Kids

Teach Your Kids Philippine History With These 5 Binge-Worthy Movies

by Alexa Villano
July 24, 2025

Stuck at home and nothing to watch online? Check out these Filipino historical movies to add to your list

The rain can change plans, especially for kids who are set to go to school and be with friends. With them stuck at home, watching shows and playing on their gadgets will be their focus.

But there are ways that kids can still learn at home by watching movies. If they are history buffs and curious about the country’s heroes, then watching historical movies can help.

Here are five Filipino historical films available on streaming sites and YouTube. They may be long, but they will teach your children many lessons.

Jose Rizal, directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Jose Rizal, starring Cesar Montano, first came out in 1998. In 2024, it was remastered and shown in Cinemalaya, 26 years since it first came out in cinemas.

The film focuses on the life of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, including his time abroad, his family, and two master pieces – Noli Me Tangere, and El Filibusterismo.

Rizal’s life has been the subject of different movies and historical shows. Two other films, Rizal Sa Dapitan starring Albert Martinez, and Bayani 3rd World, starring Joel Torre, are considered classics to watch.

In 2014, Alden Richards portrayed Rizal in the show Illustrado, produced by GMA.

Jose Rizal is available on YouTube and Netflix to watch.

GomBuZa, directed by Pepe Diokno

GomBuZa tells the story of the three martyr priests – Fr. Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. The three were implicated in an assassination plot and arrested.

Their deaths would lead the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, to dedicate his second book, El Filibusterismo, pointing out the discrimination and abuses of the Spanish government done to Filipinos.

The three martyr priests’ death anniversary is commemorated every February 17. The movie is available on Netflix to watch.

Heneral Luna, directed by Jerrold Tarog

Heneral Luna focuses on the life of Antonio Luna, who was one of the generals who fought in the Philippine revolution against the Spanish and Americans.

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, directed by Jerrold Tarog

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is the second film in the Bayaniverse. Starring Paulo Avelino, revolves around the life of Gregorio del Pilar, who died young at the battle of Tirad Pass.

The film would be the catalyst for the upcoming third film on the life of Manuel L. Quezon, set for release sometime in October.

Goyo can be viewed on the TBA YouTube channel.

Andres Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, directed by Enzo Williams

Andres Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo is a movie that tells the story of the leader who launched the Katipunan movement. The film also tackled the bitter relationship between Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo, which led to Bonifacio’s death.

Andres Bonifacio starred Robin Padilla, and it served as the prequel to the Bayaniverse franchise, after Antonio Luna was seen in a post-credit scene of the film.

The movie is available for viewing on the TBA YouTube channel.

Other movies you can watch and catch soon

Aside from the five films, other movies and shows on the life of our country’s heroes are available for viewing, such as El Presidente, which tackles the story of Emilio Aguinaldo.

An educational show called Bayani, produced by ABS-CBN, also has selected episodes of the national heroes and the country’s history.

Sakay, a 1993 movie based on the life of Macario Sakay, directed by Raymond Red, is also available online.

This year, two movies will be screened – Quezon, starring Jericho Rosales, and Lakambini, starring Lovi Poe, based on the life of Gregoria “Oriang” de Jesus, out in November.