17+ Best Mexican Movies (List)

Mexico has a rich and vibrant film industry that has produced some truly remarkable movies over the years.

From thought-provoking dramas to thrilling action films, Mexican cinema has captivated audiences both domestically and internationally.

Best Mexican Movies

Mexican cinema has produced many critically acclaimed films that explore a range of genres, themes, and stories. Here are some of the best Mexican movies, which include classic films and contemporary hits:

“Amores Perros” (2000)

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu

A bold, intensely emotional, and ambitious story of lives that collide in a Mexico City car crash.

“Y Tu Mamá También” (2001)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

A coming-of-age story about two teenage boys who take a road trip with a woman in her late twenties.

“Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Set in post-Civil War Spain, a young girl escapes into a fantasy world that is both beautiful and frightening.

“Roma” (2018)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

A stunning and intimate portrait of a domestic worker’s journey set against domestic and political turmoil in 1970s Mexico.

“Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate)” (1992)

Directed by Alfonso Arau

A tale of forbidden love, where a young woman is forbidden to marry her true love and is forced to watch him marry her sister.

“Nosotros Los Nobles (The Noble Family)” (2013)

Directed by Gary Alazraki

A wealthy businessman makes his spoiled children think they are broke to teach them a lesson.

“La Perla (The Pearl)” (1947)

Directed by Emilio Fernández

Based on John Steinbeck’s novel, a poor diver’s life takes a dark turn after discovering a large pearl.

“El Ángel Exterminador (The Exterminating Angel)” (1962)

Directed by Luis Buñuel

Guests at a high-society dinner party find themselves unable to leave.

“Cronos” (1993)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

A unique vampire tale centered around a mysterious device that grants eternal life.

“Heli” (2013)

Directed by Amat Escalante

A stark portrayal of a family caught in the violent drug cartel world.

“Los Olvidados (The Young and the Damned)” (1950)

Directed by Luis Buñuel

A raw and powerful film about juvenile delinquency in Mexico City.

“Cantinflas” (2014)

Directed by Sebastián del Amo

A biographical film about Mario Moreno, a comedic actor known as Cantinflas.

“Sin Nombre” (2009)

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga

A gripping thriller about a Honduran girl trying to immigrate to the USA and a boy caught up in gang life.

“Temporada de Patos (Duck Season)” (2004)

Directed by Fernando Eimbcke

A black-and-white film about two teenage boys and their neighbor spending a Sunday afternoon together.

“Matando Cabos” (2004)

Directed by Alejandro Lozano

A dark comedy about kidnapping, mistaken identity, and a series of unfortunate events.

“La Dictadura Perfecta (The Perfect Dictatorship)” (2014)

Directed by Luis Estrada

A political satire about a television corporation that helps a corrupt politician rise to the presidency.

“Desierto” (2015)

Directed by Jonás Cuarón

A group of people trying to cross the border from Mexico into the United States encounter a man who has taken border patrol duties into his own racist hands.

“Güeros” (2014)

Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios

Shot in black and white, it’s a road trip movie set against the 1999 student strikes in Mexico City.

These films, which showcase the richness and diversity of Mexican cinema, offer a mix of drama, comedy, fantasy, and political commentary.

Below we look deeper at some of the best Mexican movies that have made a significant impact on the global film landscape.

Table of Contents

The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema

Before diving into the best Mexican movies of all time, it is important to acknowledge the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s.

During this period, Mexican filmmakers produced a plethora of high-quality films that garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.

One of the most iconic films from this era is “Los Olvidados” (1950), directed by Luis Buñuel.

This gritty and realistic portrayal of poverty in Mexico City earned international recognition and solidified Buñuel’s status as a master filmmaker.

Another notable film from the Golden Age is “María Candelaria” (1943), directed by Emilio Fernández.

This romantic drama tells the story of a young indigenous woman who faces discrimination and prejudice in a small Mexican village.

“María Candelaria” won the Palme d’Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival, bringing Mexican cinema to the global stage.

Contemporary Mexican Cinema

While the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema laid the foundation for the country’s film industry, contemporary Mexican cinema has continued to push boundaries and captivate audiences with its unique storytelling and visual style.

Let’s explore some of the best Mexican movies from recent years:

“Y Tu Mamá También” (2001)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Y Tu Mamá También” is a coming-of-age drama that follows two teenage boys on a road trip with an older woman.

The film explores themes of friendship, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. “Y Tu Mamá También” received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of youth and sexuality, and it helped launch the careers of Cuarón and actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna.

“Amores Perros” (2000)

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s directorial debut, “Amores Perros,” is a gritty and interconnected tale of love, loss, and redemption set in Mexico City.

The film weaves together three different storylines, all connected by a car accident.

“Amores Perros” received widespread acclaim for its raw and intense storytelling, earning a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.

“Roma” (2018)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” is a semi-autobiographical film that pays homage to Cuarón’s childhood in 1970s Mexico City.

The film follows the life of a domestic worker named Cleo and explores themes of class, race, and family dynamics.

“Roma” received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Foreign Language Film.

The Impact of Mexican Movies

Mexican movies have not only entertained audiences but have also made a significant impact on the global film industry. Here are some key reasons why Mexican cinema deserves recognition:

Mexican movies often tackle important social issues, shedding light on topics such as poverty, corruption, and inequality.
Mexican filmmakers have a unique visual style, incorporating vibrant colors and stunning cinematography to create visually striking films.
Mexican movies have helped diversify the global film landscape, offering fresh perspectives and narratives that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.
Mexican actors and directors have gained international recognition, with many of them going on to work on major Hollywood productions.

FAQs – Best Mexican Movies

1. What is the most successful Mexican movie of all time?

The most successful Mexican movie of all time is “Instructions Not Included” (2013), directed by Eugenio Derbez.

This comedy-drama became a box office hit, both domestically and internationally, grossing over $100 million worldwide.

2. Are there any Mexican movies that have won Academy Awards?

Yes, several Mexican movies have won Academy Awards. Some notable examples include “Roma” (2018), which won three Academy Awards, and “The Shape of Water” (2017), directed by Guillermo del Toro, which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

3. Who are some renowned Mexican directors?

There are several renowned Mexican directors who have made a significant impact on the global film industry.

Some notable names include Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and Luis Buñuel.

4. What are some must-watch Mexican movies for fans of drama?

For fans of drama, some must-watch Mexican movies include “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001), “Amores Perros” (2000), “Roma” (2018), and “Biutiful” (2010), directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.

5. Are there any Mexican horror movies worth watching?

Yes, there are several Mexican horror movies worth watching. One notable example is “The Devil’s Backbone” (2001), directed by Guillermo del Toro.

This supernatural horror film received critical acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling and stunning visuals.

6. Are there any Mexican movies that have achieved international recognition?

Yes, many Mexican movies have achieved international recognition. Films like “Y Tu Mamá También,” “Amores Perros,” “Roma,” and “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006) have garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards at international film festivals.

7. What is the significance of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema?

The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s, was a period of great artistic and commercial success for Mexican filmmakers.

During this time, Mexican movies gained international recognition and showcased the talent and creativity of Mexican directors, actors, and writers.

8. How has Mexican cinema influenced Hollywood?

Mexican cinema has had a significant influence on Hollywood.

Mexican directors like Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro González Iñárritu have all made successful transitions to Hollywood and have brought their unique storytelling styles to major productions.

Additionally, Mexican actors like Salma Hayek and Gael García Bernal have achieved international fame and have worked on both Mexican and Hollywood films.

9. Are there any Mexican movies that address political issues?

Yes, many Mexican movies address political issues.

“The Crime of Padre Amaro” (2002) explores corruption within the Catholic Church, while “Miss Bala” (2011) tackles the issue of drug violence in Mexico.

These films use storytelling as a means to shed light on important political and social issues.

10. What are some recent Mexican movies that have gained critical acclaim?

Some recent Mexican movies that have gained critical acclaim include “Birds of Passage” (2018), “The Chambermaid” (2018), and “I’m No Longer Here” (2019).

These films have been praised for their unique storytelling approaches and their ability to offer fresh perspectives on Mexican society.

Summary – Best Mexican Movies

Mexican cinema has a rich history and continues to produce exceptional films that captivate audiences worldwide.

From the Golden Age classics to contemporary masterpieces, Mexican movies have made a significant impact on the global film landscape.

Films like “Los Olvidados,” “Y Tu Mamá También,” “Amores Perros,” and “Roma” showcase the diversity and talent of Mexican filmmakers, tackling important social issues and offering unique storytelling perspectives.

Mexican cinema deserves recognition for its contributions to the art of filmmaking and its ability to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences around the world.

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