Javier Bardem’s Best Spanish Movies, Ranked

The talents of bilingual actor Javier Bardem can be appreciated in a large array of diverse films. Hailing from the Canary Islands of Spain, he originally focused mainly on Spanish language films before branching into more English-speaking work. With a career spanning multiple decades, his dynamic range and versatility have been the keys to his continued success.

Bardem’s ever-evolving body of work first made him a well-known ’90s star for hits such as Jamon, Jamon, and Airbag. Bardem was reintroduced to millennial audiences when he portrayed Elizabeth Gilbert’s love interest, Felipe, in the highly anticipated novel-based film Eat, Pray, Love, and today’s modern young audiences may recognize him best as King Triton in 2023’s The Little Mermaid. Bardem has proven through the years that his skills shine equally well in both Spanish and English. Here are Javier Bardem’s 10 top Spanish-speaking roles, ranked.

10 ‘Automata’ (2014)

Automata is a Spanish-Bulgarian sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences for humankind that come with the advent of overly powerful robotics. The cast is led by Antonio Banderas, and Bardem has a brief but powerful role voicing the Blue Robot character.

While the script has been critiqued for feeling a bit hollow, Automata is praised for its visual beauty and strong special effects. The thought-provoking piece is a must-watch for fans of dystopian adventures.

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9 ‘Biutiful’ (2010)

Release Date

December 28, 2010

Cast

Javier Bardem , Maricel Álvarez , Hanaa Bouchaib , Guillermo Estrella , Eduard Fernández , Cheikh Ndiaye , Diaryatou Daff , Cheng Taishen , Luo Jin , George Chibuikwem Chukwuma , Lang Sofia Lin , Yodian Yang , Tuo Lin , Xueheng Chen , Xiaoyan Zhang , Ailie Ye , Xianlin Bao , Ana Wagener , Rubén Ochandiano , Karra Elejalde , Nasser Saleh

Runtime

148 Minutes

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Javier Bardem plays a sympathetic character in Biutiful who shares several similarities with Breaking Bad’s Walt Whitman. He is a caring father who is diagnosed with terminal cancer, and provides for his family via criminal enterprises.

Complex and gritty, one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer ranked the movie among the greatest tragic films of all time. The backdrop of Barcelona makes a perfect setting for this emotional exploration of a dark underworld.

8 ‘Boca a Boca’ (1995)

Bardem takes a funny turn in this raunchy Spanish comedy about a Hollywood hopeful who makes ends meet by working for a phone sex line. His intentional English mistakes showcase his knack for the comedy genre.

Beautifully directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira, the film’s strong-world building is bolstered by its vibrant set design and the robust spirit of Spain which can be felt throughout the project.

7 ‘Los Lobos De Washington’ (1999)

Fans of action thrillers will love this enthralling crime story featuring Bardem as a disgruntled employee seeking to scam his boss out of 20 million pesetas (the basic monetary unit of Spain until it was replaced by the euro in 2002). The scheme, which he undertakes with a friend, takes a wild twist when ironic circumstances cause the two to unknowingly work against each other.

The R-rated action story has been criticized for inaccurately representing the nature of life in Spain, but still holds entertainment value if viewers can suspend reality and overlook the stereotyping.

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6 ‘Tacones Lejanos’ (1991)

Set in Madrid, High Heels presents the wacky tale of a middle-aged actress who returns from a long absence to discover that her daughter has married one of her exes. The zany predicament turns to high-stakes drama as both women are suspected of the man’s murder.

A cameo by a young Javier Bardem is one of the film’s high points as he shows his early promise and acting charisma.

5 ‘Mar Adentro’ (2004)

Release Date

September 3, 2004

Director

Alejandro Amenábar

Cast

Javier Bardem , Belén Rueda , Lola Dueñas , Mabel Rivera , Celso Bugallo , Clara Segura

Runtime

125

Bardem brings one of his most emotional and sympathetic performances to date in this true-story tragedy. He plays a quadriplegic sailor who has been paralyzed in a diving accident and is now arguing for the right to die by euthanasia.

The film brought renewed attention to the plight of severely injured people and their lack of options. Bardem displays top-grade acting as the film concludes with a dramatic suicide scene.

4 ‘Perdita Durango’ (1997)

Critic Matt Brunson called 1997’s Perdita Durango “another opportunity to marvel at Bardem’s incredible range.” The controversial film spotlights a criminal couple who kidnaps a pair of teenagers. Intense scenes of assault, drugs, and voodoo are all thrown into the mix for a Satanic, horror-like tone.

While many fans say Rosie Perez steals the show with her fierce talent, Bardem proves that he can stand up to her star power and holds his own throughout the film.

3 ‘Seconda Pelle’ (1999)

Second Skin is a mysterious story that becomes more erotic as its scandalous secrets unfold. Bardem plays the lover of a man whose wife discovers he is cheating on her with the unexpected paramour.

The project is steamy, soapy, and full of surprises, especially at its shocking ending. Bardem’s seductive delivery of the poetic Spanish language draws fans into the movie’s sensual world.

2 ‘El Amante Bilingue’ (1993)

El Amante Bilingue, which translates in English to “the bilingual lover,” is about a struggling accordian player and ventriloquist from little means who finds his entire life transformed when he marries the wealthy Norma Valenti.

The film delves into the complexities of a socioeconomically unmatched romantic relationship. It also serves as a critique of Catalan linguistic policies and nationalism. Bardem doesn’t star, but makes a strong early showing in this 1993 Turner Classic Movie.

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1 ‘Carne Tremula’ (1997)

Director Pedro Almodovar’s novel adaptation Carne Tremula is a thrillingly erotic romance adventure. Bardem plays a man who is hit by a stray bullet and paralyzed in an event that leads everyone involved down a fateful path of twists and turns.

Many fans have called Bardem’s performance in the visually stunning masterpiece his best work. The set design, camera work, acting, and color scheme are all top tier and come together to give the project must-see viewing status.