Verónica Echegui's 10 best films (and where to watch them): the cinematic legacy of a chameleon-like actress

Spanish cinema is in mourning following the unexpected death of Verónica Echegui at the age of 42 , the victim of cancer for which she was treated at Madrid's Hospital 12 de Octubre. The news has shaken the cultural world, which is saying goodbye to one of the most versatile and charismatic performers of her generation. Her absence leaves a profound void on the big screen and among the fans who watched her develop as an actress since her first appearance on film.

She became known to the general public thanks to Yo soy la Juani (2006), a film by Bigas Luna that marked a brilliant start to her film career. Her portrayal of the young nonconformist earned her a Goya nomination for Best New Actress and made her one of the most promising emerging faces in Spanish cinema. From then on, she pursued highly demanding dramatic projects and also forays into comedy , demonstrating a talent capable of adapting to any genre.

Although many remember her for that first, overwhelming role, her filmography was much more extensive and diverse. From social dramas to international thrillers , musicals and romantic comedies, Echegui worked with some of the most important directors on the Spanish scene and also made her mark in foreign productions. Her artistic legacy is complemented by accolades such as four Goya Award nominations and a Goya as director of the short film Tótem Loba .

Verónica Echegui's best films

• Yo soy la Juani (Bigas Luna, 2006): Echegui's debut feature in Spanish cinema. In it, she plays Juani, a young woman from the outskirts of Madrid who dreams of making it as an actress. The film, which launched her to fame, also featured Dani Martín. Her role was so impactful that it earned her her first Goya nomination, for Best New Actress. It can be seen on Filmin .

• El patio de mi cárcel (Belén Macías, 2008): a prison drama with a powerful female cast: Candela Peña, Blanca Portillo, and Ana Wagener joined Echegui in this story about imprisoned women who find a way out in theater. Her role as Isa, a rebellious inmate seeking redemption, earned her her first Goya nomination for Best Leading Actress. It's available on Rakuten TV .

• Six Points About Emma (Roberto Pérez Toledo, 2011): In this film, Echegui plays Emma, ​​a young blind woman obsessed with becoming a mother. After discovering that her partner cannot bear her a child, she begins a desperate search for the ideal parent. Accompanied by Álex García, her then real-life partner, she gave one of her most moving performances. Available on Movistar Plus+ and Filmin .

• Katmandú, un espejo en el cielo (Icíar Bollaín, 2012): Based on true events, the film tells the story of Laia, a Catalan teacher who travels to Nepal to improve education in poor neighborhoods. With a social and human focus, the film also stars Norbu Tsering Gurung and is inspired by the life of activist Victoria Subirana. Echegui earned another Goya nomination for Best Actress. You can watch it on Prime Video, Movistar Plus+, Filmin, and Rakuten TV .

• The Great Spanish Family (Daniel Sánchez Arévalo, 2013): an ensemble comedy set on the day of the 2010 World Cup final. With Antonio de la Torre, Quim Gutiérrez, and Patrick Criado in the cast, Echegui played Cris, caught up in a family wedding filled with emotions, arguments, and reconciliations. The film combined humor and tenderness with great box office success. It's available on HBO Max .

• Don't Blame Karma for What Happens to You Because You're an Asshole (María Ripoll, 2016): a light and fresh romantic comedy in which she played Sara, a feather designer who lives a life full of romantic setbacks. She co-starred with Álex García and David Verdaguer, making it one of her most popular films with the general public. Available on Movistar Plus+ .
• Explota, explota (Nacho Álvarez, 2020): a tribute to the musical universe of Raffaella Carrà. Echegui shined as Amparo, a key supporting character in a story where music and feminism blend with humor. She shared the cast with Ingrid García-Jonsson, Verónica Forqué, and Fernando Tejero. Her performance earned her another Goya nomination, this time for supporting actress. It can be seen on Prime Video .

• Secret Origins (David Galán Galindo, 2020): A crime thriller with comic book touches. Alongside Javier Rey and Brays Efe, Echegui played Norma, part of a group trying to catch a serial killer who recreates superhero-inspired crimes. An original offering that blended suspense and pop culture. It's on Netflix .

• Objetos (Jorge Dorado, 2022): An international thriller in which she co-starred with Álvaro Morte and Argentine director China Suárez. Echegui plays a woman who crosses the path of a man who works at a lost-and-found office and investigates human trafficking cases. Her performance here once again demonstrated her flair for intense roles. You can watch it on Prime Video .
• Artificial Justice (Simón Casal de Miguel, 2024): one of her last appearances on the big screen. In this Spanish-Portuguese production, she played Carmen Costa, a judge who uncovers a conspiracy linked to artificial intelligence in the judicial system. The thriller , with sci-fi overtones, was the final touch to a constantly evolving career. Pending release on platforms .

These ten films not only encapsulate the Madrid native's versatility and magnetism, but also demonstrate the evolution of an actress capable of moving from the lightest comedy to the most intense drama without losing her authenticity . Revisiting them today is a way to celebrate her legacy and keep alive the mark she left on Spanish and international cinema.

Their best series and where to watch them

In addition to shining in film, Echegui left his mark on television. He appeared in Apaches (Netflix, 2018), an adaptation of the novel by Miguel Sáez Carral, and 3 Caminos (Prime Video, 2021), a tale of friendship on the Camino de Santiago. She also starred in Intimidad (Netflix, 2022), acclaimed for its feminist perspective on the right to privacy, and Los pacientes del doctor García (RTVE Play, 2023), based on the work by Almudena Grandes. Her last role was in A muerte (Atresplayer, 2024), a romantic comedy with dramatic overtones that now stands as an unexpected tribute to her artistic legacy.