Gone are those days when Pinoy moviegoers needed to patiently wait in long queues at cinema ticket booths so they could catch the blockbuster movie they’re yearning to watch on time. Well, almost. Today, people who want to watch a flick don’t even have to brave the traffic outside, thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix.
Traditional cinemas are threatened by Netflix, they admit. According to a study conducted at Portland State University, “The Cannes Film Festival is an iconic opponent against Netflix, arguing that unless its films are debuted in a theater for a certain amount of time, the major studio cannot enter the competition…”
But, is Netflix in the wrong? For the Toph10 team, it isn’t. In fact, Netflix has revolutionized the world’s taste for movies. Not only can you watch popular films, but also Netflix origins you can’t access in traditional cinema houses. So, why don’t you join the bandwagon? Pinoy movie enthusiasts, fasten your seat belts, here are the best Netflix shows for you.
Top 10
‘Wildflower’
Maja Salvador’s “Wildflower” can’t cannot be forgotten on this list because it’s just an intense drama that will give you laughter. Well, to be clear, it’s not comedy, but it’s the talent of Salvador, who plays a “bida-kontrabida” role like the Mexican Rubi, that unleashes the fun. It’s all over social media. Who won’t forget seeing the scene where she shouted as the show’s villain with a megaphone on your Facebook news feed? But, it’s last on this list because it seemingly doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Top 9
‘On The Wings Of Love’
Another heartbreaking celebrity couple, James Reid and Nadine Lustre, once starred in a hit TV show from ABS-CBN, “On the Wings of Love.” Yes, those days when the network was still up and running, and flying to various countries to shoot. This series tells the story of a boy living his American life and a girl who is yearning for her American dream to be fulfilled.
Top 8
‘The Hows Of Us’
It’s on number eight because watching this show is just so heartbreaking. If Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo hadn’t split, this could be ranked higher. Now, they’re on their own ways, with Padilla running his new theme park in Tanauan, Batangas, and Bernardo juggling leading men – Alden Richards, Jericho Rosales, and even mystery guys. If you wish to relive their romance, watch “The Hows of Us.”
Top 7
‘Maria Clara At Ibarra’
It landed on this list’s top seven because the story is a bit of a cliché. Jose Rizal’s novels are made into motion pictures, you get them a lot. But, “Maria Clara at Ibarra” takes a twist by introducing a character, Barbie Forteza, a girl in present-day Manila who time-travels to the time of Rizal’s stories. Not only is he funny, but she’s social media savvy, too.
Top 6
‘Rewind’
Too big? Not really. Or perhaps the stars. MMFF 2023 movie “Rewind,” starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, can be watched and rewound now on Netflix. It may not have been the most awarded movie that year, but Filipinos love it. Dantes’ character mourns the passing away of Rivera’s character, but he strikes a peculiar bargain that takes him back to the time when she was still live.
Top 5
‘Can’t Buy Me Love’
Raise your hands if you are fans of Donny Pangilinan. How about Belle Mariano? The love team is back for this phenomenal series in the top five. A Kapamilya show, “Can’t Buy Me Love” tells about the adventures and mis-adventures of a rich woman and a poor man who will remind you of Aladdin’s lifestyle.
Top 4
‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’
If you haven’t watched the hit movie right now, “Hello, Love, Again,” which, reportedly, is part of the top movies today in the United States, why haven’t you? Perhaps you haven’t seen the first part yet. Worry not because the prequel, “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” is now available for viewing on Netflix. No spoilers here.
Top 3
‘Un/Happy For You’
Jollibee star Joshua Garcia is the leading man in this rom-com flick, playing an aspiring Bicolano chef who reunites with his ex-girlfriend, portrayed by Julia Barretto, two years after their breakup. The plot twist is surprising: he tries to woo her into ruining her engagement. Will they get back in each other’s arms? Ensure you watch this.
Top 2
‘Lavender Fields’
It may be because ABS-CBN lost its franchise battle and was asked to close down that they did not get the top spot in this Toph10 list. But, hey, hey, runner-up isn’t bad. An ABS-CBN original is high on this list and it’s “Lavender Fields.” Starring Amor Powers herself Jodi Sta. Maria, the show is a story of a woman enjoying her provincial life when she suddenly encounters a mysterious guy associated with a criminal empire. With that story, ABS-CBN creative teams really don’t fade away.
Top 1
‘Pulang Araw’
Showcasing until today on GMA Network, “Pulang Araw” tells the story of four childhood friends facing the cruelty of the Japanese occupation in the Philippines at the time of the Second World War. Created by the ever-talented creative writing genius Suzette Doctolero, who is also the woman behind “Encantadia,” the show stars Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, Richards, and Dennis Trillo. See historical scenes that will take you back to the Japanese era.
There are several reasons why you’d want to watch Netflix. It’s accessible in just one tap, you can watch your favorite shows if you did not get to catch it on TV, and you can replay your favorite episodes anytime, anywhere. There’s no time to waste. Subscribe to Netflix now!
