Last Updated: December 4, 2025
In another post, we told you about all of the traditional ways we’re trying to learn Spanish like using books and online learning tools. Now we’re going to get to the fun part: movies and TV shows. You can only study with books so much so whenever we can, we fit in Spanish-speaking entertainment. Sometimes the Spanish is so fast that we pick up only a word or two but hearing the words and seeing the translation in subtitles does help. Whether you’re a complete beginner or working toward fluency, the right films and shows can make learning Spanish enjoyable. Here are some of our favorite movies and shows for learning Spanish.
Note: This post is from when we first moved to Costa Rica in 2013. Although we are much more fluent now, we still enjoy watching Spanish on TV to improve our skills. We’ve updated this list so that it includes both old favorites and what we’ve seen recently. Learn more about what it’s like living in Costa Rica.
Why Movies Help You Learn Spanish
We’ve found that watching movies and shows in Spanish helps to:
- Hear natural pronunciation and accents
- Learn conversational phrases you won’t find in textbooks
- Understand cultural context and body language
- Stay motivated to learn
Always make sure to have subtitles on so you can read and follow along. We have found that we start to not even notice that we’re reading them once we get into a movie or show.
Best Movies for Learning Spanish
Tambien La Lluvia
Why We Love It: A film within a film, Tambien La Lluvia (Even the Rain) depicts the making of a film about Christopher Columbus. Set in the backdrop of Bolivia’s Cochabamba Water Wars, it’s a powerful drama about exploitation and power.
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon, Netflix
Y Tu Mamá También
Why We Love It: Y Tu Mamá También (And Your Mama, Too) is a carefree and sexy yet real life tale of two teenage guys and one older woman on a wild road trip through the Mexican countryside. Make sure to put the kids to bed before watching this one!
Where to Watch: Amazon, Netflix
María Llena Eres de Gracia
Why We Love It: María Llena Eres de Gracia (Maria Full of Grace) is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful film about a young Colombian woman who becomes a drug mule. Catalina Sandino Moreno received an Oscar nomination for best performance in her leading role as Maria.
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV
Sin Nombre
Why We Love It: Sin Nombre (Nameless) is an eye-opening drama that reveals, through the story of one Honduran family, the risks emigrants take for the chance of a better life.
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon, Netflix
Diarios de Motocicleta
Why We Love It: Diarios de Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries) is a well-known film about Ernesto “Che” Guevara in the years before he became a revolutionary. Set on the road in South America.
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix
Pan’s Labyrinth
Why We Love It: Pan’s Labyrinth is a sci-fi drama about a little girl who escapes the turmoil surrounding war-torn Spain through fairy tales that become very real, at least to her. Winner of three Oscars.
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix
Abre Los Ojos
Why We Love It: Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes) is an emotionally charged drama about the choices one man makes after becoming disfigured in an accident. This film, which was later remade for American cinema as Vanilla Sky, will puzzle and intrigue you with its blurring of lines between reality and dreams.
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix
Hombre de Fe
Why We Love It: Hombre de Fe (Man of Faith) is an inspiring biographical film that follows Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas from his humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s elite soccer players. A must-watch for fútbol fans and anyone who loves an underdog story. We especially liked this one because Navas was from the same town where our oldest son was born (San Isidro de El General).
Where to Watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix
Cidade de Deus
Why We Love It: Cidade de Deus (City of God) is actually not in Spanish—it takes place in Brazil so Portuguese is spoken—but is a great film that will teach you about Latin American culture. This fast-paced film follows the lives of two boys from a rough neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, one of whom becomes a drug lord and the other a successful photographer. Nominated for four Oscars.
Where to Watch: Amazon, Netflix
Best Shows for Learning Spanish
Narcos
Why We Love It: Narcos is a gripping crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. You’ll get to see all sides of the story, from Escobar and other cartel leaders to DEA agents on the other side. While intense, the slower-paced narration and mix of English and Spanish make it accessible for learners.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Club de Cuervos
Why We Love It: Club de Cuervos (Club of Crows) is a dark comedy about two siblings battling for control of their family’s professional soccer team after their father’s death. Set in Mexico, this Netflix original has clear Spanish and plenty of humor.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Griselda
Why We Love It: Griselda was one of our favorites. This limited series tells the true story of Griselda Blanco, the Colombian “Godmother” of the Miami drug trade in the late 1970s. Sofia Vergara gives a powerful performance in the lead role. The blend of English and Spanish dialogue make it good for learners.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Cable Girls – Spain
Why We Love It: Set in 1920s Madrid, Cable Girls is a drama that follows four women working at Spain’s first telephone company as they navigate friendship, love, and independence. The clear Spanish and period setting provide good context for learning.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Machos Alfa
Why We Love It: Machos Alfa (Alpha Males) is a Spanish comedy series about four friends navigating modern masculinity and relationships in Madrid. The writing and acting is quite good – it’s very funny and engaging.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Envious
Why We Love It: Envious is entertaining and many people love it for its light, romantic-comedy aspects. It follows the life of Vicky who is having a midlife crisis as she hits age 40. The main character is hard to like but that’s the point of the show.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Conclusion
Those are our picks for the best Spanish movies and shows for learners. We hope you find some new favorites that help make learning Spanish more enjoyable.
Some of the links in this post are connected to affiliate programs we have joined. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What are your favorite movies or shows to learn Spanish? Leave a comment below.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica to put your Spanish to work? Check out these posts:
Simple Spanish for Costa Rica: Learn these key phrases that will get you through most everyday travel situations.
Learning Spanish for Costa Rica: Get a list of Spanish schools in Costa Rica and helpful resources to use at home.
First-Time Visit to Costa Rica: A broad overview of what to expect for climate, wildlife, culture, and safety plus tips for making the most of your time.
