Best films · North America

1 Best Movies from Nicaragua to Watch First

Start with films made from within Nicaragua, then follow the country's own creative voice through the complete ranking.

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Runtime, mood, and entry level help narrow the list without replacing the editorial ranking.

FilmRuntimeGenreMoodBest for
Days of LightNot verified

1 Essential Film from Nicaragua

Ranked native cinema in Nicaragua’s own creative voice.

  1. Days of Light (2019) poster

    1. Days of Light

    Días de luz · 2019

    Six interwoven stories unfold across Central America during a single day of a total eclipse, connecting strangers from the forests of Guatemala to the towers of Panama City. An ambitious regional collaboration, and Nicaragua's part in a shared cinematic tapestry.

    Why & details

    Curator’s note: A Central American anthology with a Nicaraguan segment and regional Spanish-language production context.

The view from outside

5 Best Movies Set in or About Nicaragua

Compare how outside filmmakers have used Nicaragua as a sustained setting or subject.

  1. Under Fire 1983
  2. Walker 1987
  3. Latino 1985
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Selected by the FilmsAroundThe.World editorial desk

Ranked for craft, enduring reputation, influence, and importance within Nicaragua cinema. Decision labels are concise editorial aids, and content notes are non-exhaustive. Read the methodology.

Editorial review: 2026-07-13

Nearby on the atlas

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