Brazilian cinema has a rich and diverse history filled with films that have won the hearts of audiences and become box office hits. From hilarious comedies to thrilling dramas, the national cinema offers a variety of stories that captivate the audience. Let’s take a look at the 10 highest-grossing Brazilian films and explore some of the contexts and curiosities that make these films so special.
Index
10. Lucio Flavio, the passenger of agony (1977)
Directed by Hector Babenco, Lúcio Flávio, o Passageiro da Agonia is a crime drama based on true events. The film tells the story of the bandit Lúcio Flávio, played by Reginaldo Faria, and his relationships with the police and other criminals. The film deals with police corruption and the dynamics of the criminal world in Rio de Janeiro in the 70s. Reginaldo Faria’s performance and realistic approach made this film remarkable in Brazilian cinematography and is still considered one of the best films in national history .
9. The Bumblebee in King Solomon’s Mines (1977)

Os Trapalhão was one of the greatest national comedy phenomena and marked Brazilian cinema, and O Trapalhão nas Minas do Rei Salomão took the crew on an epic adventure that still ranks among the most watched Brazilian films. The film directed by JB Tanko is an adventure comedy that follows the characters in search of treasure in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. The group’s signature humor, combined with exotic settings and outlandish situations captivated audiences, making this one of the most remembered films of Trapalhões’ career and is, to date, the most successful film of Didi and her friends.
8. If I Were You 2 (2009)

The sequel to the romantic comedy Se Eu Fosse Você takes up the premise of a couple who swap bodies. The production maintains the humor while exploring gender differences, now with even more unusual and funny situations. The film lightly plays with gender stereotypes as the protagonists seek solutions to their messes and was, for some time, one of the films topping the most watched list of Brazilian cinema.
7. A Lady of Battle (1978)

A Dama do Lotação, directed by Neville d’Almeida, is an erotic drama that aroused great controversy in its time. The film deals with the life of Solange, played by Sonia Braga, a married woman experiencing emotional and sexual dilemmas. The title refers to the romantic encounters she has in public places, revealing aspects of female sexuality and the conservative society of the time. The film defied taboos by exploring sensuality and sexual freedom, becoming a milestone of Brazilian cinema and one of the greatest classics of “pornochanchadas”.
6. My mother is a piece 2 (2016)

Paulo Gustavo brought to life the iconic character Dona Hermínia, inspired by his mother. The film deals with her character’s funny and emotional situations as she deals with her children leaving home and discovering her own independence, as well as dealing with her fame after becoming a well-known TV show host. The success of the first film secured an eager audience for a sequel, which continued to explore Dona Hermínia’s family relationships and irresistible humor and established actor Paulo Gustavo as one of the leading exponents of national comedy.
5. Dona Flor and her two husbands (1976)

Adapted from the novel by Jorge Amado, the film directed by Bruno Barreto captures the sensual Northeastern atmosphere of the story. The character of Dona Flor is married to Vadinho, an irresponsible man and a womanizer. After Vadinho’s death, Dona Flor remarries the respectable pharmacist Teodoro. However Vadinho continues to appear as a seductive ghost. The film balances humor, eroticism, and observations of Brazilian culture and continues to be one of the most striking films in Brazilian cinema.
4. Elite Squad 2: The enemy is now another (2010)

Tropa de Elite 2 is the sequel to the original hit that took viewers inside the BOPE, an elite police unit in Rio de Janeiro. Released in 2010, the film is set in a time of social and political change in Brazil, when discussions about public safety were at an all-time high. Director José Padilha delves into the intricacies of the system and denounces corruption at the highest levels of government. The film shocked and intrigued viewers by exposing the stark reality of the relationship between the police, organized crime and politics. If the first film is still remembered as one of the best works of Brazilian cinema, the sequel is simply one of the most watched national films here and in the world.
3. The Ten Commandments – The Movie (2016)

Based on the best-selling novel, the film delves into the story of Moses and the Exodus, bringing the biblical narrative into the context of the big screen. Director Alexandre Avancini creates grand and impactful scenes, transporting the audience to the time when Jews sought freedom. The combination of religious elements and filmmaking has attracted the attention of a large audience, however it is worth mentioning that its position here may be contested, as several cinemas were reported to have all sold tickets, but were completely empty.
2. Nothing to Lose (2018)

The biopic of Edir Macedo, founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, is a story of resilience and faith. The film was released amid controversy and controversy, as the figure of Edir Macedo is divisive. However, ardent and curious fans rallied to see the film, resulting in Nothing to Lose becoming a hit. The film explores Macedo’s journey from humble beginnings to founding his global church. Like the previous film on our list, Nothing to Lose has been embroiled in controversy with reports of empty theaters showing the film, even with all tickets sold.
1. My Mother is a Piece 3 (2019)

The third part of the series starring the actor Paulo Gustavo maintains the charisma and charm of the character of Dona Hermínia. The film re-proposes scenes from the daily life of Doma Hermínia dealing with her family in hilarious situations. The film brings with it a mix of laughter and emotion, consolidating the saga as a favorite among Brazilian audiences.
These films have not only won the hearts of Brazilians, but also reflect the thematic and stylistic diversity of the national cinema. From hilarious comedies to heartwarming dramas, each of these films offers a unique experience for the viewers. So if you’re looking for entertainment that captures the essence of Brazil, this list is a great place to start your cinematic journey.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.