You have found yourself planning a trip to Mexico, and as the departure date approaches, you want to get in the mood by watching a few movies set in Mexico. Or maybe you have just returned from a relaxing vacation in Ixtapa, Mexico, or a luxurious all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas. Well, here are a few movies set in Mexico that will help you with your quest.
Nacho Libre – 2006
A delightful film starring Jack Black, Nacho Libre tells the story of an unfulfilled monk working as a not-so-talented cook in a Mexican orphanage. He dreams of becoming a wrestler but struggles with the strict morals he has been taught all his life. When he finally pursues his dream, hilarity ensues. This is a great family movie, shot on location in the tourist development of Oaxaca.
Once Upon a Time In Mexico – 2003
This is the final movie in Robert Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy. It features Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, and Salma Hayek and was filmed on location in the border-town of Coahuila. El Mariachi, the hitman character from the trilogy, gets involved in an international espionage story alongside a mildly psychotic (and blind) CIA agent.
Frida – 2002
Mexico is home to many incredible artists, and one of the favorites is Frida Kahlo. Salma Hayek portrays the artist An Artist Portrait (Part One) - This is a fantastic article written exclusively for my Weblog by Frank V. Cahoj. Please feel free to comment here or send him emails. He'll be happy of this. An Artist Portrait (Part One) My name is Frank Cahoj and I have been an artist since I was born. I can say this in confidence without… in this film, which tells the story of her life. Much of the movie was shot inside Frida Kahlo’s house, Casa Azul, located in Mexico City. Her house is now a celebrated museum. The film itself is a work of art, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning two: Best Original Score and Best Makeup.
The Mexican – 2001
Starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, this movie follows the story of a bumbling mob lackey and his girlfriend as they try to protect their relationship and return a historical weapon to its owner. Tagged as a crime comedy, The Mexican received mixed reviews from critics but was enjoyed by fans. It was filmed in the United States, but when watching the movie, one can easily feel the Mexican influence.
All The Pretty Horses – 2000
This film tells the story of two Texan cowboys who decide to travel to Mexico in search of work and perhaps a better life. They find favor on a horse ranch, where the owner employs their skills to tame wild horses. Trouble ensues when one of the cowboys falls in love with the rancher’s daughter. Starring Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz, this movie was also shot in the United States.
Old Gringo – 1989
Starring Gregory Peck, Jane Fonda, and Jimmy Smits, this movie is set during the Mexican Revolution of 1910. A schoolteacher travels to Mexico to teach children but finds herself kidnapped by General Tomas Arroyo. An aging American expat befriends the General, and an unusual love triangle develops. While filmed in the United States, the Mexican atmosphere is clearly evident.
Fun in Acapulco – 1963
Elvis Presley is most famous for his movies set in California and Hawaii, but he did star in one film set in Mexico. Although Presley never actually traveled to Mexico in his life, his scenes were shot in Hollywood. The story is predictable: a handsome boy escapes to Mexico to avoid trouble, meets several beautiful women, sings songs on the beach, encounters challenges, and eventually finds happiness. If you plan to visit the locations where parts of the movie were filmed, you can go to the Villa Vera Hotel in Acapulco.
Enjoy your movie marathon and have a fantastic trip to Mexico!
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME