Are you looking for an entertaining way to improve your Spanish listening skills?
Watching TV shows and movies in Spanish can be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in the language.
At Spanish language school, we believe in learning through context, culture, and real-life usage, and watching great Spanish-language content is the perfect way to do just that.
In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 Spanish TV shows and movies that will help you enhance your listening skills while offering a window into the rich world of Spanish-speaking cultures.
1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – Spain
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced
“Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel) became a global phenomenon, and for good reason. This Spanish thriller, which follows a group of robbers as they execute a meticulously planned heist, is packed with suspense, action, and, of course, plenty of conversational Spanish. Watching this show will help you pick up fast-paced, everyday expressions, regional accents, and even slang.
Why it helps: The dialogue varies between formal and informal, with a good mix of street language and intellectual discussions. This makes it an excellent choice for learners at an intermediate or advanced level.
2. Narcos (Colombia) – Colombia
Language Level: Intermediate
While “Narcos” is technically a bilingual series with a mix of English and Spanish, the majority of the dialogue is in Spanish. The show tells the story of the notorious drug cartels in Colombia and is packed with colloquial language, regional slang, and high-stakes situations. The accents of different characters (from Medellín to Mexico) offer a variety of regional Spanish to learn.
Why it helps: You’ll be exposed to a broad range of accents, vocabulary, and expressions from various Spanish-speaking regions. It’s an intense way to improve your listening while learning about history and culture.
3. Elite – Spain
Language Level: Intermediate
“Elite” is a teen drama set in a prestigious Spanish high school, featuring a blend of mystery, romance, and scandal. The show dives deep into the lives of students, teachers, and their various relationships, which means you’ll hear both casual and emotional conversations, giving you exposure to everyday Spanish as well as more dramatic language.
Why it helps: You’ll hear modern, contemporary Spanish spoken by young people, which will help you understand how the younger generation speaks. There’s also a mix of regional accents in Spain, from Madrid to Andalusia.
4. Coco – Mexico
Language Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This animated film by Pixar is a heartwarming story about family, music, and the Day of the Dead in Mexico. “Coco” is full of simple, easy-to-follow dialogue that helps beginners pick up useful vocabulary. Plus, it introduces cultural aspects of Mexican Spanish, including idiomatic expressions and expressions related to music and family.
Why it helps: With its clear pronunciation and slower pace, “Coco” is perfect for beginners. You’ll also be exposed to Mexican Spanish, which is widely spoken across Latin America.
5. The Queen of the South (La Reina del Sur) – Mexico
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This telenovela follows the story of Teresa Mendoza, a woman who rises from poverty to become one of the most powerful drug lords in Mexico. The show is full of drama, action, and suspense, and its fast-paced dialogue is a great challenge for intermediate learners.
Why it helps: You’ll hear a variety of Spanish accents from across Latin America, making it an excellent choice for improving comprehension of different dialects. Plus, the storyline will keep you hooked!
6. La Casa de las Flores – Mexico
Language Level: Intermediate
“La Casa de las Flores” (The House of Flowers) is a quirky, dark comedy about a dysfunctional Mexican family that runs a flower shop. The series is filled with witty dialogue, puns, and cultural references, making it an entertaining way to improve your Spanish comprehension.
Why it helps: The series is rich with everyday expressions and idioms, making it an ideal choice for intermediate learners looking to enhance their conversational Spanish.
7. Velvet – Spain
Language Level: Intermediate
“Velvet” is a period drama set in the 1950s, following the lives of the employees at a luxury fashion store in Madrid. The show is known for its slow and clear dialogue, with formal language that helps learners focus on vocabulary and sentence structure.
Why it helps: If you’re interested in learning more formal or business-related Spanish, “Velvet” is an excellent choice. It also offers a look into Spanish culture during the post-war period.
8. The Secret Life of Us (La Vida Secreta de Nosotros) – Argentina
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This Argentine drama explores the lives of several young adults navigating love, friendship, and personal challenges. The characters speak in a natural, conversational tone, making it a great way to pick up the rhythm and cadence of Argentine Spanish, which has its own distinct slang and pronunciation.
Why it helps: Exposure to Argentine Spanish, particularly the use of “voseo” (the use of “vos” instead of “tú”), will broaden your understanding of regional differences in the language.
9. Pan’s Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno) – Mexico
Language Level: Intermediate
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this fantasy drama is set during post-Civil War Spain and follows a young girl who escapes into a mystical labyrinth. While the storyline is fantastical, the dialogue is grounded in historical reality, offering exposure to both formal and informal Spanish.
Why it helps: The film’s slow pace and clear diction make it a good choice for intermediate learners, while its rich storytelling introduces themes of history, politics, and fantasy. It also presents a great opportunity to improve your Spanish listening and cultural knowledge.
10. The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo) – Spain
Language Level: Advanced
This Spanish crime thriller follows a businessman who is accused of murder and tries to prove his innocence with the help of a lawyer. With sharp dialogue, twists, and plenty of legal jargon, it’s perfect for advanced learners looking to challenge themselves.
Why it helps: The complex dialogue, rapid speech, and sophisticated vocabulary will challenge advanced learners and improve their listening skills. The plot also keeps you engaged, so you’ll be more focused on following the conversation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting your Spanish learning journey or looking to refine your skills, these TV shows and movies offer a variety of accents, cultural insights, and language levels to help you improve your listening comprehension. Watching content in Spanish is not only a fun way to practice, but it also exposes you to authentic language usage, slang, and cultural contexts that you might not find in textbooks.
If you’re looking to take your Spanish to the next level, we invite you to join our language school, where we combine immersive learning techniques with structured lessons to help you build confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding Spanish. Happy watching, and ¡buena suerte!
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to find out how we can help you improve your Spanish skills through personalized lessons and engaging learning experiences!