The Best Movies to Teach the Day of the Dead

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.

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.

This holiday allows Spanish teachers to teach their students about another culture while incorporating some fun film activities into their lesson plans. You can see other ideas for Día de Muertos in this blog post.

There are a few movies that teach about the Day of the Dead. 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 (2014)

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 (2017)

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 Miguel, a young 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 in Spanish Class – blog post
• Coco guide from MCL Shop
• Coco TPT movie guide (both Spanish & English with key)
• Coco Freebie (character intro slides & post-viewing activities)

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.  

• 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).