Looking for a fun way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Whether you’ve been a lifelong fan or new to exploring Hispanic-centered movies, chances are you will find plenty of enjoyment in these magical creations.
From animated favorites like Coco to the heart-pounding action of Machete, these films showcase Latinx stories for viewers of all ages. Grab your family for a must-watch movie night this September!
1. Encanto
Encanto is a must-watch during Hispanic Heritage Month. Set in Colombia, the film follows the Madrigal family, who possess magical gifts. However, when the magic starts to fade, Mirabel, the youngest member of the family, must embark on a journey to save her family's legacy.
Encanto is not only visually stunning, with beautiful animation that highlights a vibrant Colombia, but it also celebrates Latin American culture and the importance of family.
The heartwarming story and catchy music from Lin-Manuel Miranda make the movie it a treat for anyone, and its cultural significance and representation make it a shoo-in for a list of the best Hispanic Disney movies. Encanto is an instant classic that is sure to become one of your favorite movies.
2. Coco
Coco is a beautiful and epic adventure that deserves to be on any list of the best Disney movies. The plot centers around young Miguel, a boy who dreams of becoming a musician but is forbidden to play by his family's longstanding tradition.
When he finds himself trapped in the Land of the Dead, Miguel must navigate his way through the world of his ancestors and learn about his family's history and complicated past in order to find his way back home.
Set in a vibrant, colorful world, the film is not only an entertaining family-friendly adventure but also a poignant tribute to Mexican culture and a celebration of the importance of family and music. Plus, with its focus on the power of storytelling, the film becomes a testament to the universal themes that transcend language and culture.
3. Mcfarland, USA
The inspirational Mcfarland, USA follows the true story of a high school cross-country team from a small farming town in California, led by their new coach, played by Kevin Costner.
It’s not just about running, but also about the characters’ cultural backgrounds and how it’s woven into their performance. Mcfarland, USA captures the stories of Latin American immigrants and their children, people who have worked hard to create a sense of community and identity and found a way to assimilate into small-town American life.
McFarland, USA is a story of struggles, perseverance and hope, celebrating the diversity of America while also showing how we can come together despite our cultural differences.
4. The Emperor's New Groove
The Emperor's New Groove is an animated Disney movie that follows Kuzco, a self-centered emperor who is transformed into a llama by his former advisor, Yzma. In order to turn back into a human, Kuzco enlists the help of a kind-hearted llama herder named Pacha.
The two embark on an extraordinary journey to reclaim Kuzco's throne and learn valuable lessons about friendship and self-discovery along the way. The Emperor's New Groove is a heartwarming tale that combines humor, adventure, and important messages about personal growth, making it a must-watch for any Disney enthusiast during this celebratory month.
5. Alive
Alive (1993) is a gripping movie that tells the true story of a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashes in the Andes Mountains during a trip to Chile.
The team must face brutal conditions as they fight for survival in the freezing wilderness, resorting to desperate measures to stay alive. While the movie is not a Disney movie per se, it was distributed by Disney's Hollywood Pictures and is significant for its inclusion of Spanish language and Hispanic themes.
Alive stands out as one of the best live-action movies to watch during Hispanic Heritage Month, offering a unique perspective on life and resilience in South America.
6. Evita
Disney’s adaptation of the classic musical Evita tells the story of the life of Eva Peron, who was born into poverty in Argentina and rose to become one of the most powerful women in history – and one of the most controversial. It’s a story of hard work and resilience, set to a spectacular score by musical theater icons Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber.
Fox Movies
Disney's acquisition of Fox allows us to explore favorite stories in new ways. The merger of two companies devoted to storytelling and entertainment is significant, bringing together talented performers and musicians to create something truly special. With Disney and Fox working together, exciting new projects are on the horizon. As we look at some new titles now on the Disney roster, we can't wait to see what's next!
1. The Book of Life
The Book of Life is a beautifully executed animated film that presents the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, in a refreshing way. This movie follows the story of Manolo, a young bullfighter who embarks on a journey to the afterlife to reunite with his love, Maria.
Despite being told what path to take by his family, Manolo chooses his own way to walk it, proving that you can still honor your ancestors while forging your own course. The movie has gripping twists and turns that make it engaging to watch, while the soundtrack of Mexican-inspired tunes add an extra layer of fun to the film.
The movie also features a gorgeous visual display of Mexican culture, making it a must-see for those interested in broadening their knowledge of the world. With these factors coupled with the lead character being an accomplished musician - the plot is truly nothing short of perfection.
2. Alita: Battle Angel
Alita: Battle Angel is a live-action film based on the manga series Battle Angel Alita. The story follows a cyborg named Alita, who is found in a scrapyard with no memory of her past.
As she embarks on a journey to discover who she really is, Alita becomes entangled in a series of dangerous events. The film's stunning visual effects and action-packed scenes make for an exciting watching experience. Its representation of diverse characters, sci-fi magic and epic storytelling make Alita: Battle Angel a stand-out film among other great films.
3. Rio
Rio is a fun and colorful animated movie following the adventures of Blu, a blue macaw. It centers on Blu's journey from a small-town pet shop in Minnesota to the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he meets independent macaw Jewel. Together, they set out to save their species from smuggling. Rio is on our list thanks to its vibrant depiction of Rio de Janeiro's Latin American culture.
With a catchy soundtrack with plenty of Brazilian flavor, Rio is an engaging and educational watch for kids interested in exploring Latin American cultures. This lively movie showcases the beauty and diversity of Latin America and is worth watching during Hispanic heritage month.
4. Ferdinand
Ferdinand is a heart-warming movie that tells the story of a gentle bull who refuses to participate in bullfighting, instead pursuing his dream of living in a peaceful meadow.
The plot is an excellent representation of Hispanic culture, with themes of family, friendship, and dreams. The movie contains various Spanish songs throughout, which kids will love and enjoy.
Additionally, it offers an incredible view into the lives of animals, and how they can have strong bonds with each other irrespective of their breed. Parents, too, are bound to enjoy the movie, as it portrays the importance of being true to oneself.
The fantasy-packed plot will keep both children and adults hooked, while inspiring them to follow their aspirations and never give up on their dreams.
5. Machete
Here's one that's just for the grown-ups. Machete is a thrilling action movie released in 2010 by Fox that tells the story of a Mexican federale who is betrayed by his corrupt police force and left for dead. Seeking revenge, Machete joins forces with a fierce underground network of revolutionaries who help him take on the oppressive system that betrayed him and the people he loves.
With its powerful cast led by Danny Trejo and Michelle Rodriguez, Machete has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, humor and social commentary. What sets it apart from other action movies is the ample use of Spanish language and vocabulary throughout the film, which adds a layer of authenticity to its portrayal of Mexican culture and history. Its use of Spanish will be an advantage for viewers who are learning the language, and it may even help Spanish speakers expand their vocabulary as well.
Final Thoughts
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of celebration and acknowledgement of the unique, diverse cultures that make up the Hispanic experience.
By watching some of these amazing Disney and Fox films, viewers can become more connected to the vibrant history that encompasses Hispanic heritage. As so many from Spanish-speaking backgrounds have brought us such joyous moments in film, we should use this month as an opportunity to give gratitude for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
Let’s turn our attention towards all the wonderful titles out there that honor Latinx cultures with humor and poignancy - there are so many worthy stories yet unsung!
