The 5 Best Movies to Learn Mexican Spanish (Vol. 1)

Learning a new language is a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and, most importantly, joy.

If you're on the path to discovering how to learn Mexican Spanish, you've probably tried traditional methods like textbooks and language classes. But have you considered the power of cinema in your learning arsenal?

Today, I want to share a personal favorite strategy: immersing yourself in the best movies to learn Mexican Spanish. It's a fun, engaging way to enhance your listening skills and get accustomed to the nuances of the language—just like we absorbed our native language through listening and observing as children.

Why Movies? And Why With Spanish Subtitles?

Watching movies with Spanish subtitles catapults your listening skills and reinforces the words you're hearing by connecting them with their written form.

This method is akin to naturally soaking up language, blending the auditory with the visual, making it a double whammy for your learning journey.

So, grab your popcorn, and let's dive into my curated list of the best movies to learn Mexican Spanish. These films are more than just entertainment; they're your new classroom.

1. "Amores Perros" (2000)

Alejandro González Iñárritu's "Amores Perros" is a raw and riveting look into the lives intertwined by a tragic accident in Mexico City.

The film taught me the beauty and brutality of love, life, and the struggle for redemption. The urban dialect and slang presented in this film are a goldmine for anyone wondering how to learn Mexican Spanish.

2. "Nosotros los Nobles" (2013)

There's nothing like a good laugh to make learning enjoyable; "Nosotros los Nobles" delivers just that. This film about three spoiled siblings facing the real world for the first time is hilarious and offers a clear window into contemporary Mexican society and language. It's a reminder that learning can—and should—be fun.

3. "Y Tu Mamá También" (2001)

Alfonso Cuarón's "Y Tu Mamá También" is a masterpiece that mixes humor, drama, and a bit of adventure on the road across Mexico.

The casual and conversational Spanish used throughout the film, peppered with slang and idiomatic expressions, makes it an invaluable resource for language learners.

It's a film that shows us life in all its complexity and beauty, making it a perfect tool for those seeking the best movies to learn Mexican Spanish.

4. "El Infierno" (2010)

"El Infierno" is a film that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of drug trafficking and its impact on Mexican society. While it's a darker pick, its inclusion of regional slang and cultural references provides a deep dive into aspects of the language that are often overlooked.

This film taught me that understanding a language also means understanding the stories and struggles of its people.

5. "Nuevo Orden" (2020)

Michel Franco's "Nuevo Orden" is a gripping, dystopian drama that profoundly examines societal breakdown and class divisions. It's a challenging watch but incredibly rewarding for those looking to deepen their understanding of contemporary Mexican issues and language.

Watching this film with Spanish subtitles helped me grasp the complexity of Mexican Spanish and the societal contexts that shape it.

Embracing Cinema as Your Classroom

Learning Mexican Spanish through cinema is not just about improving your language skills; it's about connecting with the culture, the stories, and the heart of Mexico. These films have been my companions on my language-learning journey, offering insights and experiences that textbooks couldn't match.

So, as you continue to explore the best movies to learn Mexican Spanish, remember that each film is a doorway into a new world of understanding—not just of the language but of the rich tapestry of Mexican life itself.

And if you love using TV shows and movies as a fun and effective way to learn Spanish, you'll love my new podcast, The Popcorn Spanish Podcast!

In each episode, I delve into a new movie, series, or telenovela, where we explore the plot and characters and even listen to key scenes together.

We'll break down the Spanish spoken in these scenes, helping you acquire new vocabulary and understand the nuances of the language in an engaging and educational way.

It's the perfect companion for cinephiles and language learners alike.

Happy watching, and here's to your success on this exciting journey!