Many TV shows and movies offer a great representation of the Latinx community, while others may fall short. Below is a list catered to a family audience so you can gather the whole family to celebrate, watch, and learn more about the different Hispanic cultures. Keep reading to see which seven films and TV shows represent Hispanic heritage the best.
For Young Kids
Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr. or Paramount Plus
Dora has been around for over 20 years, educating young kids before school and sometimes even after. Episodes feature Dora speaking in English and Spanish, forwarding bilingualism into their young minds and reinforcing the importance of speaking multiple languages. Dora honors her Latinx culture and can help kids learn more about their heritage and better ways to stay connected to their roots. She can also educate those who might not be of Hispanic descent and want to learn more about the Hispanic culture.
El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera on Paramount Plus
The show follows a kid superhero, Manny Rivera, who helps fight crime in his neighborhood. Manny is Mexican and goes on wild adventures while keeping his Mexican-American city safe. El Tigre includes Hispanic culture and Latinx references throughout the show, giving young kids an inside look into what a Hispanic household might look like. It encourages kids to make decisions between good and evil but also not to be afraid of going on an adventure. It also shows that superheroes come in different forms.
For Teens
One Day at a Time on Netflix
A sitcom centered around a Cuban-American family and how they deal with life’s ups and downs, especially when you’re considered a minority. They tackle many issues the Latinx community faces while educating the audience and breaking the stereotypes that the Latinx label places. They even branch out and talk about different issues everyone faces, like LGBTQ rights, mental health, education, and culture. One Day at a Time touches on difficult subjects but does so in a way that still makes you laugh and enjoy the show while learning more about Latinx culture, which is perfect for honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s also important to note that there are more Latinx cultures to honor besides Mexican culture, and One Day at a Time does just that.
In The Heights on Max
Sing along to Quiara Alegría Hudes’ and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s spectacular Broadway hit that takes you on a journey of witnessing the lives of residents who live in a predominantly Dominican community in New York City. In The Heights defies stereotypes placed on the Hispanic community by giving Latinx people different dimensions than those typically seen on TV. These characters have universal struggles in life, one is worried about college while the neighbors worry about gentrification. While most shows focus on one type of Hispanic community and add in other characters who are white as the comic relief or supporting characters, In The Heights features characters of a multitude of different Hispanic backgrounds.
Selena on Max or limited series on Netflix
A lot of time has passed since the tragic death of the famous Selena Quintanilla. Selena was a beloved Tejana music star who, at the beginning of her career, just as she was beginning to skyrocket, was murdered by her former fan club president. Some of Selena’s top hits include Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, Como La Flor, Si Una Vez, Dreaming of You, and I Could Fall In Love.
The movie on Max follows her life as she grew her music empire, starting as a band in the Tejano genre and working her way to being a solo artist. The movie proves how perseverance can get anyone where they want to be, Selena didn’t come from a wealthy family, she had to put in work, she learned Spanish so she could sing and speak to fans in Spanish before releasing her first and only English album. In a similar way, but at a slower pace, the limited series on Netflix gives an even deeper insight into Selena’s background before earning her big break.
For the Family
Encanto on Disney Plus
You can’t think about Bruno without thinking of Encanto. This Disney film took the world by storm with its beautiful music, wonderful colors, and appreciation for culture. If you haven’t heard about it, Encanto is a Disney film about a Columbian family with special powers they use to help the people in their town. They even incorporate bilingual language throughout the film. Their Spanish song, Dos Oruguitas by Sebastian Yatra, was nominated for an Academy Award. It gives a beautiful depiction of the Columbian culture, perfect for the family to watch together and sing along.
Coco on Disney Plus
This family film from Disney’s Pixar Studios gives everyone a look into Mexican culture. Coco celebrates everything Mexican culture is known for, including the incorporation of mariachi music, the celebration of the Dia de los Muertos, and the importance of family. The voice actors included in this film were of Latinx heritage, making the film that much more significant. Learning about the different ways other cultures, apart from your own, celebrate or honor an event is important. Coco is the perfect example of how Mexicans celebrate Dia de los Muertos.
While that brings us to the end, these recommendations are family-friendly and perfect to watch together. Some honorable mentions that did not make the final list, but are more suited for adult audiences, still deserve recognition including Real Women Have Curves, Jane the Virgin, Ugly Betty, and Telenovelas. There are plenty of shows and movies that depict the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month, keep your eyes open for more recommendations, and let us know which shows or movies you like to watch to celebrate!
To read more about Hispanic Heritage Month, click here.
For more book recommendations to keep the celebration going all month long, click here.
