Latin American Movies on Netflix: What to Watch
Inside: The best Latin American movies on Netflix
It can be overwhelming to sit down for a night of Netflix, especially when you’re trying to sift through lesser-known films. I’ve spent the last month marathon-ing my way through Spanish-language movies and shows, and this post focuses on titles related to Latin America.
LATIN AMERICAN MOVIES ON NETFLIX
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ARGENTINA
There are quite a few titles available, so it’s probably easier to jump over to my post on the Best Argentinian Movies on Netflix.
MEXICO
There are lots of Mexican movies as well, so I’ve got a post on Mexican movies on Netflix coming your way as well. I will link to it as soon as it’s live!
GUATEMALA
IXCANUL
An indigenous Guatemalan family arranges a marriage for their 17-year-old daughter, Maria, to the foreman of the plantation. Maria, however, is in love with another worker and wants to escape with him. What follows is a clash of modern-day and traditional life: beautiful, sad, and compelling, both cinematographically and story-wise. The movie was filmed in Kaqchikel, which all of the actors natively speak.
Info: Drama | Kaqchikel Audio, Spanish Subtitles | 2015
LIVING ON ONE DOLLAR
Four friends leave the U.S. and plan to live on $1 per day in Guatemala. Although this film can reinforce the storyline of interpreting poverty and Latin America only through the eyes of foreigners, it’s an interesting watch.
Info: PG | English Audio | 53min
CHILE
SIN FILTRO
Pía is surrounded by people who take her for granted and take advantage of the fact that she doesn’t speak up for herself. One day she can’t take it anymore, and sees an alternative Chinese doctor. He administers a dubious treatment that turns out to be extremely effective: now Pía can only say exactly what’s on here mind.
(Heads up– there’s a somewhat explicit sexual scene near the end that I found a little disturbing. It’s meant to be uncomfortable, but just letting you know.)
Info: Comedy | Spanish Audio, Spanish/English Subtitles | 2016
VENEZUELA
TO BE A MISS
A look into the famous beauty pageant industry and process in Venezuela, through the eyes of three women.
Info: Documentary | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2016
COLOMBIA
(Beyond movies, there are also some great shows set in Colombia. You may want to check out La niña, and Pablo Escobar: Patron del malo.)
ENTRE NOS
Info: Drama | Kaqchikel Audio, Spanish Subtitles | 2017
CARTERISTAS (PICKPOCKETS)
A group of teens in Bogotá are mentored in the art of stealing by an expert thief, in a gritty, coming-of-age sort of story.
Info: Crime, Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2018
COLOMBIA MAGIA SALVAJE (COLOMBIA: WILD MAGIC)
A group of teens in Bogotá are mentored in the art of stealing by an expert thief, in a gritty, coming-of-age sort of story.
Info: Crime, Drama | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2018
CUBA
CUBA AND THE CAMERAMAN
A look into Cuban life and changes, over several decades, through the eyes of three different families.
Info: Documentary | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
EL CHE
Mexican writer Paco Ignacio Taibo II retraces the life and journeys of Che Guevara. (It was difficult to find the trailer, so below is a section of the documentary itself.)
Info: Documentary | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2016
PERU
PERU, TESORO ESCONDIDO (PERU, HIDDEN TREASURE)
A group of teens in Bogotá are mentored in the art of stealing by an expert thief, in a gritty, coming-of-age sort of story.
Info: Documentary | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
ASU MARE 2
Machin, who comes from humble origins, is now dating the girl of his dreams– who happens to be in a wealthy family. Machin
Info: Comedy | Spanish/English Audio, Subtitles | 2017
GHOSTS OF MACHU PICCHU
Discover the mysteries and marvels of Machu Pichu in this doucmentary from PBS.
Info: PG | English Audio | 53min
Of course, there are many Latin American movies that aren’t available on Netflix. Here are some famous titles:
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Thanks. I was a little hesitant to continue with Netflix after my free trial because of the limited Spanish language movies and options to translate/interpret English movies to Spanish.
I will go ahead and pay for 1 month and see how that goes.