Top 10 must-watch Filipino American films

Filipino American films have played a significant role in the movie landscape, showcasing the diversity and richness of Filipino American culture with universal themes.

From lively comedies to heartfelt dramas, these films have left an impression on both audiences and critics. In this article, we’ll share with you a list of the must-watch most iconic Filipino American movies.

These cinematic gems feature the diverse experiences and stories of Fil-Ams and shed light on their struggles and triumphs.

Top 10 Filipino American films

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s Filipino American film: Way Back Home (1931)

A Hollywood classic produced in 1931 that features Filipino actors is a treasure in Filipino American cinema. The story revolves around a Filipino returning to his country to find his father’s murderer and avenges his death. It featured actors Ramon Zamora and Romy Nario.

The Debut (2000)

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This film has a coming-of-age theme about Ben, a Fil-Am teenager. He wants to go to an art school, but his father dreams for him to become a doctor.

It explores the stories of family expectations, cultural identity and the trials to pursue one’s dreams. Gene Cajayon directed the movie, which stars Tirso Cruz III, Dante Basco and Gina Alajar.

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The Debut is culturally important as it is one of the first Filipino American films created. In addition, it highlights the Filipino American experience in an authentic and nuanced manner.

American Adobo (2001)

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Laurice Guillen, the esteemed director behind some of the greatest Filipino films, directed this romantic comedy film. The story revolves around five Fil-Am friends residing in New York City as they go through friendships and love while trying to adapt to their new life in the US.

It features famous actors like Cherry Pie Picache, Christopher de Leon, Traci Ann Wolfe, Ricky Davao, Dina Bonnie, Paolo Montalban, Sandy Andolong and Randy Becker. The film is notable for its humorous and heartfelt portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of Filipinos in America.

Cavite (2005)

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Two Fil-Am filmmakers, Neill Dela Llana and Ian Gamazon, directed this low-budget indie film. The story of this thriller follows Adam, a Fil-Am living in the US.

He receives a call from his mom telling him someone has kidnapped his dad, who’s in the Philippines. The kidnappers want Adam to perform terrorist acts in exchange for his dad’s release.

One of the best Filipino American films, its cultural significance shows in its exploration of the impact of poverty and political instability in the Philippines and the complexities of Fil-Am identities. While the film has no star-studded casting, the directors are major contributors to the Filipino American indie scene.

Harana (2012)

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This documentary film by director Benito Bautista tells the story of classical guitarist Florante Aguilar. He rediscovered the traditional Filipino way of serenading, “harana.”

He returned to the Philippines after 12 years due to his father’s death. It highlights the rich history and importance of “harana.” The film also focuses on the beauty of Filipino culture and its impact on music and art.

The cast includes Florante Aguilar, Romeo Bergunio and Celestino Aniel.

Yellow Rose (2019)

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An American-Filipino film that Diana Paragas directed features a musical drama about immigrants. The story follows Rose Garcia, an undocumented Filipina in Texas who dreams of being a country music singer.

When she faced deportation, she struggled to decide between staying with her family or pursuing her dreams. The movie’s cultural importance is evident in its portrayal of the Filipino American experience highlighting immigration, identity and music intervention.

While there are various American movies with Filipino actors, this Filipino American movie that appeared on Netflix features notable actors including Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan and Eva Noblezada. 

Lingua Franca (2019)

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Filipino American filmmaker Isabel Sandoval wrote, directed and stars in this movie. The story is about Olivia, an undocumented trans-Filipina who is a caregiver to an old Russian woman in Brooklyn, New York.

The plot explores immigration, acceptance and identity. It revolves around Olivia’s relationships while trying to secure her legal citizenship in the US.

The Fabulous Filipino Brothers  (2021)

Screencap from IMDb.com

This 2021 Fil-Am comedy-drama is directed by Filipino American actor Dante Basco, notable for his role as Rufio in the 1991 classic “Hook” and the voice behind Zuko in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Exploring the lively world of a Fil-Am family in Pittsburgh, California, as they prepare for a wedding, this Filipino American film with four vignettes takes you on a journey from Northern California to the Philippines — featuring everything Pinoy from cockfights, food, romance and family.

Alongside Dante Basco and his brothers in real life, its stellar casting features Fil-Am star Liza Lapira and Filipino movie stars Tirso Cruz III, Solenn Heusaff and more.

Easter Sunday (2022)

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This Filipino American comedy film directed by Jay Chandrasekhar stars Fil-Am sensation Jo Koy playing the role of a struggling actor, single dad and comedian. He navigates the chaos of his loud and dysfunctional family in an Easter Sunday gathering.

Filipino family gatherings even overseas don’t just revolve around adobo or lumpia – they’re also packed with some family drama. This film delves into the complexities and the tight-knit nature of Filipino family life. It shows how a simple karaoke session can either bring everyone closer or tear them apart.

Jo Koy was joined by other notable stars including Eugene Cordero, Brandon Wardell, Tia Carrere, Asif Ali, Lydia Gaston, Jimmy O. Yang and Lou Diamond Phillips.

Get Your Story Straight (2024)

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Featuring an all-Filipino American cast including Princess Punzalan,  this new Filipino American movie is directed by Myra Aquino, whose award-winning movie “Beauty Queen” captivated audiences at various film festivals.

Premiering at the prestigious 28th LA Shorts International Film Festival, this 2024 Filipino American film skillfully weaves the nuances of Filipino cultural elements as the story follows the unexpected reunion of four Fil-Am siblings —  Janet, Jane, Jason and James — when Janet was suddenly accused of killing her girlfriend.