Peru has a rich and vibrant film industry that has been growing steadily over the years. From comedies to dramas, Peruvian cinema offers a wide range of stories that captivate audiences both at home and abroad. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most-watched Peruvian movies of all time, based on data up to 2025. These films have not only entertained millions but also showcased the talent and creativity of Peruvian filmmakers.
1. ¡Asu Mare! (2013)
At the top of our list is the comedy film “¡Asu Mare!” directed by Ricardo Maldonado. This movie tells the story of Carlos Alcántara, a popular Peruvian comedian, as he recounts his life experiences from childhood to adulthood. The film’s humor and relatable characters struck a chord with Peruvian audiences, making it an instant hit.
“¡Asu Mare!” broke box office records in Peru, attracting over 3 million viewers. Its success led to two sequels, creating a beloved franchise. The movie’s popularity stems from its ability to capture the essence of Peruvian culture and everyday life, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding modern Peru.
2. Asu Mare 3 (2018)
Following the massive success of the first two films, “Asu Mare 3” continued the story of Carlos Alcántara. This installment focuses on his journey to find love and start a family. The movie maintains the same humor and charm that made the original so popular.
While not surpassing the original in terms of viewership, “Asu Mare 3” still drew large crowds to theaters across Peru. It further cemented the franchise’s place in Peruvian pop culture and proved that local comedies could compete with international blockbusters.
3. La Fuga del Chacal (1987)
Moving back in time, we find “La Fuga del Chacal” (The Escape of the Jackal) directed by Augusto Tamayo. This action-packed film tells the story of a dangerous criminal known as “The Jackal” who escapes from prison. The movie follows the intense manhunt to recapture him.
Despite being released over three decades ago, “La Fuga del Chacal” remains one of the most watched Peruvian films. Its thrilling plot and strong performances have allowed it to stand the test of time, continuing to attract new viewers through television broadcasts and streaming platforms.
4. Pantaleón y las Visitadoras (1999)
Based on the novel by Mario Vargas Llosa, “Pantaleón y las Visitadoras” (Captain Pantoja and the Special Service) is a comedy-drama directed by Francisco Lombardi. The story follows an army captain who is tasked with organizing a group of prostitutes to provide “services” to soldiers in remote jungle outposts.
The film’s blend of humor and social commentary resonated with audiences. It tackles themes of military life, sexuality, and societal norms in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The movie’s success helped establish Lombardi as one of Peru’s most respected directors.
5. No Se Lo Digas a Nadie (1998)
Another film by Francisco Lombardi, “No Se Lo Digas a Nadie” (Don’t Tell Anyone) explores themes of sexuality and social class in Peruvian society. The movie follows a young man from a wealthy Lima family as he struggles with his sexual identity in a conservative environment.
The film’s honest and bold approach to its subject matter made it both controversial and popular. It opened up conversations about LGBTQ+ issues in Peru and continues to be regarded as an important work in Peruvian cinema.
6. Magallanes (2015)
Moving to more recent times, “Magallanes” is a drama directed by Salvador del Solar. The film tells the story of a taxi driver in Lima who recognizes a passenger as a woman he encountered during his military service in the 1980s. This chance meeting leads to a complex exploration of Peru’s troubled past and the lasting effects of political violence.
“Magallanes” received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and performances. While not as commercially successful as some of the comedies on this list, it has gained a strong following and is often cited as one of the best Peruvian films of recent years.
7. La Teta Asustada (2009)
“La Teta Asustada” (The Milk of Sorrow) is a drama directed by Claudia Llosa. The film tells the story of Fausta, a young woman suffering from a rare condition believed to be transmitted through the breast milk of women who were raped or abused during Peru’s years of terrorism.
This movie gained international recognition, winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and becoming the first Peruvian film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Its unique storytelling and exploration of Peru’s recent history have made it a must-watch for film enthusiasts.
8. Asu Mare 2 (2015)
Returning to the popular “Asu Mare” franchise, the second installment continued to draw large audiences. This sequel focuses on Carlos Alcántara’s attempts to win the heart of the girl he loves, facing various comedic obstacles along the way.
Like its predecessor, “Asu Mare 2” was a box office hit in Peru. It further expanded on the characters and world established in the first film, delighting fans with more of the humor and heart they had come to love.
9. Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon (2021)
Breaking away from live-action films, “Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon” is an animated adventure set in the Peruvian Amazon. The movie follows a young girl named Ainbo as she embarks on a journey to save her village from destruction.
This colorful and exciting film introduced international audiences to the myths and legends of the Amazon. Its success both in Peru and abroad showcased the potential for Peruvian animation on the global stage.
10. Paddington in Peru (2025)
While not strictly a Peruvian production, “Paddington in Peru” deserves a mention due to its significant impact on showcasing Peru to international audiences. This third installment of the beloved Paddington franchise brings the famous bear back to his homeland of Peru.
The film’s stunning visuals of Peruvian landscapes and its incorporation of local culture have sparked renewed interest in Peru as a tourist destination. It has also encouraged many to explore other Peruvian films, contributing to the growing global appreciation of Peruvian cinema.
Bottom Line
These 10 films represent the diversity and evolution of Peruvian cinema over the years. From comedies that capture the essence of everyday life to dramas that explore the country’s complex history, Peruvian movies offer something for every viewer.
The success of these films demonstrates the growing strength of Peru’s film industry. They have not only entertained millions but also played a crucial role in sharing Peruvian culture and stories with the world. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to imagine what new Peruvian films will join this list of most-watched movies, continuing to captivate audiences both at home and abroad.