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: 7(A) + 10(B) + 10(C) + 0.6(D) = 27.6(T)
Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, Elwood Perez and Joey Gosiengfiao, co-starring: Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Liza Lorena, Marissa Delgado, Angie Ferro, Mary Walter, Adul de Leon, Chanda Romero, Eddie Garcia, Ernie Garcia, Dick Israel, Ruel Vernal, Angelito, Cloyd Robinson. Based on the novel of Mars Ravelo. Top Record-Breaking Box-office Film of 1973. The first of four Darna films starring Vilma Santos. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 7(B) + 10(C) + 0.7(D) = 27.7(T)
Directed by Ishmael Bernal, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Tessie Tomas, Harlene Bautista, Orestes Ojeda, Lito Pimentel, Richard Arellano, Cesar Montano, Len Santos, Ray Ventura. Vilma received her second Gawad Urian Best Actress and a FAMAS nomination for best actress. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 7(B) + 10(C) + 0.8(D) = 27.8(T)
Directed by Ishmael Bernal, co-starring: Gabby Concepcion, Eric Quizon, Billy Crawford, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Olivia Cenizal, Tita Muñoz, Dexter Doria, Vicky Suba, Gina Perez, Alma Lerma, Becky Misa, Gil de Leon, Subas Herrero, Cris Vertido, Toby Alejar. Written by Jose Javier Reyes. Vilma Santos received her first best actress from the PMPC Star Awards as well as the Gawad Urian. She also received nomination from FAP. – MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 7(B) + 10(C) + 0.9(D) = 27.9(T)
Directed by Ishmael Bernal, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Jimi Melendez, Lucy Quinto, Beth Mondragon, Olive Madridejos, Ernie Zarate, Manny Castañeda, Bing Fabregas, Augusto Victa. The very first “Grand Slam” for Best Actress in Philippine. Vilma won all the Philippines’ best actress awards of 1982. She received recognitions from Gawad URIAN, FAP, CMMA, FAMAS. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 10(B) + 8(C) + 0.5(D) = 28.5(T)
Directed by Lino Brocka, co-starring: Phillip Salvador, Mat Ranillo III. Vilma received a nominationf for best performer in the 1978 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film was the top revenue grosser. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 8(B) + 10(C) + 0.6(D) = 28.6(T)
Directed by Ishmael Bernal, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Nora Aunor, Ellen Esguerra, Odette Khan, Charmie Benavidez, Sandy Andolong, Nick Romano, Zandro Zamora, Ernie Zarate, Cris Vertido, Anton Juan. Vilma received a Gawad URIAN Nomination for Best Actress. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 8(B) + 10(C) + 0.7(D) = 28.7(T)
Directed by Laurice Guillen, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Charito Solis, Jackie Aquino, Maila Gumila, Mia Gutierrez, Eula Valdez, Noni Buencamino, Gil Portes. Vilma Santos won the Film Academy of the Philippines’ Best Actress. She also won Gawad Urian, PMPC STAR, Metro Manila Film Festival and FAMAS Circle of Excellence. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 8(B) + 10(C) + 0.8(D) = 28.8(T)
Directed by Chito S. Roño, co-starring: Christopher De Leon, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin, Carlos Agassi, Danilo Barrios, Kris Aquino, Ana Capri, Dimples Romana, Marianne de la Riva, Tirso Cruz III, Orestes Ojeda, John Wayne Sace. Written by Lualhati Bautista. Vilma Santos won the 2003 Cinemanila International Film Festival Best Actress. She also won the best actress from FAP, Gawad URIAN, PMPC Star and YCC Best Performer. The film was the Philippines’ official entry at the 76th Academy Awards best foreign language film. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 8(B)+ 10(C) + 0.9(D) = 28.9(T) Directed by Chito S. Roño, co-starring: Albert Martinez, Carlo Aquino, Raymond Bagatsing, Ariel Rivera, Serena Dalrymple, Angel Aquino, Cherry Pie Picache, Rosemarie Gil, Dexter Doria. Written by Lualhati Bautista. Vilma won the 1999 Brussels International Festival of Independent Films Best Actress. She also won the best actress from FAP, Gawad Urian, PMPC Star and the Young Critics Circle Best Performer. - MORE INFO
SCORE: 10(A) + 10(B) + 10(C) + 0.9(D) = 30.9(T)
Directed by Celso Ad. Castillo, co-starring: Rolly Quizon, Leopoldo Salcedo, Rosemarie Gil, Dexter Doria, Yolanda Luna, Rio Locsin, Roldan Aquino, Chito Ponce Enrile, Joonee Gamboa. Vilma Santos won the 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress. She also received best actress nominations from FAMAS and Gawad Urian. The film was the Festival’s top box office grosser. - MORE INFO
RECAP:
10. Lipad, Darna, Lipad 1973
9. Broken Marriage 1983
8. Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga 1989
7. Relasyon 1982
6. Rubia Servios 1978
5. Ikaw ay Akin 1978
4. Dahil Mahal Kita, The Dolzura Cortez Story 1993
3. Dekada’70 2002
2. Bata, Bata…Paano Ka Ginawa? 1998
1. Burlesk Queen 1977
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
10. Lipad, Darna, Lipad 1973
9. Broken Marriage 1983
8. Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga 1989
7. Relasyon 1982
6. Rubia Servios 1978
5. Ikaw ay Akin 1978
4. Dahil Mahal Kita, The Dolzura Cortez Story 1993
3. Dekada’70 2002
2. Bata, Bata…Paano Ka Ginawa? 1998
1. Burlesk Queen 1977
…for the complete list, CLICK HERE
