Buena Vista Social Club

1h 45m · 1999 · Directed by Wim Wenders · 4.0 / 5 on Letterboxd

Buena Vista Social Club (1999) runs 1h 45m, directed by Wim Wenders. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

In this fascinating Oscar-nominated documentary, American guitarist Ry Cooder brings together a group of legendary Cuban folk musicians (some in their 90s) to record a Grammy-winning CD in their native city of Havana. The result is a spectacular compilation of concert footage from the group's gigs in Amsterdam and New York City's famed Carnegie Hall, with director Wim Wenders capturing not only the music -- but also the musicians' life stories.

Genres: Documentary, Music

Where to watch: HBO Max (US, checked 9 July 2026)