What films can I watch to learn Spanish?

Have you been wondering if it's worth it watching movies to learn a language? 

It definitely is!!! Many people rapidly improve by watching movies mainly because it exposes students to natural speech, the cultural context, and a very diverse vocabulary. Learning Spanish in particular with movies, is an engaging and fun way to also learn pronunciation and accents, which can lead to smoother flow of conversation.

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If you are still here, but you are not sure where to get started, I have many Spanish movie recommendations! 

Best Movies to Learn Spanish

1. El Laberinto del Fauno

Widely recommended, Pan's Labyrinth is a wonderfully well-written dark fantasy film set in post-Civil War Spain. It follows Ofelia, a young girl who uncovers a mystical labyrinth and encounters wondrous creatures while navigating her harsh world. The film weaves together themes of innocence, cruelty, and resistance to create a poignant metaphor of escape among the horrors of war. As this film intertwines elements of a fairy tale and historical drama, you can learn a very wide range of vocabulary, and also learn about the Spanish historical setting, on which the movie is based.

2. Coco

You might have seen this one already, but it is a very good movie to learn Spanish! Disney's Coco tells the story of Miguel, a child who aspires to be a musician despite his family's long-standing prohibition against music. He sets out on a quest to learn about his family's past and the significance of paying respect to his ancestors, after unintentionally entering the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos. A heartfelt movie about family, that has clear dialogue between well-written characters, and key cultural elements. 

3. Todo Sobre Mi Madre

This one is an underrated recommendation, excellent if you want to take learning Spanish to the next level or if you are already confident. It is genuinely an amazing movie which combines Pedro Almodóvar's characteristically colourful storytelling. It includes themes of identity, parenthood, and grief. Featuring Penelope Cruz and Marisa Paredes, Almdóvar's drama is centred on Manuela, a Madrid nurse who navigates the lives of the women in her immediate vicinity while looking for the father of her deceased child, unaware that this father has since had a sex change procedure. In this movie, the director also explores identity, love, and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community.

4. Hable Con Ella

In Talk to Her, two men, Benigno and Marco, develop a peculiar bond while tending to two comatose women: Marco's ex-girlfriend and Benigno's cherished ballerina. The film invites audiences to think on the nature of relationships and the human experience by skilfully addressing issues of communication, loneliness, and the complexities of love. This is a very good movie to learn or develop your emotional vocabulary!

5. Volver

Another movie by Almodóvar, which I actually studied for my A-level Spanish. The main character of Volver is Raimunda, a strong-willed lady who goes back to her village to face her past and her family's spirits. The movie mixes humour and sentimentality, weaving themes of femininity, resiliency, and the power of narrative. A stunningly well-written movie, with lots to analyse, lots of vocabulary to learn, and expand your knowledge about Spanish society and culture!

Final Thoughts

Please remember consistency and practice are key!!! 

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Watching movies in Spanish (with subtitles on, would be better) is engaging and fun, but remember you want to learn! I advise you to have something to write notes on, and jot down any new vocabulary or phrases. After the movie, you can come back to it and translate it! You can apply this to any language you are learning.

Happy learning and watching!