The Best Spanish Movies and TV Shows to Watch for Cultural Immersion

So you’re learning Spanish. That means it’s time to stop feeling guilty about watching Netflix and start calling it “language study.” Boom—instant productivity.

Seriously though, watching Spanish-language shows and movies is one of the best (and most fun) ways to learn the language and get a peek into how people actually live, talk, and dramatically flip their hair in soap operas. Whether you’re into crime dramas, historical epics, teen angst, or straight-up chaos, there’s something for you.

Let’s get your watchlist ready.

1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

Genre: Crime, Drama, «Wait, what just happened?»
Where to watch: Netflix

The plot? A group of misfit geniuses in red jumpsuits (and Salvador Dalí masks) decide to rob the Royal Mint of Spain. Because… why not?

Why it’s great:

• You’ll pick up tons of informal phrases and street Spanish.

• It’s set in Madrid, so you’ll hear a clear Castilian accent (yes, with that famous lisp).

• Full of suspense, wild plot twists, and moral dilemmas. Also: intense stares.

Language level: Intermediate and up. But even beginners will get hooked.

2. Elite

Genre: Teen drama, Mystery, «Gossip Girl with subtitles»
Where to watch: Netflix

Think: rich teens, murder, scandal, school uniforms, and zero adult supervision. It’s wild. You’ll be shocked, intrigued, and possibly reconsider your high school experience.

Why it’s great:

• Modern slang. So. Much. Slang.

• Fast-paced convos, but with subtitles, it’s gold for learning how Gen Z speaks.

• Lots of relationship drama = lots of emotional vocab.

Language level: Upper beginner if you’re watching with subs, intermediate if you’re brave.

3. Volver

Genre: Drama, a little spooky, very emotional
Director: Pedro Almodóvar (Spanish film legend)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or wherever indie movies hang out

This one’s a beautiful film about women, family secrets, death, and rebirth—oh, and Penélope Cruz being an absolute queen. Classic Almodóvar.

Why it’s great:

• Cultural vibes from rural Spain.

• Lots of slow, clear dialogue.

• It’s just… really good cinema, okay?

Language level: Intermediate-friendly. Lots of useful everyday Spanish.

4. Merlí (technically Catalan, but amazing)

Genre: Teen drama + philosophy class
Where to watch: Netflix

This one’s set in Barcelona and follows a high school philosophy teacher who’s more “cool wine uncle” than “strict professor.” Warning: you might suddenly want to become a philosopher.

Why it’s great:

• You get to hear Catalan, which is spoken in parts of Spain like Valencia and Catalonia.

• Big themes: friendship, love, ethics, teenage rebellion.

• Makes you feel smart even if you’re just reading subtitles.

Language level: Intermediate if you want to try catching Catalan, or stick to the Spanish dubbed version.

5. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls)

Genre: Period drama, feminism, fashion, and telephones
Where to watch: Netflix

Set in 1920s Madrid, it follows a group of women working at a telephone company. It’s glamorous, dramatic, and sneakily political.

Why it’s great:

• Spanish history through the lens of strong female leads.

• Slightly more formal Spanish with a vintage twist.

• The outfits. Seriously.

Language level: Beginner-friendly with subtitles, intermediate without.

6. Toc Toc

Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Netflix

A group of strangers with different types of OCD get stuck in a waiting room. Chaos (and bonding) ensues.

Why it’s great:

• Great for listening to different personalities and speech patterns.

• Funny and heartwarming.

• Teaches you more than language—like empathy.

Language level: Intermediate, but so worth it.

Bonus Tip: Subtitles Are Your Friends

• Watching with Spanish audio and English subtitles is great for beginners.

• Switch to Spanish subtitles as you level up—reading along helps a ton.

• Eventually, try watching with no subtitles. That’s the final boss.

Final Scene: Study? Nah, Just Hit Play

Here’s the secret: you don’t need to sit at a desk to get better at Spanish. Curling up on the couch with a good show totally counts. You’re absorbing grammar, pronunciation, slang, and culture without even realizing it.

So next time someone judges your binge-watching habits, just say, “Estoy estudiando español, gracias.”

Now grab some popcorn (palomitas), press play, and let the immersion begin.

Join Yuhu!

Explore the future of learning English with Yuhulearns! In our academy, we offer you a unique and personalized educational experience designed to break barriers and take you beyond the traditional. Join us and revolutionize your English skills with innovative techniques and a dynamic approach that will prepare you to conquer the world. Yuhulearns—where learning becomes an adventure without borders!