Best Movies with Puerto Rican Characters and Leads

Many stars of the big screen can trace their roots to Puerto Rico, from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jennifer Lopez to Aubrey Plaza and Ariana DeBose (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress 60 years after fellow Puerto Rican Rita Moreno won in the same category). This list includes excellent performances by Puerto Rican celebrities in leading roles, as well as movies centered on Puerto Rican characters. Remember the life of a Tejano music sensation in Selena, sing along to the modern-day classic Hamilton, or explore an alien world with Avatar. Whatever you're in the mood for, there's something here for everyone. Looking for more great picks? Check out Best Movies with Mexican and Mexican American Characters and Great TV Shows with Latino Characters and Creators.

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Vivo Poster Image
MOVIE

Vivo

age 6+

Touching musical about family and love has a little peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
The Book of Life Poster Image
MOVIE

The Book of Life

age 7+

Beautifully animated film has some scary imagery.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Dora and the Lost City of Gold Poster Image
MOVIE

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

age 8+

Quirky, aged-up adventure has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Movie Poster Image: Miles Morales as Spider-Man
MOVIE

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

age 9+

Excellent, intense adventure has thrills, humor, heart.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: Movie Poster
MOVIE

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

age 9+

Spidey sequel is an action-packed delight; peril, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Hamilton Poster Image
MOVIE

Hamilton

age 11+

Filmed Broadway smash has mature content, positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
In the Heights Poster Image
MOVIE

In the Heights

age 11+

Joyous, touching musical has some innuendo, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
West Side Story Poster Image
MOVIE

West Side Story

age 11+

Musical masterpiece tackles race, with some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1961)
Maid in Manhattan Poster Image
MOVIE

Maid in Manhattan

age 11+

Undeniably pleasing if not particularly memorable.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Guardians of the Galaxy Movie Poster: The team poses with weapons against a space background
MOVIE

Guardians of the Galaxy

age 12+

Marvel sci-fi adventure has laughs and action violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Poster Image
MOVIE

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

age 12+

Lots of laughs, thrills, tunes in slightly lesser sequel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Star Trek Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Trek

age 12+

Classic franchise gets new life; OK for older kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Star Trek Into Darkness Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Trek Into Darkness

age 12+

Action-packed Star Trek sequel has good story, characters.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Star Trek Beyond Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Trek Beyond

age 12+

Violent but exciting adventure honors teamwork, diversity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
The Addams Family (1991) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Addams Family (1991)

age 12+

Dark comedy with macabre humor for teens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1991)
Addams Family Values Poster Image
MOVIE

Addams Family Values

age 12+

Witty '90s sequel has lots of innuendo, violent scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
All Together Now Poster Image
MOVIE

All Together Now

age 13+

Book-based teen drama uplifts despite sad scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
80 for Brady Movie Poster: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field wear Patriots football jerseys and smile at the camera
MOVIE

80 for Brady

age 13+

So-so superfan comedy scores on age representation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Mucho Mucho Amor Poster Image
MOVIE

Mucho Mucho Amor

age 13+

Celebratory docu profiles magnetic Puerto Rican TV star.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It Poster Image
MOVIE

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

age 13+

Riveting, brutally honest docu about a living legend.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)