
José Luis Merino
DirectingAbout José Luis Merino
Jose Luis Merino (10 June 1927 – 2 July 2019) was a Spanish film writer and director who developed a cult following among horror film fans. He was born in 1927 in Madrid, Spain, as José Luis Merino Boves, and went on to direct around 30 films during his long and varied career as director and writer (1958–1990), most of them action/adventure films, crime dramas , spaghetti westerns, war movies and costume dramas involving Robin Hood, pirates, Zorro etc. He is known to horror film fans for the two horror movies he directed in the early 1970s: Orgy of the Dead ( aka The Hanging Woman ) and Scream of the Demon Lover (aka Ivanna ), which have both become cult classics over the years. Merino never considered himself a horror film director, he chose rather to favor his many action/adventure films. He died on July 2, 2019, at age 92.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of José Luis Merino reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 9 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of José Luis Merino's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 33% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), José Luis Merino remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in 7 cabalgan hacia la muerte, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best José Luis Merino Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from José Luis Merino's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of José Luis Merino.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Merry-Go-Round c. 1950 | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Grandfather | Camarero casino | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | La herida luminosa | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | El crack dos | Meri | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Las chicas del bingo | Niño | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | El crack | Meri | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Viva la clase media | Camarero | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Las verdes praderas | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | 7 cabalgan hacia la muerte | Zachary | Super Hit | Similar → |
José Luis Merino - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of José Luis Merino?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring José Luis Merino is "7 cabalgan hacia la muerte" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has José Luis Merino acted in?
José Luis Merino has been featured in at least 9 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by José Luis Merino?
Other notable films include "El crack", "El crack dos", and "The Grandfather".




