mínimas – Intimate Stories (2002)
Director: Carlos Sorin ❘ Genre: Comedy/Drama ❘ Length: 1h 32m
Intimate Stories is a true hidden gem of Argentine movies. Not many people have seen this one, but it’s such a beautiful depiction of life in southern Argentina.
The movie is filmed in the Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia. It follows the story of three different people traveling across southern Patagonia for different reasons.
Don Justo, an elderly man, gives up his store to his children to travel to San Julián in search of his lost dog. Roberto is a traveling salesman heading to San Julián to bring one of his clients a birthday cake. María Flores is a lower-class woman heading to San Julián with her daughter to make an appearance on a popular game show.
Not only is the storyline interesting, but the movie has some incredible scenery and shots of Patagonia, Argentina.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is the perfect film for a glimpse into rural Argentina, specifically the Patagonia region. It has incredible landscapes and allows travelers to understand the isolation and lives of rural Argentina a little more.
Los Guantes Mágicos – The Magic Gloves (2003)
Director: Martín Rejtman ❘ Genre: Comedy/Drama ❘ Length: 1h 30m
The Magic Gloves is an entertaining glimpse into the economic situation of Argentina at the turn of the 20th century.
The film follows Alejandro, a Buenos Aires taxi driver, who stumbles upon a “get rich scheme” involving magic gloves from China. As he pursues this, his life takes a turn, and all sorts of funny things happen to him.
One of the most unique things about this film, and the reason it’s considered one of the best Argentinian movies, is the filming style, which is unlike any other from the time.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is another great film to understand the average life of those living in Buenos Aires. It explores themes of chance, coincidence, and the interconnectedness of people’s lives.
Diarios de Motocicleta – The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Director: Walter Salles ❘ Genre: Adventure/Documentary ❘ Length: 2h 06m
The Motorcycle Diaries is really a must-see for anyone traveling around Latin America. This epic biopic is based on the journey and memoir of Ernesto Guevara (who would later become known as the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara).
The movie is actually directed by a Brazilian director, Walter Salles, and written by a Puerto Rican playwright, José Rivera. But a large chunk of the film takes place in Argentina, as Che Guevara is Argentinian himself.
It’s a coming-of-age story and an epic adventure, but it also provides insight into the rural parts of Latin America (as well as the most famous places such as Machu Picchu) at the time and why this journey may have influenced Che Guevara’s future political positions.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This film can provide valuable insight into the landscape, culture, and people of the country (and other countries in South America). Also, if you’re planning on renting a car in Argentina and doing a big road trip, it’ll amp you up for that!
El Aura – The Aura (2005)
Director: Fabián Bielinsky ❘ Genre: Thriller/Noir ❘ Length: 2h 14m
If you like psycho-thrillers, this movie starring the usual suspect, Ricardo Darin, is for you. It tells the story of a taxidermist who is also epileptic and fantasizes about the perfect robbery to the point of obsession.
He believes police officers are too stupid to understand the tricks of the robbery and find the culprit and that other thieves won’t be able to do it—but he is because he has a photographic memory. After an accident during a hunting trip in Patagonia, events are such that things finally get in motion.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is another film that offers a suspenseful journey through the landscapes of Patagonia. While the plot itself is interesting, the scenery and the region’s stark beauty only enhance it. And it might give you a little (hopefully not suspenseful) inspiration for hiking around Patagonia.
La Suerte Está Echada (2005)
Director: Sebastián Borensztein ❘ Genre: Comedy/Drama ❘ Length: 1h 37m
Hardly an international hit, this Argentine movie is actually quite fun. It tells the story of two brothers and their lives in Buenos Aires. It’s a cool movie to watch to get a better understanding of the daily struggles of porteños (people living in Buenos Aires).
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is another great film that successfully portrays the vibrant energy and atmosphere of Buenos Aires. It also allows viewers a glimpse into the city’s cultural and social complexities.
Un Novio Para Mi Mujer – A Boyfriend For My Wife (2008)
Director: Juan Taratuto ❘ Genre: Comedy/Romance ❘ Length: 1h 47m
I have seen at least 3 versions of this movie—the first one I saw was the Chilean one; then I also saw the Italian one and—needless to say—the Argentine one.
The story is always the same: a man (in this case, Tenso) is tired of his bitter, complaining wife (Tana), yet he can’t seem to bring himself to tell her. Thus, he decides to hire a professional to seduce her so that she will break up with him instead.
Eventually, the courting makes Tana a happier woman, and the seducer and her new employer fall in love with her, all the while Tenso realizes he still loves her.
It is one of the funniest Argentinian movies, which will allow you to take a closer look into Argentine society—only to find out that what moves men and women is pretty much the same throughout the world.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is a really up-close-and-personal look into the personal relationships of people in Argentina. It’s funny, witty, and wildly entertaining, as well.
El Secreto de sus ojos – The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Director: Juan José Campanella ❘ Genre: Crime/Thriller ❘ Length: 2h 09m
There is no doubt that this is one of the must-watch Argentine movies—it is so good that it won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.
In case you are wondering, Ricardo Darin stars in it, playing the role of a retired legal counselor. Seeking closure for a 1970s murder case that was never fully solved (the murderer was linked to the dictatorship and got released), he starts writing a novel about it, which brings him back to thinking about his former colleague Irene, whom he secretly loved.
The movie will take you back to pre-dictatorship Argentina.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? You’ll find themes of love, justice, and redemption. You’ll also get. areally clear portrayal of Argentina’s judicial system and political climate of the time. It’s a nuanced perspective of Argentine society, but worth exploring.
El Hombre De Al Lado – The Man Next Door (2009)
Director: Gastón Duprat and Mariano Cohn ❘ Genre: Thriller/Comedy ❘ Length: 1h 50m
One of the coolest Argentinian movies released in 2009, El Hombre De Al Lado tells the story of Rafael and his family.
They live a pleasant life in a beautiful neighborhood in La Plata until their neighbor decides to place a window that directly overlooks their apartment. Needless to say, Rafael isn’t happy about it, and the two neighbors keep arguing.
The whole point of the movie is that you can easily identify with both the main characters and that this is really something that can happen to anyone. What’s also interesting—other than the story—is that the movie was filmed in a house built by Le Corbusier.
The movie won the award for cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? Many of the themes in this film are universal (think envy, desire, ambition), but they are viewed through the lens of Argentinian culture.
Carancho – The Vulture (2010)
Director: Pablo Trapero ❘ Genre: Thriller/Crime ❘ Length: 1h 47m
Ricardo Darin plays the leading role in this movie directed by Pablo Trapero. He is a lawyer who takes advantage of the victims of car accidents in Buenos Aires. Corrupt and having lost his license, he goes to the emergency room of a local hospital in search of clients.
That’s where he meets Doctor Lujan, played by Martina Gusman, who is as idealistic as he is a vulture. They end up falling in love, and he changes his ways for this—but his partners aren’t happy about it.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This storyline could drag you in, no matter where it’s filmed or where you’re from. But in this case, it is one of the most exciting looks into Argentina’s underworld, which can be fun to see on film (though don’t worry—you likely won’t see it during your travels).
Un Cuento Chino – Chinese Takeaway (2011)
Director: Sebastián Borensztein ❘ Genre: Comedy/Thriller ❘ Length: 1h 33m
Once again, this is a movie in which Ricardo Darin masters his leading role. This time, he plays the role of an owner of a hardware store who is evidently frustrated by the lack of morals in the world.
He is obsessive-compulsive to the point that he counts the number of screws in each box delivered to the store, and whenever he finds that one is missing compared to the number the box is meant to have, he files a complaint to the company.
In an attempt to prove how bad things are going in the world, he also collects articles about natural calamities and other events that could have been avoided if people were more disciplined.
His life eventually changes when a Chinese man is thrown out of a car right in front of him. He takes him—but he soon finds out they can’t really communicate. The end result is, as you can imagine, incredibly funny.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is one of the best Argentinian films that offer a glimpse into the immigrant experience in Buenos Aires. Considering the immigrant experience is so influential in the country, it’s a fun way to learn a little more about it.
Relatos Salvajes – Wild Tales (2014)
Director: Damián Szifron ❘ Genre: Comedy/Thriller ❘ Length: 2h 02m
Released in 2014 and presented at the Cannes Film Festival (it also received an Academy Award nomination), this is one of the best Argentine movies ever released, and the stellar cast—which includes Ricardo Darin—guarantees entertainment.
It is actually made up of six shorter films, each around a similar theme—how things can get out of control, how people do have a breaking point, and the violence that follows when that point is broken. Don’t be surprised if you bite your nails while watching—I am sure you will feel quite tense.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? Because it’s made up of six short films, you have six different perspectives and glimpses into Argentinian life and culture. Each one offers a completely different power dynamic, scenery setting, and landscapes.
El Clan – The Clan (2015)
Director: Pablo Trapero ❘ Genre: Crime/Thriller ❘ Length: 1h 48m
At times, real life is so crazy that you think it surpasses fantasy. And that very much is the case when you watch El Clan, one of the best Argentinian movies released in 2015.
The movie tells the story of the Puccio family and takes place in beautiful San Isidro, where they hide a number of people that are forcefully disappeared during the Dirty War and the military dictatorship of the 1970s.
It’s a dark movie and definitely not easy to watch, but if you have little to no knowledge of Argentina’s most recent history, you will want to watch it.
There is also a mini-series telling the same story, called “Historia De Un Clan,” which was released in 2015.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? Not only does it offer a small peak into Argentinian society, but it also delves deep into the human psyche. You can walk the streets of Buenos Aires and truly see the country’s complex history and enduring legacy of the recent past.
Finding Sofia (2015)
Director: Nico Casavecchia ❘ Genre: Comedy ❘ Length: 1h 52m
Hardly one of the most famous Argentine movies out there, this is the sweet story of Alex, a filmmaker from Brooklyn, who travels to Argentina, where he meets Sofia, whom he only knows virtually.
Sofia has a boyfriend, but she and Alex find themselves on one of the islands of El Tigre, and Alex has a chance to win her heart. It’s either that or go back home.
The movie is a joint Argentine and US effort. It’s an indie classic if you allow me that expression—the kind of “finding yourself” while traveling story that 30-somethings usually love. The movie is mostly in English, so it’s easier to follow in terms of language.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is one of the best Argentinian films for inspiration and love (not necessarily love for a person). It sets the perfect atmosphere to sit back and enjoy a glass of Malbec and prepare for your own exciting journey around Argentina.
El Invierno – The Winter (2016)
Director: Emiliano Torres ❘ Genre: Drama ❘ Length: 1h 35m
I watched this movie soon after it came out on a long-distance flight, and it made me long for Patagonia so much that soon after, I booked myself a flight. It’s the first movie of Emiliano Torres, and the story is sad, and you will find it often aggravating.
It’s the story of a man working on a cattle farm who is forced to retire in favor of a younger man. They face the harsh Patagonian winter and the many challenges and uncertainties that life brings.
You may find the movie slow—there are few actual dialogues. Yet, it’s been highly acclaimed, it’s received several prizes, and the setting is gorgeous, so I recommend watching it.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is one of the best Argentine films that captures the isolation and solitude of life in Patagonia, inviting viewers to enjoy the raw beauty of the natural landscapes here. It’ll definitely get you excited about Argentina’s national parks.
Empieza El Baile – Let The Dance Degin (2023)
Director: Marina Claypole ❘ Genre: Comedy/Musical ❘ Length: 1h 40m
This is one of the most recent Argentinian movies I have watched. I saw it during a recent long-haul flight and truly enjoyed it—and shed a tear or two, too (and laughed a lot)
The movie’s main characters are Carlos, a former tango dancer and now actor living in Spain, and Margarita, his former partner. When Carlos receives a call that Margarita has died, he rushes to Buenos Aires, where he finds Pichuquito, an old friend who takes him to a commemoration.
He soon finds out that Margarita never died and that they have a 40-year-old son that she abandoned after giving birth, and she wants to find him.
Soon, the three leave with an old van for a trip across the country to travel to Mendoza, where the son lives.
I won’t tell you more about the movie—a lot of things happen, and you won’t fail to be entertained.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is such an exciting movie overall. And if you’re planning to explore all the amazing wineries of Mendoza, Argentina, it’s the perfect precursor to get you excited for the trip.
Los Delincuentes – The Delinquents (2023)
Director: Rodrigo Moreno ❘ Genre: Comedy/Thriller ❘ Length: 3h 10m
The Delinquents is one of the most famous Argentine movies. Just released in 2023, it offers a more up-to-date glimpse into what life is like in Buenos Aires.
The movie is about Morán, a bank employee who schemes to steal enough money from the bank so he’ll never have to work again. He ropes in an accomplice, Román, and asks him to hold onto the money until he gets released from prison after confessing (and offers him half of what he stole).
The movie combines comedy with deeper thinking about life and chasing freedom. And it’s a great glimpse into the pressures of big city living in Argentina and the things people consider to achieve their dreams in today’s day and age.
Why should you watch it before traveling to Argentina? This is the most recently released movie on the list. Because of that, it’ll provide the most accurate depiction of life in Buenos Aires and the beautiful city backdrop.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts about Argentina:
- A Complete Guide To Puerto Madryn, Argentina
- Hiking Gear And More: The Perfect Patagonia Packing List
- A Complete Guide To El Calafate Argentina
- A Complete Guide To Perito Moreno Glacier
- A Complete Guide To Hiking To Laguna Torre
- A Guide To Hiking Around Fitz Roy, In El Chalten
- Everything You Need To Know About Ushuaia Patagonia
- A Complete Guide To Hiking Laguna Esmeralda
- A Complete Guide To Salta Argentina
- 10 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
- 25 Delicious Argentina Food To Try
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