Top 5 Spanish Movies and TV Shows to Learn the Language Naturally

1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) — Action, Drama, Real-Life VocabularyOne of the most globally successful Spanish series, La Casa de Papel is set in Madrid and revolves around a criminal mastermind known as "The Professor" who plans the biggest heist in history.

Why it’s great for learners:

• Clear pronunciation from most characters
• Exposure to both formal and slang vocabulary
• Real-life expressions and emotions
• Cast includes actors from Spain and Latin America

Tip: Start with Spanish audio and English subtitles, then switch to Spanish subtitles as you gain confidence.

2. El Ministerio del Tiempo (The Ministry of Time) — Sci-Fi Meets HistoryThis underrated gem follows a secret government agency in Spain that travels through time to prevent changes in history. It’s fun, creative, and filled with cultural and historical references.
Why it’s great for learners:

• Exposure to different time periods and old/new forms of Spanish
• Educational content disguised as entertainment
• Clearly spoken dialogue with moderate pacing

Bonus: You’ll pick up on formal speech patterns and traditional vocabulary used in different eras.

3. Coco (by Pixar) — Family-Friendly with Mexican SpanishWhile technically a children’s film, Coco is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, traditions, and regional Spanish. Watch the original Spanish version, not the dubbed English one.
Why it’s great for learners:

• Simple, emotional vocabulary
• Clear and slow pronunciation
• Authentic Mexican accents and phrases

Fun fact: The Spanish-language version was actually more popular in Mexico than the English one!

4. Narcos: Mexico — Gripping Storytelling with Colombian and Mexican SpanishAlthough partly in English, Narcos: Mexico features extensive Spanish dialogue and is great for hearing natural speech in high-stakes situations.
Why it’s great for learners:

• Exposure to different Latin American accents
• Fast, natural dialogue as spoken by native speakers
• Frequent repetition of key vocabulary related to law, power, and crime

Warning: Contains mature content and slang — ideal for advanced learners or those wanting to sound more native.

5. Club de Cuervos — Mexican Comedy with Real DialogueA Netflix original comedy about a family battling for control of a soccer club, Club de Cuervos offers fast-paced humor, casual vocabulary, and regional slang — perfect for intermediate and advanced learners.
Why it’s great for learners:

• Informal language, jokes, and idioms
• Realistic family and workplace conversations
• Exposure to how Spanish is spoken in everyday life

Pro tip: Rewatch funny scenes with subtitles turned off to train your listening comprehension.

Tips for Learning Spanish with Movies & Series

Watching Spanish content is more effective when done actively. Here are a few tips to maximize your learning:

• Use subtitles strategically: Start with English, then switch to Spanish, and finally go without.
• Repeat phrases out loud to practice pronunciation.
• Keep a notebook of new words and idioms.
• Watch with a native-speaking tutor who can explain slang, context, and culture in real time.

Learn Like a Native, One Episode at a Time

Watching Netflix is a great start — but real progress happens when you speak.

Join Native Speakers Courses for a free trial lesson and practice with a real Spanish-speaking tutor who will guide you, correct your mistakes, and help you sound natural from day one.