The 5 Best Hispanic Films To Watch In 2014

*Updated April 2026

Every year the power of the Latino consumer grows, forcing Hollywood to slowly open its doors for authentic Hispanic movies. We finally have features starring immense Latino casts and directors that highlight legitimate stories about our communities. In celebration of this cultural shift, here are the five best Hispanic films you need to watch from 2014.

A Border Story Beyond the Headlines

5. Frontera

Miguel (Michael Peña) is a hard-working father and devoted husband who crosses the border to find employment. When a former Arizona sheriff’s wife is killed on their ranch, Miguel is falsely accused of the crime. His pregnant wife (Eva Longoria) rushes to his aid, but she falls hostage to coyotes who hold her for ransom.

Unsatisfied with the police investigation, the former sheriff begins his own research to uncover disturbing evidence. American director Michael Berry directs this story from a non-Latino point of view. Because Peña and Longoria are involved, the film successfully avoids stereotypical routes and gives audiences a refreshing look at immigration issues.

Vibrant Animation Meets Cultural Celebration

4. The Book of Life (October 17)

The Book of Life is an action-packed animated love tale set against the Mexican Day of the Dead backdrop. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, the film combines folklore and fantasy into a visual masterpiece. Mexican director and producer team Jorge R. Gutierrez and Guillermo del Toro deliver a visually stunning creation.

The movie features an international roster of musicians and an incredibly talented voice cast. Stars like Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Danny Trejo, and Zoe Saldana bring these colorful characters to life. Expect spunky, danceable music paired with gorgeous visuals that reach audiences far beyond the Latino demographic.

Horror Finally Goes Mainstream for Latinos

3. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (January 3)

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones takes the successful horror franchise into a Hispanic neighborhood in California. Jesse investigates the death of a girl in the apartment below, only to discover a strange bite on his arm. He soon becomes possessed by a demon in a story that explores black magic rituals within Latino culture.

Having a Latino spinoff speaks highly of our consumer power at the box office. The movie features a full Latino cast and delivers plenty of scares alongside crowd-pleasing entertainment.

A Famed Pugilist Gets the Spotlight

2. Hands of Stone

Hands of Stone centers on legendary Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran and his equally famous trainer Ray Arcel. Venezuelan director Jonathan Jakubowicz crafts a fascinating biopic about the men who changed each other’s lives through the sport. Edgar Ramirez steps into the lead role of Duran, acting alongside the great Robert De Niro as Arcel.

The script addresses the infamous Sugar Ray Leonard fight debacle, with R&B singer Usher stepping into the ring as Leonard. Usher trained intensely to resemble the American fighter’s specific style for the screen. This narrative carries massive mainstream appeal because it captures a pivotal moment in global sports history.

The Embodiment of a True Civil Rights Hero

1. Cesar Chavez (March 28)

Cesar Chavez represents the ultimate Hispanic film experience on this list. This biopic follows the Mexican-American civil rights activist and United Farm Workers co-founder through his most challenging battles. Mexican actor and director Diego Luna leads an impressive cast featuring Michael Peña, America Ferrera, and Rosario Dawson.

Peña shines in the lead role, fighting to secure fair wages for immigrant farm workers in California. Viewers will learn about the shrewd strategies wine owners used to suppress laborers on a national scale. The film cements the legacy of a vital leader who fought tirelessly for human dignity.

Honorable Mentions

The following films are worthy of highlighting due to their brilliant Hispanic directors, lead actors, or ensembles.

Rosewater
Gael García Bernal stars in Rosewater as a journalist who travels to Iran to cover presidential elections. He winds up spending 118 days in a notorious prison under brutal interrogation. His main tormentor is a man whose defining characteristic is the strong smell of rosewater.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (August 22)
Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller return with Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. The town’s most hard-edged citizens cross paths with its more repulsive residents in this highly stylized thriller.

Rio 2 (April 11)
Carlos Saldanha directs Rio 2, where Blu and Jewel are now parents to three kids. As Blu tries to fit in the Amazon wilds, he goes head-to-head with revengeful Nigel. He also meets his most challenging rival to date, his father-in-law.

33 Dias
Carlos Saura explores Pablo Picasso’s emotionally distressful creative struggle with the Guernica in 33 Dias. The film highlights his intense relationship with French artist Dora Maar.