The best movies by Latina/Latino creators on Disney+
Though there are plenty of miles to go, incredible strides have recently been made in the journey toward a fully representative creative workforce in Hollywood. Just check out the career of Victoria Alonso, the Argentine film producer who has worked behind the scenes at Marvel as an executive producer on almost every single one (!!!) of Marvel’s blockbuster superhero films, including all of our Marvel picks below.
The result of a more reflective production team is more interesting, authentic, and engaging entertainment! We’re living in a golden age, baby! To celebrate, we’re highlighting the amazing movies streaming on Disney+ that were written, directed, or produced by Latina/Latino creators.
1. Encanto
We may not talk about Bruno, but we do talk about Encanto, written by Jared Bush and Charise Castro Smith. One of Disney's latest animated films introduces us to the magical Madrigal family, whose special gifts turn out to be burdens as well as blessings. Encanto is a powerful examination of familial bonds and generational trauma, accompanied by gorgeous animation and catchy tunes courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda, including "Surface Pressure" and "We Don't Talk About Bruno." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter *
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How to watch: Encanto is now streaming on Disney+.
2. Ferdinand
Directed by Carlos Saldanha, Ferdinand is a heartwarming adaptation of the widely beloved 1930s children’s book of the same name. Ferdinand (a delightful John Cena) is a sweet, flower-loving bull. He doesn’t want to fight in the arena — he wants to sniff carnations and enjoy his life. The bull-fighters, the other bulls, and the world around him, however, have different expectations about what a bull should be. Ferdinand is a fun kids movie with exhilarating chase sequences and lovable characters, but it’s also a thoughtful meditation on pacifism and what it means to be strong.
How to watch: Ferdinand is now streaming on Disney+.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
A comedically mismatched group of heroes team up to save the galaxy while the grooviest soundtrack plays in the background? Yup, let's go! Guardians of the Galaxy is the perfect mix of zany, exciting, and funny. While the blockbuster's spacey-retro aesthetic is a blast, its cast (Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper) has the chemistry to keep the momentum going. — Brooke Bajgrowicz, Entertainment Fellow *
How to watch: Guardians of the Galaxy is streaming on Disney+.
4. Coco
In Coco, 12-year-old Miguel tries to get back to his home in Mexico after he, still alive, mistakenly enters the Land of the Dead. Naturally, this setup lends itself to heavy discussions about life and death — and Coco does a lovely job unpacking them. But just because it’s thought-provoking doesn’t mean it’s not full of spirit. The fantasy, written by Adrian Molina, overflows with rich colors and lively songs. What’s not to love about a movie that’s sentimental and delightful? - B.B. *
How to watch: Coco is now streaming on Disney+.
5. Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok is by far the best of the Thor movies. The superhero comedy — which has the god of thunder attempting to race home to fight against his vengeful sister — features the clever directorial skills of Taika Waititi, a colorful new planet, and a script that's so witty it hurts. Not to mention, Chris Hemsworth's Thor is backed by an all-star cast, including MCU favorites Tom Hiddleston and Mark Ruffalo, along with talents like Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Tessa Thompson. It all works to make this one of the funniest installments in the MCU. All of it. — B.B. *
How to watch: Thor: Ragnarok is now streaming on Disney+.
6. Avengers: Endgame
Yes, you can watch all the Avengers films on Disney+. But if you really want to pull at those heartstrings, this is the one you need to go back to.
While Spider-Man: Far from Home technically closed out the Infinity Saga, Endgame sure felt like the end of an era, with many of the MCU’s biggest heroes saving the world together one last time. Featuring a stacked cast, a three-hour runtime, and a long-awaited conclusion, it's massive in every way possible. What better way is there to go out strong? — B.B. *
How to watch: Avengers: Endgame is now streaming on Disney+.
7. Black Panther
Black Panther isn't just another Marvel movie. While it has all the makings of a superhero blockbuster — exhilarating action sequences, lovable heroes, and a high-stakes story — it also introduces us to the vibrant, fascinating world of Wakanda, which contains a compelling cast of characters that's hard to match. Chadwick Boseman is incredible as the soon-to-be-king of the story, T'Challa, bringing a strength to the role that demands all attention. — B.B. *
How to watch: Black Panther is now streaming on Disney+.
Asterisks (*) indicate the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.
Kristina Grosspietsch is a writer, performer, comedian, and former cheesemonger living in LA.
