5 Disney movies to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your kids

From September 15th to October 15th, it's Hispanic Heritage Month. We're educated on Hispanic culture, its glorious and enriching history, and its people. Moreso, we're educated on humane values, with an emphasis on reaching out to do better.

We compiled five Disney movies with strong Hispanic characters and storylines to help kids learn more about the Hispanic and Spanish world. These wonderfully crafted films caused our hearts to cry and feel warm joy simultaneously. There's a little bit of everything, including dogs, music, holidays, and customs.

5 Disney movies reflecting Hispanic Heritage Month

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)

Beverly Hills Chihuahua tells the tail-wagging story of Chloé, a pampered chihuahua living the fabulous life in Beverly Hills. When her caretaker takes her along to Mexico, the tiny but mighty pooch is stolen for illegal underground dog fighting. With the help of a German Shepherd, Chloé absorbs the rich history of her breed while traveling back home. However, her newfound ideals remain with her, and a love blooms between her and the landscaper's chihuahua, Pápi.

When watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua, kids might want to have a chihuahua pup of their own. Chihuahuas are adorable, affectionate, and intelligent, but like all dogs, they're a big responsibility and a commitment. Discussing dog care and adding a new family member is a good idea since many pets become homeless and neglected.

As a chihuahua mom, they bring me joy as I do to them.

Coco (2017)

In Coco, twelve-year-old Miguel Gonzalez loves music, but his family opposes it due to an old conflict. This conflict leaves the boy torn between his love for his family and his passion. When Miguel visits the tomb of his idol (and whom he thought was his Abuelo) Ernesto De la Cruz and "takes" his guitar, the act causes Miguel to travel to the Land of the Dead. In this colorful place, those who passed on are living enriching lives in the forms of vibrant skeletons, and animals are spirit guides.

Through his journey, Miguel meets Héctor, a lovable trickster who just wants his daughter to remember him so he's not forgotten. Then, there's Miguel's family, with the matriarch Mamá Imelda leading the family and bonding with their young descendant. As Miguel continues his quest, he discovers that his now-former idol was a fraudulent murderer and that Héctor is his real and true second-great grandfather, who had an unfortunate fate with De la Cruz.

Héctor's wish was granted, and he was reunited with his daughter, Coco. The film teaches the essence of family, living your dreams, and the Hispanic holiday Día de la Muertos, which brought out the spirit of this emotional Award Winner.

Encanto (2021)

Encanto is another family-oriented movie filled with magic and music. It tells the story of Mirabel Madrigal, a young girl living in Columbia. She's the only one in her family who didn't inherit magical powers, which makes her feel like the odd one out and unattached from her family.

However, it's learnt that the Madrigal Magic is fading and disappearing, so it's up to Mirabel to find out why. As it turns out, her Uncle Bruno holds the key to the family's crumbling dynasty, with the bespeckled 15-year-old unlocking the door to restore everything and regain the family strength.

Ferdinand (2017)

A bull just wants to live his life in peace and not a fighter in the ring. As Ferdinand grows up, he learns about the horrors of Spanish bullfighting but risks his life to save the other bulls, who were less than friendly to him when they were calves. Once in the ring himself, he maintains his pacifist nature despite the bullfighter trying to provoke aggression.

Ferdinand is based on the 1936 children's book of the same title and unfortunately, the cruel and inhumane sport of bullfighting is still in existence.

The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

David Spade voices the Inan Emperor Kuzco, who's transformed into a llama by his staff. Kuzco is conceited, self-absorbed, and selfish, so in a way, he got what he deserved. At the same time, his staff weren't exactly patronly saints either.

Kuzco bonds with herder Patcha, and he realizes the error of his ways. Resulting, Kuzco has a personality transformation, along with turning back into a human.

You can watch all five of these movies on Disney+!

Be on the watch for more family entertainment right here on The Parent Watch!