Some of my favorite films reflecting Hispanic and Latino stories

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Latino culture and history between 09/15-10/15. Although I enjoy these films year round, right now is the perfect time to dig back into them and honor our Hispanic brothers’ and sisters’stories.

Below is a list of different genres that you can watch ranging from family friendly to gritty action.

Coco (2017)

As I’ve grown older I have watched cartoons and Disney animations less and less. This isn’t intentional, but there are often not many that pull me in. However, I was blown away when I watched Coco for the first time.

Coco is rich with culture and emotions as it tells the story of a young boy who travels to the Land of the Dead to learn more about his family’s history. The movie revolves around a very important holiday in Hispanic culture called Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), where Latino families celebrate those that have passed. The day is full of creating ofrendas (altars), visiting grave sites, and sharing meals and stories in remembrance of the deceased. It’s a very beautiful way to honor life, death, and loved ones.

Selena (1997)

“Anything for Selenas.” This has been one of my favorite films since childhood, and I’m sure most people are familiar with it by now. The biographical film about the life of Selena Quintanilla played amazingly by Jennifer Lopez will have you glued to the screen until the very end. Selena was a Mexican-American singer and dancer from Texas who was on her way to be one of the greats.

Although her life was tragically cut short, her songs continue to be loved to this very day. I would’ve loved to have had the chance to see her perform live; JLo does an excellent job in helping to honor her memory and story through film.

Desperado (1995)

A shoot 'em up classic from Robert Rodriguez. Desperado is the middle movie of the Mexico Trilogy; preceded by El Mariachi and ended with Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Desperado is the first film that I’ve seen from the trilogy and it's also my favorite.

This is a revenge neo-western starring Antonio Banderas and Selma Hayek. Do I really need to tell you anymore to get you to watch this film? This is full of violence and almost has a John Wick feel to the movie. Rodriguez is also responsible for classics such as From Dusk till Dawn and Machete, so you know you’ll get plenty of action.

Maria Full of Grace (2004)

Maria Full of Grace is a Spanish language drama about a Colombian teenager who becomes a drug mule for cocaine drug trafficking. After finding out that she is pregnant, she views drug trafficking as an opportunity for a better life.

This film is tense and gritty. If you are not a fan of subtitles, please don’t let that discourage you from missing out on this movie. I was introduced to this film in high school, and I’m still trying to figure out how the teacher was allowed to show it to us. Whatever the case, I was blown away by the story.

I Like it Like That (1994)

A nostalgic comedy-drama set in the ‘90s South Bronx. I Like it Like That follows the life of a Latino family dealing with poverty and their personal family struggles. You’ll see quite a few familiar faces here, including Lauren Vélez and Jon Seda.

This is a cozy hidden gem that I love watching, especially when I want to reminisce about what city life was like in the ‘90s.

West Side Story (2021)

I couldn’t leave a musical (or music heavy film) off of my favorites list. I actually enjoy both versions of West Side Story, but I am more leaned towards what Spielberg did with the 2021 version. The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous! The color tones and vintage feel makes you feel like you are still watching a movie from the past.

There is a lot of controversy behind the original West Side Story (understandably so) and Spielberg does a good job of giving Puerto Ricans a stronger voice and presence in the remake. Give this one a shot if you enjoy musicals, and want a version that appreciates hispanic culture more.

Mi Familia/ My Family (1995)

One of my all time favorite movies, Mi Famlia (My Family) is an epic family saga about the generations of a Mexican-American family in Los Angeles. This reminds me so much of the movie “Roots,” and I have loved this film since I was introduced to it as a child.

There is an all-star cast of various Hispanic actors including Jimmy Smits, Edward James Olmos, and Esai Morales. As with any good family drama, this story will pull on all of the emotions. This one may be tough to find, but if you do find it, please do yourself a favor and watch it.

If you know of any other Hispanic movies that I should be watching, please let me know. I’m actually yearning for a Latino horror film if you have one. Gracias.

Film Faves for Hispanic Heritage Month