Spanish TV Shows and Movies for Language Learners


Watching Spanish-language TV shows and movies is one of the most effective ways to improve listening skills, vocabulary, and cultural understanding. By immersing yourself in authentic dialogue, you can learn real-life expressions and pronunciation that textbooks often don’t cover. Here’s a curated list of Spanish-language shows and movies suitable for learners at different levels.

1. TV Shows for Beginners

a. “Extra en Español”

  • Type: Sitcom

  • Why it’s good: Designed for learners, with slow, clear dialogue and simple vocabulary.

  • Learning Tip: Watch with Spanish subtitles first, then try without subtitles to test comprehension.

b. “Dora la Exploradora” (Spanish Version)

  • Type: Children’s show

  • Why it’s good: Uses repetitive language and basic vocabulary, making it ideal for beginners.

  • Learning Tip: Repeat phrases aloud to practice pronunciation.

2. TV Shows for Intermediate Learners

a. “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist)

  • Type: Thriller / Crime Drama

  • Why it’s good: Fast-paced dialogue with everyday slang and idiomatic expressions.

  • Learning Tip: Use subtitles in Spanish to follow along and pause to note new vocabulary.

b. “Elite”

  • Type: Teen Drama

  • Why it’s good: Focuses on daily life, school settings, and social interactions, with contemporary language.

  • Learning Tip: Pay attention to informal speech and expressions common among young people.

3. Movies for All Levels

a. “Coco”

  • Type: Animated Family Movie

  • Why it’s good: Simple dialogue, clear pronunciation, and rich cultural context (Day of the Dead traditions).

  • Learning Tip: Watch with Spanish audio and English subtitles first, then switch to Spanish subtitles.

b. “Instructions Not Included” (No se Aceptan Devoluciones)

  • Type: Comedy / Drama

  • Why it’s good: Everyday vocabulary, touching story, good for intermediate learners to understand conversational Spanish.

  • Learning Tip: Note colloquial phrases used in emotional or humorous contexts.

c. “Pan’s Labyrinth” (El Laberinto del Fauno)

  • Type: Fantasy / Historical Drama

  • Why it’s good: Rich storytelling and varied vocabulary; exposure to formal and narrative Spanish.

  • Learning Tip: Ideal for advanced learners interested in complex sentence structures and literary expressions.

4. Tips for Learning with Spanish Media

  1. Start with subtitles – Spanish subtitles help associate spoken words with written form.

  2. Repetition – Re-watch scenes to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation.

  3. Active Listening – Pause and repeat phrases to practice speaking.

  4. Vocabulary Notebook – Write down new words and idioms, then use them in sentences.

  5. Mix Genres – Watch a variety of shows and movies to expose yourself to different accents and contexts.

5. Summary

Spanish TV shows and movies provide an immersive learning experience that can complement formal study. Beginners can start with simple shows like “Extra en Español”, while intermediate and advanced learners can challenge themselves with dramas like “La Casa de Papel” or movies like “Pan’s Labyrinth”. By combining subtitles, repetition, and active engagement, learners can improve listening skills, vocabulary, and cultural understanding effectively.