Por: Georgina Palencia.

I don’t know if you’re aware, but I am a cinephile. I believe every language teacher should be.

Watching movies is a way to delve into different cultures and travel through them. So, naturally, we constantly recommend films to our students at our Spanish school in Houston: Spanish Perfecto.

Diving into the world of Spanish cinema is not only an entertaining experience but also a powerful tool for those looking to perfect their skills in the language. The emotional connection provided by movies can significantly enhance the learning of a second language. Below, you’ll find a selection of 30 films organized by levels of complexity, along with a brief description of the genre, nationality, and theme of each.

Beginner Level:

1. “Coco” (2017)
   • Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family.
   • Nationality: Mexico.
   • Theme: Celebration of the Day of the Dead, the importance of family.
2. “Spanish Affair” (2014)
   • Genre: Comedy, Romance.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Cultural clash and romance between individuals from different regions.
3. “A Monster Calls” (2016)
   • Genre: Drama, Fantasy.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Personal growth and the relationship between a boy and his ill mother.
4. “The Legend of the Charro Negro” (2018)
   • Genre: Animation, Adventure.
   • Nationality: Mexico.
   • Theme: Fantastic adventures based on Mexican culture.
5. “The Book of Life” (2014)
   • Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy.
   • Nationality: Mexico.
   • Theme: Magical journey through life and death.
6. “Off Course” (2015)
   • Genre: Comedy.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Adventures of two young Spaniards in Germany.
7. “Kóblic” (2016)
   • Genre: Drama, Thriller.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Story of a pilot fleeing the military dictatorship.
8. “Little Jeremiah” (2015)
   • Genre: Comedy, Drama.
   • Nationality: Mexico.
   • Theme: The adventures of a gifted child.
9. “The Clan” (2015)
   • Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Real-life story of a family linked to crime.
10. “Zip & Zap and the Captain’s Island” (2016)
    • Genre: Adventure, Comedy.
    • Nationality: Spain.
    • Theme: Adventures of two brothers on a mysterious island.

Intermediate Level:

1. “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)
   • Genre: Drama, Fantasy, War.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: The Spanish Civil War and fantasy as an escape.
2. “Wild Tales” (2014)
   • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Interconnected stories of revenge and madness.
3. “The Secret in Their Eyes” (2009)
   • Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Criminal investigation and unresolved love.
4. “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001)
   • Genre: Drama, Comedy, Adventure.
   • Nationality: Mexico.
   • Theme: Journey of discovery and personal relationships.
5. “The Maid” (2009)
   • Genre: Comedy, Drama.
   • Nationality: Chile.
   • Theme: Relationship between a maid and her family.
6. “The Aura” (2005)
   • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Story of an epileptic taxidermist.
7. “The Sea Inside” (2004)
   • Genre: Biography, Drama.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Struggle for euthanasia and life after an accident.
8. “The Wolf Club” (2009)
   • Genre: Comedy, Crime.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Adventures of a group of friends in post-war Spain.
9. “Acacias 38” (2011)
   • Genre: Drama.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Journey on a truck that brings together two disparate people.
10. “No” (2012)
    • Genre: Drama, History.
    • Nationality: Chile.
    • Theme: Advertising campaign against Pinochet.

Advanced Level:

1. “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)
   • Genre: Drama, Romance.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Love story between two men over several decades.
2. “The Crime of Padre Amaro” (2002)
   • Genre: Drama.
   • Nationality: Mexico.
   • Theme: Corruption in the Catholic Church.
3. “Nine Queens” (2000)
   • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Scams and conspiracies in Buenos Aires.
4. “Biutiful” (2010)
   • Genre: Drama.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Life and death on the streets of Barcelona.
5. “Sleep Tight” (2011)
   • Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Psychological thriller in an apartment building.
6. “Carancho” (2010)
   • Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance.
   • Nationality: Argentina.
   • Theme: Story of a lawyer specializing in traffic accidents.
7. “Even the Rain” (2010)
   • Genre: Drama, History.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Reflection on conquest and exploitation in America.
8. “The Method” (2005)
   • Genre: Drama, Thriller.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Group dynamics in a selection process.
9. “The Fight Club” (1999)
   • Genre: Drama.
   • Nationality: Spain.
   • Theme: Psychological drama and internal confrontation.
10. “The Clan” (2015)
    • Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama.
    • Nationality: Argentina.
    • Theme: Real-life story of a family linked to crime.

The Importance of Watching Movies in a Second Language

Watching movies in Spanish not only offers a fascinating glimpse into various cultures but also improves your listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. The constant exposure to the language through movies immerses you in authentic situations, helping you become familiar with different accents and colloquial expressions. Additionally, the emotional connection with the stories facilitates language learning and retention.

So, why not embark on this exciting cinematic journey? With these 30 Spanish films, you’ll find a variety of genres, styles, and narratives that will not only enrich your linguistic experience but also transport you to new and exciting worlds. Enjoy Spanish cinema and immerse yourself in the richness of this vibrant language!

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