Beyond the abundance of festive meals, joyous dinners, nougat, Christmas carols, and gatherings with family and friends, there are moments when viewers crave a memorable film to celebrate the season. With that in mind, this guide spotlights five Spanish-language Christmas cinema picks from CulturaOcio, complemented by a half-dozen titles available to stream on FlixOlé, a prominent platform for Spanish cinema enthusiasts.
Placido (Luis Garcia Berlanga, 1961)
Among the era’s enduring masterpieces, Placido stands tall. Directed by Luis Garcia Berlanga with a screenplay crafted by Rafael Azcona, José Luis Colina, José Luis Font, and Berlanga himself, it is widely regarded as one of the finest comedies in Spanish cinema. Starring Cassen, José Luis López Vázquez, and Elvira Quintillá, the film blends sharp satire with dark humor as a delivery driver confronts a Christmas-day bill that could cost him his motorcycle and his freedom. The plot threads through a parade of characters, all encircling a world where petty worries collide with holiday chaos. [CulturaOcio]
The Big Family (Fernando Palacios, 1962)
Fernando Palacios directs another beloved comedy from the 1960s, featuring Alberto Closas, José Isbert, José Luis López Vázquez, and Amparo Soler Leal. The story follows a couple navigating life with fifteen children, all under the watchful eye of a great-grandfather played by Isbert. Despite the bustle and pressure unleashed by such a large clan, Christmas in this film radiates joy and laughter, even as the moment arrives when little Chencho goes missing in Plaza Mayor. The warmth of family, tradition, and a touch of chaos come together to create a holiday favorite that endures in memory. [CulturaOcio]
Cracked Two (José Luis Garci, 1983)
A noir-flavored thread runs through El crack as it arrives as the second entry in Garci’s Spanish cinema trilogy. The film follows former police officer turned private detective Germán Areta, with Alfredo Landa delivering another standout performance. Set against Madrid in a Christmas backdrop, the movie paints an atmospheric portrait of the city during the festive season, offering unforgettable imagery—glittering Gran Via, the iconic Cibeles fountain—while Garci builds a Christmas-era mood that lingers long after the credits roll. [CulturaOcio]
As in Heaven, As on Earth (Jose Luis Cuerda, 1995)
Jose Luis Cuerda’s distinctive imagination shines in this ensemble piece, a Christmas-era comedy that brings together a stellar cast—including Fernando Fernán Gómez, Francisco Rabal, Luis Ciges, Juan Luis Galiardo, Álex Angulo, Mónica Molina, Gabino Diego, Isabel Serrano, Chus Lampreave, and Enrique San Francisco. A wildly funny tale about a town’s hesitation to abandon its old ways, it follows a moment when a child divinely refuses to leave the village to save the world. Cuerda’s film earned acclaim, with Angulo winning the Goya for best supporting actor for his memorable performance. [CulturaOcio]
Day of the Beast (Álex de la Iglesia, 1995)
Closing the lineup is a bold blend of horror and comedy from Carabanchel’s own Álex de la Iglesia. The film centers on a quirky priestly quest and a former metalhead’s surreal journey as the Apocalypse nears Madrid on Christmas Day. Featuring a standout turn from Álex Angulo as a nun convinced that Satan’s son has arrived, the movie blends dark humor with festive dread. It achieved both box-office success and critical acclaim, earning six Goya Awards, including best director for de la Iglesia and best new actor for Segura. [CulturaOcio]