Who can catch up with Nadine Lustre these days? The star seems to have her hands full with projects left and right. Recent ventures include making feel-good music, helping out with her mother’s plant shop, and becoming a viral meme for waiting in a Siargao store counter. (Okay, the last one isn’t really a “venture,” but it’s very much worth mentioning). With her varying pursuits, it’s sometimes easy to forget that she’s also a well-respected actress. Luckily, Nadine’s set to make her big screen comeback with the suspense-thriller Greed; but before anything else, let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?
Here are 10 films that have defined Nadine Lustre’s career:
1. Petrang Kabayo (2010)
Nadine made her film debut in the 2010 fantasy-comedy Petrang Kabayo. It starred Vice Ganda who played a wealthy and unpleasant man named Peter. Nadine played Dina, his secretary. Although this was a small supporting role, this would begin her acting career with Viva Entertainment.
Also starring: Luis Manzano, Gloria Romero, Sam Pinto
2. Diary ng Panget (2014)
This is the film that put Nadine’s name on the map. Diary ng Panget was a romantic comedy that hosted many firsts for the actress: It was the first production in which she was cast as a lead and the first time she would star opposite her future love team partner, James Reid. The film was a breakthrough hit that grossed P120 million in the box office, and eventually catapulted her into superstardom.
Also starring: Yassi Pressman, Andre Paras
3. Talk Back and You’re Dead (2013)
Following the success of the JaDine love team was Talk Back and You’re Dead, a romantic-comedy-action film that starred the acting duo. Nadine played Samantha Perez, a student lured into a world of violence because of her involvement with gang leader Top Pendleton (James Reid). The film showed a different side of Nadine, one that went beyond her usual teenybopper, rom-com star image.
Also Starring: Joseph Marco, Donnalyn Bartolome, Bret Jackson, Yassi Pressman
4. Para sa Hopeless Romantic (2015)
Para sa Hopeless Romantic was a 2015 romance film that showcased an all-star cast with two main pairings: Nadine Lustre with James Reid, and Julia Barretto with Inigo Pascual. Nadine played Becca Del Mundo, a teen who looked to writing in order to move on from her heartbreak. Critics praised her performance which was said to be incredibly sincere and authentic.
Also starring: Julia Barretto, Inigo Pascual
5. Chain Mail (2015)
Nadine did not fetter herself in showing off her wide acting range. In 2015, she decided to join the cast of the horror film Chain Mail. It follows a series of dark and twisted events caused by a deadly chain letter. Nadine played Anne, the woman who was suspected to be the cause of these incidents.
Also starring: Meg Imperial, Shy Carlos, AJ Muhlach
6. Beauty and the Bestie (2015)
Beauty and the Bestie was a 2015 action-comedy film that followed the adventures of Erika, who ends up in an international plot to find a missing beauty queen because of her super spy ex-best friend, Emman. Nadine plays Abi, Erika’s younger sister who falls in love with Emman’s brother. The film was a huge success and went on to become the third highest-grossing Filipino film of all time in 2015.
Also starring: Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, Ryan Bang, James Reid
7. This Time (2016)
This Time was a 2016 romance film, which, much like the JaDine duo’s other films, was based on a Wattpad novel. Nadine played the lead role of Ava Buhay, who goes on a journey of self-discovery while managing a confusing relationship with her childhood friend, Coby Martinez, as played by James.
Also Starring: Bret Jackson, Yam Concepcion, Donnalyn Bartolome
8. Never Not Love You (2018)
Among several nominations, Nadine won a Gawad Urian and a FAMAS award for her performance in Never Not Love You. Here, she plays Joanne, a young woman who falls in love with James Reid as Gio. Their relationship hits rocky waters when career opportunities tear them apart and send them both in different directions.
Also starring: James Reid, Gab Lagman, Luis Alandy
9. Ulan (2019)
Ulan marked a turning point for Nadine’s film career as she decided to break away from her love team partner to star alongside a different male lead, Carlo Aquino. The movie was a romantic drama that uniquely incorporated elements of Filipino fantasy. Nadine was celebrated for her excellent portrayal of Maya, the main character. She went on to be nominated for multiple awards for her performance, including Best Actress nods from the 43rd Gawad Urian Awards and the 68th FAMAS Awards.
Also starring: Marco Gumabao, AJ Muhlach, Kylie Verzosa
10. Indak (2019)
Nadine’s last film project, before a rather controversial parting with her management, was Indak, a 2019 musical dance film. She showcased her true multi-hyphenate self as she was tasked to dance, act, and even sing for the movie.
Also starring: Sam Concepcion, Yayo Aguila
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