Macario (1960) Review: A Mexican Classic

Is Macario worth watching?

Yes — Macario remains one of the most celebrated films from Mexico, with a 100/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 100/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 88% Audience Snapshot, 62 Metascore, 4.2 on Letterboxd, and 8 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of Mexico” list.

What is Macario about?

A poor woodcutter receives a magical potion that grants death-delaying powers on the Day of the Dead, tempting greed and fate. Directed by Roberto Gavaldón, the film stars Ignacio López Tarso, Pina Pellicer, Enrique Lucero, and remains a reference point for Drama and Fantasy filmmaking from Mexico.

Should you watch Macario?

Yes, without hesitation — Macario rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 91 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: The first Mexican film nominated for Best Foreign Language Oscar — a folk fable of hunger and mortality.

Where can I watch Macario?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. Macario (1960) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt0054087) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from Mexico on CelluloidScore.com.