Netflix for Spanish-language Learners: Mexico and Latin America Edition
Embarking on the journey of learning a new language can be equally exciting as it is frustrating. Oftentimes, putting new language skills to practice is much more difficult than simply reviewing flashcards or knocking out the daily Duolingo lesson. One might feel confident in their knowledge of conversational skills and vocabulary, but when we converse with someone fluent in that language it can be hard to keep up. Native speakers will speak at a much quicker pace and utilize various inflections and slang that might not have been mentioned in Spanish class. One of the best ways to learn a new language has always been to build your own immersive language experience. While finding the right environment to regularly immerse oneself in for the purpose of language-learning may be less than convenient for many people, just about every household in America has access to a Netflix subscription. Even though watching dialogue on a television is one-sided, there is still plenty to be learned in watching Spanish-language movies and shows – from both a linguistic and cultural perspective.
As cool as learning Spanish while watching TV may sound, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when selecting what to consume. Just as with searching for something to watch in your native language, the genre of the Spanish-language movie/show should be something enjoyable and relatable to one’s interests. The more interesting a movie is, the more likely that you will pay closer attention to understanding the dialogue and plot. It is also important to consider the cultural and dialectical relevance of the selection. In the United States, the majority of native Spanish speakers come from Mexico and Latin America. European Spanish can be vastly different in many regards compared to Mexican/Latin American Spanish. As it is not as commonly spoken in the States, the selections below focus on entertainment from Mexico, Central America, and South America. Without further ado, here is a current (2023) list of popular Netflix movies and shows sure to both entertain and provide educational exposure to the Spanish language.
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Movies:
Shows:
Rompan Todo: The History of Rock in Latin America
Genre: music, political, historical documentaries
Origin: Mexico, Latin America
There are endless entertainment options available for gaining Spanish-language exposure at home. Not only are the movies and shows on this list excellent for simply kicking back and relaxing after a long day, they very easily facilitate an active (and fun) learning environment. There are many different language-learning goals that can be achieved while streaming, from grammar and linguistic goals such as gathering context for how preterite vs imperfect tenses are used or hearing subjunctive phrases in practice, to increasing cultural awareness and slang/dialectical vocabulary. The United States is home to Spanish-speakers from all walks of life, and we are fortunate to have access to all the various accents and unique slang via something as convenient and accessible as a streaming service.
While Netflix selections rotate frequently, there are sure to always be plenty of Spanish-language options available at any given time. Regardless of the title being watched, listening to Spanish audio with or without English or Spanish subtitles is the best way to foster an active or passive learning environment. This allows the language to be heard at tempo and with all the proper accents and inflections which one is not likely to have access to from written Spanish learning materials alone (more suggestions and best practices for consuming Spanish-language media for language-learning purposes). In addition to sharpening language skills, watching Spanish-language movies and shows is just good fun. It creates exposure to different cultures and traditions and also brings awareness to various social and political issues that are relevant today, not to mention the history lessons that many of these shows include. So instead of rewatching your favorite sitcom over again for the third time (Seinfeld, anyone?), try something different by scrolling the Spanish-language section next time you are on Netflix. It is sure to provide a unique entertainment experience outside of the ordinary, while giving you tangible skills to hold onto along the way.
