The defending three-time world champion showed all his tenacity and skill with a near-flawless drive in treacherous Interlagos conditions to finish ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Nico Rosberg.
The German came home second to leave himself needing a podium finish in the final event on November 27 to seal his maiden title triumph, in what promises to be one of the most tense season F1 finales in recent memory.
Max Verstappen produced the most stunning performance of the day -- if not the season -- when he recovered from falling to 16th after a late tyre change to claim third place with a series of daring passes in the final laps.
It was Hamilton's first win in Brazil at the 10th attempt and completed a hat-trick of recent wins, following his triumphs in the United States and Mexico last month.
Hamilton's ninth victory of the year and 52nd of his career lifted him one clear of four-time world champion Alain Prost.
"It didn't go my way today," said Rosberg, who nevertheless still has one hand on the title.
"Lewis did a great job. It was very difficult conditions, but I can live with second place."
In a three-hour race that featured two red-flag stoppages, five safety car interventions, major high-speed crashes and high emotions, Sergio Perez finished fourth for Force India ahead of an embittered Sebastian Vettel.
The four-time champion was again left complaining that Verstappen had pushed him off the track in a late move as the Dutchman charged to the podium.
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