Tango Movies

Tango films are a great way to experience the passion, drama, and romance of the Tango dance. These films showcase the beauty and artistry of the Tango, and often feature stunning music and dance sequences that are sure to captivate audiences. Whether you are a fan of dance, music, or just want to be swept up in a compelling story, Tango movies offer something for everyone. So why not sit back, relax, and let the rhythm of the Tango take you away? The list below is based on recommendations from members in the TangoVida Lounge.  

Recommended Tango Films where Tango is in the main storyline:

Our Last Tango (2015) – a beautiful documentary about the history of the personal and professional relationship of Tango dancers María Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes. Watch on YouTube.

The Tango Lesson (1997) – a scriptwriter comes to Paris to work on her film. There, she
takes up tango lessons and forms a relationship with a dancer. Watch on YouTube.

Tango (1998) by Carlos Saura – a theater director’s wife leaves him, so he focuses on
making a film about Tango, leading to an affair. Watch on YouTube (English subtitles).

Tango, Our Dance (Spanish title: Tango, Bayle Nuestro) (1988) by Jorge Zanada – a must watch documentary of Tango’s role in Argentinian society and history, including footage of some of the best known dancers: Gerardo Portalea, Miguel Ángel Zotto, Juan Carlos Copes, and even a cameo by Robert Duvall. Watch on YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2 (enable automatic subtitles with translation to English).

Tango Salon: La Confiterial Ideal (2004) documentary by BBC about the history of La Confiteria Ideal, an old Tango dance hall and cafe. Watch on YouTube (English subtitles). The cafe reopened in December 2022 and you should go visit this beautiful place for a coffee or tea.

 Tango Bar (1987) – musical drama film about the quest for preserving the spirit of tango.
A fled Tango show owner returns to Buenos Aires to join his partners after the oppressive government of Argentina has dissolved. Watch on YouTube (English subtitles)

 The Last Bandoneon “El último bandoneón” (2005) – documentary. Watch on YouTube (English subtitles)
Tangos, the Exile of Gardel “Tangos, el exilio de Gardel” (1985) – an Argentine-French film about a troupe of Argentines expats in Paris who plan to pay homage to the celebrated tango star Carlos Gardel and put on a stunner of a tango-ballet show. Watch on YouTube (with English subtitles)

 Naked Tango (1990) a woman mistakenly gets stuck working in a brothel in Buenos
Aires. The film’s expressionist atmosphere, fantastic sets, the wonderful locations in
Buenos Aires, over-the-top tango dancers and great tango music come together to make
this an interesting viewing. Naked Tango has achieved cult status for some tango
dancers. Watch on YouTube (in English).

Tango, the Obsession (1998) Mario Suarez is a middle-aged theatre director whose girlfriend and lead dancer Laura leaves him. He distracts himself with his new musical about tango and Elena, an actress. youtube by Juan Carlos Copes

Tango Negro, The African Roots of Tango (2013) Through the words of one of the most important contemporary figures in tango, Juan Carlos Caceres, the director reveals the depth of African imprints on this music youtube.
Fermin Glorias Of Tango (2014) Post traumatic stress disorder forces a man to communicate using the lyrics from tango songs.
Assassination Tango (2002) by Robert Duvall – a hitman sent to Argentina discovers Tango

12 Tangos: Adios Buenos Aires (2005) – documentary about the economic crisis, Argentine emigration, despair and rebirth of the tango told with 12 modern and classic
tangos.

El Tango en Broadway (The Tango on Broadway) (1934) – with Carlos Gardel. Watch on YouTube (English subtitles)

Tango Bar (1935) – with Carlos Gardel. Watch on YouTube (English subtitles)

Not Here to Be Loved (2000, French)  Je ne suis pas là pour être aimé – the (love) life of a man fed up with his work and life routine changes when he enlists into a tango dancing course.

Tango Appearances

Movies that only feature Tango dancing and music, typically as a single scene. The Tango scenes below can be easily found by searching on YouTube. In chronological order:

Last Tango in Paris (1972) with Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider.

Scent of a Woman (1992) with Al Pacino – the famous American movie where many people watched a Tango performance for the first time.

Addams Family Values (1993) – Gomez and Morticia dance an over the top tango, complete with the rose in the teeth, and flames of fire igniting on the dance floor.

Schindler’s List (1993) – the opening scene plays the famous Tango song, Por una Cabeza.

True Lies (1994) with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis dance Tango in the closing scene.

Simpsons (2000) “Tango De La Muerte” scene where Lisa watches a movie where a plain and bookish woman is revealed to be beautiful when she is chosen to be the lead male’s dance partner for a Tango competition. Watch on YouTube.

Frida (2002) – Salma Hayek dances Tango with Ashley Judd in a sensual scene.

Shall We Dance (2004) with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. They dance to a song by Gotan Project.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dance Tango

Take The Lead (2006) with Antonio Banderas – based on a true story about a dance teacher who believes in the talent of a group of problematic kids.

Easy Virtue (2008) with Jessica Biel and Colin Firth – perform an elegant Tango dance.

Resources to find more Tango films and videos:

Tip: you can often find these films on YouTube. There are also some good Playlists such as this one.

Sounds and Colors has some great info about the history of Tango films.

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