The year 2024 has been a remarkable time for Filipino cinema. We’ve seen an exciting mix of genres, from heartwarming love stories to deep social commentaries. And while the box office may be bustling with Hollywood blockbusters, our local filmmakers have produced films that are truly worth watching. Here’s a rundown of the top 5 Filipino movies of 2024 so far. Grab your popcorn, this is going to be fun!
1. That Kind of Love (Dir. Cathy Camarillo)
Let’s kick things off with the movie that melted more hearts than a Manila summer—That Kind of Love. Imagine a love coach and a conceited executive, two of the most unlikely people to fall in love, right? But it happened, and it happened beautifully. Starring David Licauco and Barbie Forteza, this film doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it yanks them like it’s trying to win a game of tug-of-war.
The chemistry between the leads? Absolutely electric. Watching them is like witnessing a classic kilig scene unfold in real time, but with a lot more banter and sass. Forteza’s character, the love coach, is all about finding love for others, while Licauco’s executive is the last person you’d want at your dinner party—unless you’re looking for unsolicited advice on how to run your life. Despite this, their growing connection is the movie’s heartbeat. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and has enough swoon-worthy moments to make you believe in love all over again.
Final Verdict: Watch it. Cry. Laugh. Then text your ex—I mean, your mom.
2. When the World Met Miss Probinsyana (Dir. Jenny Pearl B. Ninalga)
This film is for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, and it does so with flair. Marge (Rhian Ramos) is the quintessential probinsyana who doesn’t just break glass ceilings—she shatters them into a million pieces. Set in the competitive world of the BPO industry, this film celebrates female empowerment in ways that feel fresh and, at times, deeply personal.
It’s not just a movie about a woman proving herself in a male-dominated industry; it’s about lifting others up, confronting societal expectations, and finding purpose in helping your community. Rhian Ramos gives a performance that’s as fierce as her character’s ambition, and Sid Lucero provides the perfect foil as her more practical but equally supportive partner, Wil. There are parts where you’ll laugh, parts where you’ll cry, and parts where you’ll want to start your own BPO just to show the world what’s up.
Final Verdict: Empowering, emotional, and unexpectedly funny. You’ll leave the cinema wanting to call your boss and ask for a raise.
3. Chances Are You and I (Dir. Cathy Camarillo)
Imagine you’re battling a life-threatening illness, but instead of wallowing in despair, you decide to go skydiving and live life on the edge. That’s Sol Sikat (Kelvin Miranda) in Chances Are You and I. Paired with the bubbly optimist Gabi Sinag (Kira Balinger), this film explores how two people with completely opposite views on death and life can find common ground in their friendship—and eventually, something more.
Now, don’t let the heavy subject matter fool you. This movie isn’t just about tumors and existential dread—it’s also about love, joy, and seizing the day. The chemistry between the leads feels authentic, and their journey together is touching without being melodramatic. You’ll probably cry, but it’ll be the good kind of cry, where you feel better afterward. You might even book a skydiving session after watching it. Or, if you’re more like me, you’ll just take a long nap.
Final Verdict: A heartwarming reminder that life is short, so you might as well fall in love—and maybe wear a helmet while you’re at it.
4. Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang (Dir. Gino M. Santos)
This movie is the “long-distance relationship struggles on steroids” story that most of us didn’t know we needed. Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo play a couple dealing with the typical (and not-so-typical) hurdles of post-college life. She’s from Alabang, he’s from QC, and it turns out the physical distance isn’t the only thing that grows between them.
While the title makes you think this is going to be a rom-com romp through the woes of modern relationships, it actually tackles some pretty serious issues—emotional distance, career pressures, and miscommunication. Spoiler alert: It’s not always a happy ending. It’s raw, real, and will have you thinking about your own love life (or lack thereof). Plus, there’s enough humor sprinkled throughout to keep you entertained between the heavier moments.
Final Verdict: Not a rom-com, but definitely a “real-life comedy of errors.” Watch it if you’re ready to confront your commitment issues.
5. Elevator (Dir. Philip King)
Okay, hear me out. A movie set almost entirely in an elevator doesn’t exactly scream “must-watch,” right? But Elevator proves that you don’t need elaborate sets to tell a compelling story. Paulo Avelino plays Jared, an elevator boy who falls in love with a VIP’s girlfriend (Kylie Verzosa), and the tension between ambition and love plays out in—you guessed it—an elevator.
It’s romantic, yes, but it’s also a story of a migrant worker chasing his dreams while falling for someone completely out of his league. The confined setting mirrors the claustrophobia of their situation, and there are moments where you feel like you’re right there with them—awkward elevator silences and all. Avelino brings charm to a role that could easily have been forgettable, and the film’s message about chasing your dreams (even when you’re stuck in an elevator) is one we can all relate to.
Final Verdict: Surprisingly good. You’ll never look at elevators the same way again.
The Final Word
2024 has been a fantastic year for Filipino cinema, with films that don’t just entertain but also challenge us to think, feel, and—sometimes—laugh through our tears. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming love stories, intense emotional dramas, or something a little in between, there’s something for everyone in this year’s top five films. So go ahead, take your pick, and let the magic of Filipino storytelling sweep you off your feet.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring tissues. You’ll probably need them.
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