As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, it’s a good time to reflect on how Hispanic and Latinx communities are portrayed in media. While media can offer positive and inspiring stories, it also has a history of using harmful stereotypes, especially when it comes to the Latinx community.

Escapism and positive representation in media are essential, especially during times of struggle. Here are a few recommendations for TV shows and movies that offer hopeful, humorous, and inspiring portrayals of the Latinx community:

1. Acapulco – Television Series

Acapulco beautifully tackles universal coming-of-age themes and the journey of finding one’s place in the world. It explores the choices we make and the lengths we’re willing to go to achieve our dreams.

This unique comedy skillfully navigates two timelines, one in modern day and the other in the vibrant 1980s. The narrative centers on a successful Mexican businessman who, in the present, recounts to his nephew the formative years he spent in 1980s Acapulco, when he landed his dream job at the hottest resort in town.

The series also masterfully handles romantic relationships, building “will-they-won’t-they” tensions without resorting to tired, toxic tropes or unfairly villainizing a love interest. Its humor is genuinely great. It steers clear of the common pitfalls of comedies that rely on bullying, making fun of others, or jokes about weight and size.

Furthermore, the show addresses LGBTQ+ issues with honesty and heart, shedding light on the struggles individuals faced when coming out in the 1980s, all while delivering heartwarming moments. Even the supporting characters are impressively fleshed out, each with their own distinct needs, desires, and lives.
Despite a large ensemble cast, the series never feels overwhelmed by too many storylines, a testament to its strong writing. It offers some of the best, if not the absolute best, Latinx representation on screen.

The 10-episode fourth and final season continues to give us the best Latinx representation. It is set to make its global debut with two episodes on Wednesday, July 23, exclusively on AppleTV+.

2. Flamin’ Hot – Film

Flamin’ Hot is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the power of determination and perseverance. It is a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from. In her directorial debut, Eva Longoria tells the heartwarming and inspiring story about Richard Montañez, a Mexican-American janitor at Frito-Lay who claims to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

The film also touches on serious topics like racism, classism, and social hardship but maintains a light-hearted tone. The performances are standout and inspiring. The film is praised for its authentic and positive portrayal of the “Latinx” (or more specifically, Mexican-American) experience in Southern California, particularly from the 1960s to the 1990s. The costume design, hair, makeup, and set design are especially spectacular in their accuracy in representing the different decades and honoring the Southern California Mexican-American community.

Flamin’ Hot is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

3. A Million Miles Away – Film

Michael Peña stars in A Million Miles Away, a film inspired by the true story of José Hernández, the first migrant farmworker to become an astronaut. The movie follows José’s remarkable journey from a rural Mexican village to California’s fields and ultimately to the International Space Station.

With the unwavering support of his family and community, José’s story challenges stereotypes of what a migrant worker is. The film beautifully highlights the dedication to family, hard work, and determination that define these individuals. It also explores the unique challenges faced by Mexican-American children growing up in the United States, showing how strong family bonds can build resilience and mutual support.

The film’s casting, sets, and music all work together to create an authentic and immersive experience. Michael Peña and Rosa Salazar deliver brilliant, authentic performances as José and his wife. The costume and set designs transport viewers through different eras without needing to be told what year it is, and the thoughtfully chosen soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of each period.

A Million Miles Away is available to stream on Prime Video.

4. The Valet – Film

Hulu’s romantic comedy, The Valet, is a love letter to both the rom-com genre and the diverse communities of Los Angeles. This remake of a French film of the same name follows famous movie star Olivia (Samara Weaving) after a paparazzi photo with her married lover creates a PR nightmare. To cover it up, she enlists Antonio (Eugenio Derbez), a hardworking valet who accidentally appears in the same photo, to pose as her new boyfriend.

The film uses its L.A. setting to explore themes of identity and community. It beautifully showcases a range of neighborhoods, from the wealthy and polished to the humble and vibrant. Unlike many Hollywood films that stereotype lower-income areas, The Valet depicts these communities as warm, life-filled places centered on family and unity. It subtly reminds us that “more is not always better.”

In classic Eugenio Derbez fashion, the film is both hilarious and heartwarming. The Valet tackles serious topics like gentrification and classism with humor, making important points without sacrificing laughs.

You can stream The Valet on Hulu.

5. Instructions Not Included – Film

In what is probably one of the most heart-warming and hilarious films in Eugenio Debre’s repertoire, Instructions Not Included stands out as one of the best. Valentin (Eugenio Derbez) is Acapulco’s resident playboy until his life gets turned upside down when a former fling leaves a baby on his doorstep. Love blossoms, adventure ensues, and the search for the mother causes a ruckus.

This film is the highest-grossing Spanish-language film and the fourth-highest-grossing foreign film of all time in the United States. It has received limited reviews in the U.S. and feels absolutely underrated. Despite being over a decade old (2013), its humor and storytelling hold up well. It’s a gem that more people should experience.

Instructions Not Included is available on Video On Demand.