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Search 713 spoiler-free recommendations from 1916 to 2026. Filter by the night you want—not the list you’re supposed to finish.

Direct film viewShowing master rank #362 on its own—not above the ranking.
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Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54
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Master Rank balances Greatness, Engagement, and Ease. Sort by Greatness for the artistic-canon view.

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View Viridiana film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

Viridiana, a young nun about to take her final vows, pays a visit to her widowed uncle at the request of her Mother Superior.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Novice Viridiana visits wealthy uncle Don Jaime before taking final vows, and his fixation on her resemblance to his late wife alters her plans. Remaining at the estate, she invites local beggars to live in an outbuilding and pursues charitable reform.

Why it belongs

Luis Buñuel tests religious charity against desire, property, and appetite through deadpan sacrilege, meticulous objects, and an unruly beggars' feast.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

A bridal gown, crucifix knife, rope, estate rooms, work tools, and the parodic Last Supper tableau expose piety as material contradiction. Silvia Pinal's sincerity prevents the satire from becoming simple mockery.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Cannes1 win1961 · official festival record ↗
Palme d'or (Ex-AequoRemis à l'unanimité)1961 · Luis BUÑUELofficial festival record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for
Film Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250—AFI 100—
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness9.3
Engagement8.5
Ease7.8

Spanish · Not Rated
Narrative Feature
Mood: Absorbing & Reflective