Looking for movies for the whole family that celebrate Latino heritage? We’ve picked out the freshest Hispanic films to watch with the whole brood. From animated classics to heart-pounding action, you’re sure to find a title to bring everyone together. For a complete list of titles, check out the Rotten Tomatoes list or the Vudu movie collection.

 

10. Blue Beetle (2023)

Xolo Maridueña in Blue Beetle
 

Tomatometer: 78%

Shortly after Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) returns home after college to figure out what’s next for him, an ancient relic known as the Scarab chooses Jaime as its host, giving the young man superpowers and throwing him into a battle he never could have anticipated. Fortunately, his family always has his back, and they are with him every step of the way.
 
 

9. Real Women Have Curves (2002)

America Ferrera in Real Women Have Curves
 

Tomatometer: 85%

 
Real Women Have Curves is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that tells the story of Ana (America Ferrera), a first-generation Mexican-American at a crossroads in her life. While spending a summer working in a garment family, she tries to balance her family’s expectations for her against her dreams of going to college, while also dealing with her mother’s jabs about her physical appearance. The movie tackles themes of body positivity, self-love, cultural identity and making hard decisions about one’s future. It’s a great choice to watch with older children and teenagers who are ready for discussions about immigrant experiences and their own futures.
 
 

8. Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Dora and the Lost City of Gold
 

Tomatometer: 85%

Based on the beloved kids’ TV show, Dora and the Lost City of Gold follows a teenaged Dora the Explorer on her adventure to save her parents – and recover lost treasure! The movie is full of heart, humor and positive messages about family, diversity and being true to oneself.

 

7. Stand and Deliver (1988)

Publicity shot of the cast of Stand and Deliver
 

Tomatometer: 90%

Stand and Deliver tells the real-life story of East L.A. high school teacher Jaime Escalante, who inspired underprivileged Latinx students to excel in higher math. The movie champions the teacher and students while not shying away from exploring the challenges that minority students can face when they defy expectations. With themes of perseverance, determination and the importance of education, Stand and Deliver is a fantastic choice for families who want to celebrate the power of learning and determination.
 
 

6. West Side Story (1961) and West Side Story (2021)

Scenes from 1961 and 2021 versions of West Side Story
 
 
The original West Side Story is a beloved classic that revolutionized movie musicals in 1961. The adaptation of the hit stage musical is a tale of rival gang families and forbidden love, set among the rich culture of a Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York City, and features iconic songs and mesmerizing performances.
 
Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story tells largely the same tale as the 1961 version, but makes a greater attempt to reflect the diversity and tensions that existed in 1950s New York. The song order hews much more closely to the stage musical than the 1961 movie did, and Spielberg's version is notable for having sections in Spanish without English subtitles. The breathtaking choreography and powerful performances – particularly those of Oscar-winner Ariana deBose (as Anita) and then-newcomer Rachel Zegler (as Maria) – make this a must-watch for musical fans. 
 
We recommend watching both versions alongside each other. It's a great opportunity for a family discussion about the movies' similarities and differences.
 
 

5. Encanto (2021)

The Madrigal family from Encanto

Tomatometer: 92%

 

Encanto follows the Colombian Madrigal family, who all possess unique magical powers. Everyone except for one member, that is: Mirabel. As she tries to save her family’s home, Mirabel learns that embracing who she is can be kind of magical, too. The film is filled with catchy songs, colorful animation, and heartwarming messages about family and self-love.

 

4. Spy Kids (2001)

A scene from Spy Kids

Tomatometer: 93%

In Robert Rodriguez’s action-packed Spy Kids, two siblings discover that their parents are actually secret agents.  With cool gadgets, exciting missions and a strong family bond at its core, this movie is perfect for kids – and adults! – who love imaginative spy stories. 

 

3. In The Heights (2021)

Scene from In The Heights

Tomatometer: 94%

 

Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical, In The Heights showcases the vibrant community in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood. The movie follows Usnavi, a bodega owner with big dreams, as he and his neighbors navigate love, loss and the challenges and rewards of chasing their dreams. The film is filled with heartwarming moments, diverse representation and songs you’ll be humming for days.

 

2. Coco (2017)

Hector and Miguel in Coco
 

Tomatometer: 97%

The heartwarming Coco follows a young boy named Miguel who embarks on a magical journey through the Land of the Dead to uncover the truth about his family’s history. The story centers on the Mexican traditions of Dia de los Muertos and beautifully portrays the importance of family, both present and past, and the importance of sharing stories.

 

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Spider-Man from Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Tomatometer: 97%
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Tomatometer: 96%

 
The Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and this year’s wildly acclaimed follow-up Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse follow teenager Miles Morales, who develops strange abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Miles must join forces with other versions of Spider-Man from different dimensions, forming a team to stop the threat to all of their realities.
 
Miles Morales is the first Afro-Latino Spider-Man, and the Spider-Verse films showcase his family’s culture and traditions. The movies highlight the importance of embracing diversity and working together as a team, and they have an impactful message about courage and self-discovery.

 

Honorable Mentions

Manolo and Carmen Sanchez in The Book of Life

If you'd like to take a deeper dive into family-friendly Hispanic cinema, these selections are well worth your time.

The Book of Life (2014): The Book of Life is a beautifully executed animated film that presents Die de los Metros 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

Under the Same Moon (2007): A heartwarming drama about a mother and son separated by borders but connected by love and hope.

Selena (1997): Jennifer Lopez makes her film debut in this biography of Tejano singer Selena Quintailla-Perez, showcasing her rise to fame and cultural impact.

McFarland, USA (2015): The inspirational McFarland, USA follows the true story of an underdog high school cross-country team from a small farming town in California, led by their new coach (Kevin Costner). The movie captures the stories of Latin American immigrants and their children, celebrating the diversity of America while showing how people from different backgrounds can come together.

Underwater Dreams (2014): An engaging documentary about children of undocumented Mexican immigrants who learn to build underwater robots.

 

The Final Word

The movies here are quality entertainment – and so much more. They offer glimpses into the diverse experiences of Hispanic communities and explore important themes like diversity, family and acceptance. They can also provide opportunities to share thoughts and opinions between family members of different generation. Why not gather the whole family and watch one of these movies together? You won’t be disappointed.