Best Mexican movies to learn real Spanish

I know what you're thinking, what exactly is "real Spanish"? Well, we know there are perhaps hundreds of different dialects of the Spanish language, due to to its many mixtures with other languages and its geographical expansion that reaches all inhabited continents on Earth.


However, most of these dialects differ from one another in terms of vocabulary, word use, word meaning, accent, pronunciation and even syntax to a lesser extent, but don't worry we all understand each other... most of the time. Hence, if you're a planning to visit Mexico either for vacations or academic exchange, you might want start to start familiarizing with the "real" way on how we speak on our daily basis. I've personally noticed that watching movies in a foreign language we're learning, can really boost our ability to understand and use culturally tied expressions that are normally not included on school text books; besides, movies are in most cases a clear reflection of a culture's society, perception, and beliefs; and well, you know, it never hurts to master slang and cursing just in case you ever need it.

AMARTE DUELE (2004)

The never ending drama of love between people from different social classes. Yes, it has been portrayed over a thousand times on our famous telenovelas, but there is something about this movie (maybe the soundtrack) that makes it entertaining and memorable. 

Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN (2001)

Two pothead best friends who call themselves charalastras, decide to embark on an unplanned trip to  a supposedly non-existent beach, after convincing a Spanish girl that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, in order for her to go with them. This trip of course, will change their life for ever.

LA LEY DE HERODES (1999)

Yes, our government doesn't function at all. Yes, it openly steals from us. Yes, this won't change unless we get physical.  This satirical film is a great audiovisual explanation of why the same thing continues to happen over and over again. Take it as your introduction to Mexican politics.

ASÍ DEL PRECIPICIO (2006) 

Have you ever watched Requiem for a Dream? well, this movie is not nearly as horrific as that one, but it certainly portrays the difficulty of dealing with different kind of social issues such as sex, unhealthy relationships, drug addiction and sexual orientation. 

LA OTRA FAMILIA (2011)

Our attempt to produce a movie that reshapes the perception of homosexuality and same-sex parenting. There are some really strong stereotypes, but the moral is good overall. 

TEMPORADA DE PATOS (2004)

Two friends, a neighbor, and a pizza delivery guy, end up eating pot brownies and having an unforgettable Sunday in an apartment building in Mexico City. 

PIEDRAS VERDES (2001)

An adopted indigenous child growing up in a wealthy house in Mexico City, decides to run away and seek for her faith and true essence. 

NOSTROS LOS NOBLES (2013)

This hilarious movie tells the story of three preppy and wealthy siblings who receive a very important lesson about the importance of family, relationships, the true value of money and humbleness. Until today, this is considered the highest-grossing film of Mexican cinema. 

EL INFIERNO (2010)

Another political satire that deals with the controversial topics of drug trafficking, organized crime and the long lasting drug war in Mexico.

POR LA LIBRE (2000)

Two cousins with extremely different personalities depart on an unforgettable road trip to Acapulco in order to fulfill their grandpa's last wish. 

NIÑAS MAL (2007)

Five girls with totally different backgrounds and personalities get enrolled by their parents in a summer charm school to learn how to become a "lovely wife".

CANSADA DE BESAR SAPOS (2006)

A medium-high class interior designer living in Mexico City catches her boyfriend cheating on her with another girl, and decides that she'll be come a player too and date as many guys from the internet as she can without getting involved in any serious relationship.

LA MUJER DE MI HERMANO (2005)

Zoe is a beautiful woman who has been married to her husband for almost a decade. Although she still loves him, she feels that the magic is over and she finds herself in the need of new experiences. Therefore, hoping to find the lost excitement in her life, she falls into an affair with her husband's brother. 

AMORES PERROS (2000)

The film is constructed from three distinct stories linked by a car accident that brings the characters together, while displaying their contrastive lives and  existential issues.

KM 31 (2007)

Although there are some other good Mexican horror movies that came out during the 60's such as Hasta el viento tiene miedo (1968)  and El libro de piedra (1969) ,please do not watch the remakes,  Km 31 is in my opinion a must-watch for those who enjoy horror films. 

QUEMAR LAS NAVES (2007)

Two sibling are reunited at their home while looking after their sick mother who has been diagnosed with cancer and doesn't have long to live. Both of them find themselves confused about love, morality, family and the paths they want to follow in life after their mother is long gone.

NO SÉ SI CORTARME LAS VENAS O DEJARMELAS LARGAS (2013)

It started out as play presented in Mexico City, but thanks to its popularity it was soon adapted into a feature film. The movie narrates the story of five neighbors living in an apartment building in the chaos of Mexico City. Although, they have been living there for a while, the arrival of a new neighbor, unites them in a hilarious and dramatical story that deals with the many difficulties of life and early adulthood.