Latin American folklore and mythology boast a rich history woven from the diverse cultures and Indigenous traditions that have flourished across the continent. Encompassing a vast array of narratives, legends, and beliefs, this cultural heritage reflects the melding of Indigenous, European, and African influences over centuries. From the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs and Maya to the Inca Empire, these cultures contributed intricate mythologies involving deities, creation stories, and heroic figures. The colonial era brought the infusion of European folklore, intertwining with Indigenous tales to form unique syncretic narratives. Creatures like the Chupacabra, La Llorona, and El Cucuy have become iconic figures, transcending borders and captivating imaginations.
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Latin American folklore and mythology have become significant sources of inspiration in cinema due to their rich and diverse narratives that offer a unique blend of cultural, historical, and fantastical elements. Filmmakers often turn to these tales to explore themes of identity, tradition, and the intersection of the supernatural with everyday life. The vivid and symbolic characters found in Latin American folklore, from mythical creatures to legendary heroes, provide filmmakers with a rich visual and narrative palette to create captivating and culturally resonant stories. Additionally, using these elements in cinema helps preserve and share the rich heritage of Latin American cultures, allowing global audiences to appreciate the depth and complexity of these age-old tales.
Here are the 10 best movies about Latin American mythology and folklore, ranked.
10 The Road to El Dorado (2000)
The Road to El Dorado follows the adventures of two charming con artists, Tulio and Miguel, who accidentally discover a map leading to the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. As they journey through the lush landscapes of ancient South America, they navigate friendship, betrayal, and unexpected alliances in their pursuit of fortune and glory. This early DreamWorks Animation feature brings a comedic twist to the legend of El Dorado, capturing the essence of Mesoamerican culture.
Why It’s Great
Despite being far from DreamWorks’ biggest success story, The Road to El Dorado offered viewers an early glimpse into the studio’s creative potential. Beautifully animated and stylishly directed, blending humor, adventure, and an enchanting musical score by Elton John, the film is a culturally-specific animated tale with universal appeal. The chemistry between the characters Tulio and Miguel, voiced by Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh, is on-point. While it may not have achieved blockbuster status at the box office, The Road to El Dorado remains an underrated hidden gem in DreamWorks’ portfolio. Rent on AppleTV
9 Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014)
Part of the Paranormal Activity franchise and continuing the series’ winning found footage formula, The Marked Ones stars Andrew Jacobs as Jesse, who has been marked by a demonic entity. The film sets itself apart from other entries in the franchise by creatively integrating Latin American folklore, introducing a fresh perspective to the horror series.
Why It’s Great
The Paranormal Activity franchise has always been somewhat divisive — some just don’t get the appeal, but those who do, tend to love it. By the fifth entry, however, even the most ardent fans of the series began feeling franchise fatigue. However, The Marked Ones‘s introduction of Latin American folklore injected fresh cultural elements into the established Paranormal Activity found footage format.
With a gross figure surpassing $90 million globally against its modest budget (estimsted to be somewhere between $5 and 9 million), the film not only achieved commercial success, but also demonstrated the audience’s appreciation for this dynamic fusion of the old and the new. Stream on Max or Paramount+
8 The Fountain (2006)
Though not as overt in its exploration of Latin American folklore or mythology as others on this list, The Fountain explores the cyclical nature of life, love, and mortality through three intertwined narratives. Hugh Jackman stars as a modern-day scientist desperately seeking a cure to save his dying wife, portrayed by Rachel Weisz. Their poignant love story is juxtaposed with Jackman’s role as a conquistador during the Spanish Inquisition, embarking on a quest for the mythical Tree of Life.
This historical narrative intertwines with a futuristic tale featuring Jackman as a space traveler approaching a dying star. The film draws inspiration from Latin folklore and mythology, particularly in its portrayal of the conquistador’s quest and the references to the Tree of Life, echoing themes of immortality found in various ancient tales.
Why It’s Great
The Fountain‘s seamless blend of breathtaking visuals, profound storytelling, and emotional depth makes it a must watch for fans of director Darren Aronofsky’s unique brand of surreal storytelling. It exhibits an interesting and unconventional narrative structure that intertwines three distinct timelines, skillfully navigating themes of love, mortality, and transcendence. The exceptional performances of Jackman and Weisz bring a raw emotion to their respective characters. Rent on AppleTV
7 Tintin and the Temple of the Sun
Tintin and the Temple of the Sun is an animated film released in 1969, based on Hergé’s comics The Seven Crystal Balls and Prisoners of the Sun. Directed by Eddie Lateste, the movie follows the adventures of Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock, and their friends, as they travel to Peru to rescue Professor Calculus, who has been kidnapped by a secret organization. The story is filled with mystery, ancient civilizations, and the typical Tintin escapades fans of the adventurer have grown to love.
Why It’s Great
Praised for its engaging storyline, colorful animation, and attention to detail in bringing Tintin’s world to life, Tintin and the Temple of the Sun stays faithful and to its source material and retains Hergé’s distinctive art style. The film still holds up to this day and successfully translates the charm and humor of the source material onto the screen, making it a delightful experience for both fans and newcomers to Tintin’s adventures. (And once you’ve watched this animated feature, don’t forget to check Spielberg’s underrated gem, The Adventures of Tintin, for more adventure movie thrills.) Rent on AppleTV
6 Secret of the Incas
Released in 1954, Secret of the Incas is a classic adventure film starring Charlton Heston as an archaeologist searching for an Incan artifact in Peru. The movie blends action and exploration, and stands out as an early influence on the adventure genre.
Why It’s Great
Secret of the Incas has inspired countless cinematic explorations of ancient secrets. Its influence can be traced in movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Romancing the Stone. While Secret of the Incas received mixed reviews, it played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative landscape of action-adventure cinema. Though not a blockbuster in its time, its contribution laid the groundwork for numerous successful films that followed. Rent on Prime Video
5 The Book of Life (2014)
The Book of Life weaves a captivating tale around Mexican folklore and the celebration of the Day of the Dead. Directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez and produced by Guillermo del Toro, the movie follows the journey of Manolo, a young bullfighter torn between family expectations and his true passion for music. Focused on themes of love, courage, and embracing one’s destiny, the film is presented as a vibrant and magical story told by a museum guide to a group of curious children.
Why It’s Great
The animation in this film is a visual feast, characterized by unique character designs and vibrant, fantastical landscapes. With a delightful mix of humor, heart, and a rich cultural backdrop, The Book of Life was a huge hit with critics and currently hold an impressive 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Rent on AppleTV
4 Santa Sangre (1989)
Santa Sangre, directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, takes viewers on as surreal journey through a world of psychological horror and Mexican mysticism. It revolves around Fenix, a young man with a traumatic past involving a disturbed circus-performer mother. As Fenix navigates his troubled upbringing, the film unfolds as a blend of psychological thriller, horror, and dark fantasy.
Why It’s Great
Jodorowsky’s visionary storytelling and unconventional narrative style create a visually striking and emotionally intense experience. While not a mainstream success, it won over critics with an an impressive 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it has since gained a cult following.
It is also considered influential for its avant-garde and surrealist approach to filmmaking. Released in 1989, the movie explores psychological and societal themes through a unique narrative that blends horror, drama, and symbolism. Its impact lies in its unconventional storytelling, striking visuals, and the ability to challenge traditional genre boundaries, inspiring subsequent filmmakers to explore more experimental and thought-provoking avenues in their work. Guillermo del Torro is one of those filmmakers, with the influence of Jodorowsky seeming apparent in movies of his such as Pan’s Labyrinth. Stream on AMC+
3 The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Inspired by ancient Peruvian culture and set in the Incan Empire, The Emperor’s New Groove is a delightful and hilarious animated comedy film, produced by Disney and released in 2000. The story follows the arrogant Emperor Kuzco, who, after being transformed into a llama by his scheming advisor Yzma, must navigate the challenges of the Peruvian jungle with the help of a good-hearted peasant named Pacha.
The film takes a comedic approach to themes of friendship, humility, and personal growth as Kuzco learns valuable life lessons during his unexpected journey. The humor is characterized by its witty dialogue, slapstick moments, and memorable characters, including the eccentric Yzma and her bumbling sidekick, Kronk.
Why It’s Great
The Emperor’s New Groove is, without a doubt, one of Disney’s greatest, funniest, and most underrated movies. Released during a period when Disney was exploring different animation styles, this film dared to break away from the traditional fairy tale formula. Its comedic brilliance, characterized by witty dialogue, memorable one-liners, and meta humor, sets it apart as a unique gem in Disney’s animated repertoire.
The vibrant animation complements the humor, and the voice performances, particularly David Spade as Emperor Kuzco and Eartha Kitt as Yzma, further contribute to the film’s comedic charm. Despite not achieving the same box office success as some other Disney classics, The Emperor’s New Groove has garnered a strong cult following over the years.Stream on Disney+
2 Apocalypto (2006)
Apocalypto
- Release Date
- December 7, 2006
- Cast
- Rudy Youngblood , Dalia Hernández , Jonathan Brewer , Morris Birdyellowhead , Carlos Emilio Báez , Amilcar Ramírez
Directed by Mel Gibson, Apocalypto is a gripping historical action-adventure film set in the ancient Maya civilization. The story revolves around Jaguar Paw, a skilled hunter from a peaceful village, whose life takes a harrowing turn when his community is violently attacked. The film showcases the brutal realities of survival, sacrifice, and the clash of civilizations, as he attempts to escape through the dense Central American jungle. Noteworthy for its striking cinematography and historical accuracy, Apocalypto unfolds in the Yucatec Maya language, adding an authentic layer to the narrative while immersing viewers in the raw intensity of the characters experiences.
Why It’s Great
Apocalypto is a one-of-a-kind cinematic achievement, revered for its gritty realism, immersive cinematography, authentic performances, and groundbreaking use of the Yucatec Maya language. The film’s portrayal of the Maya civilization is marked by a visceral and raw authenticity, drawing audiences into a world rarely explored in mainstream cinema. It grossed over $120 million globally and remains a testament to Mel Gibson’s skills behind the camera. Stream on Prime Video
1 Coco (2017)
Coco
- Release Date
- October 27, 2017
Disney/Pixar’s Coco beautifully explores the rich cultural tapestry of Mexican traditions, with a primary focus on the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The story follows Miguel, a young aspiring musician, who, against his family’s wishes, embarks on a transformative journey to the Land of the Dead.
Why It’s Great
Filled with vibrant visuals, emotionally resonant storytelling, and a memorable musical score, the film celebrates the importance of family, remembrance, and pursuing one’s passions. Coco not only captivates audiences with its touching narrative and stunning animation, but also serves as a poignant tribute to Mexican heritage, bringing to life the colorful traditions and heartfelt customs associated with the Día de los Muertos celebration.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97% based on reviews and an audience score of 94%, Coco went down a treat with viewers of all ages. Beyond critical acclaim, it also triumphed at the box office, grossing over $814 million worldwide. The film’s success underscores the universal themes of family, music, and remembrance, making Coco a celebrated and enduring addition to the animated film canon. Stream on Disney+
