Filipino cinema has a rich history of exploring infidelity, which often mirrors societal norms, religious influences, and the deep emotional stakes involved.
For some reason, there seems to be a certain time when films or TV series about cheating and infidelity thrive. When one becomes a huge success, several others on the same theme emerge. Such was the case during the 1980s when, at some point, Vilma Santos was often cast in films focused on infidelity. In the 2010s, Anne Curtis’ hit film “The Other Woman” was so much of a success that she was almost branded as a feisty “kabit,” as she played several mistresses at that time.
As one of the most emotional countries in the world, the Philippines has always had a penchant for intense dramas. Think messy catfights, revenge plots, and the iconic confrontation of the legal wife versus the mistress.
Filipino cinema is deeply rooted in melodrama, embedded with taboos, and has masterfully elevated infidelity from a private affair into a public spectacle of passion, pain, and sometimes, even perverse justice. Now, here’s a list of 21 films about cheating—the betrayal, the complex desires, the desperation, and the perceived “dignity” in broken vows.
Sino’ng Kapiling, Sino’ng Kasiping (1977)
A provocative drama dissects the psychological impact of infidelity on a marriage and the individuals involved. The film is often cited for its strong performances and intimate study of marriage breakdown.
Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (1977)
A young student’s idyllic affair with an older, married woman becomes a bittersweet “stolen dream” that ultimately shapes his awakening.
Ikaw At Ang Gabi (1979)
An adult melodrama unflinchingly portrays failed relationships and the unromanticized realities of love and betrayal. The movie is known for its bold themes for its time and powerful acting.
Karma (1981)
A man’s obsession with a woman leads him into a complex web of past lives, revenge, and the tragic consequences of a love triangle rooted in infidelity.
Relasyon (1982)
A woman’s life as a “kabit” (mistress) is explored with stark realism, delving into the sacrifices and societal judgment she faces. This film is a landmark in its portrayal of the mistress, featuring Vilma Santos in one of her most acclaimed roles, earning her multiple acting awards.
Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? (1982)
Two best friends find their bond tested and shattered when one falls for the other’s husband, leading to a classic confrontation of loyalty versus desire.
Scorpio Nights (1985)
A university student becomes dangerously entangled with his neighbor, the wife of a security guard, through a voyeuristic and ultimately tragic affair.
Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (1990)
A political thriller where a movie actress becomes the mistress of a corrupt mayor, leading her into a dangerous world of power, politics, and illicit affairs. Directed by Lino Brocka, it’s a powerful film with strong performances.
Una Kang Naging Akin (1991)
After a tragic accident causes amnesia, a man unknowingly falls in love and marries a new woman, only for his past to resurface, revealing a shocking love triangle with his former fiancée and the profound truth of who truly “had him first.” Sharon Cuneta portrays the “righteous kabit” in this one, a popular trope.
Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (1994)
A wife’s life is thrown into chaos and rage when she discovers her husband’s devastating affair with her own best friend.
Minsan, Minahal Kita (2000)
Trapped in unhappy marriages, two lonely souls find an unexpected, passionate connection that forces them to confront their choices and desires.
Kailangan Kita (2002)
A chef returns home to marry his fiancée, only to find himself unexpectedly falling in love with, and starting an affair with her captivating younger sister.
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011)
A shy literature student falls for his dance instructor and later discovers her complex romantic life, which includes an affair with a married man, leading to a nuanced exploration of unspoken desires and unrequited love.
No Other Woman (2011)
A successful married man finds his life turned upside down when an aggressive “other woman” actively pursues him, leading to an intense confrontation between wife and mistress.
The Mistress (2012)
A young woman falls in love with a charming architect, only to discover he is already married, forcing her into the complex world of being “the other woman.”
Dagitab (2014)
A literary couple’s failing marriage is subtly tested as the wife develops a quiet attraction to a young student, while the husband is drawn to an enigmatic entity related to his research.
The Love Affair (2015)
A couple’s marriage is shattered by infidelity, forcing them to navigate forgiveness, second chances, and the complex journey of rebuilding their family.
Padre de Familia (2015)
The return of a long-lost patriarch throws a provincial family into turmoil, exposing buried secrets, including his own past infidelities, and challenging the integrity of their seemingly harmonious lives.
Etiquette for Mistresses (2015)
Five women from different walks of life navigate the unspoken rules, hidden sacrifices, and complex emotional realities of being the “other woman.”
The Unmarried Wife (2016)
A woman grapples with her husband’s repeated infidelity and the painful decision of whether to fight for their marriage or finally walk away.
Kasal (2018)
A woman preparing for her wedding to a mayoral candidate finds her future derailed and her understanding of love shattered by the return of her ex and a shocking secret involving a profound act of betrayal.
There are many more Filipino films about cheating. However, these are some of the most popular ones or where infidelity is the central film. If you think there are more films that deserve to be featured here, email me at thepopblogph@gmail.com with the Subject: Films about infidelity: ________ (name of film).
NeP-C Ledesma is a millennial writer and entrepreneur full of curiosity about our abstract world. She devours Psychology, food, Philosophy, and prefer cats as her all-time company. Pop Culture is her kryptonite.