Welcome to the world of Spanish cinema! If you’re looking for a fun way to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture, we got you covered. Expose yourself to the language and immerse yourself in the captivating storylines of these 8 Spanish language films carefully curated by us.
To enhance your learning, you may want to consider watching the films with two sets of subtitles (one in Spanish and one in your native language). Don’t forget your notebook to take down your own notes as well!
1. Contratiempo (The Invisible Guest)
Directed by: Oriol Paulo
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Thriller
A suspenseful procedural that will have you doubting every single character, Contratiempo is a thrilling, fast-paced mystery with an airtight script about a man trying to build a defence case for himself. With a story that twists and turns at every opportunity and complemented by masterful acting from award-winning actors, this film is sure to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat! The film uses a plethora of legal and investigative jargon, so pay attention and take notes to improve your vocabulary!
2. La Sociedad de la Nieve (Society of the Snow)
Directed by: J. A. Bayona
Genres: History, Drama
Utilising stop-motion and animation in the most creative of ways, La Casa Lobo is a Chilean film about a girl who escapes from a cult and seeks refuge in an abandoned house in the forest. The house, however, is far from a safe haven. It is a living, breathing entity that continuously shifts and transforms, reflecting Maria’s psychological state and the nightmarish influences of her past.
Blending elements of horror, folklore, and psychological drama, this hauntingly beautiful film is truly something special. It features an abundance of dreamy, poetic dialogue, allowing you to challenge your Spanish skills.
3. La Casa Lobo (The Wolf House)
Directed by: Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña
Genres: Drama, Horror
Utilizing stop-motion and animation in the most creative of ways, La Casa Lobo is a Chilean film about a girl who escapes from a cult and seeks refuge in an abandoned house in the forest. The house, however, is far from a safe haven. It is a living, breathing entity that continuously shifts and transforms, reflecting Maria’s psychological state and the nightmarish influences of her past.
Blending elements of horror, folklore, and psychological drama, this hauntingly beautiful film is truly something special, featuring an abundance of dreamlike, poetic dialogue that challenges your Spanish language skills.
4. El Hoyo (The Platform)
Directed by: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction
Picture this: a vertical prison with hundreds of levels. Two inmates living on each level, and a single platform delivering food for all the inmates, descending from the top. A scathing commentary on social class and human nature, this film is incredibly unique and fresh, never holding back on its criticisms. Its claustrophobic setting combined with the grimy, dark atmosphere gives this film a sinister mood, perfect for watching with friends late at night!
5. El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth)
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Genres: War, Fantasy, Drama
In the midst of the brutal and oppressive environment in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, a young girl named Ofelia discovers an ancient labyrinth and meets a faun who informs her that she is the reincarnation of a lost princess from an underground realm.
Pan’s Labyrinth is a modern classic acclaimed for its rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and deep emotional resonance. Masterfully told and heart-wrenching in its brutal contrast between the tragedies of war and the innocence of childhood, this film is truly a grand cinematic spectacle. It also provides a rich linguistic experience, balancing accessible language with more challenging historical and fantastical vocabulary.
6. Todo Sobre Mi Madre (All About My Mother)
Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar
Genres: Comedy, Drama
This film is considered to be one of director Pedro Almodóvar’s masterpieces and has had a significant impact on Spanish cinema. Celebrated for its portrayal of complex, multi-dimensional female characters and its progressive depiction of LGBTQ+ themes, it remains a moving film that resonates with audiences for its heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of women. Utilising beautiful colours, extraordinary acting performances and insightful looks into womanhood, Almodóvar effectively delivers a truly touching love letter to women.
7. Memoria
Directed by: Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Genres: Science Fiction, Drama, Mystery
Memoria is a film that defies easy categorisation. Its meditative pace, emphasis on sensory experiences, and philosophical inquiries make it a compelling watch for those interested in experimental and art-house cinema. The film follows a woman who is disturbed by a mysterious loud noise that only she can hear. As she tries to uncover the source of this sound, she embarks on a journey that leads her through the Colombian landscape and into profound encounters with people and places that challenge her understanding of reality and memory. Memoria is also a multilingual film, featuring a mix of Spanish and English, which makes for a nice, easy transition into picking up Spanish!
8. Mujeres al Borde de un Ataque de Nervios (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown)
Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Have you gone through some absurd situations in your life? Probably not as much as Pepa in this film. Over the course of 48 hours, Pepa, an actress, tries to track down her ex-husband Iván to find out why he left her, while dealing with a series of increasingly bizarre and comedic situations involving various characters connected to her life. A chaotic 48 hours in Pepa’s life sees people wholeheartedly embracing the absurd and surreal nature of life and coping with top-tier dark humour. The film’s witty, fast-paced dialogue is perfect for testing your Spanish skills, so try to keep up!
In the vast realm of Spanish cinema, these films stand out as timeless classics, destined to be remembered as some of the greatest in the genre’s history.
If you’re curious about any of these films, what are you waiting for? Grab a snack, sit back, relax, and enjoy. And once again, don’t forget to grab your Spanish vocabulary notebook too!