Movies Similar to Mexico: The Land and the People

Aventuras en Foxilandia(2005)

Based on careful research, this documentary touches on the most striking aspects of Foxilandia, the management of President Vicente Fox, and dissects this national tragicomedy from the political, economic and social points of view.

The Other Side of the Wall(2017)

Honduran immigrants living in Mexico, teenage siblings Rocío and Ale must take over care of their two younger siblings after their mother is sentenced to prison on dubious grounds. Tensions grow between the pair as the decision must be made on whether to stay together in Mexico or split the family up to cross into the US to work.

Chuy, The Wolf Man(2015)

Jesus 'Chuy' Aceves and a dozen living members of his extended family suffer from the very rare condition of congenital hypertrichosis, meaning they were born with excessive hair on their faces and bodies. Due to their appearance, they suffer from discrimination in all areas of their lives: the children are made fun of at school and abandoned by their 'non-hairy' parents, and the adults cannot find work unless they choose to exhibit themselves as freaks in circuses. This moving and visually arresting documentary is a portrait of Chuy and his family members. It examines their day-to-day lives and their struggle to find love, acceptance and employment.

Mexico: The Royal Tour(2011)

Peter Greenberg explores Mexico with President Felipe Calderón, one of the most dynamic leaders of Latin America, for a history-making television special. Mexico: The Royal Tour goes beyond the headlines to journey deep inside Mexico and offer viewers access to extraordinary locations, landmarks and cultural experiences. It’s a fast-paced, non-stop adventure through Mexico’s iconic spots as well as experiences that aren’t found in any guidebook, but are still accessible to travelers.

Phantoms of the Sierra Madre(2024)

A Danish writer travels to Mexico with the purpose of locating a mysterious Apache tribe that fervently seeks to remain in obscurity.

The Panther(2017)

El Pantera is a documentary film that chronicles the rise of Mexican UFC star Yair Rodriguez as he strives to become the first ever Mexican born UFC champion.

The History in the Gaze(2011)

The film portraits the stage previous to the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution, from the end of Porfirio Díaz´ government, the social volatility, the ephemeral government of Madero and the presence of the working class in the figures of Villa and Zapata, until the signing if the Constitution of 1917. All of this through moving images, filmed during those events mainly by the Alva brothers, filmmakers of that time. Those images let us perceive the contradictory and shuddered glance of the people of that period.

Old Thieves: The Legend of Artegio(2007)

Is the story of a generation of thieves who achieved their greatest victories in the sixties; their distinctive code of ethics, the various categories of delinquents inhabiting the city’s streets, their alliances with high ranking police officials that allowed them to operate, the betrayals that followed, and the price they ended up paying.

My Life Inside(2007)

Rosa is a Mexican woman who, at the age of 17, migrated illegally to Austin, Texas. Some years later, she was jailed under suspicion of murder and then taken to trial. This film demonstrates how the judicial process, the verdict, the separation from her family, and the helplessness of being imprisoned in a foreign country make Rosa’s story an example of the hard life of Mexican migrants in the United States.

Mr. Trump, Pardon the Interruption(2019)

An analysis of the impact on the United States Latino community of immigration policies promoted by President Donald Trump.

No One(2005)

Tells the story of Maria, a Central American immigrant who is forced to leave her family in search for a better life. On her way to the United States, she is forced to cross Mexico where she experiences a nightmare.

Oaxaca - Zwischen Rebellion und Utopie(2007)

The Birds Changed Names And The World Turned Into Ice(2022)

Migrant families experience violence, but they also keep beautiful memories when they arrive in new lands. Fantastic and intimate stories, recalled from childhood, travel across time and space, magically intermingling with the help of the four elements and breaking the boundaries of cinema.

Which Way Home(2009)

Follows unaccompanied child migrants, on their journey through Mexico, as they try to reach the United States.

The Documentary II(2003)

Freddy Krueger has returned and is totally pissed off. This time he haunts the dreams of three unsuspecting teens on a rock'n'roll tour in Mexico. These kids are Friends Forever and that's a power that is tough for Freddy to break. Can the friends defeat the Satanic stalker, or will they be molested by his blades of fury?

A Place Called Chiapas(1998)

In 1994, the Zapatista National Liberation Army, made up of impoverished Mayan Indians from the state of Chiapas, took over five towns and 500 ranches in southern Mexico. The government deployed its troops and at least 145 people died in the ensuing battle. Filmmaker Nettie Wild travelled to the country's jungle canyons to film the elusive and fragile life of this uprising.

La Farsa: Una Obsesión Sin Limites(2024)

The Desert Wagon(2024)

A couple of artists travels through the Mexico desert to present their puppet show.

Beyond the Summit: Learning to Fly(2011)

In some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in Mexico, a group of mountaineers have set out to explore a world labeled as impossible, but from a space reserved only for birds.

Day of the Dead(1957)

A portrayal of the Mexican Day of the Dead consisting of still shots and narration. Deals with the special objects and events surrounding the annual Mexican celebration of “All Souls Day”. It is not only a rich flood of folk art, but a view of the way that the Mexicans have come to terms with death. Searched out with the help of Alexander Girard and a moving guitar score by Laurindo Almeida.