Our Top 5 Spanish Movies on Netflix

As SAY ZONTE!, we’re aware that you can’t learn Spanish only by watching Spanish movies on Netflix.

But you will be able to improve your listening comprehension, broaden your passive vocabulary, and you can also get used to the pronunciation of different Spanish accents.

We want to recommend five Spanish movies on Netflix that we like. Not only because they’re useful for learning Spanish, but because they are excellent movies (series) and worth watching.

As a Spanish School from El Salvador, we’d like to focus on Spanish movies on Netflix from or about Latin America. We believe that learning Spanish doesn’t only mean studying grammar and vocabulary. It also means getting immersed in a new culture. 

Our “Learn Spanish on Netflix-Factor” shows you how well the Spanish Netflix movie tends to be a good option for improving your Spanish. (Don’t take it too seriously, though.)

Spanish movies on Netflix

Movie No. 1: “Narcos México” 

“Narcos México” isn’t for everyone. It’s a series about the violent drug war in México and the rise and fall of the drug lord “El Chapo.”

We must say that it’s not for everyone because the violence makes it hard to watch sometimes. But still, it’s a true story, and if you’re interested in the problem of drug capitalism, “Narcos” it’s a “must-watch.”

The Netflix Series “Narcos” is the first part of the series about the drug war in Colombia.

Concerning the Spanish language, we strongly recommend watching it with Spanish audio and subtitles in your language (if necessary) because it’s perfect for getting used to the Colombian and Mexicán Spanish accent and some vocabulary.

For us, this is number one of all Spanish movies on Netflix because it’s very thrilling. Also, it shows the massive problem of narco capitalism in Latin America (and worldwide).

You can’t understand Latin America’s social and political situation without having an idea of what narco capitalism is all about.

Spanish movies on Netflix

Movie No. 2: “Roma” 

“Roma” won three Oscars! This drama film is a piece of art and definitely a must-watch!

“Roma” is a touching story about a méxican “muchacha” Cleodegaria “Cleo” Gutiérrez. She is an indigenous live-in maid for a family in the neighborhood “Roma” of Mexico City in the 1970s.

Not only the cinematic art is very touching in this movie. Also, the story and the actors are worth at least three Oscars.

Concerning learning the Spanish language, it is worth watching because of the méxican accent and the Latin American culture concerning social inequality and the daily like of a “muchacha.”

Also, it’s fascinating to listen to the indigenous language of “Cleo,” she speaks Mixtec when she’s together with a friend, who is also a live-in maid. Don’t miss this movie!

Spanish movies on Netflix

Movie No. 3: “Streetfood Latin America” 

To be honest, a Netflix series about street food in Latin America doesn’t sound very thrilling at all.

But you should give it a try, and we believe that you won’t regret it!
The newest episode of “Streetfood” will travel to six countries in Latin America and explore the pulsing street food culture of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia.

And believe us, it’s not only a Netflix series for food lovers. Behind every small street food business is a touching story about their owners and their daily life in Latin America.

It will give you a deeper understanding of Latin American culture and everyday life. Some of the main characters will astonish you!

You will also be able to listen to different accents from five (!) other Latin American countries.

By the way: Have you already read about our post about Tradicional Food in El Salvador?

Spanish movies on Netflix

Movie No.4: “Cuba and the Cameraman” 

Jon Alpert made his first trip to Cuba in 1972. For 45 years, he put together his fascinating documentary that shows the post-Revolution life of three Cuban families. The documentary is fascinating and educating at the same time.

It’s not that suitable for learning Spanish because it’s mainly in English. But your impression of Latin America will be incomplete if you don’t know anything about Cuba. Give it a try!

Spanish movies on Netflix

Movie No.5: “Selena: The Series”

“Selena” is a biographical drama about the famous Mexican-American singer, songwriter, actress, and model, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.

She was shot in 1995 by Yolanda Saldívar, her friend and former manager. Two weeks later, Texas Governor (and future US President) George W. Bush declared Selena’s birthday “Selena Day” in Texas. Until today, Selena still is an icon of Latin music, with more than 30 million records sold worldwide.

You won’t watch “Selena” primarily because you want to learn Spanish because the original series is from the US. But you can watch it with Spanish audio and/or subtitles, though. We recommend watching it mainly because it will make you understand Latin American people’s deep passion for their music and her icon “Selena.”

Do you agree with our choice? Do you have other Spanish movies on Netflix that you can recommend? Please leave a comment!