Celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries, the Day of the Dead is linked to the Catholic feast days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, celebrating those in our lives we’ve lost—and though it’s certainly a reflective occasion for some, it’s generally a festive rather than mournful occasion. For a good time, as well as a reminder that life is precious and short—and to make the most of every day and to honor those we’ve lost—check out these 20 Day of the Dead movies and Día de Los Muertos movies.
Day of the Dead Movies and Día de Los Muertos Movies
1. Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life
This documentary explores the origins and customs of the Day of the Dead, its cultural significance and its rich history. It’s a great primer for those who want to learn more about the holiday’s significance and meaning.
2. Spectre
Spectre, the 2015 James Bond flick, opens with a chase scene that’s rife with incredible visuals of a Día de Los Muertos celebration in Mexico City. Director Sam Mendes has said of the scene, “One of the things that’s said about the Day of the Dead celebrations is that ’los muertos vivos están,’ [meaning] ’the dead are alive.’” He may well be referencing the spirit of M, who died in the previous 007 installment, Skyfall, and who gave Bond his mission for this film.
3. Once Upon A Time in Mexico
Action classic Once Upon A Time in Mexico has a star-studded cast (Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin, Enrique Iglesias and Willem Dafoe, to name a few), with a pivotal scene going down during Día de Los Muertos celebrations. It’s the final film in Banderas’ El Mariachi trilogy, which also features El Mariachi (1992) and Desperado (1995).
4. A Night In Old Mexico
Oscar-winner Robert Duvall stars in A Night In Old Mexico, a by-the-books Western featuring a grandfather-grandson bonding scene during Day of the Dead festivities.
5. Under the Volcano
Albert Finney was nominated for an Oscar for Under the Volcano, which follows a troubled British consul to Mexico as he mourns the potential end of his marriage and wanders about on the Day of the Dead. Bring the tissues for this one!
6. Assassins
Before they were Expendables, Antonio Banderas and Sylvester Stallone teamed up for 1995’s Assassins, which features a scene at a Day of the Dead parade. How to watch: Rent Assassins on Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
7. All Souls Day
Danny Trejo anchors All Souls Day, a zombie flick with action centered around Día de Los Muertos. How to watch: Stream All Souls Day on Plex or rent from Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu.
Day of the Dead Movies and Día de Los Muertos Movies for Kids
8. Coco
Cocofollows 12-year-old Miguel as he explores the Land of the Dead and gets help from the spirit of his great-great-grandfather to return home and bring music back to his family’s life. Coco won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 2018 Oscars. How to watch: Stream Coco on Disney+.
9. The Book of Life
Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Danny Trejo, Christina Applegate, Ron Perlman and Channing Tatum are among the voice cast of The Book of Life, which follows a battle between two mortal men, one each paired with La Muerte and Xibalba, who battle for the heart (and hand in marriage) of the same woman. How to watch: Stream The Book of Life on Disney+.
10. The Big Wish
In The Big Wish, a 16-year-old girl named Salma struggles to find her family, leading her and pals Pedro and Jorge to follow a mysterious man on an adventure that gets spiritual and spooky. How to watch: Stream The Big Wish on Pantaya.
11. The Halloween Tree
Ray Bradbury penned and narrates The Halloween Tree, an animated classic that features Leonard Nimoy and explores the origins of Halloween and the Day of the Dead.
12. Scooby-Doo! And the Monster of Mexico
Scooby-Doo and the gang visit Mexico just in time for the Day of the Dead in Scooby-Doo! And the Monster of Mexico, though the holiday’s themes aren’t widely explored.
13. Super Monsters: Día De Los Monsters
The Super Monsters celebrate the Day of the Dead with Vida and her family. There’s even a Día De Los Muertos parade! How to watch: Stream Super Monsters: Día De Los Monsters on Netflix.
14. Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos is a sweet short showing a girl reuniting with her mother, who crossed over but lives on in her heart. How to watch: You can watch Día de Muertos in full below.
15. Día de Muertos
¡Día de Muertos is The Big Wish en español! How to watch: Stream Día de Muertoson Pantaya.
16. De Un Jalón Hasta el Panteón
Feel like you just don’t have the time for your family because you’re too busy with other things? This short film will make you rethink that and remember what’s truly important, both in life and death. How to watch: You can watch the entire short below.
17. La Leyenda de la Nahuala
Set on Día de los Muertos in 1807, La Leyenda De La Nahuala sees young Leo try to save his loved ones (and the world!) from a witch who tries to steal souls.
Day of the Dead Movies in Spanish (Películas de Día de Los Muertos en Español)
18. Hasta Los Huesos / Down to the Bone
This sweet, slightly spooky stop-motion animated short made waves after its 2002 release and was a film festival favorite. Beautiful music complements the project, but be warned that it’s likely not appropriate for children. How to watch: You can watch the full short film of Has Los Huesos / Down to the Bone below.
19. The Aztec Mummy
The Aztec Mummy is the first in a trilogy of films featuring Popoca, the titular Aztec mummy. It’s considered a cult classic. How to watch: You can stream the whole film below.
20. Macario
Macario, released in 1960, was the first Mexican film to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. The haunting film follows a humble indigenous man on the night before Día de los Muertos as he’s visited by God, the Devil and Death. How to watch: Stream Macario on YouTube with English subtitles. Next, 32 Thanksgiving Movies for Kids That the Whole Family Will Enjoy on Turkey Day
