5 Penelope Cruz movies to watch if you enjoyed Parallel Mothers

Penelope Cruz has made a name for herself in the Spanish film industry apart from enjoying a well-established career in Hollywood. The stunning actress is also an Academy Award winner, having got the Oscar nod for her role in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. More recently, Penelope won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her 2021 film Madres Paralelas (English: Parallel Mothers). If you too loved Penelope's performance in Parallel Mothers, here are some of her other works you should check out.

Open Your Eyes (Lionsgate Play, Vi Movies & TV)

A 25-year-old Cesar's successful career and bachelor-life comes to a standstill when a car accident scars his face. Penelope plays the character of Cesar's love interest, Sofia. Critics of the film gave mostly positive reviews for how well the psychological thriller was directed. Penelope went on to reprise her role in the movie's American remake.

Vanilla Sky (Apple iTunes)

Vanilla Sky is the American remake of Penelope's Open Your Eyes, and the Spanish actress reprises the role Sofia that she essayed in the original. The American cast list features big names including Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Kurt Russell. Directed by Cameron Crowe, Vanilla Sky became an instant hit with audiences and critics alike. It also helped cement Penelope as a household name among audiences.

Blow (Hungama Play)

Directed by Ted Demme, Blow depicts the story of real-life American cocaine smuggler, George Jung (Johnny Depp), who was known for his ties to the Medellin cartel run by Pablo Escobar. This autobiographical film sees Penelope play the role of Mirtha Jung, wife to Depp’s George. Blow was a commercial success; however, a year later, Ted Demme died of a heart attack due to cocaine.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Disney+ Hotstar, Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, Tata Play)

In this instalment from the Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy franchise, Penelope Cruz plays the love interest of Captain Jack Sparrow. While spending almost two months working out and learning to fence for the film, Penelope found out she was pregnant. Fortunately, her sister Monica Cruz was able to step in and carry out all the gruelling fight sequences so that shooting carried on without a hitch.

Murder on the Orient Express (Disney+ Hotstar, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies)

Sir Kenneth Branagh directs and stars in this mystery film Murder on the Orient Express, based on the novel of the very same name by English writer Agatha Christie. Penelope holds her own as Pilar Estravados opposite a stellar line-up of names including Dame Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Johnny Depp.

Go ahead and binge watch the talented Penelope’s work your favourite OTT platform this weekend.