It is the most beautiful time of the year. Christmas music and decorations beautify everything from televisions and radios to shopping malls. Everyone gets super excited for Christmas films and holiday television specials when December arrives.
While many of us are familiar with American Christmas classics such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf,” and “A Christmas Story,” there are many heartwarming and action-packed Spanish Christmas movies worth watching this season.
The 5 best Spanish Christmas movies
1. “Los Reyes Magos” (The Three Wise Men)
“Los Reyes Magos” is a 2003 Spanish animated film about the Three Kings (also known as the Magi), who deliver the gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh to baby Jesus despite evil King Herod’s plan to stop them. This contemporary retelling of the biblical legend is entertaining, new, and family-friendly.
The language is simple and easy to understand, making it ideal for Spanish language learners. The plot will be at least somewhat familiar to most people based on the nativity story, which can help you follow the story even if you don’t understand the language.
The film “Los Reyes Magos” was also released in the United States under the title “The Three Wise Men.” Try watching the film again in English afterward to see how well you understood the Spanish.
2. “Noche de Reyes” (The Twelfth Night)
“Noche de Reyes” is a Christmas comedy film from 2001 about the Cuspineda family. The film depicts everyday family problems, such as business decisions, marital affairs, and misunderstandings. The majority of the action takes place at night, hence the title.
This eccentric holiday film is full of misfortunes and sincerity. “Noche de Reyes” gives you an up-close and personal look at family life in twenty-first-century Spain. Though much of the film deviates from reality, the emotions are genuine, and the jokes are amusing.
3. “Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad”
“Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad” is a Mexican Christmas film released in Mexico and the United States in 1999. As the title suggests, this film is written in Spanish and English. In this cross-cultural holiday story, a mother and son leave their Florida home to spend Christmas with their family in Mexico, discovering the true meaning of family, friendship, and Christmas in the process.
This family-friendly film is ideal for young Spanish language learners looking for a family movie. The film’s use of both Spanish and English throughout makes it an excellent choice for beginners. This film also gives viewers a better understanding of Mexican cultural and holiday traditions.
Watching movies can help you understand Spanish dialects and improve your pronunciation skills while watching native people speak. Take Spanish movies as an effective learning opportunity and master new vocabulary words and their pronunciation.
4. “Plácido”
“Plácido” is a 1961 Spanish satire comedy film about Christmas Eve. This film creatively distinguishes between false charity and genuine giving. In this film, the wealthy citizens reluctantly agree to participate in a charity initiative to bring a homeless person home for dinner. They do it not from a pure heart but for the sake of appearance.
At the same time, Plácido, a truck driver, works for a charity organization to pay off an overdue payment on his truck. Plácido, who considers himself poor, gains a new perspective on his life as he meets the less fortunate.
“Plácido” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, making it a popular film for Spanish language learners. This black-and-white film is ideal for those looking for a classic movie experience.
It also gives the viewer an insight into social mobility and classism in 1950s Spain. The film was inspired by a real-life charitable campaign called Siente un pobre a su mesa (Invite a poor person to your table).
5. “Operación Regalo” (Arthur Christmas)
“Operación Regalo” (Arthur Christmas) is a British-American animated Christmas comedy film about Santa’s bumbling son, Arthur Claus, who discovers that Santa’s high-tech delivery system has failed to deliver one child’s present. Arthur sets out in two hours to deliver her forgotten present to save her Christmas.
This is another excellent Christmas film to watch in Spanish. The language isn’t overly complicated because it’s a children’s film, making it an excellent choice for newcomers. Again, if you have already seen it in English, you will have an advantage because you already know the plot, but if you haven’t, you can watch it in Spanish first and then in English.
There are several different strategies to become fluent in Spanish, but watching Spanish movies and TV shows is one of the most prominent strategies to learn new vocabulary words and pronunciation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Christmas movies for children in Spanish cinema?
Yes, Spanish films designed for children revolve around Christmas themes. These movies often feature magical elements, adventures, and lessons about the spirit of giving.
Do Spanish TV channels broadcast Christmas specials?
Spanish TV channels often air Christmas specials, including movies, musical performances, and festive programs. These may include both classic films and newer releases.
Are there any Spanish Christmas dramas?
“Todo sobre mi madre” (All About My Mother) by Pedro Almodóvar is a drama featuring Christmas scenes. While not primarily a Christmas film, it is considered a classic of Spanish cinema and is associated with the holiday season.
Conclusion
From classic comedies to dramatic narratives and family-oriented films, Spanish cinema offers a diverse array of Spanish Christmas movies that capture the spirit of Christmas or use the holiday as a backdrop for storytelling. While these movies are for entertainment, you can also use them as a learning guide. We also recommend learning different travel phrases in Spanish if you are heading to Spain anytime soon.
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