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The entertainment industry has seen a surge of diverse and compelling stories from the Latino community over the past year, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and creative talent that exists within this vibrant community. From groundbreaking superhero tales to gritty character studies, the titles on this list offer a glimpse into the multifaceted experiences and perspectives of Latino individuals both in front of and behind the camera.
These films and television series not only entertain but also challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire deeper conversations about identity, social justice, and the power of representation. Here are the top twelve binge-worthy Latino movies and TV shows that have captivated audiences over the past year.
Top Binge-able Latino Movies
Cassandro
Cassandro (2023) is a biopic that tells the remarkable story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler who becomes a celebrated Lucha Libre star in Mexico. Directed by Roger Ross Williams, the film follows Armendáriz’s journey as he navigates the macho world of professional wrestling while embracing his authentic self. Cassandro is a poignant and inspiring tale that celebrates LGBTQ+ representation and challenges traditional gender norms in the sport.
The film’s lead performance by Gael García Bernal is a standout, capturing the resilience and vulnerability of Armendáriz’s character. Cassandro is a must-watch for its powerful storytelling and its ability to shine a light on an underrepresented aspect of Mexican culture.
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle (2023) is a groundbreaking superhero film that follows the story of Jaime Reyes, a Mexican American teenager who becomes the superhero Blue Beetle. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto, the film is a significant milestone in Latino representation in the superhero genre. Jaime Reyes’ journey of discovering his powers and embracing his heritage is both empowering and relatable, making this film a standout in the crowded superhero landscape.
The film’s vibrant visuals, engaging action sequences and strong character development make it a highly entertaining and meaningful addition to the genre. Blue Beetle’s success has the potential to pave the way for more diverse superhero stories and further amplify the voices of the Latino community in Hollywood.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2024) continues the adventures of Miles Morales, an Afro-Latino Spider-Man, as he traverses the multiverse. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, the film is visually stunning and an emotionally resonant exploration of identity, family, and the power of community.
With the return of beloved characters like Gwen Stacy and the introduction of new Spider-People, Across the Spider-Verse captivates audiences with its innovative storytelling and diverse representation. As a follow-up to the groundbreaking original, this film further cemented Miles Morales’ status as a beloved and iconic superhero.
A Million Miles Away
Telling the story of José Hernández’s inspiring journey from migrant farmworker to NASA astronaut, A Million Miles Away (2023) is a triumphant production. Directed and co-written by Mexican director Alejandra Márquez Abella (Northern Skies over Empty Space and The Good Girls) and starring Michael Peña as Hernández, this movie is a heartwarming tale of heritage, drive, and familial support.
Spanning decades of his life, the movie explores Hernández’s determination and hard work to travel to space, a dream he chased since childhood. A Million Miles Away is a powerful and uplifting story that celebrates the resilience and achievements of the Latino community.
Tótem
Tótem (2023) is a chilling Mexican horror film that centers around a family who must confront a dark, ancestral presence when they move into a new home. Directed by Lila Avilés, the film is an atmospheric and unsettling exploration of the supernatural. Drawing on Mexican folklore and the country’s rich cultural heritage, Tótem weaves a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The film’s slow-burn approach to building tension, coupled with its striking visual style, creates a haunting and immersive experience for the audience. Tótem is a standout in the horror genre, showcasing the talent and creativity of Mexican filmmakers.
Miguel Wants to Fight
Miguel Wants to Fight (2023) is a powerful Puerto Rican film that follows the story of Miguel, a young man who gets caught up in the world of underground fighting in order to make ends meet. Directed by Ari Maniel Cruz, the film is a gritty and honest character study that delves into the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Miguel’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as he navigates the complexities of poverty, family obligations, and the lure of violence. The film’s raw and naturalistic approach, combined with the standout performance by its lead actor, make Miguel Wants to Fight a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It’s a testament to the rich storytelling emerging from the Puerto Rican film industry.
Honorable Mentions
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)
- Familia (2023)
- Noise (2022)
- Mutt (2023)
- Mars One (2022)
- The Eternal Memory (2023)
Top Binge-able Latino TV Shows
Griselda
Griselda (2024) is a Netflix series that dramatizes the real-life story of Griselda Blanco, a pioneering and ruthless female drug lord in Colombia. The series, created by Ingrid Escajeda, offers a glimpse into the complex and often brutal world of the drug trade, with Blanco’s character serving as a central figure.
While the show has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, it also provides a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by women in positions of power, particularly in male-dominated industries. Griselda’s performance by Colombian actress Sofía Vergara has been widely praised, and the series has sparked conversations about the representation of Latina characters in television.
Dora
The beloved Latina cartoon character Dora is back with a new animated series on Paramount Plus. Dora the Explorer, created by Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes, and Eric Weiner, is a nostalgic and fun reboot that celebrates Latina representation in children’s media. The new Dora series (2024) follows Dora’s adventures as she explores the world, solving problems and learning about different cultures along the way. With its vibrant animation, catchy songs, and engaging interactive elements, Dora continues to be a beloved and influential franchise that empowers young Latina viewers to embrace their heritage and curiosity. The reboot’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic character and the importance of diverse representation in children’s programming.
Read the Hispanic Executive feature, “Kathleen Herles and Dora Reunite on Paramount Plus.”
Primo
Amazon Freevee series Primo (2023) is an ode to large, boisterous Latino families who love each other intensely, and it had viewers laughing out loud several times throughout the first season. The show centers on sixteen-year-old Rafa (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio), who is trying to figure himself out in the midst of a chaotic family home featuring an extensive Latino cast of uncles who love to meddle in Rafa’s high school life.
Primo is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of the complexities of family, identity, and the joys and challenges of growing up in a large, tight-knit Latino household.
Leguizamo Does America
In this six-part 2023 docuseries, actor John Leguizamo travels across the United States to explore diverse Latino communities. Acting as a curious interviewer and middleman to investigate all the different kinds of Latinos that exist within the diaspora in the US, Leguizamo takes viewers to six different destinations: Miami, Chicago, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, New York City, and Los Angeles.
Leguizamo engages in history, culture, and other contributions being made daily by Latinos. The making of this show is in itself a win: Leguizamo says he pitched the idea for four consecutive years, and it brings more Latino representation to travel shows—a field of entertainment where they are severely under-represented.
Read the Hispanic Executive feature, “John Leguizamo on the Art, History, and Business of Latinos in Media.”
The Horrors of Dolores Roach
Based on a fictional Spotify original podcast of the same name, Amazon Prime’s The Horrors of Dolores Roach (2023) is a modern, Latina-led recreation of Sweeney Todd. Set in New York City’s Washington Heights rather than London, the comedy-drama series tells the story of Dolores Roach (Justina Machado), a Latina recently released from prison who returns to her old neighborhood after sixteen years of incarceration for a drug possession charge. With $200 to her name, she aims to become a massage therapist but becomes a murderer instead.
The casting of Machado in the role of Dolores was simply perfect, as she rarely gets the opportunity to play someone unlikeable. In the midst of efforts to produce positive representation for Latino people, The Horrors of Dolores Roach seems to be pushing back, exploring the possibility of Latino people taking on roles that are more complex and not so clear-cut as being a good role model for a marginalized population.
With Love
With Love (2021), a television series created by Gloria Calderón Kellett, marked a triumphant return to the small screen in 2023, following the acclaimed run of her previous show, One Day at a Time (2017). Boasting a predominantly Latino cast, the series delved into the lives and relationships of the Diaz siblings, Lily (Emeraude Toubia) and Jorge (Mark Indelicato), as they navigate the joys and challenges of their family dynamics against the backdrop of major holidays.
The series’ impact was undeniable, with standout moments like Lily’s celebration of her double quinceañera in season two and the captivating Día de Los Muertos episode in season one. Though the show was ultimately canceled after its second season, the rich storytelling and authentic representation of the Latino community in the arts and entertainment space left an indelible mark, paving the way for more diverse and nuanced narratives to be explored on television.
Honorable Mentions
- Lopez vs Lopez (2022)
- Not Dead Yet (2023)
- Never Have I Ever (2020)
- The Last of Us (2023)
- This Fool (2022)
- Poker Face (2023)
The movies and TV shows highlighted in this list are just a small sampling of the incredible storytelling and artistic expression emerging from this community. By elevating these diverse narratives, we hope to inspire our readers to seek out and engage with these captivating works, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness and artistic brilliance that the Latino community brings to the world of entertainment. As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate the continued evolution and impact of Latino-led content, knowing that it will undoubtedly continue to captivate, inspire, and transform the industry.
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
