Torrente is a Spanish dark comedy-action film franchise created, written, and directed by Santiago Segura. It follows the adventures of José Luis Torrente, a racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, and fascist former police agent, performed by Segura himself. The film series features numerous celebrity cameos.
The first Torrente film released in 1998 became the highest-grossing Spanish film of all time in Spain, later surpassed by its first sequel released in 2001; leading to a third (2005), fourth (2011), fifth (2014), and sixth (2026) films. The franchise has yielded also two video games: Torrente (2003) and Torrente 3: The Protector (2005); two graphic novels by : Torrente y el descubrimiento de América (2013) and Torrente y el Cid (2014); and a slot machine.
Films Torrente, the Dumb Arm of the Law (1998)
José Luis Torrente is a lazy, rude, drunkard, sexist, racist, right-wing ex-policeman turned fake cop who lives in a decrepit apartment in a slum neighbourhood in Madrid with his father, whose disability checks are Torrente's only real income.
This film released on 13 March 1998 was nominated for three Goya Awards at the 13th Goya Awards, winning two: Santiago Segura the Best New Director award, and Tony Leblanc the Best Supporting Actor award; with Javier Cámara being nominated for Best New Actor. The film became the highest-grossing Spanish film of all time in Spain since box office records began in 1965.
Torrente 2: Mission in Marbella (2001)
Torrente has moved to Marbella, where, after being wiped out of the money he had gained, he has returned to private investigation.
The film's song "Semos diferentes" by Joaquín Sabina was nominated for the Goya Award for Best Original Song at the 16th Goya Awards. The film released on 30 March 2001 became the highest-grossing Spanish film of all time in Spain, surpassing the first film.
Torrente 3: el protector (2005)
Torrente became a private bodyguard who has to protect MEP Giannina Ricci, famous for her fight against polluting companies.
The film, released on 30 September 2005, is a parody of the American film The Bodyguard, which was directed by Mick Jackson and starred Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. The film became the highest-grossing Spanish film of the year in Spain.
Torrente 4: Lethal Crisis (2011)
Torrente becomes a security guard, but screws up the job, which leads to being wrongfully accused of murder and sent to prison. He tries to break out by organizing a football game between the guards and the inmates, inspired by Escape to Victory.
The film was released on 9 March 2011 in 3D. The film became the highest-grossing film of the year in Spain.
Torrente 5: Operación Eurovegas (2014)
Released from prison after several years, Torrente decides to rob a casino together with the help of a bunch of incompetent people.
The film, released on 3 October 2014, is a parody of heist films, especially the Ocean's franchise, and was inspired in the failed Eurovegas hotel-casino project. Antonio Molina and Ferran Piquer were nominated for the Goya Award for Best Special Effects at the 29th Goya Awards.
Torrente for President (2026)
Torrente bids for president of the government of Spain.
The film was released on 13 March 2026.
Video games Torrente (2003)
Torrente is a 2003 video game from O~3 Entertainment. It is based on the first two films.
Torrente 3: The Protector (2005) Torrente 3: The Protector is a 2005 video game based in the third film.
Graphic novels The franchise has yielded two original graphic novels by : Torrente y el descubrimiento de América (2013) and Torrente y el Cid (2014).
The third film in the franchise, Torrente 3: el protector, was also adapted in 2005 into a comic of the same name by Mónica & Beatriz.
Cast and characters
Characters Films Video games Torrente, the Dumb Arm of the Law Torrente 2: Mission in Marbella Torrente 3: el protector Torrente 4: Lethal Crisis Torrente 5: Operación Eurovegas Torrente for President Torrente Torrente 3: The Protector 1998 2001 2005 2011 2014 2026 2003 2005 José Luis Torrente Santiago Segura Santiago Segura Santiago Segura Santiago Segura Rafael "Rafi" Jiménez Valera Javier Cámara colspan="4" Javier Cámara colspan="2" Amparito Neus Asensi colspan="3" Neus Asensi colspan="2" Spinelli colspan="4" José Luis Moreno colspan="2" Felipe Torrente Tony Leblanc colspan="7" Antoñito Cañita Brava colspan="2" Cuco Gabino Diego colspan="2" Julián López Gabino Diego colspan="2" Mauricio Torrente Tony Leblanc colspan="5" Manolito Barragán colspan="2" Josito colspan="2" José Mota colspan="5" Juan Francisco Solís colspan="2" Javier Gutiérrez Javier Gutiérrez colspan="2" Pepito Torrente colspan="2" Carlos Latre colspan="5" Julito "Rinrín" colspan="3" Kiko Rivera colspan="2" Gregorio Torrente colspan="3" Tony Leblanc colspan="4" Cuadrado colspan="3" Fernando Esteso colspan="2" Jesusín colspan="4" Jesulín de Ubrique colspan="2" John Marshall colspan="4" Alec Baldwin colspan="3"
Cameos The film series features numerous cameos from celebrities, such as: Javier Bardem, Jorge Sanz, Carlos Moyá, Diego el Cigala, John Landis, Oliver Stone, Guillermo del Toro, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres, Belén Esteban, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fàbregas, and Sergio Ramos.
Accolades + Torrente film series at the Goya Awards Category 13th Goya Awards 16th Goya Awards 29th Goya Awards Torrente, the Dumb Arm of the Law Torrente 2: Mission in Marbella Torrente 5: Operación Eurovegas New Director colspan="2" Best Supporting Actor colspan="2" Best New Actor colspan="2" Best Original Song Best Special Effects colspan="2"
Notes
References