Dive into the heart of Hispanic heritage with a selection of powerful films that celebrate real-life stories and significant events. These movies not only entertain but also offer a window into the extraordinary lives and achievements of Hispanic individuals who have made a lasting impact on history and society.
Perfect for family movie nights, these films bring to life the remarkable journeys and contributions of Hispanic heroes and pivotal moments, highlighting how their achievements have shaped our world. They’re a fantastic way to educate and inspire while enjoying quality time together.
Whether you’re exploring influential figures or key historical events, our list of films offers captivating stories that underscore the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture and the profound importance of these contributions.
And as a bonus, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, providing an extra reason to celebrate and learn. But these movies are a great choice anytime you want to honor and appreciate the vibrant Hispanic heritage throughout the year.
Here are 10 films following real life stories celebrating Hispanic people and culture. They’ll inspire, educate, and entertain your family. So, grab the popcorn, settle in, and let the adventure begin!
1. The Long Game
The Long Game is an inspiring film based on the true story of five young Mexican American caddies in 1955 who share a deep passion for golf. Facing challenges in the South Texas desert, these determined friends come together to build their own golf course, defying the odds to create a space where they can pursue their dreams. The film beautifully showcases themes of perseverance, friendship, and community, making it a heartwarming and uplifting story for families to enjoy together. Join them on this incredible journey that illustrates the power of following your passion and the importance of supporting one another along the way.
Rated: PG
2. A Million Miles Away
A Million Miles Away is an inspiring film based on the true story of José Hernández, a migrant farmworker from a small town in California who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The film highlights José's incredible journey, showcasing his determination to overcome the challenges of his humble beginnings and his relentless pursuit of education and self-improvement. With the unwavering support of his family and community, José navigates obstacles and setbacks to achieve his dream of reaching the stars. This heartwarming story not only celebrates Hispanic heritage but also emphasizes the importance of perseverance, family, and the belief that no dream is too big. A Million Miles Away is a powerful reminder for families about the value of hard work and following one’s dreams, no matter the distance.
Rated: PG
3. Selena
Selena is a heartwarming biographical film that tells the inspiring story of Selena Quintanilla, a talented young Tejano singer who rose to fame in the 1990s. The film follows Selena's journey from a young girl with big dreams in Corpus Christi, Texas, to becoming a beloved music icon. With the support of her family, particularly her father and brother, Selena navigates the challenges of the music industry while staying true to her roots and culture. As she overcomes obstacles and achieves success, the film celebrates her passion for music, the importance of family, and the enduring impact of her legacy. Selena is a touching and uplifting story that highlights the power of dreams and the significance of cultural identity, making it a great choice for family movie night.
Rated: PG
4. McFarland USA
An inspiring true story about a group of novice runners from a small, economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley. At a predominantly Latino high school, Coach Jim White helps the students build a cross-country team. Through hard work and dedication, these young athletes discover their own potential and the strength of family bonds. This heartwarming film highlights the importance of perseverance and community support, making it a wonderful choice for a family movie night celebrating Hispanic Heritage.
Rated: PG
5. Stand and Deliver
Stand and Deliver is an inspiring film based on the true story of Jaime Escalante, a passionate and dedicated math teacher at a struggling high school in East Los Angeles. Faced with the challenges of a diverse classroom of Hispanic students, Jaime believes in their potential to succeed and encourages them to excel in calculus, despite the obstacles they encounter. Through his innovative teaching methods and unwavering support, he transforms their lives and helps them overcome societal expectations. The film highlights themes of perseverance, cultural pride, and the importance of education, making it a powerful and uplifting story for families. Stand and Deliver serves as a celebration of Hispanic heritage and the impact one person can have on the lives of many, inspiring viewers to believe in themselves and strive for greatness.
Publisher's note: This is an older film and may not be appropriate for all age
Rated: PG
6. Spare Parts
Spare Parts is an inspiring true story that follows a group of four Mexican high school students from a tough Arizona school who form an unlikely robotics team. Led by their passionate and dedicated teacher, Fredi Cameron, the team faces numerous challenges, including limited resources and a lack of support. Despite these obstacles, the students band together to build a robot from spare parts, competing in a prestigious national competition against elite universities. The film highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the power of education, showcasing the students' determination to prove themselves and follow their dreams. Spare Parts is a heartwarming story that celebrates diversity and resilience, making it a great choice for families looking for inspiration and motivation.
Rated: PG-13
7. La Bamba
La Bamba is a heartwarming biographical film that tells the inspiring story of Ritchie Valens, a young Mexican-American rock and roll star who grew up not far from here in Pacoima, California. The film follows Ritchie’s journey from humble beginnings in a working-class family to becoming a music icon in the 1950s, showcasing his passion for music and his dedication to his family. With the support of his older brother, Bob, and his love for his girlfriend, Ritchie navigates the challenges of fame, cultural identity, and the struggles of being a young artist. Featuring the hit song “La Bamba,” the film celebrates Hispanic heritage and the impact of Ritchie’s short but significant career in American music history. La Bamba is a touching and uplifting story that highlights the importance of family, dreams, and staying true to one’s roots, making it a perfect choice for family movie night.
Rating: PG 13
8. Underwater Dreams
The inspiring true story of undocumented sons of Mexican immigrants learning to build underwater robots and take on the likes of MIT in competition. A true underdog story that's sure to tug at your heart, and make you wonder why kids are so smart.
Rated: Unrated
9. Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez is an inspiring biographical film that follows the life of the iconic civil rights leader and labor activist who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of farmworkers. The film highlights Cesar Chavez’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful voice for social justice in the 1960s and 70s. With the support of his family and fellow activists, including Dolores Huerta, Cesar leads nonviolent protests, strikes, and boycotts to advocate for better working conditions and fair wages for agricultural laborers. The film beautifully showcases themes of perseverance, community, and the importance of standing up for one’s rights, emphasizing the impact of Chavez’s work on Hispanic communities and beyond. Cesar Chavez is a powerful and educational film for families, celebrating the spirit of activism and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Watch the movie for free here.
Rated: PG-13
10. Our Quinceañera
An uplifting documentary about a Texas border town that comes together to help impoverished teens celebrate their Quinceañera. A moving tribute to culture and community you won't soon forget.
Rated: TV-PG
Looking for more, you will enjoy these:
Susannah Ferguson is the publisher of Macaroni KID Columbia, Mo., and previous managing editor of HulaFrog.
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.
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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