10 must-watch films to help you learn Spanish

Spanish-language films are rich in emotion, culture, and quick, everyday dialogue. That’s why watching them isn’t just entertaining — it’s one of the best ways to hear the language in action and build your Spanish language skills. 

How can films in Spanish help you with language learning?

Watching films in Spanish helps you absorb the language in context, supported by visual storytelling clues. If you’re not fluent yet, don’t worry — you can start watching Spanish-language films with subtitles in your own language, then switch to Spanish subtitles as your skills improve. Using subtitles in the language you’re learning also makes it easier to match spoken and written words to help consolidate your skills.

Spanish films also expose you to a variety of accents and dialects. From the more formal Castilian Spanish spoken in Spain to the many regional variations found across Latin America, you’ll start to recognize how Spanish differs around the globe.

Ready to press play on learning Spanish? Here are some must-watch Spanish-language films to support you on your learning journey and offer you some cultural insights into the Spanish-speaking world. 

1. Vivir es fácil con los ojos cerrados (Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed)

This charming story follows a teacher in the 1960s who uses Beatles lyrics to teach English in Andalusia, Spain. As the characters travel across the country, viewers are treated to Spain’s stunning natural beauty. Often featuring a slower pace of dialogue, it’s ideal for those at the beginning of their Spanish learning journey.

2. Coco

Originally premiered in English, the Spanish-language version of this Disney-Pixar film is beautifully animated. Set during the famed Mexican holiday, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), the film explores themes of family, tradition, and legacy. It also features interesting language cues and introduces viewers to a range of Mexican Spanish expressions, idioms, and culture.

3. Ocho Apellidos Vascos (Spanish Affair)

Spanish Affair offers a fascinating and hilarious insight into cultural differences in Spain. Rafa is a bartender from Andalusia who follows his love interest to the Basque Country in the north. The film’s slick dialogue is an entertaining introduction to Andalusian slang and humorously plays on regional divides and stereotypes.

4. Me he hecho viral (I’ve Gone Viral)

This trendy Spanish-Argentine comedy dives into the world of social media fame and its unexpected consequences. After her hilarious in-flight meltdown goes viral, Mabel, a social media addict, finds her life turned upside down. Set between Spain and Argentina, the film offers sharp, witty dialogue and a playful look at modern digital culture. It’s a great pick for learners interested in contemporary slang and expressions, as well as the subtle differences between Spanish and Argentinian accents.

5. Campeones (Champions)

Campeones is a heartwarming comedy about a basketball coach who works with a team of players with developmental disabilities. Praised for its inclusivity and authentic representation, the film features performances by actors with disabilities. Set in Valencia, Spain, it’s full of Spanish slang and humor.

6. Eres tú (Love at First Kiss)

This Netflix romantic comedy set in Madrid offers a fresh twist on teenage romance: the protagonist wakes up each day knowing exactly how his relationships will end. Starring Álvaro Cervantes, the film is sweet, clever, and filled with relatable teen dialogue in Castilian Spanish. It’s a perfect choice for learners looking to immerse themselves in everyday conversations and modern expressions from Spain.

7. Barcelona, nit d’estiu (Barcelona Summer Night)

Set in Barcelona, this charming ensemble film follows six love stories that unfold on the same summer night as a comet passes over the city. With a cast of young characters navigating romance, breakups, and reunions, the story offers a modern look at relationships in one of Spain’s most iconic cities. The dialogue blends Castilian Spanish with touches of Catalan, giving learners a natural way to hear how the language is used in everyday life.

8. HollyBlood

This Spanish teen comedy blends the horror and romance genres in a hilarious way. When a shy high schooler’s crush gets caught up in a vampire obsession, chaos ensues. Packed with slang words and phrases as well as fast-paced dialogue, HollyBlood is a fun pick for intermediate learners eager to catch everyday language and cultural references from Spain’s youth.

9. El agente topo (The Mole Agent)

This Oscar-nominated Chilean documentary follows 83-year-old Sergio as he goes undercover in a retirement home to check on a resident’s well-being. Mixing real moments with some staged scenes, the film offers a heartfelt look at aging, loneliness, and family, all told in authentic Chilean Spanish.

10. La Odisea de los Giles (Heroic Losers) 

This comedic drama set in Argentina brings together a group of neighbors who hatch a plan to reclaim what’s theirs after being swindled. The story ultimately celebrates the power of ordinary people standing up for themselves and offers a chance to pick up everyday Argentinian expressions. 

Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your fluency, these Spanish films will add some fantasy, humor, and romance to your language learning journey. From the coast of Andalusia to the streets of Mexico City, each story offers a new perspective on the Spanish-speaking world — and a chance to improve your skills along the way.