Oi, amigos! What’s up? Did you watch the Brazilian movie Central Station? Any movie about Favelas? Are you the Brazilian love movies kind? Our Dica today will list the best Brazilian movies for you to watch and to learn Portuguese while having fun!
So, grab some popcorn and take a look at what we have prepared for you!
And if you’re watching these movies on streaming (especially Netflix), you might like our guide on Netflix Brazil — how shows turn into travel inspiration and an easy way to start learning Portuguese.
Top 10 Brazilian movies

Tropa de Elite (Elite Squad) is definitely in the top 10 Brazilian films. It talks about the daily routine of a group of police officers from the BOPE and the story of Captain Nascimento (Wagner Moura). The officers have to combat the illegal drug trafficking in Morro do Turano, while trying to survive the risks of the profession.

Cidade de Deus (City of God) is one of the best Brazilian movies ever. In it, the young Buscapé (Alexandre Rodrigues) lives in a world full of violence and has friends who prefer to go down the dangerous route of drugs. Buscapé tries to change his future by betting on his talent as a photographer. Through photography he is able to analyze the world in which he lives and realize how difficult life can be.

The Brazil movie Meu Nome não é Johnny (My name is not Johnny) depicts the life of João Guilherme Estrella (Selton Mello), a middle class man from Rio. João ends up involved in the world of drugs and becomes one of the biggest dealers in Brazil. This ends up leading him into prison in 1995. The movie is based on a true story.

O Auto da Compadecida (A Dog’s Will) shows the life of the nordestinos João Grilo (Matheus Nachtergaele) and Chicó (Selton Mello). João is a very poor sertanejo who always lies. However, Chicó is seen as the most cowardly man on earth. They try to fool people to make money, but their lives change when Nossa Senhora shows up.

Bicho de Sete Cabeças (Brainstorm) talks about the life of Neto (Rodrigo Santoro). He is a young man who goes through terrible experiences when his father Wilson (Othon Bastos) finds a marijuana cigarette in his coat pocket and sends him to an asylum. This famous Brazilian movie focuses on the conflicts that the family has and on the absence of understanding between Neto and his parents.

In Central do Brasil (Central Station), Dora (Fernanda Montenegro) is a retired teacher who works writing letters for illiterate people at Central do Brasil, Rio. Dora meets a boy named Josué (Vinícius de Oliveira), who lost his mother in a car accident. She tries to help him survive in a big city, despite the risks of a being in country full of violence and susceptible to the illegal drugs trade. Without doubts, Central do Brasil is one of the best movies from Brazil!

Carandiru shows the reality of the people who lived in one of the biggest prisons in São Paulo. This famous Brazilian film also shows one doctor’s (Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos) experience of AIDS prevention inside the prison, witnessing violence, overcrowded cells and several other issues of an inept system.

In Última parada 174 (Last stop 174), it is possible to see the kidnapping that shocked Brazil on June 12th in the year of 2000. The kidnapper held all passengers of a bus numbered 174 as hostages in Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian movie talks about the kidnapper’s life leading up to the final act. The movie uses actual footage from the day of the incident.

Cidade dos Homens (City of Men) is a Brazil movie that tells the story of two friends, Laranjinha (Darlan Cunha) and Acerola (Douglas Silva). Both of them live in Morro da Sinuca and face many challenges: fatherhood, abandonment by their own parents, violence in the favelas and living in a place dominated by drug trafficking and civil war, to name a few.
Number 10: The Brazil movie Se eu fosse você (If I were You) talks about the life of a couple who is always arguing. In the middle of one of their arguments, they swap bodies. Together, they have to take on each other’s lives and responsibilities. And it will be then and only then that they learn how to understand each other’s perception of life.
Best Movies About Favelas
Brazilian cinema has produced several notable films that depict life in favelas, offering both gritty realism and powerful storytelling. Here are five standout favela movies that explore the complexities of slum life. The first four we don’t explain you as they are in our Top 10, but check our number 5, its a very complicated film to watch:
- Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite)
- City of God (Cidade de Deus)
- Last Stop 174 (Última Parada 174)
- Cidade dos homens (City of Men)
- Pixote, a lei do mais fraco (Pixote: The Law of the Weakest) – This 1981 film by Hector Babenco is a harrowing look at the lives of street children in São Paulo. It follows the journey of a young boy named Pixote as he navigates the dangers of the streets, juvenile detention centers, and criminal activities. The film is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the struggles faced by marginalized youth.
These films provide diverse perspectives on life in Brazilian favelas, from crime and violence to resilience and hope, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding this aspect of Brazilian society. If you want to know more about favelas see our dica about it.
Brazilian Gangster Movies
Because favela movies are so famous, we can also talk about Brazilian gangster movies, that’s why most of them are the same ones than on the previous list. Brazilian cinema has produced a number of compelling gangster movies that immerse into the gritty realities of crime, violence, and survival. Here is our top 5 standout Brazilian gangster films:
- Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite)
- City of God (Cidade de Deus)
- My name is not Johnny (Meu nome não é Johnny)
- Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (Tropa de Elite 2: O Inimigo Agora é Outro) – Also directed by José Padilha and released in 2010, this sequel to Elite Squad delves deeper into the corruption within the police force and the political machinations that fuel the drug trade. This favela movie is praised for its intense action sequences and its critical examination of systemic corruption in Brazil. Both Elite Squad films are great Brazilian films, and for some people, Tropa de Elite 2 is better than Tropa de Elite!
- Almost Brothers (Quase Dois Irmãos) – Directed by Lúcia Murat and released in 2004, this film explores the relationship between two men from different social backgrounds—Miguel, a middle-class politician, and Jorge, a favela resident who becomes a drug lord. Their friendship, which began in their youth, is tested as they find themselves on opposite sides of the law. The film shifts between the 1950s, when the two first met, and the 1970s, during their time in prison, highlighting how the socio-political landscape of Brazil influences their lives. The film provides a nuanced look at the complexities of race, class, and crime in Brazilian society.
These films offer a gripping and often sobering look at the world of crime in Brazil, highlighting the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the country’s criminal landscape.
Best Brazilian Action Movies
Between the two previous sections, you will have had lots of choices of action movies! Tell us what would be your top 5 until now and let’s do a top 5 together for the best Brazilian action movies!
Brazilian Romantic Movies
Brazilian cinema has also produced many beautiful and compelling romantic movies that explore love in its various forms. Here is our romantic Brazilian movies list:
- Lisbela e o Prisionero (Lisbela and the Prisoner) is a notable Brazilian romantic comedy that deserves mention. This Brazilian movie was directed by Guel Arraes and released in 2003, this film is based on a play by Osman Lins. The movie tells the charming and humorous love story between Lisbela, a young woman fascinated by movies and dreams of adventure, and Leléu, a charming and roguish con artist. Set in the Northeast of Brazil, the film combines romance, comedy, and a touch of regional culture, making it a delightful watch. The chemistry between the lead actors, Débora Falabella and Selton Mello, along with the vibrant soundtrack featuring regional music, adds to the film’s appeal.
- Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho (The Way He Looks) – Directed by Daniel Ribeiro and released in 2014, this film tells the story of Leonardo, a blind teenager searching for independence, and his evolving relationship with his new friend, Gabriel. It’s a tender coming-of-age story that beautifully captures the innocence and intensity of first love.
- O Homem do Futuro (The Man from the Future) – Directed by Cláudio Torres and released in 2011, this science fiction romantic comedy stars Wagner Moura as Zero, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist who accidentally invents a time machine. He travels back in time to try to correct the mistakes he made 20 years ago, particularly those related to his unrequited love for Helena, played by Alinne Moraes. The film blends humor, romance, and sci-fi elements, offering a unique and entertaining story about second chances and the complexities of love.
- Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands): this classic Brazilian movie was directed by Bruno Barreto and released in 1976, this film is based on the novel by Jorge Amado. It tells the story of Dona Flor, a cooking teacher in Bahia, who is caught between her love for her deceased, roguish first husband and her dependable second husband. The film blends romance, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural.
- Pequeno Dicionário Amoroso (The Book of Love) – Directed by Sandra Werneck and released in 1997, this film explores the complexities of love and relationships through a series of interconnected stories. It follows the romance between Luiza and Gabriel, played by Andréa Beltrão and Daniel Dantas, respectively. The film is structured like a dictionary, with each letter representing a different aspect or stage of their relationship. This creative format, combined with its insightful and often humorous take on love, makes it a memorable romantic film.
These romatic Brazilian films showcase the richness of Brazilian cinema in portraying romance, from heartwarming stories to more complex and nuanced explorations of love.
Brazilian Horror Movies
Brazilian horror movies have gained recognition for their unique blend of folklore, supernatural elements, and psychological terror. Here are three standout Brazilian horror films:
- The Nightshifter (Morto Não Fala) – Directed by Dennison Ramalho and released in 2018, this film tells the story of Stênio, a morgue worker who can communicate with the dead. When he uses this ability for personal gain, he unleashes a series of horrifying events. The film combines elements of the supernatural with gritty, real-life horror, making for a chilling experience.
- The Black Fables (As Fábulas Negras) – Released in 2015, this anthology film features a collection of horror stories based on Brazilian folklore. Directed by Rodrigo Aragão, Petter Baiestorf, Joel Caetano, and José Mojica Marins, each segment explores different aspects of Brazilian myths and legends, offering a unique and culturally rich take on horror.
- Good Manners (As Boas Maneiras) – Directed by Juliana Rojas and Marco Dutra, this 2017 film mix horror with fantasy and drama. It tells the story of Clara, a lonely nurse hired by Ana, a wealthy pregnant woman, to be her nanny. As the two women form a bond, strange occurrences begin to unfold, revealing a dark and supernatural secret about Ana’s unborn child. The film is praised for its storytelling, strong performances, and its blend of different genres.
These films showcase the diversity and creativity of Brazilian horror cinema, from supernatural thrillers to folklore-inspired tales and psychological terror.
Best Brazilian Comedy Movies
Brazilian comedy movies are known for their vibrant humor, cultural references, and engaging storytelling. Here are three standout Brazilian comedies:
- If I were you (Se eu fosse você): We already talked about this film at our top 10!!
- Lisbela and the Prisoner (Lisbela e o Prisionero)
- My Mom is a Character (Minha Mãe é uma Peça) – Directed by André Pellenz and released in 2013, this film stars Paulo Gustavo as Dona Hermínia, a hilarious and overbearing mother who is based on Gustavo’s own stage character. The movie’s relatable humor and Gustavo’s charismatic performance made it a huge success, leading to two sequels.
These films showcase the diversity of Brazilian comedy, from slapstick humor to satirical takes on everyday life, and highlight the talent and creativity of Brazilian filmmakers.
Best Brazilian movies to learn Portuguese and to get to know Brazil
Besouro (The Assailant): Important Brazilian movie to learn about candomblé’s culture in Brazil.
Lisbela e o Prisioneiro (Lisbela and the prisioner): Get to know more about the culture of the Nordeste and their accents.
O homem que copiava (The man who copied): Get in touch with the accents of the south of Brazil and learn about the contrast between the poor and the rich in this region.
Tempos de paz (Peacetime): Learn more about the immigration in Brazil and vocabulary of past and future tenses.
Caramuru: A invenção do Brasil (Caramuru: The invention of Brazil): Go back in the past and see with your own eyes the history of the discovery of Brazil.
Lula, o filho do Brasil (Lula, Son of Brazil): This Brazilian movie will show you the history of one of the most loved presidents of Brazil, Lula, and you’ll learn political vocabulary in Portuguese.
Era uma vez… (Once upon a time in Rio): In this movie you can see the clear contrast between the rich and the poor people in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It’s an opportunity to experience the city from afar.
Capitães da Areia (Captains of the Sands): One of the best Brazilian films because it was inspired by Jorge Amado’s book. You can learn about the life of poor boys in Bahia.
Have you ever watched any of these movies? Let’s enjoy Brazilian cinema together!
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Eager to see any of the movies about Favelas that we did recommend you? Or you prefer our Brazilian love movies list? So, we hope you have fun and learn a lot of Portuguese watching the top Brazilian movies! Run to watch Central do Brasil, Elite squad and all the best Brazilian movies!
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Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes