Antoinette Jadaone’s critically acclaimed coming-of-age film, Sunshine, has officially cemented its status as a global fan favorite.
In the recently released Letterboxd 2024 Year in Review, the Filipino film secured spots across five major categories on the world's leading social platform for cinephiles.
This recognition is particularly significant, as Sunshine was the sole Filipino representative to make the cut, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest international releases of the year.
Here is how Sunshine ranked according to the Letterboxd community:
- Top Overall Films: Ranked #17 among the highest-rated films globally.
- Female-Led Excellence: Secured #5 on the list of highest-rated narrative films directed by women.
- Asian Cinema Pride: Placed #6 among the top-rated Asian films of 2025.
- Dramatic Impact: Ranked #7 in the highest-rated drama category.
- Fan Favorite: Landed at #9 for "Most Hearts to Views," a metric that tracks the highest ratio of "likes" per viewer, proving that those who watch the film are deeply moved by it.
Meeting Sunshine
Starring Maris Racal in a career-defining performance, Sunshine follows the journey of a dedicated gymnast with Olympic dreams. Her life takes a sharp turn when she discovers an unplanned pregnancy just as national team tryouts approach.
Since its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the movie has been praised for its brave exploration of reproductive rights and the societal stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy in the Philippines. The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Elijah Canlas, Jennica Garcia, Meryll Soriano, Xyriel Manabat, and Annika Co.
While Sunshine was a shortlisted contender for the Philippines' official entry to the 98th Academy Awards (a spot eventually taken by Lav Diaz’s Magellan), its commercial and critical success remains undeniable. Following a successful exclusive theatrical run with SM Cinemas earlier in 2025, the film has found a second life and an even wider audience via digital platforms.
Where to Watch: If you missed the theatrical run, Sunshine is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Watch the trailer below
Join the community of Young, Empowered, and Creative! Like, Follow, Subscribe to metroscenemag.com and our socials Facebook, X, and Instagram.
.png)
