Videos in Spanish Your Students Will Love

Find the best movies for Spanish class–and more!

As a Spanish teacher, you’ve probably relied on videos in Spanish to bring authentic language into your classroom. From MovieTalk to full-length films, audiovisual resources are invaluable tools for immersing your students in different accents and cultures. But after countless showings of Coco and Encanto — and perhaps a few too many dance parties to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” — you might be looking for fresh options.

The challenge lies in finding new, school-appropriate videos. Vetting them can be time-consuming, but don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated a list of diverse Spanish videos perfect for the classroom. To make things easier, we’ve categorized them by length so you can quickly find the ideal video to fit your lesson plans.

To ensure the videos are suitable for your classroom, we’ve carefully selected options based on the following criteria:

• School-appropriateness: All videos are rated PG-13 or lower to align with school guidelines. However, make sure that the content you show is appropriate to your own grade level. What works for 4th grade may not work for 10th grade and vice versa.
• Accessibility: We’ve prioritized videos available on popular streaming platforms, including free options like Tubi and Kanopy, and social media for easy access.
• Cultural relevance: We’ve chosen videos that offer authentic glimpses into Hispanic and Latin American cultures.
• Language level: The videos cater to a range of language proficiencies, from beginner to advanced learners.

Why use videos in Spanish in your class?

Your students might think videos in class are just for fun, but they’re actually a super helpful way to learn Spanish! Here’s why:

• Dive into the culture: Videos provide a window into the Spanish-speaking world, allowing your students to immerse themselves and connect with real people and places.
• Sharpen listening skills: Different accents and speaking speeds will help your students become better listeners.
• Boost vocabulary and grammar: Videos expose students to new words and structures in context, making learning stick.
• Keep students engaged with more than just words: Exciting videos can turn learning into an adventure.

Best movies for Spanish class

1. Vivo (2021)

Synopsis: Vivo, a music-loving kinkajou, sets off on a grand adventure from Cuba to Miami to deliver a love song for his late owner. Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with a free-spirited young girl, learning about friendship, loss, and the power of music.

2. Zipi y Zape y el club de la canica (2013)

Synopsis: Zipi and Zape, two mischievous twins, discover a secret club centered around a magical marble. Intrigued and eager for adventure, they join the club and embark on a thrilling quest, facing challenges and uncovering hidden secrets along the way.

3. Mamá se fue de viaje (2017)

Synopsis: A seemingly perfect family is thrown into disarray when mom takes a much-needed break. As they navigate life without her, each member undergoes personal growth and discovers the true meaning of family.

4. Metegol (2013)

Synopsis: A shy foosball champion must lead his tiny team of players to life-sized glory when a ruthless soccer star threatens his hometown and the love of his life.

5. Alamar (2009)

Synopsis: A boy embarks on a farewell voyage with his native father to the gorgeous Mexican coast for an epic adventure.

Best TV shows for Spanish class

1. Soy Luna (2016)

Synopsis: The show follows the life of Luna, a cheerful teenager with a passion for roller skating. She moves to a new city and navigates the ups and downs of making new friends, finding love, and discovering her true identity. As she becomes involved in the world of competitive skating, Luna uncovers hidden talents and secrets from her past that shape her future.

2. Julie y los fantasmas (2011)

Synopsis: Julie, a talented musician, discovers a secret: the ghosts of a rock band are haunting her family’s old music studio. After overcoming her initial fear, Julie forms an unlikely bond with the spectral trio. Together, they navigate challenges and explore life, love, and music.

3. Go! Vive a tu manera (2019)

Synopsis: The show follows the story of Mia, a talented teenager who earns a scholarship to an elite performing arts school. There, she faces challenges from popular students while pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. Along the way, Mia discovers new friendships, hidden talents, and secrets that could change her life.

4. MasterChef México (2015-present)

Synopsis: This is a competitive cooking reality show based on the U.S. franchise of the same name. Amateur chefs from across Mexico showcase their culinary skills for a panel of expert judges. Contestants face a series of challenging tasks, from cooking under time pressure to creating gourmet dishes with unexpected ingredients, all in the hopes of being crowned Mexico’s next MasterChef.

Best short-form videos for Spanish learning

TikTok and Instagram Reels

All your students watch it, and you probably do, too. So why fight it? TikTok and Instagram Reels can be incredible tools for showcasing authentic Spanish used by native speakers, giving you a peek into their daily lives and the latest trends. Plus, many of these short-form videos include subtitles, so there is always visual backup even if your students can’t keep up with all the words they’re listening to.

Want to discover some amazing Spanish-speaking content creators? Check out these accounts:

• Eliú Ramos and Shakti Maal are a hilarious Venezuelan couple who’ve taken TikTok by storm with their skits. Their videos are full of laughter and love. Check out their skit “Lo que tu quieras” on TikTok or “El aguacate” Instagram.
• El Cuartico is a podcast hosted by three comedians who discuss pop culture and personal stories. You’ll definitely want to watch their skit “Córtate la pollina” on TikTok or “El tiempo pasa volando” on Instagram.
• Angelo Colina is a comedian making waves in the U.S. Latino community with his relatable and authentic humor. Check out his skit “El amigo de Venmo” on TikTok or his parody video “POV: Cuando tu amigo visita Nueva York por primera vez” on Instagram.
• Chef Schwarz is a talented chef and cooking content creator who shares his delicious — and sometimes crazy — recipes on social media. Watch him make chocolate completely from scratch.
• Paulettee is a Colombian content creator who loves talking about pop culture, true crime, and more. She’s got something for everyone, like this tour of her gaming setup!

My Language TownTM videos

¡Qué chévere!’s third edition kicks off each unit with student-focused objectives and engaging cultural videos. These videos, seamlessly integrated into the eBook, showcase native speakers sharing personal anecdotes and posing thought-provoking questions related to the unit’s theme.

Activity ideas you can do in class while showing videos in Spanish

Pre-viewing activities

• Vocabulary lists: Provide students with keywords and phrases relevant to the video content.
• Cultural background: Offer context about traditions, customs, or historical details that might appear in the video.
• Discussion questions: Spark students’ curiosity by posing questions they should pay attention to while watching.

While-viewing activities

• Comprehension questions: Check for understanding during and after the video with simple questions about the plot, characters, or setting.
• Note-taking: Encourage students to jot down important information or unfamiliar vocabulary.
• Identifying key phrases: Challenge students to pinpoint specific sentences or expressions used in the video.

Post-viewing activities

• Group discussions: Facilitate discussions about the video’s content, encouraging students to express their opinions and interpretations.
• Writing assignments: Have students write emails, diary entries, or short stories inspired by the video’s content.
• Creative projects: Encourage students to express their understanding through artistic endeavors like drawing comics, creating presentations, or even filming their own videos!

This content originally appeared on Carnegie Learning’s blog.