Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to MMFF 2025

It’s a great time for Philippine cinema this Christmas! Aside from the never-ending feasts, the exchanging of gifts, and the meaningful time spent with family, friends, and loved ones, many Filipino families also look forward to heading to the cinemas to watch their chosen films from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Photo: Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins; Call Me Mother; and I’mPerfect

It’s no secret that MMFF has a movie for every kind of moviegoer! Whether you’re into a great tear-jerker, a feel-good rom-com, or a horror film to spice up the festive spirit, there’s so much to enjoy. As Christmas fast approaches, we’re getting more and more updates from each production, giving everyone plenty of time to decide which film they’ll be watching on the big screen.

Still deciding? Here’s a no-fuss guide that you should keep in mind before heading to your nearby cinema this Christmas!

Call Me Mother (directed by Jun Robles Lana)

MMFF is never complete without Vice Ganda—and at this point, it almost feels incomplete without Nadine Lustre, too! This much-awaited collaboration strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama as we follow the story of a queer single mother who hopes to adopt her adoptive son, only for his biological mother to suddenly enter the scene.

Rekonek (directed by Jade Castro)

Just by the title itself, Rekonek is an ensemble family film about six different families dealing with a global internet outage during the holiday season. This relatable and heartwarming movie is something to look forward to if you want to see how everything comes together in the spirit of Christmas.

Manila’s Finest (directed by Rae Red)

Want to take a break from your usual watchlist? Manila’s Finest is worth considering! Led by Piolo Pascual, this crime thriller follows a group of police officers in 1969. It’s a mix of history, suspense, and action that will make it hard to take your eyes off the screen.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins (directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Lorenos)

MMFF is not MMFF without a horror film! And for long-time festival fans, everyone knows how iconic the legacy of Shake, Rattle & Roll is. This year, they’re making things even more thrilling with Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins—and you’ll definitely see your favorite actors scream and run for their lives!

I’mPerfect (directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo)

I’mPerfect is a heartfelt film that centers on the romantic relationship of two adults with Down syndrome. It stars Anne Krystel Daphne Go and Earl Jonathan Amaba—who both have Down syndrome—while the supporting cast includes Sylvia Sanchez, Janice de Belen, Lorna Tolentino, Joey Marquez, Tonton Gutierrez, and Zaijian Jaranilla.

Love You So Bad (directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar)

For fans of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition and romantic comedies, Love You So Bad is definitely worth watching to feel the love this Christmas! Starring PBB alums Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, and Dustin Yu, this feel-good film explores not just romantic love, but also choosing yourself and figuring life out along the way.

UnMarry (directed by Jeffrey Jeturian)

If you’ve been waiting to see Angelica Panganiban on the big screen again, then UnMarry is the film to watch! Teaming up with Zanjoe Marudo, this heart-wrenching drama revolves around a couple about to file for annulment.

Bar Boys: After School (directed by Kip Oebanda)

Whether you’re a law student, a lawyer, or simply someone trying to navigate life one step at a time, Bar Boys: After School will tug at your heartstrings just right. This highly anticipated sequel highlights the core cast while introducing new characters who add even more depth to the story.

The highly anticipated film festival will open on December 25. Then, the MMFF 51st Parade of Stars will take place on December 19, while the Gabi ng Parangal will be on December 27.

ALSO READ: 2024 MMFF Entries Revealed—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments!