When people picture Cuba, it’s usually classic cars, salsa music, and sun-soaked streets in Havana. But there’s another side to the island that’s just as compelling, its cinema.
Cuban films have long captured the country’s character in a way guidebooks simply can’t. They’re thoughtful, sometimes funny, often political, and always rooted in real life. If you’re planning a Cuba holiday, or even just considering one watching a few of these beforehand will give you a much deeper feel for the place.
It’s something the team at Love Cuba clearly believe in too. They were among the sponsors of Screen Cuba 2026 this year, helping bring a selection of Cuban films (and filmmakers) to UK audiences.
A Taste of Cuba in the UK: Screen Cuba 2026
If you missed it, Screen Cuba 2026 offered a rare chance to see Cuban cinema on the big screen in the UK. The programme mixed well-known titles with harder-to-find films, including:
- Lucía (1968)
- The Last Supper (1976)
- Up to a Point (1983)
- House for Swap (Se Permuta) (1983)
- Capablanca (1986)
- 20 Years (Veinte Años) (2009, short)
There were also appearances from key figures in Cuban film, including Mirta Ibarra, Eslinda Núñez, and Tania Delgado Fernández. Events like this don’t come around often, and they give a real sense of how alive and relevant Cuban storytelling still is.
10 of Cuba’s most famous films
If you’re building a watchlist before travelling to Cuba, these are a great place to start.
1. Strawberry and Chocolate (1993)
Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabío
Set in Havana, this is probably the most widely known Cuban film. It follows an unlikely friendship and explores themes of identity and tolerance in a way that still feels relevant today. This was the first Cuban film to be nominated for an Academy award.
2. Memories of Underdevelopment (1968)
Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea
A slower, more reflective film that captures the uncertainty of post-revolution Cuba through one man’s perspective.
3. Lucía (1968)
Directed by Humberto Solás
Three women, three different eras, one country in flux. If you want context for Cuba’s history, this is essential viewing.
4. Soy Cuba (I Am Cuba) (1964)
Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov
Less about plot, more about atmosphere. The camera work alone makes it worth watching, especially if you’re curious about pre-revolution Cuba.
5. The Last Supper (1976)
Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea
A striking look at colonial Cuba, class, and power, also featured at Screen Cuba this year.
6. Up to a Point (1983)
Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea
Sharp, observant, and surprisingly modern in its take on relationships and gender roles.
7. House for Swap (Se Permuta) (1983)
Directed by Juan Carlos Tabío
A lighter watch, but still very much about Cuban life, housing, family, and the small negotiations of everyday living.
8. Capablanca (1986)
Directed by Manuel Herrera
Centred on Cuba’s legendary chess champion, this blends sport with a glimpse into Havana society.
9. Viva Cuba (2005)
Directed by Juan Carlos Cremata Malberti
A road-trip story through the eyes of two children. It’s simple, but it quietly says a lot about class and family in Cuba.
10. 20 Years (Veinte Años) (2009)
Directed by Bárbaro Joel Ortiz
A short film, but one that sticks with you—pairing music with a story about separation and time.
Why Watch Cuban Films Before Visiting Cuba?
If you’re heading to Havana or exploring beyond, these films give you something extra. You start to recognise the rhythm of the streets, the humour in conversations, even the pace of life.
It’s the sort of context that turns a standard Cuba holiday into something more memorable, which is clearly part of the thinking behind what Love Cuba are doing by supporting events like Screen Cuba.
So whether you’re booking a trip or just daydreaming for now, it’s worth pressing play on at least one of these. Chances are, you’ll end up watching more.
Love Cuba – Award-Winning Cuba Holidays
As the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist and multiple winner of the World Travel Awards and British Travel Awards, Love Cuba makes your dream holiday a reality. Explore our Cuba holidays, Multi-Centre Cuba holidays, Tours of Cuba or Tailor-Made Cuba experiences, all designed by our friendly team of Cuba experts.
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