At this stage in 2020, it can take a long time to find something new or fresh to watch, even with seemingly endless options on TV and streaming platforms. For those of you keen to develop your Spanish language skills, watching Spanish films and TV series, even with subtitles, can be an effective and entertaining way of familiarising your ears with spoken Spanish, as well as providing insights into Spanish culture.
Below you can see a list of popular Spanish films and series that you can use for inspiration. You may be familiar with some of the more popular titles already. We encourage all of you to consider your own preferences in the hope of finding viewing options that best suit your own personal tastes, but this list should help you to get started.
Please note that some of these films and series may not be suitable for family viewing.
La Lengua de las Mariposas (The Butterfly’s Tongue)
This touching film tells the story of an inspirational teacher in a small Spanish town at a time of change and conflict. A powerful telling of how perspectives and values can be both encouraged and governed. With a remarkable performance from Fernando Fernan Gomez.
El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labrynth)
Guillermo Del Toro’s globally acclaimed tale of fantasy and civil war is beautifully directed and, through the eyes of a child takes us through the magical and dangerous world that she finds herself in. Think ‘dark fairy tale for grown-ups.’ If you enjoy Pans Labyrinth, you should also watch ‘Cronos’ and ‘The Devil’s Backbone,’ from Del Toro’s previous work.
El Secreto de sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes)
A retired lawyer struggles with an old case and an old passion. A critically acclaimed, Oscar winning film from Director Juan Jose Campanella
Los Diarios de Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries)
The story of Che Guevara, the Latin revolutionary more recently famous for selling a million T-shirts. This film gives an account of Erenesto ‘Che’ Guevara’s early life and his coming of age adventures scaling Latin America on a motorbike with his friend Alberto. If you enjoy this film, look out for it’s sequels chronicling Che’s experiences in later life.
Abuelos (Grandparents)
The touching and comic tale of searching for professional direction later in life in the modern world.
Vivir dos veces (To Live Twice)
A grandfather decides to grab life by the horns and embark on a journey of hope and discovery against his family’s wishes. Entertaining and heart-warming.
Perdiendo el Norte
2 Friends set off to Germany in the hope of success, with hilarious consequences – an easy watch that should provide a few laughs and a range of tongue-in-cheek plays on national stereotypes.
Series
El Ministerio del tiempo (The Ministry of Time)
An interesting concept – this series follows a secret Spanish Government Department that travels through time in order to protect the present. Difficult to pin down to a genre, there are elements of action, thriller, drama and comedy. Each episode provides an interesting insight into the characters and the time that they travel to.
Narcos
This series has been hugely successful internationally and, whilst the narrative can be violent and dark at times, this exiting series imagines the rise of powerful drug-traffickers in Columbia in the 1980’s. This is a fast paced and action packed series with a well-constructed plot that will likely hold your attention if you are a fan of this genre.
Catedral del Mar (Cathedral of the Sea)
A dramatized, historic account of the rise and fall in fortunes of the protagonists in 14th Century Barcelona. This epic series is set in a long forgotten time, but captures the imagination through it’s engaging plot.
Found a Spanish film or series that you think others will enjoy? Feel free to share your suggestions below in the comments section: