Hispanic culture hosts diverse people; this includes people from the Spanish community, the natives of the Americas, and the African people. So, whether you prefer the term Latino, Latinx, Chicano, Centroamericano, Peruano, Cubana, and so many more, the Hispanic heritage is worth celebrating and educating others about the diversity that falls under the umbrella of Latinidad. 

It also comes down to the expression of culture and the collectiveness in shared music, food, dance, fashion, and art –strengthening the community. 

Understanding this, we’ve put together some of the best movies and documentaries you can watch that would cover the Latino and Latin American cultures. Our blog here will cover U.S. set Latino stories and some award-winning films en espanol –great content that celebrates the Hispanic culture. Read on about them and get streaming.

But before you get to streaming, grab some snacks to get all comfy for a movie marathon into the Hispanic heritage. And, there’s one other thing that you must not miss, which is having the right connectivity to avoid interruptions, delays, and inconvenience. 

For my love for movie binging, I trust Cox, as it helps me to enjoy seamless streaming and immerse myself in the variety of new, old, classical, and culture-based movies. Plus, Cox servicio al cliente 24 horas ensures hassle-free assistance in Spanish.

Halftime

Year of release: 2022

This documentary is based on Jennifer Lopez, the Bronx-born superstar with Puerto Rican roots and her life. The movie details the many ups and downs J.Lo goes through as her career excels. This intimate documentary navigates the problems that arise with stardom in the second half of her career. It documents everything, from her remarkable Superbowl performance with Shakira to being snubbed for her portrayal in Hustlers. 

All in all, the documentary is a true show of how hard J.Lo worked to conquer the industry. This is very inspiring to other artists and to people from her ethnicity to pursue their dreams no matter what comes their way. Plus, you get to see she’s never forgotten her roots; you’ll see her speaking Spanish.

After Maria

Year of release: 2019

This documentary-based movie comes from the Afro-Latina director Nadia Hallgren. This is an Emmy award-winning documentary. A powerful documentary revolves around three Puerto Rican women facing the challenge of remaking their lives after fleeing the island due to Hurricane Maria. 

It’s all about overcoming the hardships that these women face, from jumping into Female Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) hotels to facing the fear of impending homelessness, as their shelters have a very defined expiration date. They have to navigate a new map of life, goals, and survival in uncertain times. 

The story is very touching, especially knowing how the story is very close to heart for the many people who faced the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. 

Lorena, Light Footed Women

Year of release: 2019

This film highlights the life of Maria Lorena Ramirez, a 27-year-old Raramuri woman from Chihuahua, Mexico. She gained international fame after she won the Cerro Rojo Trail marathon. This is a tough 50-long trail –that too in a record-breaking time of 07:20. 

An amazing fact about her race is that she completed the race wearing her traditional huarache sandals and skirt.

The film is set around Sierra Tarahumara, a mountain range that extends across the four northern Mexican states, with high peaks and deep canyons. It is all part of Lorena’s life that revolves around subsistence farming.

NCHGS’s Museum and a Movie series showcased the documentary film in March 2022.

All Together Now

Year of release: 2020

This movie has a powerhouse cast with Auliʻi Cravalho, Justina Machado, Judy Reyes, Fred Armisen, and Rhenzy Feliz. It is based on the book and fictional story “Sorta Like a Rock Star” by Mathew Quick. It is an aspiring movie based on family-friendly drama and a valuable lesson about a chosen family. It is, as they say, there is the family you are born into and the other that you choose to call family throughout your life.

The movie revolves around the story of a homeless teen girl with musical aspirations, dreaming of auditioning to study at Carnegie Melon, a university known for its expertise in arts and music among other fields. It follows her journey of making friends, learning to trust them, and accepting a helping hand when a tragedy strikes her. Moreover, Carvalho’s singing resonates with the Hispanic heritage.

A 3-Minute Hug

Year of release: 2019

How would you feel if you had no more than three minutes to meet and hug your loved ones after decades apart? 

This one is our last pick and a definite tearjerker. This highlights the cruelty of the immigration system. The 3 Minute Hug is a heart-wrenching look at the lives of the families who remain divided by the US-Mexico border. 

To highlight the issue and document it, “Hugs Not Walls” a 2018 event organized by a non-profit led to families meeting and getting 3 minutes to meet and embrace when the border wall opened temporarily. It is a worth-watching 28-minute documentary. It is not from the live scene but aims to capture the emotions of the families during the brief reunion. 

Last Thoughts

As we conclude the list, we are reminded that the experience of Hispanics is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and community. Viva la cultura hispana!