Must-See: 14 Underrated Spanish Movies to Watch and Enjoy

Spanish cinema is more than just Almodóvar and international blockbusters. Beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of cinematic masterpieces often missed by the mainstream audience. In this list, we explore 14 underrated Spanish movies to watch that span multiple genres—from psychological thrillers and fantasy to gut-wrenching drama. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned cinephile, these lesser-known titles are bound to leave a lasting impression.

A Curated Selection of Must-See Underrated Spanish Movies to Watch

1. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

• Starring: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú

• Director: Guillermo del Toro

• Genre: Dark Fantasy, War Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

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This haunting dark fantasy is set during post-Civil War Spain and follows young Ofelia as she escapes into a mythical world. It’s visually stunning and emotionally gripping. Though widely acclaimed, it remains an underrated Spanish movie to watch for those who overlook the fantasy genre. The film masterfully juxtaposes brutal reality with magical escapism.

2. Volver (2006)

• Starring: Penélope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Dueñas

• Director: Pedro Almodóvar

• Genre: Drama, Comedy

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

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“Volver” explores the resilience of women dealing with death, secrets, and the supernatural. Penélope Cruz shines in one of her best performances. It’s an underrated Spanish movie to watch if you enjoy female-led stories with warmth, humor, and emotional depth.

3. The Orphanage (2007)

• Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep

• Director: J.A. Bayona

• Genre: Horror, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

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This psychological horror movie presents a mother’s terrifying search for her missing son in an abandoned orphanage. Combining gothic visuals and emotional storytelling, it’s one of the top underrated Spanish movies to watch for horror fans who want more than cheap scares.

4. Talk to Her (2002)

• Starring: Javier Cámara, Darío Grandinetti, Leonor Watling

• Director: Pedro Almodóvar

• Genre: Drama, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

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“Talk to Her” tells the unconventional story of two men who form a bond while caring for women in comas. This sensitive, poetic film is often overlooked but ranks among the most underrated Spanish movies to watch for its profound emotional impact.

5. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

• Starring: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago

• Director: Juan José Campanella

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

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This gripping thriller explores unresolved love and justice. While Argentine in origin, it’s also a Spanish co-production and a must-see. It’s a perfect choice if you’re seeking underrated Spanish movies to watch that mix deep character study with criminal intrigue.

6. All About My Mother (1999)

• Starring: Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Penélope Cruz

• Director: Pedro Almodóvar

• Genre: Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

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Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, this is a moving portrayal of grief and motherhood. Despite critical acclaim, it remains one of the underrated Spanish movies to watch due to its niche appeal.

7. The Sea Inside (2004)

• Starring: Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas

• Director: Alejandro Amenábar

• Genre: Biography, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

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Based on the true story of Ramón Sampedro’s right-to-die legal battle, this thought-provoking film showcases Bardem in a transformative role. It’s an emotional powerhouse and a deeply underrated Spanish movie to watch for its ethical and human depth.

8. Open Your Eyes (1997)

• Starring: Eduardo Noriega, Penélope Cruz, Chete Lera

• Director: Alejandro Amenábar

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

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A mind-bending story of reality and dreams, “Open Your Eyes” inspired the Hollywood remake Vanilla Sky. It’s an underrated Spanish movie to watch for fans of psychological thrillers that challenge perception.

9. Pain and Glory (2019)

• Starring: Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia, Penélope Cruz

• Director: Pedro Almodóvar

• Genre: Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

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Banderas portrays a film director reflecting on his life and creativity. A quiet, personal story filled with nostalgia, it’s an underrated Spanish movie to watch for lovers of introspective cinema.

10. The Skin I Live In (2011)

• Starring: Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet

• Director: Pedro Almodóvar

• Genre: Drama, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

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This disturbing tale of obsession and identity is unlike anything else in Almodóvar’s filmography. For fans of dark, psychological narratives, this is one of the most underrated Spanish movies to watch.

11. The Invisible Guest (2016)

• Starring: Mario Casas, Ana Wagener, José Coronado

• Director: Oriol Paulo

• Genre: Mystery, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

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Twists, lies, and revelations abound in this mystery thriller. With a sharp plot and excellent pacing, it deserves more global recognition as an underrated Spanish movie to watch.

12. Wild Tales (2014)

• Starring: Ricardo Darín, Oscar Martínez, Leonardo Sbaraglia

• Director: Damián Szifron

• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

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A set of six short films about people pushed to the edge—darkly comic and explosively emotional. Though more popular in Latin America, it remains an underrated Spanish movie to watch globally.

13. Julieta (2016)

• Starring: Emma Suárez, Adriana Ugarte, Daniel Grao

• Director: Pedro Almodóvar

• Genre: Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

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A meditative journey through memory, motherhood, and abandonment. A beautifully crafted, emotionally rich experience—and one of the underrated Spanish movies to watch for fans of literary-style cinema.

14. The Platform (2019)

• Starring: Iván Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan

• Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

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This Netflix sleeper hit explores themes of inequality through a vertical prison system. Brutal, symbolic, and unforgettable—it’s a late entry but a very underrated Spanish movie to watch.

FAQ – Underrated Spanish Movies to Watch

🔹 What defines an underrated Spanish movie?

• Films that received strong critical praise but didn’t gain mainstream international attention.

• Often overlooked despite high IMDb scores or awards.

• Ideal for viewers who want to explore beyond popular Spanish titles.

🔹 Where can I stream these underrated Spanish movies?

• Netflix – Some are available in the international film section.

• Amazon Prime Video – Several are available to rent or stream.

• Filmin – A top Spanish streaming platform for indie and European films.

🔹 Are these Spanish films subtitled in English?

• Yes, most of them include English subtitles on major streaming services.

• Some physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) also offer multilingual subtitles.

🔹 Why should I watch underrated Spanish movies?

• They offer original storytelling and perspectives not found in mainstream cinema.

• Great for fans of independent, thought-provoking films.

• These underrated Spanish movies to watch reflect the depth of Spanish culture and filmmaking.

Final Thoughts on Underrated Spanish Movies to Watch

These 14 titles represent the emotional depth, cinematic quality, and cultural richness of Spain’s film landscape. Whether you’re in the mood for mystery, horror, romance, or introspection, there’s an underrated Spanish movie to watch on this list that will surprise and move you.