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Vilma Santos

Vilma Santos

Actor · Born November 3, 1953 (72) · Tondo, Manila, Philippines

Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto (born November 3, 1953) is a Filipina actress, singer, dancer, TV host, producer, and politician. She has currently serving as Governor of Batangas since 2025, which she previously served from 2007 to 2016. Her career as an actress has spanned more than five decades, beginning when she debuted as a child actress in the 1963 film Trudis Liit, for which she won her first FAMAS Award (Best Child Performer). She won the FAMAS Award for Best Actress for her dual role in "Dama de Noche" (1972). She has portrayed the superhero Darna in four films beginning with "Lipad, Darna, Lipad!" in 1973. Santos produced "Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak" (1978), which won both the FAMAS Award for Best Picture and the Gawad Urian for Best Film. In local media, she has been referred to as "Star for All Seasons" for the varied genres of her films and holds the titles of Grand Slam Queen, Queen of Queens, and the Longest Reigning Box Office Queen of Philippine Cinema. She was hailed as the enduring Grand Dame of the Philippine Film Industry by a foreign critic at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, the first Filipina actress to be bestowed such a tile.

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
November 3, 1953 (72)
From
Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Works as
Actor
Titles
15 on MovieCove · 105 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 156 days to Oct 27Down 21% in 30 days

What are Vilma Santos' films like?

Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Drama9 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 78th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Comedy4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 78th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
43%
Morality
26%
Power
11%
Self
9%
Survival
5%
Society
3%
Ideas
3%
Romantic love6 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds8 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge2 titles, browse their movies with this themeBetrayal3 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity4 titles, browse their movies with this themeOppression2 titles, browse their movies with this themeGrief2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 2 · Serious 5 · Dark 8

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 8 · Stylized 7 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 8 · Intense 6

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 4 · Shifting 10 · Whiplash 1

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 11 · Some laughs 3 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 7 · Even-paced 7 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 6 · Engaged 9 · Full focus 0

Heavy: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their heavy movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

Easy watch 1 · Affecting 3 · Heavy 11

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 12 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

12 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 8 of 12 analyzed roles.

Hero
8 of 12
Shadow
2 of 12
Shapeshifter
2 of 12
Show the 12 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
10
Melancholic
9
Romantic
4
Contemplative
3
Bittersweet
3
Other
13

How their films linger

Bittersweet8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 5 with a twist

  • Happy2
  • Bittersweet7
  • Tragic2
  • Ambiguous4

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Vilma Santos' films?

As of October 24, 2026, 2 of their 15 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Vilma Santos' titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

105 credits, 15 with a MovieCove page; 7 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Uninvited(2024)

    as Lilia Capistrano / Eva Candelaria

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • When I Met You In Tokyo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Azon

  • Everything About Her(2016)

    as Vivian Ribaya

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • The Bit Player (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Executive Producer · as Loida Malabanan

  • The Healing(2012)

    as Seth

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • In My Life(2009)

    as Shirley Templo

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Mano Po III: My Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Lilia

  • The Seventies(2002)

    as Amanda

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • Anak(2000)

    as Josie

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films

  • Lea's Story(1998)

    as Lea Bustamante

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Hanggang Ngayon Ika'y Minamahal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Margot

  • Ikaw ang Mahal Ko (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Miling

  • One and Only Star (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Cecille

  • Lipa 'Arandia' Massacre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Helen Arandia

  • Relaks ka Lang Sagot Kita (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Actor

  • Because I Love You (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Dolzura Cortez

  • Only You (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Celina

  • Engkanto (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Inang Kalikasan

  • Sinungaling Mong Puso (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Clara

  • Ipagpatawad Mo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Selina

  • When Heaven Judges(1990)

    as Florida Blanca Guevarra

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • All Be Damned (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Lucinda

  • Immortal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Actor

  • To Live Another Day (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Juliet Espiritu

  • Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Sandra

  • Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Actor

  • Takot Ako, Eh! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Actor

  • Where Is Love Hiding? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Estella

  • Asawa Ko Huwag Mong Agawin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Actor

  • Tagos ng Dugo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Josefina 'Pina' Ramos Regala

  • Clown (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Actor

  • Begging for Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Fina

  • Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Corina

  • Doctor, Doctor, We Are Sick (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Actor

  • Unleash the Love Again (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Cristy

  • Charot (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Actor

  • Baby Tsina (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Baby Tsina

  • Sister Stella L. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Sister Stella Legaspi

  • Adultery (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Aida Macaraeg

  • Let's Embrace the Past Once More (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Helen

  • Broken Marriage (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Ellen

  • How Is It to Dream? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Lisa

  • Ayaw Kong Maging Querida (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Actor

  • The House in the Woods(1982)

    as Christy

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Lily

  • T-Bird at ako(1982)

    as Isabel

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • All for You (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Divina

  • No Other Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Actor

  • An Affair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Maria Lourdes 'Marilou' Castañeda

  • Karma(1981)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Pakawalan Mo Ako (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Anna

  • Iskorokotoy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Langis at tubig(1980)

    as Cory

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Yakapin Mo ‘Ko, Lalaking Matapang (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Miss X (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Darna and Ding (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Narda/Darna

  • Good Morning, Sunshine (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Pinay, American Style (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as PX

  • Magkaribal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Lily

  • Swing It... Baby! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Marilen

  • Rubia Servios (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Rubia Servios

  • You Are Mine(1978)

    as Sandra Aragon

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • King (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Angelita's Eyes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Worried Wife

  • Kampus? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Suzette Sandejas

  • When the Crow Turns White, When the Heron Turns Black (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Julie Monserrat

  • Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Angela

  • Pinagbuklod ng Pag-Ibig (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Burlesque Queen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Chato / Czarina

  • Masarap, Masakit... ang Umibig (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Estela

  • Dalawang Pugad... Isang Ibon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Terry

  • Makahiya at Talahib (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • Mga Rosas sa Putikan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • Bato Sa Buhangin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • Bertang Karengkeng (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Berta

  • Darna vs. The Planet Women (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Narda / Darna

  • Tag-ulan sa tag-araw(1975)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Karugtong Ang Kahapon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Actor

  • Blood and Love on a Piece of Land (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Linda (segment 5)

  • Ibong Lukaret (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Actor

  • Double Terrible (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Maria Teresa 'Maritess' Labrador

  • The Creeping Hand (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Actor

  • Wild Whirlwind (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Actor

  • Batya't Palu-Palo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Stella

  • Kampanerang Kuba (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Andang/Sandra

  • Darna and the Giants (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Darna

  • Anak ng asuang (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Dyesebel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Dyesebel

  • Fly, Darna, Fly! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Darna / Narda

  • Now and Forever (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Vilma

  • Leron-Leron Sinta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Beth

  • Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Dalagang Nayon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Remembrance (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Inspiration (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Gina

  • Edgar Loves Vilma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Actor

  • Love Letters (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Vilma

  • Young Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Actor

  • Pinagbuklod ng Langit (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • The Longest Hundred Miles (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Maria

  • This Is a Filipino (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Actor

  • Batang Iwahig (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Actor

  • Written in Our Destiny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    as Imee Marcos

  • Aninong Bakal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Actor

  • King and Queen for a Day(1963)

    Actor

Career shape

A full career of 105 titles from 1963 to 2024.

Biggest box office

Everything About Her (2016)

$3.2M worldwide

Highest rated

The Seventies (2002)

Midcredits 93rd

Most popular right now

King and Queen for a Day (1963)

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting105 of 105: 104 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score76thProducing1 of 105: 0 only producing, 1 with another role

By decade

1960s7 · acting1970s41 · acting1980s35 · acting1990s13 · acting2000s4 · acting2010s3 · 3 acting · 1 crew2020s2 · acting

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Vilma Santos' films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 76th percentile, the median of the 14 of 15 with a score; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 76th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

76thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Approval · how many liked their films

71stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Reach · how many have seen their films

40thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Midcredits score across 14 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up7
  • 50th to 74th4
  • 25th to 49th3

Shape of the crowd

4 of their 14 titles are Divisive.

  • Loved with Detractors2
  • Divisive4
  • Cult Classic4
  • Crowd Pleaser1
  • Mixed3

Most divisive · actor

Tag-ulan sa tag-araw (1975)

98th percentile spread · 31% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

The Seventies (2002)

Midcredits 93rd · 81% liked

Reviewers score the acting 82/100 in their films, across 5 reviewed titles; fans 88, detractors 66. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Vilma Santos work with?

People who share at least 2 of Vilma Santos' MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Charo Santos-Concio shares the most, 6.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Cinematographers and editors

Producers

Mixed roles