The 10 Most Underrated Javier Bardem Movies, Ranked (From Least to Most Underrated)

Javier Bardem is a successful actor who seamlessly works in both Spanish films and large-scale international movies. Starting his career in Spain, where acting was a family tradition, he later earned an Oscar for his performance in an American film. Throughout his career, he’s collaborated with many renowned directors, including Pedro Almodóvar, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Alejandro Amenábar, Fernando León de Aranoa, Asghar Farhadi, Miloš Forman, and John Malkovich.

This list showcases Javier Bardem’s most notable film roles, spanning various genres and languages. It includes dramas, thrillers, and films that highlight his acting range, with details about the directors, other actors, locations, awards, and other key information to give you a complete picture of his work.

‘Perdita Durango’ (1997)

Directed by Álex de la Iglesia, this crime thriller is based on Barry Gifford’s novel and follows a couple involved in dangerous criminal activity near the US-Mexico border. Javier Bardem stars as Romeo Dolorosa, alongside Rosie Perez in the title role. The story centers around a kidnapping and a criminal world connected to strange rituals and beliefs. Released as ‘Dance with the Devil’ in some countries, the film is presented in both English and Spanish.

The film was made with a team from around the world, funded by Spanish investors and distributors who tailored different versions for international audiences. Javier Bardem fully embodied his character through changes in his appearance and accent, reflecting the character’s history. The music features a raw, textured sound that complements the film’s journey-based storyline.

‘Mouth to Mouth’ (1995)

In Manuel Gómez Pereira’s film ‘Boca a boca,’ Javier Bardem plays an actor trying to make ends meet by working for a phone sex line. He unexpectedly gets caught up in a mystery involving a rich couple. Aitana Sánchez Gijón also stars in the movie, which takes place in various Madrid locations, from apartments to fancy villas, and mixes elements of both romance and crime. The film maintains a generally lighthearted feel, while allowing Bardem to showcase his range, moving easily between funny moments and dramatic scenes.

Sogecine produced the film, which was initially successful with audiences in Spain before being shown at international festivals. It marked an early collaboration for Bardem with crew members he’d work with again on future Spanish films, and it earned him national recognition, boosting his profile throughout Europe.

‘Goya’s Ghosts’ (2006)

Directed by Miloš Forman, this historical film explores Spain during the Spanish Inquisition and the Napoleonic era. Javier Bardem stars as Brother Lorenzo, a powerful churchman whose life intersects with the artist Francisco Goya and a young woman portrayed by Natalie Portman. Told primarily in English, the movie uses scenes set in courtrooms, workshops, and prisons to illustrate the changing political landscape of the time.

Filming happened in Spain, using both real locations and studio sets built to look like the streets and rooms connected to the artist’s life. The film features an international cast, including Stellan Skarsgård, and its music helps create a serious and authentic historical feel. The costumes and makeup were carefully researched to accurately reflect fashion from the late 1700s and early 1800s, adding to the story’s realism.

‘The Dancer Upstairs’ (2002)

John Malkovich directs his first feature film, based on Nicholas Shakespeare’s novel. Javier Bardem stars as Agustín Rejas, a detective investigating a shadowy rebel in a Latin American country inspired by current events. The movie weaves together police work, legal maneuvering, and family life, while gradually uncovering the scope of the group’s influence through subtle clues, and features a role for Laura Morante as a schoolteacher.

Filmed in Ecuador with a diverse, international team, the production features Spanish dialogue with subtitles available for viewers worldwide. The editing focuses on maintaining a clear, step-by-step narrative while also depicting what life is like during a state of emergency. The filmmakers used natural lighting in busy public spaces and government buildings to create a realistic feel.

‘Everybody Knows’ (2018)

Asghar Farhadi’s new thriller, filmed in Spanish, starts with a family wedding just outside Madrid. Javier Bardem plays Paco, and Penélope Cruz stars as Laura, whose family is happily celebrating until a shocking kidnapping throws everything into chaos. Ricardo Darín also joins the cast, and the story unfolds through tense conversations and confrontations in homes, vineyards, and the town’s central plaza.

The film kicked off the Cannes Film Festival and was shown at many other festivals before being released in cinemas around the world. Director Farhadi, working with a Spanish team, continued his tradition of exploring difficult moral dilemmas. The film’s early scenes are powerfully supported by realistic music from the wedding, which helps set the scene and build atmosphere.

‘The Good Boss’ (2021)

Fernando León de Aranoa’s new film is a humorous look at the world of work, starring Javier Bardem as Julio Blanco, who runs a company making industrial scales. The story follows a busy week where the company tries to win an award, all while dealing with personal problems brought by the employees. Bardem’s character has to manage everything – the competition, the employee issues, media attention, and official visits – with the help of a supporting cast including Almudena Amor and Manolo Solo, who play key roles in his attempts to keep things under control.

The film represented Spain in the Academy Awards and received more Goya Award nominations than any other film that year. It went on to win major awards, including Best Film and Best Actor for Javier Bardem. After a successful release in Spain, it expanded to other European countries, performing well in theaters and enjoying long runs in cities.

‘Live Flesh’ (1997)

Pedro Almodóvar’s film, based on a novel by Ruth Rendell, is a Madrid-based story of complex relationships affected by a single, late-night event. Javier Bardem stars as David, a police officer whose life is altered forever when he’s left in a wheelchair after a shooting. The film spans several years and explores the changing connections between characters portrayed by Liberto Rabal, Francesca Neri, Ángela Molina, and Penélope Cruz.

I’ve always been struck by how visually stunning Almodóvar’s films are, and this one is no exception. It’s a really important film in his working relationship with his cinematographer, Affonso Beato – their use of bold, saturated colors, especially in the interiors and nighttime scenes, is just incredible. Plus, the costumes and set design, created by his regular team, really help to define each character. It was a huge success too, winning a lot of Goya Awards and bringing Almodóvar’s work to an even wider audience around the world.

‘Biutiful’ (2010)

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film takes place in Barcelona and focuses on Uxbal, played by Javier Bardem, a man struggling with illness and strange visions. He’s also trying to support his family by working in the city’s underground economy. The movie follows Uxbal’s daily life as he moves between different neighborhoods, construction sites, and small apartments, and highlights strong performances from Maricel Álvarez and Hanaa Bouchaib alongside Bardem.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where Javier Bardem won the award for Best Actor. It went on to receive Academy Award nominations for both Best Actor and Best International Feature Film (representing Mexico). The film was then released globally, with a focus on major cities and longer-than-usual showings in theaters.

‘Mondays in the Sun’ (2002)

Fernando León de Aranoa’s film centers on a group of friends in a coastal city struggling after their shipyard closes. Javier Bardem stars as Santa, a laid-off worker who spends his days with friends at a local bar, trying to make ends meet. The film features performances by Luis Tosar, José Ángel Egido, and Nieve de Medina, and is set in locations like the harbor, job centers, and people’s homes.

The film was a big success at the Goya Awards, winning prizes including Best Film and Best Actor for Javier Bardem. Before its release in Europe, it was shown at many film festivals. Filmed on location in Vigo, the movie feels authentic, and the filmmakers used natural lighting and a handheld camera to create a realistic feel as the characters move through everyday locations like streets, buses, and ferry terminals.

‘The Sea Inside’ (2004)

Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, this film tells the true story of Ramón Sampedro, a man from Galicia who fought for the legal right to end his life after a diving accident left him paralyzed. Javier Bardem powerfully portrays Sampedro over many years, showing his life in hospitals and with his family. Belén Rueda and Lola Dueñas also star as important women who offer different perspectives on his difficult journey. The film’s script is based on Sampedro’s actual letters and public statements from the case.

The film, representing Spain, won an Academy Award and several major Goya Awards, including Best Film and Best Actor. Director Amenábar also composed the music, while cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe beautifully filmed the coastal scenery, linking the story’s memories to the main character’s homeland. It then reached a wide audience through art house theaters and television broadcasts internationally.

Tell us which Javier Bardem films you would add to this list in the comments.

2025-09-16 23:46