Top Ten Best T.V. Shows and Movies With Latinx Representation

Hollywood often shows Latinx stereotypes; therefore, it is important to watch tv shows and movies that accurately portray Latino culture with Latinx representation.

Media represents Latinx as many things, but most are inaccurate. Latinx encompasses a large number of countries with different traditions and cultures. Therefore, it is impossible to narrow it down to down to one stereotype. But, stereotypes are a common thread in entertainment. When attitude and behavior are stereotyped in entertainment, it leads to a subconscious preconceived notion towards a specific community.

More importantly, fewer lead Latino actors today than 70 years ago, and 44.7% of the roles are unnamed or uncredited.

The portrayal of Latinx in media is often as hotheaded, loud, law enforcers, criminals, blue-collar workers, sexy women, and other stereotypes that harm the image of a whole ethnic group.

Here are 10 television shows and movies that precisely portray the Latin community and its culture.

1. One Day at a Time.

It follows a Cuban-American family in the U.S., with the grandma, Lydia, being an immigrant. The family is composed of the Mom, Penelope, and her two children, Alex and Elena. And, they all live together, including the grandma. Throughout the series is shown some issues the Latinx community does have to face, like some prejudices and discriminations. But, the series also shows some traditions from Cuba and other customs. The main cast is all from Latinx backgrounds.

2. COCO

This amazing long-form animation tells the story of Dia de Los Muertos, the day of the dead. This holiday is important in Mexico and celebrates and cherishes those who have passed. Miguel goes to The Land of the Dead. Consequently, he had to figure out how to return home with many Dia de Los Muertos lessons. COCO is inspiring, with a fantastic soundtrack. The movie shows the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos, their importance, and how Mexicans celebrate them. It is essential to understand the essence of this tradition.

3. RIO

Rio, the nickname of Rio de Janeiro, is a masterpiece to understand Brazilian culture. The animated movie shows the colors, dances, and music that are always lively and cheerful, which mirrors Brazilian culture. Rio does represent Brazil’s party life. However, it also shows how people are serious about what they are passionate about and determined. The director is Brazilian, so he shared all experiences within the traditions and culture.

4. On My Block

This series shows another side of the Latin community. Besides being a teen drama, it is full of teachable moments about the Latinx community. Even tho there are some stereotypes, the plotline bear accurate representation. It mainly shows the downsides of immigration and how life is for Latinos in the U.S. It also teaches the difference between Latino and Hispanic. There are many moments where the Latinx characters express their cultural differences and how that affects them.

5. Selena

The series is a biography of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a Tejano singer. Tejano is a style fusing Mexican and U.S. influences. This drama shows the sexist and racist attitudes Selena had to transcend as a Mexican-American female lead vocalist. Selena wins over both cultures and integrates with tradition from both to become a superstar.

6. Quinceañera

In Latin culture, Quinceañera is the passage to womanhood. This movie shows the importance of this tradition in Latin culture and how a family is influential in a teenager’s life. It also shows the faith Latinos have and how important it is for older people in the household. Additionally, the outfits are made with traditional fabrics and express their authenticity. Quinceañera reveals changes in culture, as the protagonist, Magdalena, is emerged in both American and Mexican culture. The movie won the Audience and Grand Jury prizes.

7. Mr. Iglesias

The stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias, from Mexican heritage, teaches history class in high school. Although it seems like a typical sitcom, Iglesias and Marisol show the discrepancy between Americans and Latinos. The situations the characters go through and how they solve them are examples of the differences. Also, the show approaches authenticity and the importance of terms, like Latinx.

8. Mucho Mucho Amor

A documentary about the Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado: he was a hit within the Spanish-language community. Mercado was a bridge to the Spanish community and English community, as he amazed both cultures with his elegance and bold personality. His struggles behind the cameras and the passage within both cultures are eye-opening. He is an androgynous astrologist broadcaster that merged both cultures.

9. The Infiltrators

Another documentary, this one is about I.C.E. detention center. It tracks undocumented youths compromising their safety to infiltrate an I.C.E. detention center in Florida. They intend to stop deportations. Throughout the movie, they do not only fight for their right to remain in their country. But also for those whom the American immigration system has victimized. This documentary shows the truth about detention centers and immigration.

10. Los Espookys

Lastly, a series that three writers with different Latin backgrounds created: Julio Torres (Salvadoran,) Fred Armisen (half-Venezuelan,) and Ana Fabregas (Panamanian American.) With this show, you can spot the different accents noticeable in characters, as they are all from other places. It has an interesting take on the cultural mix.

No Latina has ever won an Academy Award for a leading role, and one Latino has won in 1951 (José Ferrer.) The media landscape needs to switch gears towards more diversification.