6 Great Mexican Movies That Can Help You Learn Spanish
Learning Spanish through movies is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language. They expose you to authentic dialogues, cultural nuances, and various accents.
And watching foreign movies is especially a good idea if you plan on traveling to another country and want to understand its culture at least a little before arriving. Which is why if you’re planning on visiting Mexico, the country with the most Spanish speakers in the world, you’ll want to read this blog post. In it, we give you a few of the best Spanish language Mexican movies that can help you improve your Spanish skills while learning a little bit about Mexican culture. Keep reading!
Instructions Not Included (2013)
A heartwarming comedy-drama about Valentín, a carefree playboy whose life is upended when an old flame leaves a baby girl on his doorstep. Forced to embrace fatherhood, he builds a deep bond with his daughter, Maggie, while navigating unexpected challenges. Their world is shaken up when Maggie's mother returns years later, sparking a heartfelt story of love, family, and sacrifice.
Everybody Loves Somebody (2017)
Clara, a successful but romantically guarded OB-GYN in Los Angeles, faces her past when her family ropes her into attending a wedding in Mexico. To avoid awkwardness, she invites a coworker to pose as her boyfriend, only to encounter her ex at the event. This romantic comedy explores love's complications and family dynamics with both humor and heart.
¿Qué culpa tiene el niño? (2016)
After an unexpected pregnancy, Maru, a successful and independent woman, is faced with a life-altering decision. Pressured by family and societal expectations, she reluctantly agrees to try a relationship with Renato, the immature and carefree father of her baby. This romantic comedy explores the chaos, humor, and heartache of unconventional beginnings, and the power of love and family.
Amores Perros (2000)
A gritty and interconnected triptych of stories set in Mexico City, revolving around a tragic car crash. Each tale examines themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, tied together by the raw intensity of human emotions and a shared connection to dogs. This critically acclaimed film by Alejandro González Iñárritu paints a dark and powerful portrait of urban life and the fragility of human relationships.
María Candelaria (1943)
This classic film is a poignant story of love and tragedy in early 20th-century Mexico and follows María Candelaria, a young woman ostracized by her village due to her mother’s scandalous past. Her love for the kind-hearted Lorenzo, is tested by societal prejudice and tragic circumstances, culminating in a powerful story with themes of Mexican beauty and indigenous culture.
La Misma Luna (2007)
A touching drama that follows Carlitos, a young boy from Mexico, who goes on a journey to reunite with his mother, Rosario, who works illegally in the United States to provide a better life for him. Their parallel struggles highlight the sacrifices and challenges of immigration, family separation, and the enduring strength of the love between a mother and her child.
Roma (2018)
An intimate portrayal of life in 1970s Mexico City, this semi-autobiographical masterpiece by Alfonso Cuarón follows Cleo, a live-in housekeeper for an upper-middle-class family. Through her perspective, the film explores themes of class, family, and resilience amidst upheaval, capturing moments of profound beauty and heartbreak.
Next Steps
Learning Spanish and learning about Mexican culture doesn't have to be all about textbooks and grammar drills. By watching these movies, you can improve your language skills while diving into Mexican culture. So, grab some popcorn, choose a film from this list, and make your language learning journey both effective and enjoyable! And if you want more tips on learning Spanish, check out more on our blog!
