5 Binge-Worthy Picks To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: ‘Selena,’ ‘Coco’ And More

Although Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to a close, there’s still plenty of time to celebrate diverse cultures throughout the year, especially with so many options readily available on streaming services.

‘Disclaimer’ Episode 2 Recap: Girl on Film

Each year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the U.S. observes the month-long event, honoring the contributions and lasting influence of individuals who have shaped the nation’s history. However, one often overlooked area is the entertainment industry, where Hispanic and Latino creators have not always received the recognition they deserve.

It wasn’t until 1950 that the Oscars crowned their first and only Hispanic Best Actor winner, José Ferrer, per Latina Magazine . Yet, no Hispanic or Latino actress has ever received the same honor. Instead, they have often been relegated to supporting roles, a category where they are frequently stereotyped.

‘Disclaimer’ Episode 1 Recap: A Tár Is Born

Modern-day Hollywood has been a little kinder to Hispanic and Latino creators. The Disney film Coco introduced mass audiences to Mexican mythology. Roma was an Academy Award-winning film spoken entirely in Spanish. And viewers everywhere fell in love with Tex-Mex music after hearing “Como la Flor” in Selena .

Still, there is more progress to be made, specifically by viewers continuing to support creators. Here are some must-watch stories featuring Hispanic characters, created by Hispanic storytellers.

CLICK HERE TO GET EMAILS FROM DECIDER

• Roma (2018)

  

  Don’t let Roma ’s black and white cinematography or runtime of over two hours intimidate you. The Netflix original is a colorful, engaging drama that finds beauty in simplicity.

  Alfonso Cuarón ’s semi-autobiographical film recounts his childhood through the eyes of the family’s nanny, Cleo Gutiérrez ( Yalitza Aparicio ). While Cleo serves as the emotional backbone of the household, particularly supporting the matriarch Sofia ( Marina de Tavira ) as her marriage falls apart, she is also grappling with her own challenges, including an unexpected pregnancy and an absent father.

  Set against bustling neighborhoods and lush beaches, Roma offers viewers a full-on guided tour of Mexico City and its surrounding areas. Following an indigenous Mexican woman and certain members of a powerful paramilitary group, Los Halcones, the film also offers a history lesson and glimpse into the country’s politics and unrest.

  Regardless, much of Roma ’s success can be attributed to its deeply raw portrayal of a family. For anyone looking to see themselves on-screen, Aparicio is a revelation — despite this being her acting debut, she completely disappears into her character. She even managed to nab an Oscar nomination.

  Roma is available to watch on Netflix .

• Coco (2017)

  

  Not only is Coco one of Pixar ’s best projects in recent years, but it stands as one of their finest, period. Coco features a Mexican boy in the lead role, a significant step for representation in a studio known for focusing on mythical creatures and inanimate objects.

  Coco follows 12-year-old musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) as he’s accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead. There, Miguel seeks out his great-great-grandfather Héctor ( Gael García Bernal ) and a colorful cast of characters, all voiced by Hispanic and Latino actors, to return home before he’s forgotten forever.

  In addition to bringing the Mexican holiday the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, into the cultural consciousness, Coco rejects the negative stereotypes long defined in the media — especially during former president Donald Trump ’s time in office.

  Coco is a magical film, enriched by its stunning animation, memorable songs, and thoughtful exploration of profound themes like death and family trauma. Though aimed at children, this is a film that audiences will remember long after the credits roll, especially with its heart-wrenching ending.

  Coco is available to watch on Disney+ .

• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

  

  Guillermo del Toro won an Oscar for the romantic drama The Shape of Water , but his magnum opus remains Pan’s Labyrinth , a fantasy told entirely in Spanish, chock full of the unique monsters and creatures that define his signature aesthetic.

  Taking place during the Francoist Dictatorship in Spain, the film follows teenager Ophelia (Ivana Baquero), who has trouble connecting with her new stepfather (Sergi López), a vicious captain. Seeking an escape, she meets a faun (Doug Jones), who promises her royalty and immortality if she can complete three tasks.

  Even with its impressive CGI and makeup, Pan’s Labyrinth evokes the spirit of a classic, timeless fairy tale, a testament to del Toro’s world-building and child-like imagination. Shining a light on a very dark time in history, the film deserves to be in the pantheon of dramas like Life is Beautiful and Jojo Rabbit that find beauty and innocence even in the face of profound horror.

  Pan’s Labyrinth is available to watch on Tubi .

• Selena (1997)

  

  If you went through the U.S. education system, you’re probably somewhat familiar with Selena , which has constantly been on rotation in Spanish classes for decades. And there’s a good reason for that.

  The biographic drama chronicles the rise of its titular music icon, Selena Quintanilla Pérez ( Jennifer Lopez ), as she traverses growing pains and the music scene in 1990s Texas. Looking to make a name for herself, Selena and her father Abraham ( Edward James Olmos ), revitalize Tejano music.

  For anyone who wasn’t around during her brief time in the spotlight — cut tragically short by a notorious and brutal murder — the film captures the essence of her remarkable star power. It might not be saying much, but Lopez delivers her best performance as Selena, a hero not only for Hispanics and Latinos worldwide, but also for women everywhere.

  Selena isn’t perfect; detractors will point to its casting of a Puerto Rican to play a Mexican or its not entirely accurate portrayal of Abraham. But, it deserves some credit for immortalizing such an integral figure in Hispanic history.

  Selena is available to watch on Tubi.

• Stand and Deliver (1988)

  

  Another Edward James Olmos classic, Stand and Deliver follows the actor as he takes on the role of Jamie Escalante, a real-life miracle worker who managed to completely reform his school’s mathematics program and help his students reach new heights.

  With a cast of Latino and Hispanic teachers and students, the film shines a much-needed spotlight on the troubling issue of underfunded schools in communities predominantly made up of people of color.

  Though the biopic and coming-of-age narrative have been tackled before, the gritty realism and an excellent performance from Lou Diamond Phillips warrant it an A+.

  Stand and Deliver is available to watch on Tubi.

For more entertainment news and streaming recommendations, visit decider.com