Best Movies with Mexican and Mexican American Characters

Ready for some great movies you can say sí to? Enjoy one of these excellent movies highlighting Mexican culture. The films on this list all focus on the stories and experiences of Mexican and Mexican American characters. From the award-winning drama Roma to the (literally) mouthwatering romance of Like Water for Chocolate to the vibrant celebration of family and music in Coco, there's something for everyone here. And when you're done, try one of these Great TV Shows with Latinx Characters and Leads.

Filter by:

MOVIE

The Book of Life

age 7+

Beautifully animated film has some scary imagery.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)

See full review

MOVIE

Coco

age 7+

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)

See full review

MOVIE

Xico's Journey

age 8+

Pro-nature tale is beautiful and sweet, has some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)

See full review

MOVIE

Chupa

age 9+

Fantasy adventure has mythical beasts, peril, life lessons.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

See full review

MOVIE

A Million Miles Away

age 10+

Positive messages in migrant-turned-astronaut underdog tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

See full review

MOVIE

McFarland, USA

age 10+

Poignant story about Latino runners a winner for families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

See full review

MOVIE

Selena

age 10+

Touching and ultimately tragic tale of young Tejano star.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)

See full review

MOVIE

Underwater Dreams

age 10+

Inspiring story about an underdog high school robotics team.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)

See full review

MOVIE

What We Leave Behind

age 10+

Dynamic docu honors Mexican grandfather's legacy of love.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

See full review

MOVIE

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

age 12+

Epic, women-led sequel is part tribute, part intense battle.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

See full review

MOVIE

Cantinflas

age 12+

Showbiz tale about legendary Mexican actor is mostly tame.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)

See full review

MOVIE

The Valet

age 13+

Mature content and stereotyping in sweet, funny remake.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

See full review

MOVIE

Flamin' Hot

age 13+

Fun, feel-good biopic has language, drugs, mature themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

See full review

MOVIE

How to Be a Latin Lover

age 13+

Comedy about aging gigolo has racy bits, stereotyping.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)

See full review

MOVIE

Instructions Not Included

age 13+

Mix of comedy and tragedy in Mexican dad-daughter tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)

See full review

MOVIE

Los Tigres del Norte at Folsom Prison

age 13+

Excellent docu featuring musicians performing for inmates.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

See full review

MOVIE

Radical

age 13+

Moving drama has positive messages, violence, language.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2023)

See full review

MOVIE

Stand and Deliver

age 13+

Math teacher inspires in powerful fact-based drama.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)

See full review

MOVIE

Zurdo

age 13+

Excellent Mexican fantasy with some disturbing violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)

See full review

MOVIE

La Bamba

age 14+

Sweet, sad rock-idol tale has violence, cursing, drinking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1987)

See full review

"Best of" Lists

"Best of" Lists

Best Movies with Mexican and Mexican American Characters

Other great lists from our editors