Add These 45 Movies Spotlighting Hispanic And Latinx Culture To Your Must-Watch List
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The most vibrant time of the year is here. No, I'm not talking about fall and the return of PSLs; I'm talking about National Latinx Heritage Month. Starting September 15 and going through October 15, Latinx Heritage Month is meant to celebrate the culture, achievements, and history of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. (Though to be honest, Latin American contributions should be celebrated every day of the year.)
ICYDK, the national observation dates back to 1968 when, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, it was first created as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the week to a full 30-day commemoration, according to the official website for National Hispanic Heritage Month. In other words, now's the time to reflect on and honor the contributions of Latinx communities in the United States. And one simple way to do just that is by tuning into thousands of movies highlighting Latinx stories.
Historically, Latinx Americans have been stereotyped and underrepresented in Hollywood, undermining the richness and authenticity of many unique cultures. (Think: Natalie Wood, a white actress, playing Maria, a Puerto Rican woman, in West Side Story.) Of course, that doesn't mean films that properly and accurately showcase Latinx culture don't exist—they do, you just have to know where to look for them.
"Latin America has well-established cinematic traditions, and it has made and is making significant contributions to global culture," says Elena Martínez, PhD, a professor of Latin American Cinema at Baruch College. "Traditionally, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil have been the countries most recognized for their cinema," she explains. "For instance, the cinema of the 1940s and '50s in Mexico is recognized as the Golden Age for the quality and volume of the films produced. And in 1960s and '70s Brazil, the genre 'Cinema Novo' (New Cinema), influenced by Italian neorealism, emphasized social concerns and problems." Overall, Latin American cinema encompasses many national cinematic traditions with well-defined characteristics and trends (think: the surrealist work of Spanish-Mexican director Luis Buñuel).
These films are important because they help audiences go beyond easy classifications, labels, and generalizations about Latin America and its people, says Martínez. Latinx cultures are rich and diverse. These filmmakers have deeply profound stories and perspectives to share with audiences, many of them dealing with issues pertinent to Latinx people like migration, language, and cultural differences, she adds.
Ready to dive into more Latinx stories? From classics like Selena to newer releases like In the Heights, these 45 best Latinx and Hispanic movies will immerse you in the hopes, joys, and challenges of being Latinx in the U.S. and elsewhere. While Latinx Heritage Month may only be 30 days long, you can—and should—incorporate these films into your year-round repertoire.
A Fantastic Woman
Winner of the 2018 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, A Fantastic Woman tells the story of Marina, a waitress and nightclub singer, and her older lover, Orlando. The pair were planning their future together when suddenly Orlando falls ill and dies. Marina, a transgender woman, is then forced to confront his family—who wants nothing to do with her—and society, as she fights for her right to privacy, love, and to simply be. "With strong acting and excellent cinematography Una mujer fantástica examines the themes of loss, love, and rejection to underscore the protagonist’s inner strength and dignity," says Martínez.
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Zama
Based on the existentialist novel by Antonio Di Benedetto, Zama tells the story of Don Diego de Zama, a languishing officer of the Spanish Crown who awaits a letter from the King granting him a transfer from the outpost to which he has been assigned to a more prestigious location. As he waits, in vain, he suffers small humiliations due to lust, plus the tasks given to him by successive Governors. When the letter never arrives, Zama loses hope and decides to join a party of soldiers determined to track down a legendary bandit.
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The Secret in Their Eyes
This Academy Award-winning film follows the relationship between retired criminal court investigator Benjamín Espósito and department chief Irene Menéndez-Hastings as they further investigate a rape and murder case in 1970s Argentina. Benjamin is writing a novel based on the twenty-five year old unresolved case, which still haunts him. But his search for truth puts him in the middle of a legal nightmare as the mystery of the wicked crime continues to unfold in real time.
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Güeros
This award-winning film follows three relentless teenagers, Sombra (Tenoch Huerta), Santos, and Tomás, Sombra's kid brother who is sent to live with him by their lone mother. Taking place during the 1999 student strikes in Mexico City, these teen boys must find a way to kill time. Their mission: To find Epigmenio Cruz, a former Mexican folk-rock star who “made Bob Dylan cry,” during a road trip through Mexico City.
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Neighboring Sounds
In Neighboring Sounds, the lives of the middle-class residents of a neighborhood in Recife, Brazil take an unexpected turn with the arrival of an independent private security firm. The presence of these men brings a feeling of safety, yet anxiety in a city run by fear and crime. Kleber Mendonça Filho's film comments on class relations and reflects on Brazilian history, violence, and noise.
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The Exterminating Angel
A surrealist masterpiece from director Luis Buñuel, El ángel exterminador tells the story of a group of high-society, wealthy aristocrats who mysteriously find themselves unable to leave a lavish dinner party. The film depicts the chaotic events and behaviors that ensue as the guests slowly lose their minds, uncover unspeakable secrets, and bend morality. This satirical and allegorical movie was included in "The Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made" list by the New York Times in 2004.
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The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo
This Mexican documentary follows a mother's tireless crusade to get justice for her daughter's murder after Mexico's legal system fails them. Before her murder in 2010, in front of the Government Palace of Chihuahua, Marisela was a prominent activist against femicide in Juárez, Mexico after her daughter, Rubi, was allegedly killed by her former boyfriend, the El Paso Times reported. The film, which won the Ariel Award for Best Documentary Feature Film, details evidence of corruption and cover-ups in the highest levels of government.
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City of God
A four-time Academy Award nominee, City of God is an epic crime film adapted from the 1997 book of the same name. It is set among one of Rio de Janeiro's most notorious slums, Cidade de Deus, or "city of God." In the midst of the oppressive organized crime and violence that riddles the city, a young boy pursues his dreams of becoming a professional photographer. His camera lens becomes an artistic window through which he sees the harsh realities of his surroundings, and, ultimately, his way out.
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Sand Dollars
Taking place in a seaside town in the Dominican Republic, Sand Dollars follows Noeli, a young Dominican woman working as a sex worker, and her lover and client, Anne, a much older French woman. Despite the transactional nature of their relationship, Anne is in love with Noeli; all the while, Noeli plans to use her to get a European visa so she can travel to Barcelona and reconnect with her mother. "Thought-provoking and intriguing, the film enhances the exploration of queer love, abandonment, and colonial power," says Martínez.
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La Mujer Sin Cabeza
La mujer sin cabeza, which translates to "the headless woman," is an Argentine psychological thriller directed by Argentine filmmaker Lucrecia Martel. The film follows Veronica (María Onetto), a middle-aged, successful dentist experiencing a crisis of identity. While driving down a deserted road, Veronica is distracted trying to answer her cell phone and hits something. After realizing she may have killed someone, she slowly descends into a state of paranoia and isolation. Add to that her unconscious battle with guilt after cheating on her husband, Veronica's world begins to crumble.
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La Ciénaga
La ciénaga or, "the swamp," revolves around the story of a self-pitying bourgeois woman and her family who spend their summer vacation in a small rural town in Salta, Argentina. After injuring herself, Mecha, a mother in her 50s, begins to rely on drinking and grows resentful of her Amerindian servants. Tali, Mecha's cousin, lives nearby and starts to visit to escape her crowded home. After a while, the domestic situations in both homes expose family mysteries and create tensions that boil over into violence. Director and writer Lucrecia Martel won the Sundance Institute/NHK Award in 1999 for the screenplay.
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The Milk of Sorrow
The Milk of Sorrow (La teta asustada) is a slow, meditative Peruvian-Spanish drama that follows the fears of abused women during the internal conflict in Peru. Fausta, after growing up on stories of the horrors that occurred during the war, has a debilitating fear of men and rape. As a result, she carries a potato in her vagina to dissuade any attempts of sexual abuse. Throughout the film, she battles health concerns due to her preventative method and the aftermath of her mother's death. "Centering on an Indigenous female protagonist, [the film] articulates painful historical events and underscores the brutality suffered by Indigenous populations," says Martínez.
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Black Orpheus
This vibrant romance retells the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice using Rio de Janeiro carnival as a backdrop. Young lovers Orfeu and Eurydice's budding relationship is threatened by a hitman dressed as Death, who's after Eurydice, and Orfeu's vengeful fiancée Mira. Awash with bossa nova, samba, and the colorful favelas of Rio, Black Orpheus is a treat for the eyes and ears.
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Piñero
Starring Benjamin Bratt as Miguel Piñero, Piñero recounts the turbulent life of the Nuyorican poet-playwright-actor. Piñero, a convict at Sing-Sing, defied all odds when his play Short Eyes, which he wrote during his second incarceration, was nominated for six Tony Awards in 1975. His work is credited with being the precursor for rap and hip-hop. Although Piñero died young at age 40, his legend lives on.
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Before Night Falls
This Oscar-nominated film spans the life of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas (Javier Bardem) from his early childhood in rural Cuba to his exile and death in New York City. In the late '50s, Arenas joins the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro, and by the early '60s he's living in Havana. But under Castro's rule, his writing and openly gay behavior gets him into trouble. He spends two years behind bars, writing letters for his fellow inmates and smuggling out a novel before ultimately fleeing Cuba for the U.S. by boat-lift.
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Gotta Kick It Up
This coming-of-age Disney Channel Original Movie follows the girls of Marshall Middle School's dance team. When their dance team coach retires at the beginning of the new school year, the girls are crushed. Luckily, their new biology teacher and former dancer Ms. Bartlett agrees to mentor them. Their first competition is a disaster, but thanks to their "Sí, se puede" motto, they slowly improve. You'll laugh and cry watching this film about girlhood, troubled relationships, insecurities, and poverty.
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Hamilton
While Alexander Hamilton, the historical figure himself, was a white man, the Broadway musical Hamilton deserves a spot on this list for its predominantly Latinx cast. With a score that blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B, this award-winning production tells the story of the American founding father and first secretary of the treasury in a way that's engaging, plus educational.
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In the Heights
From the mind of Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda and playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes comes a deeply Latinx tale: In the Heights. The film version of the 2005 Broadway musical follows characters from the largely Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights. There's Usnavi, a bodega owner who hopes for a better life, Nina, who returns home from Stanford after she can't afford to pay tuition, and Vanessa, who dreams of becoming a fashion designer in the big city. The film is a vibrant, kaleidoscope dream that explores community, racism, and gentrification.
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Encanto
If you loved Coco, you'll love Disney's Encanto. This animated film tells the story of the Madrigals, a magical family who lives in the hidden mountains of Colombia. For generations, the charmed place which the family lives has blessed every child with a unique magical power, well, except for Mirabel. But the powerless little sister soon discovers her unique gift when she becomes the last hope for saving the magic that surrounds her family's home.
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Amores Perros
A masterclass in creative filmmaking, in Amores perros, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, a horrific car crash links three different stories and people in Mexico City. There's the teenager from the slums who finds himself in the world of dogfighting in order to make money, a model whose serious leg injury threatens her career, and a mysterious hitman. Each of their lives connects in different ways and includes the presence of dogs.
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Y Tu Mamá También
Alfonso Cuarón's breakout hit Y Tu Mamá También follows two 17-year-old boys, Julio and Tenoch. Fueled by raging hormones and an intense friendship, these boys, seeking a summer of drugs and meaningless sex, convince the 28-year-old wife of Tenoch's cousin, Luisa, to go road tripping with them across the Oaxacan coast. As their travels progress, tensions build not only between the boys and Luisa, but with each other as well.
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Los Olvidados
Another classic film, in Los Olvidados, juvenile delinquent El Jaibo runs a group of troubled street kids in the slums of Mexico City. On a mission to find the man who allegedly sent for his arrest, he enlists the help of Pedro, the youngest of the group. As Pedro becomes increasingly entangled in this criminal world, his morals are slowly corrupted and he risks losing the little family and money he has. Directed by acclaimed Spanish-Mexican filmmaker Luis Buñuel, this film tackles poverty, toxic masculinity, and police brutality.
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Aventurera
This 1950s Mexican cult classic tells the story of Elena (Ninón Sevilla), who is forced to make a new life for herself in the big city of Ciudad Juárez after her mother runs away with another man and her father commits suicide as a result. One night, Elena meets Lucio, who drugs her drink, then sells her to brothel and nightclub owner, Rosaura. Elena grows to become a sensational performer at the nightclub, all while planning her revenge.
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Like Water For Chocolate
Nominated for a Golden Globe and based on the book by Laura Esquivel, this movie features (among other things) the life of a young woman who is madly in love. Her feelings are strong, but she’s unable to marry the man who is the object of her affections due to a long-standing family tradition. Instead, she expresses her feelings for him through food and cooking, which plays out as magical realism in the film.
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Maria Full of Grace
This movie follows the life of Maria, a 17-year-old living with her large family in rural Colombia. Together, they work in harsh conditions at a flower plantation, stripping thorns from roses. Because her family is in need of more money, though, Maria accepts an offer to travel to the U.S. The catch? The job requires Maria to help transport drugs across borders, which leads to a chaotic life in New York City. For her role as Maria, actress Catalina Sandino Moreno was nominated for an Oscar.
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I’m Leaving Now
If you’re a documentary lover, this one's for you. I'm Leaving Now follows Felipe, a Mexican immigrant who has been working low-wage jobs and living in New York City for over 16 years. He sends most of his earnings home to his wife and children, though he hasn’t seen them in almost two decades. When Felipe decides he wants to return to Mexico, his family tells him they need Felipe to continue working in the U.S. and earning money for the family一causing an internal dilemma for many.
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Even The Rain
In this film about filmmaking, an ambitious director aims to make a movie about the arrival of Christopher Columbus in North America. Through the movie, he wants to convey that Western forces were a serious detriment to Indigenous peoples and the land. They decide to film the movie in Bolivia, witnessing civil and political unrest (which mirrors that of the director’s film) in the town of Cochabamba as a result.
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Thereabouts 3: Discovering Colombia
This documentary follows two professional cyclists as they go on a two-week bike ride through Colombia一altitude, mountains, varying weather conditions, and all. Throughout their ride they stop at various cities and towns (like Bogotá and Villa de Leyva), go on hikes, and meet with the people (and other cyclists) who show them what makes the country so unique.
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The Sentence
The Sentence explores the tragedies that follow mandatory minimum sentencings in the United States. The filmmaker, Rudy Valdez, focuses the documentary on his sister, Cindy Shank, a mother of three who is currently serving a 15-year sentence. She was charged with the crimes committed by her ex-boyfriend (who has since passed away) causing her to be separated from her children.
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McFarland, USA
Inspired by actual events, McFarland, USA tells the story of a predominantly Latino farming community and a group of teens that attend the local high school. The school’s cross country coach, played by Kevin Costner, aims to help the team of adolescents use the skills they learn in the sport to create a better life for themselves and tackle problems within their family life and larger community.
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Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four
This documentary explores the sentencing of four Latina lesbians who were wrongfully convicted of raping two children. A group challenges their conviction in court based on adjusted scientific evidence, proving their previous cause for sentencing false. In addition to the specifics of their case, the movie also explores the way harmful mythology, homophobia, and prosecutorial rage that led to their punishment in the first place.
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Cesar’s Last Fast
Civil rights leader Cesar Chavez fought for the rights of disenfranchised people everywhere, especially when it came to farmers and other agricultural workers across the world. The documentary Cesar’s Last Fast uses archival footage to explore Chavez’s protest techniques of fasting, marching, non-violence, and more, specifically against the use of pesticides in farming, which were causing a number of illnesses to those exposed.
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The Book Of Life
If you’re more into animated movies, you’ll love The Book of Life, produced by Guillermo del Toro, which explores the nature of love and afterlife in the town of San Angel, Mexico. Joaquin and Manolo are both in love with their longtime friend, Maria. But this is no simple love triangle—two deities have wagered a bet about their marital outcomes and, of course, feel the need to interfere with their relationships.
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Selena
It wouldn’t be right if Selena wasn’t at the top of your "Movies to Watch Over 100 Times" list. (Listen, I don't make the rules.) This classic film tells the true story of Latina icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who rose to stardom as the "Queen of Tejano Music." Starring Jennifer Lopez, this movie chronicles the life of a young woman reaching the American dream—and her tragic death that still shakes the world today.
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Under The Same Moon
Got your box of tissues ready? Good, because you’ll definitely need 'em for this one. Under The Same Moon tells the story of a young boy who crosses the Mexican-American border to find his working mother in the United States. The film not only tackles the struggles of family and immigration, but the strong acting performances by Adrián Alonso (Carlitos), Kate del Castillo (Rosario), Eugenio Derbez (Enrique), and America Ferrera (Marta) will be sure to move you.
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Real Women Have Curves
Although this film didn’t get the recognition it deserved when it premiered, Real Women Have Curves is an astounding coming-of-age movie that's all too familiar for Latina girls living with insecurities—and a mother who doesn't exactly help with that. America Ferrera plays Ana Garcia, a curvy Mexican-American teenager faced with overcoming traditional gender stereotypes and following her own dreams in the U.S.
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Pelo Malo
Pelo Malo reflects on the term "bad hair," commonly used in Hispanic and Latinx culture to refer to curly locks. The film follows 9-year-old Junior from Caracas, Venezuela, who becomes obsessed with straightening his hair to fit in, while also dealing with homophobia from his mother. Director Mariana Rondón powerfully portrays modern-day identity issues, racism, and violence in this intense drama.
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Nothing Like The Holidays
Nothing Like The Holidays is the perfect Christmas movie with a twist. The Rodriguez family comes together for a whimsical holiday celebration they won’t forget, but it may be their last. Directed by the brilliant Alfredo de Villa, this film takes you through the surprising revelations, confessions, and enduring love of a close Puerto Rican family.
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Viva
Set in Cuba, Viva stars Hector Medina as Jesus, a young drag performer trying to live as his authentic self, until his estranged father resurfaces and forces him to quit his love of performing. This moving film directed by Irish filmmaker, Paddy Breathnach, explores a unique social scene in Cuba and the struggles to repair a broken father-son relationship.
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Coco
This dazzling Disney Pixar tale about a young boy's quest to find answers to his family’s musical secrets will take you on a fun and heartfelt cultural journey. Directed by the creative mind behind Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich, this film uncovers the powerful meaning behind Mexican traditions, while celebrating unbreakable family ties and inspiring legacies.
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In The Time of Butterflies
Based on the novel by Dominican-American author, Julia Alvarez, this intense film tells the true story of the heroic Mirabal sisters who worked to take down Rafael Trujillo during his dictatorship of the Dominican Republic. These three sisters' mission to overthrow the dictator made them leading female figures in history. Starring Salma Hayek as Minerva Mirabal, and Marc Anthony as her lover and fellow revolutionary Lio, this star-studded movie is worth the watch.
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The Graduates
Following the lives of six Latinx high school students across the United States working to beat the odds, this inspiring documentary shows the educational issues students living in underserved communities face every day. Statistics may say they can’t make it, but these students are determined to change the outcome of their lives.
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Roma
This groundbreaking, Oscar-winning Netflix original is a true masterpiece. Director Alfonso Cuarón created this personal film based on memories of his childhood nanny in Mexico City during the 1970s. Cleo, played by Yalitza Aparicio, is a servant of Indigenous heritage who works for a rich white Mexican family. Roma chronicles family drama, personal tragedy, and political conflicts.
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Los Sures
Get to know Brooklyn before gentrification with this early 1980s documentary. Los Sures, or South Williamsburg, was one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City, with residents facing challenges from drug abuse to gang violence. Above all, this widely Puerto Rican and Dominican community persevered through the celebration of their own culture and resilience.
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Residente
One of Puerto Rico's most influential rappers, Residente, also known as René Pérez, takes off on a musical journey around the world after a DNA test reveals his global roots. The traditions and cultural values Residente learns along the way connected to his ancestry serve as the inspiration behind his new album.
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