The 25 best Latino movies of 2025

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As we mentioned last year, 2025 offered a wealth of compelling films exploring Latino and Latin American stories. These ranged from quirky, mind-bending fictional tales—including those with characters who have doubles—to a moving documentary featuring previously unseen personal footage of a beloved musician who passed away.

As a film buff, I wanted to put together a list focusing specifically on movies with Latino or Latin American characters whose stories really take center stage, and are set in the U.S. That’s why you won’t see Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ here – amazing film, but it doesn’t quite fit the focus. However, I did include a great documentary about del Toro himself. Also, a lot of these films actually came out internationally last year, but they all first hit U.S. screens this year, so that’s what I’m going by.

25. ‘Magic Farm’

This sharp and funny film uses the energetic beat of Argentine cumbia villera music to poke fun at clueless American tourists in Latin America. Director Amalia Ulman, in her second feature film, brings Chloë Sevigny, Simon Rex, Alex Wolff, and Joe Apollonio to a small town to play a media crew – similar to Vice – who are focused on turning local culture into content for a wide audience. Ulman herself stars in the film as the only team member who speaks both English and Spanish.

Streaming on Mubi.

24. ‘Pepe’

I was absolutely captivated by Nelson Carlo De Los Santos Arias’s film! It really makes you wonder what life was like for Pablo Escobar’s hippopotamus, Pepe. The film imagines Pepe telling its own story, and it’s incredible. It speaks in multiple languages, reflecting its journey from Africa to Colombia, and shares what it was like adjusting to a new home and the complex social life among the hippos there. But it’s more than just an animal’s tale; it’s a thought-provoking look at how colonialism still affects us and the often senseless things humans do.

Streaming on Mubi.

23. ‘Bob Trevino Likes It’

Barbie Ferreira gives a captivating performance as Lily, a young woman struggling with emotional distance due to a troubled past. When her estranged and self-centered father cuts her off, she unexpectedly connects with Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo), a kind, childless man she meets on Facebook. Their heartwarming and unlikely friendship blossoms into a father-daughter relationship, offering both characters a chance to heal. The film is a feel-good story that also highlights John Leguizamo’s talent, showcasing his ability to be both funny and deeply moving.

Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ and available on VOD.

22. ‘Serious People’

This film, which debuted at Sundance, follows a Mexican American music video director struggling to balance work and his personal life. He comes up with a surprising solution: hiring a look-alike to take his place at work, allowing him to spend time with his pregnant partner. What starts as a smart plan quickly spirals into a chaotic and funny mess. The movie cleverly blends reality and fiction—the actors play versions of themselves—creating a satirical look at an industry that values getting things done over the well-being of its people.

Available on VOD.

21. ‘A Vanishing Fog’

Photographer Sebastian Pii beautifully guides viewers through the dreamlike world of Augusto Sandino’s first film. Shot in the vulnerable Sumapaz Páramo, the story follows F (played by Pii) as he looks after his father and fears for the fate of the land, threatened by exploitation. More than a typical story, the film is a captivating and surreal experience, where a mystical staircase to heaven seems to emerge from the already breathtaking scenery.

Available on VOD.

20. ‘Motel Destino’

This steamy thriller, directed by Brazilian filmmaker Karim Aïnouz, centers on Heraldo, a captivating criminal who goes into hiding. Dayana, the owner of a rundown motel, is drawn to him and lets him stay and work alongside her and her unstable husband, Elias, a former police officer. As they all live and work together, a secretive and passionate love triangle forms, constantly blurring the line between desire and danger within the motel’s walls.

Available on VOD.

19. ’31 Minutes: One Hot Christmas’

If you’re not familiar with “31 Minutos,” the popular Chilean puppet show that’s been a hit in Latin America since the early 2000s, their new Christmas movie is a great place to start. The story follows Juan Carlos Bodoque, a red rabbit reporter with a gambling habit, who has to travel to the North Pole when unusually warm weather puts the holidays at risk in his town, Titirilquén. The movie is filled with quirky characters, like Bodoque’s friend Tulio Triviño, a monkey who hosts the show’s funny and satirical news program.

Streaming on Prime Video.

18. ‘The Fishbowl’

The film centers on Noelia (Isel Rodriguez), a woman battling cancer who returns to her childhood home of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Vieques was used by the U.S. Navy for military training for sixty years, and the story explores the complex and unfair relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States through Noelia’s personal journey. This groundbreaking film is the first from Puerto Rico to be nominated for a Goya Award as the best Ibero-American film and to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, powerfully demonstrating how individual lives are shaped by political forces.

Available on VOD.

17. ‘Corina’

Corina, a shy 20-year-old who dreams of being a writer, is afraid to venture far from her home and work. But she decides to take a risk: she steals a manuscript from a well-known author and secretly rewrites it, leading to unexpected problems. Director Urzula Barba Hopfner’s charming and funny film, inspired by the movie “Amélie,” tells the story of finding yourself and doing things your own way, with a delightful performance by Cristo Fernández (known from “Ted Lasso”).

Streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

16. ‘The Astronaut Lovers’

I just finished watching Marco Berger’s latest, and it’s a beautifully subtle film. It centers on Pedro and Maxi, two guys spending a summer together by the Argentine coast. Pedro is openly gay, while Maxi identifies as straight, but their relationship is anything but simple. What starts as playful, even crude, banter quickly blossoms into something more, with Maxi finding himself increasingly drawn to Pedro. The film really lives and breathes thanks to the incredible chemistry between Javier Orán and Lautaro Bettoni; Berger, who’s known for exploring the complexities of male identity, lets their connection unfold naturally and with a real, captivating energy. It’s a film that thrives on suggestion and leaves you wanting more.

Available on VOD.

15. ‘Belén’

This powerful courtroom drama, first detailed in Ana Correa’s book “Somos Belén,” tells the true story of a young woman from Argentina who was wrongly accused of killing her baby after a miscarriage in 2014. Her lawyer, Soledad Deza (played by co-writer and director Dolores Fonzi), fights tirelessly to expose the injustice and sparked a national conversation. The film highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s reproductive rights, a relevant issue globally and particularly in countries where safe abortion access is threatened.

Streaming on Prime Video.

14. ‘Selena y Los Dinos’

Filmmaker Isabel Castro offers a fresh and inspiring look at Selena Quintanilla, using previously unseen footage and interviews with people who knew her well. Creating a documentary about a beloved music icon whose story has already been told in movies and TV shows was a challenge, but Castro focuses on intimate, unguarded moments. These reveal Selena’s playful side and her moments of uncertainty, portraying her as a relatable and complex person. The film was highly acclaimed at Sundance, so much so that it had to be removed from the online festival due to illegal sharing.

Streaming on Netflix.

13. ‘Ponyboi’

Ponyboi, a Latinx intersex sex worker portrayed by River Gallo, lives a tough life in New Jersey, a stark contrast to the romantic dreams they hold. Amidst dangerous criminal activity, Ponyboi longs to find safety and love with the perfect partner. River Gallo, who also wrote the film, delivers a powerful and vulnerable performance, examining the pressures surrounding masculinity within Latino families. Ponyboi’s character represents the resilience needed to thrive when facing prejudice and judgment.

Available on VOD.

12. ‘The Hyperboreans’

Chilean filmmakers Cristobal León and Joaquín Cociña, known for their unsettling stop-motion film “The Wolf House,” present a new and disturbing film. Actress Antonia Giesen performs a retelling of the life of Miguel Serrano, a writer whose work contains both fantastical elements and troubling neo-Nazi beliefs. The film explores Serrano’s life through creative scenes that combine acting with remarkably designed and interactive sets. It’s a constantly inventive and sharply critical look at a deeply problematic figure and his hateful ideas.

Streaming on Film Movement+.

11. ‘The Falling Sky’

The documentary by Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha beautifully portrays the Yanomami people and their struggle to safeguard their Amazon rainforest home. However, what makes this film stand out is its willingness to examine why it was made. At one point, a Yanomami man directly questions the filmmakers, expressing skepticism based on past experiences with outsiders who didn’t have the community’s best interests at heart. He asks a crucial question: “Will you truly support us?”

Available on VOD.

10. ‘Oceans Are the Real Continents’

This beautifully shot, black-and-white series of three images, set in Cuba, tells the story of people facing difficult choices. It shows the hope of those trying to build a better life elsewhere, and the pain of those left behind. We see an artist torn between leaving the island and staying with her partner, two young friends facing separation, and an elderly woman waiting for someone who might never come home. It’s a powerful look at the simple desire to stay together.

Available on VOD.

9. ‘Sangre Del Toro’

As a huge fan of Guillermo del Toro, I was completely captivated by this documentary. It’s not just a series of interviews – it feels like wandering through the incredible world inside his head, especially because it’s filmed amongst all the fascinating props and artwork from his films. Honestly, just hearing Del Toro talk about what drives him – his ideas about life and making art – is amazing, because he’s such a natural storyteller. But director Yves Montmayeur does so much more than that; he creates this really dreamy, almost otherworldly mood with the visuals and sound design, which perfectly suits the magical and often haunting nature of Del Toro’s work.

Streaming on Netflix.

8. ‘Kill the Jockey’

A striking scene of female jockeys stretching to music opens this unusual film, which centers on Remo Manfredini (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart), a jockey struggling with drug addiction. Remo’s dangerous path of self-destruction frustrates the man who supports him (Daniel Giménez Cacho). However, what starts as a gritty story about a life spiraling out of control unexpectedly becomes a journey of self-discovery and embracing one’s true self.

Streaming on Prime Video and available on VOD.

7. ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

This movie, adapted from a popular Broadway musical and a 1976 novel, tells a moving and unlikely love story set against the backdrop of Argentina’s turbulent past. Newcomer Tonatiuh delivers a breakout performance, playing two roles: Luis Molina, a gay prisoner captivated by movies, and a sophisticated man in a film-within-a-film alongside Jennifer Lopez, who shines as a glamorous screen star. The story follows Luis as he falls for his revolutionary cellmate, played by Diego Luna.

Available on VOD.

6. ‘The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’

Growing up in the desert with a vibrant community of trans women, I’ve witnessed the devastating impact of AIDS on those I love, especially Flamingo, who feels like a mother to me. It’s heartbreaking because the men here believe they caught the illness from their trans partners – a really strange and unfair idea. This film, Diego Céspedes’ first, is beautifully seductive like something Almodóvar would make, but set against this wild western backdrop. It’s a story about growing up, but more than that, it’s about the strength and resilience of queer people, with a touch of magical realism that really stays with you.

In theaters in New York City; more cities to come.

5. ‘Elio’

Pixar’s latest film follows Elio, a quirky young Latino boy who longs to be taken away by aliens. Living with his aunt Olga, an Air Force major, Elio feels like an outsider. When his dream comes true and he’s unexpectedly launched into space, he encounters both friendly and unfriendly aliens and begins to question what ‘home’ really means. The movie is visually stunning and emotionally resonant, exploring the universal need to find a place where you belong.

Streaming on Disney+.

4. ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’

This film explores the lasting impact of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre in Mexico City through the eyes of Socorro, a determined lawyer haunted by her brother’s death. After discovering the identity of the soldier responsible, she sets out for revenge. Featuring a powerful performance by Luisa Huertas, the film is both a moving portrayal of enduring grief and a critical look at a nation still grappling with its past.

In theaters in New York and will debut on Hulu and Disney+ on Jan. 1.

3. ‘A Poet’

Okay, so I just saw this film, and Ubeimar Rios, who I didn’t know before, absolutely kills it as Oscar Restrepo. He’s this poet who’s really hit hard times and is now teaching, and it’s painful to watch, but in a really good way. Oscar’s a mess – kind of pathetic, but he’s got this stubborn pride, and he genuinely wants the best for his kid. He tries to get his career back on track by pushing one of his students with poetry. Honestly, it’s both super funny and really uncomfortable, and director Simón Mesa Soto tackles some heavy stuff – like what happens when artists fail, and how there’s this expectation for artists from tough backgrounds to basically turn their pain into entertainment for others. It’s a really sharp, smart dramedy.

The film had an awards-qualifying run and will open in more theaters on Jan. 30.

youtube.com/watch?v=xRyVkKYG3BA

2. ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics’

Evangelical Christianity significantly influenced Brazilian politics, playing a key role in the 2018 election of Jair Bolsonaro (who was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison). In her compelling documentary, Oscar nominee Petra Costa reveals how the country became vulnerable to extremist beliefs masked as religious faith, beliefs that promote violence and separation. The film offers a disturbing parallel to events that have unfolded in the U.S. over the last ten years.

Streaming on Netflix.

1. ‘The Secret Agent’

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s thrilling new film, set in 1970s Brazil under military rule, brilliantly blends genres and explores how the past impacts the present. Wagner Moura, known from “Narcos,” delivers a standout performance as a father living in hiding, forced to assume a new identity. The film is a powerful examination of both personal and collective memory, and many consider it a landmark achievement in Brazilian cinema. It brings together themes Mendonça has explored throughout his career, telling the gripping story of an ordinary man fighting for his principles.

Now playing in theaters.

Honorable mentions

There were so many excellent Latino films this year, we wanted to give a few extra shout-outs to these honorable mentions.

‘Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires’

A new take on the Dark Knight comic book hero that faces off against conquistador Hernán Cortés.

‘Baby’

A sexy and superbly acted Brazilian queer drama about an age-gap relationship.

‘Brownsville Bred’

A heartfelt, autobiographical Nuyorican coming-of-age story.

‘Most People Die on Sundays’

An Argentine dramedy about a gay man in his 30s still figuring himself out.

Párvulos: Children of the Apocalypse’

A Mexican zombie movie centered around three young brothers in an isolated home.

‘The Unexpecteds’

After falling for a scam, a group of everyday people decides to fight back in this action comedy.

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2025-12-23 02:32