Gather your family for a movie night and celebrate the richness of Hispanic culture with this carefully selected list of 12 fictional films. While these movies are perfect for honoring Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, their captivating stories, vibrant characters, and important cultural insights make them enjoyable any time of the year. Each film offers a unique way to connect with and learn about the history and contributions of the Hispanic community in the United States. Whether you're looking for entertainment or a deeper understanding of Hispanic heritage, these family-friendly films are a wonderful way to celebrate together.
Here are 12 films to inspire, educate, and entertain the whole family. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the adventure begin!
1. Coco
A heartwarming Disney Pixar story for the whole family that celebrates Hispanic heritage and culture, especially through the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead. The movie follows Miguel, a young boy with a passion for music, as he embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Dead. Along the way, he uncovers his family's history, learns the significance of honoring his ancestors, and discovers the deep connection between family and music. The film's stunning visuals and heartfelt story make it a joyful celebration of Mexican culture. Be warned, you'll be singing the soundtrack for days.
Publisher's note: My kids love this movie, we have it on DVD.
Rated: PG
2. Encanto
A Disney animated musical that tells the story of the Madrigal family, who live in a magical house in a vibrant town in Colombia. Each family member is blessed with a unique magical gift, except for Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal. When she discovers that the magic surrounding their home is in danger of fading, Mirabel sets out on a journey to save her family and their enchanted home. Along the way, she learns about her family's hidden struggles and uncovers her own special place in their story. The film celebrates family, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing differences. The movie showcases music, art, and culture all woven into the story and make for a fantastic viewing experience. Plus there's all that not-talking about Bruno to look forward to.
Publisher's note: My family and I saw this when it was first released, it was amazing and I loved the story and the music.
Rated: PG
3. Vivo
An animated story that follows a musical kinkajou "tropical rainforest mammal" and his friends in Havana along with a hip-hop and Latin-inspired soundtrack. Musical mammals make for great movies.
Rated: PG
4. The Book of Life
An animated movie about a Mexican boy, his bullfighting family, and generations of ancestors with lots of opinions. Proof that family drama really does last for centuries.
Rated: PG
5. Pachamama
A 10-year-old boy living high in the Andes Mountains embarks on a journey to retrieve the most treasured item of his people. An endearing look at indigenous South American culture, and the condor rides don't hurt.
Rated: PG
6. Yes Day
A Enjoy this super fun movie based on the popular children's book where parents allow their kids make the rules for 24 hours. The parents must say 'yes' to everything taking the whole bunch on a wild and often times hilarious adventure. This movies showcases a fun loving and diverse family, dad is from Venezuela often sharing his language and culture with his family.
Rated: PG
7. Ferdinand
A family-friendly animated film loosely based on the classic 1936 children's book The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson. The movie follows the story of Ferdinand, a giant but gentle bull who prefers smelling flowers over fighting in bullfights. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, Ferdinand is captured and forced to face off in the bullring. However, he stays true to his peaceful nature, showing that courage comes from staying true to oneself. While the movie keeps the core message of the original book, it adds more characters, action, and humor to create a full-length feature film. The film is not a direct adaptation of any true story but is inspired by the themes of the book which was inspired by a real bull with a gentle side.
Rated: PG
8. Goal! The Dream Begins
Originally titled: Goal! An inspiring sports drama that follows the journey of Santiago Munez, a young Mexican immigrant with a passion for soccer. While living in Los Angeles, Santiago dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, but his family faces financial struggles, and his father dismisses his aspirations. When he's discovered by a former soccer player and given a chance to try out for a top club, Santiago must overcome challenges on and off the field to prove himself. The film is a heartwarming story about following your dreams, the importance of perseverance, and the support of family in achieving your goals. It’s a great watch for families who enjoy stories about determination and the power of believing in yourself.
Rated: PG
9. Underdogs
Originally titled Metegol, is an Argentinian animated adventure that centers on Amadeo, a shy but skilled foosball player living in a small, close-knit town. When his childhood rival, now a world-famous soccer star, returns to demolish their town, Amadeo discovers that his foosball players have magically come to life. With their help, he must challenge the rival in a thrilling soccer match to save their community. The film is infused with the passion and energy of Latin American soccer culture, highlighting the importance of community, friendship, and family—core values in Hispanic life. Underdogs is a heartwarming and action-packed family movie that celebrates the spirit of teamwork and the power of standing up for what’s right.
Rated: PG
10. Blue Beetle
A DC superhero film that follows the story of Jaime Reyes, a young Mexican-American college graduate who unexpectedly becomes the host of an ancient alien artifact known as the Scarab. The Scarab bonds with Jaime, giving him an extraordinary suit of armor with incredible powers, transforming him into the superhero Blue Beetle. Set against a vibrant backdrop that celebrates Hispanic culture, the film highlights Jaime's deep connection with his close-knit family and their shared values of loyalty, love, and resilience. As Jaime learns to control his new abilities, he faces challenges that test his strength and his commitment to protecting those he loves. The movie is an action-packed, heartfelt story that combines superhero thrills with themes of family, heritage, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Rated: PG-13
11. In the Heights
Musical drama that explores the lives of young people in the predominantly Latino Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. It's easy to love this story of a loving community dealing with issues of racism and immigration. And the dance moves are seriously inspiring.
Rating: PG-13
12. Real Women Have Curves
A comedy-drama starring America Ferrera that takes on body image issues, family, and cultural expectations, and one Mexican-American girl's dreams of something more. Family drama is the universal tie that binds.
Rated: PG-13
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No streaming service?
No Problem! All of our local libraries in Calabasas, Malibu, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and nearby throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties offer a wide range of movies library card holders can check out on DVD as well as options to view online - library cards are always free. Don't forget to explore some of the many free streaming services and apps.
Susannah Ferguson is the publisher of Macaroni KID Columbia, Mo., and previous managing editor of HulaFrog.
A note from your Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas Publisher:
Age-appropriate movies for kids
Choosing age-appropriate movies for kids can indeed be a daunting task, especially considering the diverse rating systems and evolving standards over time. Whether you're selecting a film for a family movie night or for your children to watch independently, it's essential to make informed decisions. To assist you in this endeavor, we've compiled a list of reliable resources that offer comprehensive movie ratings and detailed information.
These resources include searchable databases and additional insights, empowering families to confidently select suitable movies for their children. Remember, taking a moment to check beforehand can prevent unexpected surprises and ensure an enjoyable viewing experience for everyone.
Trust us, a little preparation goes a long way! 🍿🎬
- Common Sense Media Movie Reviews: A valuable resource that rates and assesses various media content, empowering families to make informed choices for their kids.
- Movieguide: A valuable resource for families seeking suitable entertainment options, covering movies, series, DVDs, and streaming. While rooted in Christian values, their reviews benefit all families concerned about child-friendly content.
- IMDb: The Internet Movie Database is a helpful resource full of information related to films, television series, home videos, streaming content, plot summaries, ratings, and fan and critical reviews and more. Utilize the 'Parents Guide' feature, offering more details for some movies.
- Motion Picture Association - Film Ratings: Information about the film ratings
This creation of this article was enhanced with a little help from ChatGPT, an AI tool by OpenAI.
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