Latin culture is thriving! Learning about the culture and achievements of Hispanics is not only something your family could do — they should do. I’m half Puerto Rican and always remind my girls about their Hispanic roots. They’re super proud to be Latina!
Hispanic Heritage Month runs this year from September 15 to October 15, and to celebrate, we’ve rounded up our favorite Hispanic-themed movies and TV shows that the whole family will enjoy!
'Cleo y Cuquin'
Known in Latin America as Cleo & Cuquin: Familia Telerin, this preschool-oriented animated television series was produced by Ánima Kitchent in conjunction with Televisa for RTVE.
A reboot of the classic Familia Telerín series, it originally debuted in Spain and features siblings (Cleo is the big sis) and her youngest brother, Cuquin, as they problem-solve with help from their family members.
You can watch episodes on Netflix and YouTube.
'Minimalitos'
With a slight “Muppet Babies” vibe, this cartoon centers on a group of young animals in preschool, educated by an adult giraffe named Cintia. Your kids will meet: Facundo, an elephant, Verónica, a porcupine, Jacinto the crocodile, Manfredo, a turkey, and other friends. The show has playful vibes and catchy songs, and my daughter’s fave characters are the little jumpy monkeys.
You can watch episodes on YouTube.
'Nocturna'
In a Spanish cartoon that’s been around for many years, Nocturna will introduce your kids to Tim, an orphan who loves the stars. If he doesn’t save the stars, Nocturna will be dark forever. Fans of the cartoon rave about the stunning animation, which feels like Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night.”
The message of the series is to find light/beauty in scary or sad situations. Hey, we love the life lessons in Tim’s dream world.
You can watch the movie on Amazon Prime.
'La Liga de los 5'
If your kids are into superheroes, this is an animated movie they’ll love! Originating in Mexico, La Liga de los 5 is a movie about Chema and his quest to rescue his sister Dolores (who can turn into a ghost). He calls on the help of the last remaining "League of 5” superheroes, which includes an Aztec warrior, a skeleton, and a wrestler. The movie has stunning 2D animation, and the storyline is recommended for kids ages 8 and up.
__You can watch this movie on Amazon Prime. __
'Coco'
This Disney Pixar classic was released in 2017 and introduced kids to Miguel, a 12-year-old boy who is transported to Land of the Dead (based on the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead/Dios de los Muertos) where he tracks down his long-deceased grandfather to return him back to his "living" family.
He also needs his late grandfather’s help to terminate his family’s ban on music and bring back joy. Fun fact: Coco is the first major box-office animated movie that features an all-Hispanic (main) cast.
You can watch the movie on Disney+.
'Dora the Explorer'
As one of the most famous animated series for kids, some may argue that this show’s the epitome of Nickelodeon’s toddler programming. Dora Marquez is a Latin American 4-year-old with a monkey named Boots as her best friend. Dora and Boots go on a series of adventures, and as they problem-solve, Dora teaches viewers Spanish/English and how to solve various riddles and puzzles. She talks directly to the camera/audience, and parents like this interaction with their kids.
You can find full episodes on Paramount Plus, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
'Encanto'
If you haven’t yet understood why “we don’t talk about Bruno,” the familia needs to watch Encanto — stat. This 2021 Disney flick centers around teenager Mirabel, who is part of a magical and loving multigenerational Colombian family who lives in a — what else? — magical casita.
Mirabel ponders why she’s the only one in her family who didn’t inherit a superpower while also discovering her family’s magical home is falling apart and everyone’s magic is fading. The amazing soundtrack is from the creative mind of Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Lin Manuel Miranda.
You can watch on Disney+.
'Elena of Avalor'
Elena Castillo Flores, once saved her land from an evil sorceress and she’s now a crowned princess. But there’s a catch — she’s only 16, so her journey as royalty will help her understand thoughtfulness, resilience, compassion, and leadership.
She is advised and mentored by the Grand Council, composed of her grandparents, older cousin Chancellor Esteban, and friend Naomi Turner. We also meet her sister, guards, other royalty, and more! Great show for kids about adventure!
You can watch episodes on Disney+ and YouTube.
'Father of the Bride'
There have been many iterations of this classic tale of a dad who can’t quite let go of his beloved “baby” daughter on her wedding day. In the original movie version, father and daughter are played by Spencer Tracy and Dame Elizabeth Taylor, respectively. In the 1991 film version, Steve Martin and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are dad and daughter.
And in the newest version, which features a Cuban family, Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan are the parents of the bride, played by Adria Arjonsa. The latest remake is as zany and heartwarming as the previous versions.
You can watch on HBO Max.
