Rediscover Cinema Classics with These 5 Filipino Thriller Movies

It is no secret that Filipinos have a strong affection for movies, especially the classics. However, these movies are usually played only on television during special holidays or on local movie channels. But watching television is really not ideal anymore, as everyone prefers accessibility and control over their time.

Now, digital film streaming apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and even YouTube are available. Classic movies are slowly making their way onto these platforms. Let’s take a look back at some of the iconic and era-defining thriller-horror movies for the Philippine film industry.

Sa Aking Mga Kamay (1996)

This psychological thriller drama film follows the story of an NBI investigator solving a serial killing case. The serial killer preys on married women and kills them after making love with them. Dubbed as “The Cattleya Killer,” he leaves cattleya flowers on his victims’ dead bodies. When he learned about being tracked down by the NBI, the killer then went on the investigator’s wife as his next victim.

This film stars Christopher de Leon, Aga Muhlach, and Chin Chin Gutierrez.

Dekada ‘70 (2002)

This movie is adapted from a political novel of the same name that features the story of the Bartolome family during the Martial Law era. The film also touches on the idea of feminism through Amanda’s life as a mother to five young men—as well as her social awakening as a citizen of the country.

This film stars Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon as parents. While Piolo Pascual, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, and John Wayne Sace played as their sons.

Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Gusto Mo (1999)

This movie is about the unmasking of the suspect in the murder of five students in a small town. The lone survivor—too traumatized to recall anything—is the only witness they have.

This film stars Eric Quizon, Carmina Villaroel, Bobby Andrews, Onemig Bondoc, Gladys Reyes, Red Sternberg, and Rufa Mae Quinto.

Action movies to watch that are under 90 minutes!

Kisapmata (1981)

Inspired by the crime reportage “The House on Zapote Street,” a daughter told her retired policeman father that she was pregnant and wanted to marry her co-worker. Though the father agreed, he wanted her daughter and her husband to stay in his care. For the most part, the father exudes violence and fear over the household. To the husband’s annoyance, he wanted to move out, bringing them to the end of their lives.

This movie stars Vic Silayan, Charito Solis, Charo Santos, and Jay Ilagan.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll Movie Series (1984–2023)

This Filipino horror anthology series is the longest-running film series in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, with 16 installments.

With a variety of themes, this film series depicts different Philippine mythical creatures, urban legends, ghosts, cults, superstitions, and even local pop culture throughout the years.