12 Entertaining Argentinian Movies to Watch on Netflix in 2021
The drama-drenched, witty selection of Argentinian movies on Netflix is sure to keep you entertained any day of the week.
If you’re traveling anywhere in Latin America, you want to check out these Argentinian movies (which unfortunately aren’t available in the U.S.).
Argentinian cinema is one of the most influential film industries in Latin America. Empowered by its embrace of national culture and identity, it has a unique way of infusing dramatic undertones of its complicated history into its wide array of films.
At the turn of the century, Argentine cinema emerged with a new poetic and elegant style marked by immediacy that starkly contrasted its older, more sober film directors such as Pino Solanas and Luis Puenzo.
Since then, Argentinian movies have gained recognition on Netflix and other platforms. The eclectic Argentinian culture is worth paying attention to. Seeing their stories up close helps us understand more about humanity at large and Argentina specifically.
12 Entertaining Argentinian Movies to Watch on Netflix in 2021
Here are the top 12 Argentinian movies on Netflix with everything from comedies to dramas to documentaries and unique TV series.
PRO TIP! Read this post on learning Spanish by watching TV to make your movie nights both educational and entertaining!
1. Todo Sobre El Asado (All About the Barbecue) – 2016
Director: Mariano Cohn/Gastón Duprat
Genre: Documentary
Rated: G
Popularity: 6.5/10 IMDb, 33% Rotten Tomatoes
Just as the title says, this story is all about the famous asados (barbeques) in Argentina. It’s a heartwarming homage to the food culture of Argentina.
This documentary film discusses the history of asados and why people from all over the world go to Argentina to try them. It’s one of the best Argentinian movies on Netflix, and if you’re a meat lover, it’s ideal for you.
2. Nieve Negra (Black Snow) – 2017
Director: Martin Hodara
Genre: Dramatic thriller
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 6.2/10 IMDb, 63% Rotten Tomatoes
Can you keep a secret? This movie is about a teenage boy who was accused of killing his younger brother in a tragic hunting accident. The viewer doesn’t know if it was an accident or not, and the movie keeps you guessing.
The teenage boy is now a reclusive man. The film shifts back and forth and as the past is confronted, events get dark and intense. This is not only a dramatic thriller but also one of the best Argentinian movies on Netflix.
3. El Ciudadano Ilustre (The Distinguished Citizen) – 2016
Director: Mariano Cohn/Gastón Duprat
Genre: Comedy
Rated: G
Popularity: 7.5/10 IMDb, 100% Rotten Tomatoes
When it comes to good Argentinian movies, this one takes the cake. It’s a moving comedy about a famous Nobel Prize-winning author who returns to his hometown in Argentina after living for many years in Spain. This film will have you hooked in no time!
It’s all about expecting the unexpected. The characters are based on real people, and it’s far from a cookie-cutter film. Argentinian comedies like this one are fantastic because Argentineans have an amazing sense of humor and don’t take themselves too seriously.
4. Mi Obra Maestra (My Masterpiece) – 2018
Director: Gastón Duprat
Genre: Comedic drama
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 7.1/10 IMDb, 86% Rotten Tomatoes
Arturo is a successful art gallery owner and Renzo is a talented yet decadent painter who happens to be his best friend. One day, Arturo comes up with a crazy plan to find a solution to their problems. They soon realize it is crazier and riskier than they thought.
The most beautiful part of the movie is their friendship and how much the two men love each other despite how different they are. Seeing how they face life together makes you cherish your special friendships. Mi Obra Maestra starring Guillermo Francella and Luis Brandoni is a heartfelt movie to enjoy with loved ones.
5. Wakolda (The German Doctor) – 2013
Director: Lucía Puenzo
Genre: Historical drama
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 6.7/10 IMDb, 75% Rotten Tomatoes
This film is based on real-life events and the experiments of Josef Mengele and Lucía Puenzo. In the majestic and icy landscapes of Patagonia, a story of horror, racial superiority, and historical drama is woven.
Wakolda is an Oscar-worthy film that’s intense, dramatic, and unexpected. The performers do a superb job, so it’s easy to get wrapped up in this mystical film.
6. La Historia Oficial (The Official Story) – 1985
Director: Luis Puenzo
Genre: Historical drama
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 7.8/10 IMDb, 100% Rotten Tomatoes
This is an older film but a classic for many. It’s a historical drama set in 1983, just as the military dictatorship in Argentina is coming to an end.
La Historia Oficial won an Oscar for best foreign film. It focuses on an upper-class couple in Buenos Aires and their illegally adopted child. The story unfolds as the mother begins to suspect that her child is the daughter of a couple who disappeared during the dictatorship.
If you’re looking to learn more on Argentina’s dark history, watch this chilling film about the state-sponsored terrorism that resulted in the killing and disappearances of thousands of innocent citizens. (You can also learn more about these historic events in the English-original movie The Two Popes on Netflix.)
7. Corazón Loco (So Much Love to Give) – 2020
Director: Marcos Carnevale
Genre: Comedy
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 5.2/10 IMDb
Corazón Loco is ideal if you’re looking for something lighter to watch. It follows Fernando Ferro, a prestigious traumatologist who seems to be a happy-go-lucky guy.
He appears to have a perfect life, until it’s revealed that he secretly has two families. From Monday to Thursday, his wife is Paula. And from Friday to Sunday, it’s Vera.
The movie is set in Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires. He has two cars, two wives, and he loves both of his lives deeply. When they find out about his double life, the comedic story unfolds.
8. El faro de las orcas (The Lighthouse of the Orcas) – 2019
Director: Gerardo Olivares
Genre: Romance, drama
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 6.8/10IMDb 66%, Rotten Tomatoes
The Lighthouse of the Orcas is a beautiful Argentinian film based on a real person, Roberto “Beto” Bubas, a park ranger in Patagonia. The story takes place along the beautiful coastline of Patagonia with whales, sea lions, and other ocean creatures.
Beto works at the lighthouse and is an avid whale watcher who loves to play with the whales. He uses his harmonica or slaps the water with his palms to call them.
Lola and her autistic son Tristán find Beto’s videos on YouTube. In hopes of helping her child, they travel to Patagonia to see the whales in this heartfelt story for the whole family.
9. Metegol (Underdogs) – 2013
Director: Juan José Campanella
Genre: Family animation
Rated: G
Popularity: 6.5/10 IMDb
Soccer—or fútbol in Spanish—is a huge part of Argentinian culture.
Metegol is an enchanting animated feature that follows Amadeo and his beloved foosball table whose figurines come to life. This movie is great to watch with the whole family. It’s a poignant reminder of how important it is to believe in your dreams.
In the movie, the goal is to defeat a bully who is determined to destroy Amadeo and his friends. This fast-paced, humorous story of sportsmanship and trust is enjoyable for everyone!
10. El cuaderno de Tomy (Notes for My Son) – 2020
Director: Juan José Campanella
Genre: Drama
Rated: PG-13
Popularity: 80% Rotten Tomatoes, 6.3/10IMDb
After a long fight against cancer, Maria Vasquez is told by her doctor that her cancer is terminal. Instead of falling into despair, she requests a pad so that she can write notes to her 4-year-old son.
Maria also keeps a journal to leave for her son so that he can get to know her after she’s gone. Although this sounds like a sad story, it’s actually super heartfelt and sweet. Through her upbeat recollections and her inspiring view, Maria brings light to her whole family by teaching them about life. Her bright outlook on life makes for a poignant story.
Don’t Just Watch—Practice Speaking Spanish, Too!
Watching Argentinian movies on Netflix is an excellent way to practice your Spanish skills. If you aren’t currently living in a Spanish-speaking country, watching movies in Spanish is a key way to create an immersive experience at home.
Knowing Spanish is useful within the U.S., too! The United States is home to approximately 53 million people who speak Spanish. In fact, it’s the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world with 41 million native Spanish speakers and counting. Sign up for a free trial class and start speaking Spanish today!
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