Ten Best: Films of Mexican legend El Santo

Santo, the iconic Mexican wrestler, actor, and folk hero, starred in a plethora of films that combined elements of lucha libre, horror, sci-fi, and adventure. His movies are cherished for their campy charm, thrilling plots, and the larger-than-life presence of El Santo himself. With an extended version of Santo vs. the Riders of Terror screening at Fantasia this weekend here’s a rundown of the ten best Santo movies:

1. Santo vs. the Vampire Women (1962)

Plot: Santo takes on a coven of vampire women who kidnap young women to resurrect their queen.
Why It’s Great: This film is a quintessential Santo adventure, blending horror and action with the masked hero battling supernatural forces.

2. Santo vs. the Martian Invasion (1967)

Plot: Santo fights against an invasion of Martians who aim to conquer Earth.
Why It’s Great: A classic example of Santo’s foray into sci-fi, this film showcases his versatility and the imaginative storylines typical of his movies.

3. Santo in the Wax Museum (1963)

Plot: Santo investigates a wax museum where people mysteriously disappear, uncovering a sinister plot.
Why It’s Great: This movie combines mystery and horror, with creepy settings and suspenseful moments that highlight Santo’s detective skills.

4. Santo vs. the Zombies (1962)

Plot: Santo battles a mad scientist who has created an army of zombies to do his bidding.
Why It’s Great: One of Santo’s earliest films, it established his role as a hero fighting against monstrous threats and features some of his most iconic scenes.

5. Santo and Blue Demon vs. the Monsters (1970)

Plot: Santo teams up with fellow wrestler Blue Demon to fight a collection of classic movie monsters.
Why It’s Great: The dynamic duo of Santo and Blue Demon provides double the action and fun, making this film a fan favorite.

6. Santo vs. the Vice Mafia (1971)

Plot: Santo takes on an international crime syndicate involved in vice and corruption.
Why It’s Great: A gritty, action-packed adventure that pits Santo against human villains, showcasing his crime-fighting prowess.

7. Santo in the Treasure of Dracula (1969)

Plot: Santo discovers Dracula’s treasure and must protect it from evil forces.
Why It’s Great: A unique blend of adventure and horror, this film is notable for its time-travel subplot and intriguing storyline.

8. Santo vs. the Riders of Terror (1970)

Plot: Santo battles a gang of bandits terrorizing a small town.
Why It’s Great: Set in a rural environment, this film combines Western elements with the action-packed lucha libre style Santo is known for.

9. Santo vs. Blue Demon in Atlantis (1970)

Plot: Santo and Blue Demon venture to the lost city of Atlantis to thwart an evil scientist’s plans.
Why It’s Great: This film’s exotic setting and imaginative plot make it a standout in Santo’s filmography, offering a mix of sci-fi and adventure.

10. Santo in the Mystery of the Black Pearl (1974)

Plot: Santo uncovers a conspiracy involving a valuable black pearl and must stop the villains behind it.
Why It’s Great: Combining elements of mystery, treasure hunting, and martial arts, this film keeps viewers engaged with its twists and turns.
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These ten movies capture the essence of Santo’s legendary career, showcasing his heroic battles against a wide range of foes, from supernatural creatures to criminal masterminds. Each film is a testament to his enduring legacy and the unique blend of genres that made his movies so entertaining.