Today I’m happy to feature a guest post by Pedro, one of the writers at the LingoPie blog, which is a language learning platform dedicated to making language learning immersive through TV and movies.
It’s no secret that movies are one of those resources that sometimes shine as Spanish learning resources.
But what are some interesting movies to watch out there? Especially in Spanish where you may find such a long catalog of movies!
Pedro has great recommendations for you, and I have even watched some of them.
Now, these movies aren’t for beginners, but as an intermediate (or advanced) Spanish student, I’m sure you’ve come to realize that beginners can’t handle entire movies just yet.
Anyway… over to Pedro!
If you’re a movie buff, learning Spanish can open up a whole new world of amazing films for you to enjoy. Spanish-language movies come from all over Latin America and Spain, and cover a wide range of genres and styles. From heart-wrenching dramas to hilarious comedies, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, by watching movies in Spanish, you’ll get to practice your listening and comprehension skills, which can make learning the language a lot more fun. So why not give it a try? You never know, you might just discover your new favorite movie!
Alright, brace yourself because you’re in for a real treat! I’ve got a list of the top 10 Spanish-language movies that you absolutely have to watch if you’re learning Spanish.
And trust me, these movies are so good that you’ll be glad you put in the effort to understand them. These films are not only entertaining but also have a lot of cultural significance.
They will give you a glimpse into different parts of the Spanish-speaking world and their cultures. These movies are so diverse that you’ll find something to love no matter what your taste in movies is.
From classic films to modern masterpieces, there’s something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, put on your Spanish subtitles, and get ready to be blown away by these cinematic gems!
1- La Historia Oficial (1985) – Argentina
“La Historia Oficial” is an Argentine film directed by Luis Puenzo. The film is a powerful and emotional drama that tells the story of a teacher, played by Norma Aleandro, who begins to question the official story of the disappearance during the country’s “Dirty War” in the 1970s and ’80s with the roots of the daughter she adopted. Is the biological kids’ mom part of what was going on in Argentina?
The movie explores themes of love, loyalty, and political oppression, and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Argentina.
It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1985, and Norma Aleandro won the Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival.
Why you should watch it
One of the reasons you should watch “La historia oficial” is that it gives a glimpse of the dark period of Argentina’s history, when thousands of people were “disappeared” by the military government.
This film is not only a political commentary but also a story about a mother and wife who is struggling to find the truth about her son’s disappearance.
Additionally, the performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Norma Aleandro’s portrayal of the lead character, which is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
2- Y Tu Mamá También (2001) – Mexico
“Y Tu Mamá También” is a Mexican film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The film is a coming-of-age drama that follows two teenage boys, played by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, as they embark on a road trip with an older woman, played by Maribel Verdú, through Mexico.
Along the way, the trio encounters various adventures, both comedic and serious, as they explore the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and class.
The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest Mexican films of all time.
Why you should watch it
You should watch “Y Tu Mamá También” because it provides a unique and honest look at the lives of young people in Mexico.
The film is not only a story about two friends and their journey, but also about the social and political context of Mexico at the time.
Furthermore, the performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Maribel Verdú’s portrayal of the older woman, which is both charming and powerful.
The film also features great cinematography that captures the beauty of Mexico’s landscapes and culture and their strong Mexican accent.
3- La Teta Asustada (2009) – Perú
The movie, directed by Claudia Llosa, is a powerful drama that tells the story of a young girl, Fausta, played by Magaly Solier, who is haunted by the memories of the violence she witnessed during the internal conflict in Peru.
The film explores the themes of trauma, memory, and identity, and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Peru.
The film won the Golden Bear award at the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival and nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Academy Awards.
Why you should watch it
“La Teta Asustada” is definitely worth watching because it provides an honest and emotional look at the effects of violence on individuals and communities.
The film is not only a story about a young girl’s journey, but also about the context of Peru’s history and the impact of political violence on people’s lives.
Also, the performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Magaly Solier’s portrayal of Fausta, which is both raw and powerful. The film also features great cinematography that captures the beauty and the harshness of the Peruvian landscapes.
4- El Secreto de Sus Ojos (2009) – Argentina
“El Secreto de Sus Ojos” is an Argentine film directed by Juan José Campanella. The film is a crime-drama and mystery that follows a retired legal investigator, played by Ricardo Darín, who revisits a case he worked on 25 years ago involving the murder of a young woman and the man who was accused but never convicted.
Themes of justice, love, and obsession are explored throughout the film, making it widely considered as one of the best films to come out of Argentina. It even won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010.
Why you should watch it
Firstly, it’s a gripping and suspenseful story that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Not only is it a crime story, but it also delves into the themes of love and obsession, making for a well-rounded and compelling plot.
The performances by the cast, particularly Ricardo Darín, are top-notch and emotionally charged. The film also boasts beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of Argentina’s landscapes and culture.
5- El Laberinto Del Fauno (2016) – Spain
This visually stunning fantasy-drama film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, set during the Spanish Civil War, tells the story of a young girl, Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who claims she is a long-lost princess and must complete three dangerous tasks to reclaim her throne.
Along the way, Ofelia must navigate the real-world dangers of war, as well as the fantastical creatures of the labyrinth.
The film explores themes of imagination, fantasy, and reality and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Mexico. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director.
Why you should watch it
You should watch “El Laberinto del Fauno” for its mesmerizing and imaginative storytelling. The film is not only a fantasy story but also a story of war and oppression, and how people cope with it, especially children, through their imagination.
The movie is a visual masterpiece, the cinematography, the special effects, and the production design are absolutely stunning, creating an immersive and fantastical world that will captivate you.
6- Diários de Motocicleta (2004) – Argentina/Chile
“Diarios de Motocicleta” is a biographical film directed by Walter Salles. It is the story of the young Ernesto Guevara, played by Gael García Bernal, who embarks on a motorcycle trip through Latin America with his friend Alberto Granado, played by Rodrigo De la Serna.
Along the way, the two friends encounter the poverty, sickness, and social injustice of the people they meet, and it leads to the formation of Ernesto’s political and social consciousness. The film explores themes of friendship, adventure, and social justice, and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Brazil and Argentina.
Why you should watch it
One of the reasons you should watch “Diários de Motocicleta” is that it provides an intimate and honest look at the life of one of the most iconic political figures of the 20th century. The film is not only a story of adventure and friendship but also a story of political and social awakening.
Moreover, the performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Gael García Bernal’s portrayal of Ernesto Guevara, which is both engaging and emotional. The film also features great cinematography that captures the beauty of the Latin American landscapes and culture.
7- Mar Adentro (2004) – Spain
The film, directed by Alejandro Amenábar, is a biographical drama that tells the story of Ramón Sampedro, played by Javier Bardem, a quadriplegic who fights for the right to end his own life.
The movie explores themes of life, death, love, and freedom, and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Spain.
The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and Javier Bardem won the Best Actor award at Cannes Film Festival.
Why you should watch it
This movie provides a thought-provoking and emotional look at the right to die and the meaning of life.
The film is not only a story about a person’s right to die but also a story of love, friendship, and freedom.
The performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Ramón Sampedro, which is both intense and emotional. The film also features great cinematography that captures the beauty of the Spanish landscapes and culture.
8- La Lengua de Las Mariposas (1999) – Spain
“La Lengua de Las Mariposas” is a Spanish film directed by José Luis Cuerda. The film is a historical drama that tells the story of a young boy, Moncho, played by Fernán-Gómez, who starts his education in the rural Spain of the late 1930s.
The movie explores themes of childhood, education, and the impact of the Spanish Civil War on ordinary people and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Spain. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Why you should watch it
“La Lengua de Las Mariposas” provides a heartwarming and nostalgic look at childhood and education during the Spanish Civil War.
The film is not only a story of childhood but also a story of the impact of war on ordinary people. In addition, the performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Fernán-Gómez’s portrayal of Moncho, which is both charming and emotional.
Related: 8 More Movies To Watch In Spanish
9- Volver (2006) – Spain
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, this movie is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a group of women, including Raimunda, played by Penelope Cruz, who are dealing with various personal struggles and secrets, and how they come together to help each other.
The film explores themes of family, love, and loss and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Spain.
It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and Penelope Cruz won the Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival.
Why you should watch it
A primary reason you should watch “Volver” is its unique blend of comedy and drama that creates an emotional and entertaining experience. The film is not only a story of family and love but also a story of loss and resilience.
Besides, the performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Penelope Cruz’s portrayal of Raimunda, which is both powerful and emotional.
10- El Espíritu de La Colmena (1973) – Spain
“El Espíritu de La Colmena” is a Spanish film directed by Víctor Erice. The movie is a drama that tells the story of two young girls, Ana and Isabel, who are fascinated by the movies and the stories they see, and how they try to understand the world around them.
It explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the power of cinema, and it is widely considered to be one of the best films to come out of Spain. It was nominated for the Golden Palm award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Why you should watch it
An incentive you should watch “El espíritu de la colmena” is for its captivating and evocative portrayal of childhood and the power of imagination. The film is not only a story of childhood but also a story of the impact of cinema on people’s lives and how it shapes their understanding of the world.
The performances of the cast are outstanding, especially Ana Torrent’s portrayal of Ana, which is both charming and emotional.
Related: 15 Maneras De Practicar Español Sin Viajar Fuera De Tu País
Conclusion
Learning Spanish opens up a whole new world of cinematic possibilities. Spanish-speaking countries have a rich and diverse film history, and by learning the language, you can enjoy some of the best Spanish-language films without the need for subtitles.
From historical dramas to comedies, Spanish films offer a wide range of genres and styles that will keep you entertained and captivated.
Have you ever met Lingopie? You should check it out and see what a twist between Netflix and Duolingo can become – kinda a dream coming true for language learners.
Not only are Spanish films a great way to improve your language skills, but they also provide an opportunity to gain insight into the culture and history of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
The films offer a unique perspective on the world and can be a great way to learn about the culture and customs of different countries.
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