MOVIES | Metro Manila Film Festival 2005-2024 Best Picture Winners

The last 20 Best Picture winners of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) showcase the rich diversity and evolving landscape of Philippine cinema, reflecting a balance between artistic innovation and audience appeal. From historical epics like Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo and Baler, to socially relevant dramas such as Big Night! and Mindanao, the MMFF has celebrated films that capture the Filipino spirit. Fantasy and adventure genres have also shone, as seen in Ang Panday and Resiklo, while heartfelt family stories like Rainbow’s Sunset and Walang Forever have touched the hearts of viewers. Documentaries like Sunday Beauty Queen and bold cinematic experiments like Deleter highlight the festival’s openness to unconventional storytelling. Collectively, these films represent the creative excellence and cultural depth of Philippine filmmaking over the years.

• 2024: Green Bones
• 2023: Firefly
• 2022: Deleter
• 2021: Big Night!
• 2020: Fan Girl
• 2019: Mindanao
• 2018: Rainbow’s Sunset
• 2017: Ang Larawan
• 2016: Sunday Beauty Queen
• 2015: Walang Forever
• 2014: Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo
• 2013: 10,000 Hours
• 2012: One More Try
• 2011: Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
• 2010: Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!)
• 2009: Ang Panday
• 2008: Baler
• 2007: Resiklo
• 2006: Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko... The Legend Goes On and On and On
• 2005: Blue Moon

1. 2024: Green Bones

• Production Companies: GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs
• Green Bones is a prison drama film directed by Zig Dulay, featuring Dennis Trillo, who also won the Best Actor award for this film.

2. 2023: Firefly

• Production Companies: GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs
• Firefly garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling and production quality, contributing to its Best Picture win.

3. 2022: Deleter

• Production Companies: Viva Films, Pelikula Red
• Deleter is a techno-horror film directed by Mikhail Red, praised for its innovative approach to the genre.

4. 2021: Big Night!

• Production Companies: Cignal Entertainment, The IdeaFirst Company
• Big Night! is a dark comedy film that satirizes the Philippine government's war on drugs, earning critical acclaim for its bold narrative.

5. 2020: Fan Girl

• Production Companies: Black Sheep Productions, Globe Studios
• Fan Girl is a psychological coming-of-age film that explores the obsession of a teenage girl with her celebrity idol, receiving praise for its direction and performances.

6. 2019: Mindanao

• Production Company: Center Stage Productions
• Mindanao is a drama film that intertwines the story of a mother caring for her cancer-stricken child and the folklore of Mindanao, directed by Brillante Mendoza.

7. 2018: Rainbow's Sunset

• Production Company: Heaven's Best Entertainment
• Rainbow's Sunset is a family drama that tells the story of an elderly man coming out to his family to take care of his dying lover, earning acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes.

8. 2017: Ang Larawan

• Production Company: Culturtain Musicat Productions
• Ang Larawan is a musical film adaptation of the play "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino" by Nick Joaquin, celebrated for its musical score and faithful adaptation.

9. 2016: Sunday Beauty Queen

• Production Company: Voyage Studios
• Sunday Beauty Queen is a documentary film that follows the lives of Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong who participate in beauty pageants during their day off, highlighting their struggles and resilience.

10. 2015: Walang Forever 

• Production Company: Quantum Films
• Walang Forever is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of love and second chances, resonating with audiences for its relatable storyline.

11. 2014: Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

• Production Companies: Philippians Productions, Solar Entertainment Corporation
• Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo is a historical biopic that delves into the life of Filipino revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio, contributing to historical discourse in Philippine cinema.

12. 2013: 10,000 Hours

• Production Company: Viva Films
• 10,000 Hours is an action thriller inspired by real-life political events, following a senator on the run to expose corruption, noted for its gripping narrative.

13. 2012: One More Try

• Production Company: Star Cinema
• One More Try is a melodrama exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and relationships, which resonated deeply with viewers and critics alike.

14. 2011: Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

• Production Company: Scenema Concept International
• A period action film that chronicles the life of a notorious gangster, known for its dynamic storytelling and cinematography.

15. 2010: Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!)

• Production Company: Star Cinema
• The concluding installment of the comedy franchise, praised for blending humor and heartfelt family themes.

16. 2009: Ang Panday

• Production Company: GMA Films, Imus Productions
• A fantasy action film based on a classic Filipino comic book character, notable for its visual effects and storytelling.

17. 2008: Baler

• Production Company: Viva Films
• A historical drama set during the Siege of Baler in 1898, highlighting love and patriotism amidst war.

18. 2007: Resiklo

• Production Company: Imus Productions
• A sci-fi action film featuring themes of survival and resistance, recognized for its ambition and special effects.

19. 2006: Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko... The Legend Goes On and On and On

• Production Company: OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment
• A fantasy comedy sequel loved for its humor and magical adventures.

20. 2005: Blue Moon

• Production Company: Regal Entertainment
• A poignant drama about love and second chances, weaving through different time periods.

Over the past two decades, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has celebrated numerous Best Picture winners, but a few have stood out for their critical acclaim, earning praise for their artistic depth, storytelling, and cultural impact. Among them is Big Night! (2021), a dark satirical comedy directed by Jun Robles Lana. The film fearlessly critiques the Philippine war on drugs through the story of a small-town beautician, played brilliantly by Christian Bables, who scrambles to clear his name from a neighborhood watchlist. Critics hailed its sharp humor, biting social commentary, and nuanced performances, making it a standout not only within the festival but in the landscape of contemporary Philippine cinema. Its ability to balance serious societal themes with wit and humanity solidified its critical success.

Another highly lauded winner is Fan Girl (2020), directed by Antoinette Jadaone. This psychological drama dives deep into the dangers of celebrity worship as a teenage fan’s obsession leads her to a harrowing encounter with her idol. Featuring stellar performances from Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, the film captivated critics with its raw, provocative storytelling and fearless exploration of complex themes like disillusionment and power dynamics. Brillante Mendoza’s Mindanao (2019) also earned critical praise for its poignant portrayal of a mother caring for her terminally ill child while weaving in Mindanao’s rich folklore. Judy Ann Santos delivered a deeply moving performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike. With stunning visuals and a heartfelt narrative, the film highlighted resilience, family, and cultural identity, cementing its place among MMFF’s most critically celebrated films.