10 Films to Watch This Independence Day: A Cinegeeks Watch List

Celebrate Araw ng Kalayaan with powerful Filipino stories that reflect our history, identity, and spirit.

This June 12, let’s honor Philippine Independence Day not just with parades and flags, but with cinema that mirrors our national journey. From historical epics to personal narratives of resistance, these films explore what it truly means to be Filipino. Whether you’re a history geek, a political junkie, or just looking to feel a little more connected to your roots, this list has something for you.

1. Gomburza (2023)

Dir. Pepe Diokno | Historical Biopic / Drama

This moving film tells the story of Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora, whose unjust execution sparked a national awakening. Poignant, restrained, and powerful.

Diokno presents a contemplative but unflinching portrait of faith and injustice, anchored by Cedrick Juan’s quietly searing performance. It’s the kind of history lesson that leaves a bruise.

2. Heneral Luna (2015)

Dir. Jerrold Tarog | Historical Biopic / War Drama

A fiery, fearless take on General Antonio Luna’s patriotism and downfall. John Arcilla’s performance is unforgettable in this gripping portrait of heroism and betrayal.

Still one of the most quoted and passionately dissected Filipino films of the last decade. With striking visuals and biting wit, it transforms our historical cracks into national reckoning.

3. The Kingdom (2024)

Dir. Michael Tuviera | Speculative History / Action-Adventure

Set in an alternate Philippines that was never colonized, this “what-if” epic follows a monarch’s struggle to preserve peace amidst rebellion and betrayal. Bold and visually rich.

While decked in fantasy and pageantry, it smartly mirrors the messiness of power and cultural legacy. A rare mainstream title that dares to ask, “What if we had written our story differently?”

4. Jose Rizal (1998)

Dir. Marilou Diaz-Abaya | Historical Biopic / Epic Drama

A cinematic cornerstone featuring Cesar Montano as the national hero whose writings inspired a revolution. Dense but essential viewing.

Diaz-Abaya blends literary gravitas with cinematic flair, building a layered portrait of a man torn between peaceful reform and inevitable rebellion. It holds up as both spectacle and study.

5. Dekada ’70 (2002)

Dir. Chito S. Roño | Period Drama / Political Family Drama

Adapted from Lualhati Bautista's novel, this film follows a mother’s quiet political awakening during the Marcos era. Vilma Santos delivers a quietly powerful performance.

It’s a slow-burn account of political transformation framed through motherhood and survival. Emotionally grounded and politically sharp, it remains one of the era’s most essential films.

6. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)

Dir. Jerrold Tarog | Historical Biopic / War Drama

A poetic, introspective follow-up to Heneral Luna. Paulo Avelino’s portrayal of Gregorio del Pilar reflects the costs of blind loyalty and youthful heroism.

Tarog’s second entry is moodier, more meditative—a study of myth, mortality, and the hollowness of martyrdom. It’s a film that invites you to question what we’re willing to die for.

7. Tumandok (2024)

Dir. Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay & Richard Jeroui Salvadico | Docu-Fiction / Indigenous Drama

Set in Iloilo, this award-winning docu-fiction tells the story of an Ati teen fighting for ancestral land rights. Shot with non-actors in their native tongue, it’s a raw, grounded portrait of resistance.

Shot with sincerity and restraint, it offers a rare inside look into a community too often reduced to headlines. A quiet force of a film that demands to be seen and heard.

8. Duyan ng Magiting (2023)

Dir. Dustin Celestino | Drama / Political Thriller

A multi-narrative drama set in a nation under authoritarian rule. Through intersecting lives, it explores how power, ideology, and personal choices collide.

Tense, talky, and philosophically loaded—this film doesn’t spoon-feed. Instead, it challenges viewers to confront complicity and conviction in a climate of fear.

9. Alipato at Muog (2024)

Dir. JL Burgos | Documentary / Human Rights

A deeply personal account of the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos. Directed by his brother, it’s a real-time chronicle of the family’s search for justice and truth.

Its emotional core is undeniable, but its political teeth are what linger. A documentary that refuses closure because the truth is still unfolding.

10. Bayaning 3rd World (2000)

Dir. Mike de Leon | Meta-Historical Drama / Satire

A meta-cinematic take on Rizal’s legacy. Two filmmakers question heroism, truth, and mythmaking in this sharp, witty classic that’s as relevant as ever.

Wickedly self-aware and still ahead of its time, it dissects the national hero trope with both affection and skepticism. A must-watch for anyone who’s ever doubted the textbook version.

Why These Films Matter

These aren’t just movies—they’re mirrors. They ask tough questions about our past, challenge romanticized versions of history, and shine light on voices often left unheard. Watching them this Independence Day is a reminder that the Filipino story is still being written.

So grab your snacks, stream or screen what you can, and reflect on what freedom really means.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!