Inside: Day of the Dead Movies. Resources for teaching the movies Coco and The Book of Life in Spanish class and other short films for Día de Muertos. Day of the Dead Unit in Spanish class focusing on Día de Muertos films. Day of the Dead animated movies, cartoon movies about Day of the Dead & Day of the Dead movies animated. Day of the Dead Cartoon Movie. Great movies for Dia de los muertos that celebrate Mexican culture.
The Best Movies to Teach the Day of the Dead in Spanish class was originally published by Allison Wienhold on 10.10.22 & most recently updated 9.9.25.
Looking for a Day of the Dead Cartoon Movie?
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones. Spanish for Day of the Dead is Día de Muertos. A perfect way to include authentic culture are Spanish movies.
It is a holiday filled with many emotions celebrated in many ways depending on the family. Día de Muertos may include visiting cemeteries, music, food, making an altar, or remembering a loved one.
El Día de muertos allows Spanish teachers to teach their Spanish students about a cultural tradition, while incorporating some fun film activities into their lesson plans. If you teach at a Catholic school, it is an easy to connection to All Saints Day (November 1st) & All Souls Day (November 2nd).
You can see other ideas for Día de Muertos in this blog post with Día de los muertos lessons.
There are a few movies that teach about the Day of the Dead in your Spanish classroom. If you are looking for Day of the Dead movies animated, below are my favorite Day of the Dead animated movies:
The Book of Life
PG, 2014, 1h 35m, Family/Fantasy, Animated
This cartoon movie about the Day of the Dead is perfect for Spanish class. The Book of Life tells the story of Manolo. He is a young man torn between fulfilling his family’s expectations and following his heart. Throughout his journey, Manolo learns valuable lessons about life and death.
El Libro de Vida is visually stunning and full of vibrant colors, making it perfect for a Día de muertos lesson plan. (Maya y los tres was created by the same person if you want something similar).
Since The Book of Life is a little older, not as many students have watched this film, which makes it the perfect cartoon movie about the Day of the Dead for Spanish class.
- The Book of Life Blog Post (includes character introduction slides)
- El Libro de Vida novice film guide
Coco
PG, 2017, 1h 45m, Fantasy/Adventure, Disney+, Animated
Coco is another great Day of the Dead animated movie. It teaches the importance of family, tradition, and remembering those who have passed away.
The story follows young Miguel, a young Mexican boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s objections. When Miguel accidentally finds himself in the Land of the Dead, he must find a way to return to the Land of the Living before it’s too late. Along the way, he learns important lessons about his ancestors and the true meaning of Día de Muertos.
Coco includes many cultural elements including: los mariachis, Frida Kahlo, monarch butterflies, many Day of the Dead traditions like altares, papel picado, sugar skulls, and more
- Coco in Spanish Class – blog post
- Coco movie guide from MCL Shop (includes answer key)
- Coco Spanish movie guide & English TPT movie guide (both Spanish & English with key)
- Coco Free Lesson Plans (Enter your email below for free character intro slides & post-viewing activities for Coco)
Day of the Dead Movies – What audio, subtitles & guide should I use?
I bought the DVDs from Target and they have options for both English and Spanish audio, as well as English and Spanish subtitles. (Be careful that many digital versions only have English). Here is how I typically used the movie in my Spanish classes. Please do whatever works best for you and your students to meet them where they are at. *Also, if you are using a film with a non Spanish speaking sub, I typically suggest English subtitles unless the students are very high level.
- Upper-level Spanish– Spanish audio with Spanish subtitles. Spanish version of the guide.
- (pre-teaching and pausing to discuss and check for comprehension)
- Spanish 2 – Spanish audio. English version of the guide to check for comprehension.
- (English subtitles if with a sub or very early in the year, Spanish subtitles if watching with me pre-teaching and pausing to discuss)
- Spanish 1 – Spanish audio with English subtitles. English version of the guide.
- Exploratory – English audio with English subtitles. English version of the guide.
- (Using as a tool to discuss culture and the Day of the Dead in Spanish).
The Day of the Dead Short Films
This is my favorite film to Movie Talk about Día de Muertos. A very short Day of Dead cartoon movie short film.
A short video Day of the Dead Movie in English
El día de los muertos vs Halloween from Spanish Cuentos.
A quick Day of Dead cartoon movie.
A more advanced Day of the Dead video with dialogue in Spanish
The Day of the Dead Movie Alternatives
If you need an alternative to the cartoon Day of the Dead Movies above, here are some ideas.
- Tierra Incógnita – a spooky show for Halloween, but without the connection to Day of the Dead
- Canela– an appropriate film set in Mexico if you are not allowed to talk about this holiday
- Chupa – a newer film on Netflix set in Mexico – cute, appropriate & real people
- El camino de Xico – a cute animated, authentic movie from Mexico
- 20 Appropriate movies for Spanish class – all my top suggestions
- Hispanic Heritage Month Movies for Spanish Class
- Spanish Class Documentaries
- Editable Movie Guide Bundle for Spanish Class Culture Authentic Listening
- My Movie Guide Bundle on TPT
More Day of the Dead resources for Spanish Class
To expand this movie into a deeper Día de los Muertos exploration, check out the resources below.
- Día de Muertos Songs for Spanish class
- NEW Day of the Dead Crafts – if you want Day of the Dead projects
- Day of the Dead – Find Someone Who – Personalized questions about vocabulary related to the holiday.
- Para Empezar – Day of the Dead – Class starters for 3 weeks around the holiday dia de muertos
- Cultural Reading: Mexico & Día de los Muertos – Novice reading to introduce Mexico and the Day of the Dead
- Finally here are all of my resources together in a Muertos Bundle.
- Halloween Dance Videos
These are just a few of my favorite movies to teach about Día de Muertos. Do you have any other recommendations? Share them with us in the comments below!
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