It might sound twisted, but I personally feel that nothing brings families together than watching a horror movie together, literally, as you’re all grabbing onto each other by the end.
To bring your family closer, let me play my part with a little touch of my Hispanic culture.
I’m going to share 5 horror movies inspired by Hispanic folklore that are scarier than finding out you’re going bald. If you’re not Hispanic, you might enjoy these movies, but if you’re Hispanic, I know you’ll enjoy these movies.
Either way, make sure to get a fast and reliable internet connection in place for the best experience. If you’re looking for one, I suggest Spectrum for its reliable speed and stable connection. Plus, if you’re a Spanish speaker, you can reach out to the número de teléfono de Spectrum for Spanish assistance.
Now, let the scares begin!
La Llorona
- Released: 2019 (Both variants)
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll (Guatemalan) / Amazon Prime Video (American)
Ah, yes, La Llorona, also known as the weeping woman. As one of the oldest myths in Hispanic culture, it was only a matter of time before this was turned into a movie, and I’m all for it.
I have seen two movie variants of this character, an American one and a Guatemalan one. I’d recommend watching both since both of them captured the essence of the character quite well in their own ways.
Let me break down the differences.
In the American variant, La Llorona is portrayed as the villain. She is a woman who drowned her children after a betrayal by her husband and turned into a supernatural entity that brings misfortune with it.
The Guatemalan variant shifts from the traditional legend to a more cultural and political approach, representing the character as a metaphor for the real-life victims of the Guatemalan genocide. In this film, La Llorona is a mom who, along with her kids, becomes a victim of genocide.
Tigers Are Not Afraid
- Released: 2017
- Where to Watch: Xumo Play / Pluto TV / Philo / PLEX
Straight from Mexico, this one subtly brings elements from the legend of Huay Chivo to the big screen, portraying drug cartels as shapeshifting beasts that prey on others.
In case you don’t know what that is, let me explain.
Huay Chivo is a legendary creature that originated from Mayan Mythologies and is described as a half beast and half man that can shapeshift into goats, dogs, and deer to harm livestock.
The film is about a girl, Estelle, who, with her mother, is trying to survive all the violence in the midst of a drug war in Mexico. After a cartel member opens fire at her school, her teacher gives her three pieces of chalk, telling her they are three wishes.
She returns home to find her mother missing, and from there, a journey filled with horrors, lifelong connections, and emotions begins.
Huesera: The Bone Woman
- Released: 2022
- Where to Watch: AMC+ / Sling TV / The Roku Channel / Amazon Prime Video / YouTube TV / Philo / Google Play Movies & TV / Apple TV / Fandango at Home
Another great Mexican creation, this one is inspired by the folklore of La Huesera, or the bone woman.
La Huesera is a mysterious female who collects the bones of dead animals, assembles them into a skeleton, and then brings the skeleton to life. The film blends this legend with the challenges of motherhood.
It centers around a pregnant woman named Valeria, who becomes the victim of La Huesera, leading her into a world filled with dark magic, increased anxiety, and physical and emotional horror.
What I loved about it is how it beautifully ties supernatural elements to real-life pressures and anxieties that mothers have to face, such as losing themselves, keeping up with traditions, and much more.
The Old Ways
- Released: 2020
- Where to Watch: Netflix / Apple TV / Amazon Prime Video / YouTube / Google Play Movies & TV / Fandango at Home
This movie takes a different approach, focusing on widespread Latin American belief systems and magical practices such as witchcraft and shamanism instead of a single folklore or legend. By blending these with themes such as possession, extremism, and mob mentality, the film sheds light on scary realities that still exist in the modern world.
It’s about a young Mexican journalist named Cristina, who plans to investigate brujería (witchcraft) practices in her hometown in Mexico, only for her to be perceived as evil herself and kidnapped for sacrifice by a local woman and her son.
From there, we’re taken on a mind-bending ride of all the torture she faces, and how it eventually changes her.
Diablo Rojo PTY
- Released: 2020
- Where to Watch: Tubi / Fandango at Home / PLEX / Amazon Prime Video
I saved the scariest (at least for me) for last. This one comes from Panama and focuses on the legend of La Tulivieja, a female ghost who, in her past life, abandoned and drowned her child.
As punishment, she was transformed into a hideous monster with bat and bird-like features, and now roams the nights wearing a distinctive hat made of plantain leaves, searching for her lost child.
Legend has it that she appears beautiful by a river, but any loud noise transforms her into a monster.
In the film, La Tulivieja terrorizes a group of travelers passing through the Chiriqui jungle, Panama, trapping them in the bus they’re in, known as Diablo Rojo (Red Devil). The film dives deep into the extent of the horrors the spirit can go to for inflicting terror on her victims.
Hispanic Horror Movies – Turning Cultural Elements into Quality Entertainment
From La Llorona to La Tulivieja, there are a ton of terrifying yet intriguing local legends that have spooked children in Hispanic countries, and these films above bring the scares to a global level. If you’re a fan of hiding under a blanket together moment after moment, try one of them on your next family movie night.
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