Must-Read Books Set in Mexico and Must-Watch Movies on Mexico
Hopefully you already know that there is more to Mexico than margaritas, Spring Break trips to the beach, and temples—Mexico is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It has vibrant cities, ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine (I mean, I do like those margaritas and tacos). If you’re planning a trip to Mexico or simply want to learn more, these books set in Mexico and movies on Mexico will get you there.
You know I always try to include a variety of options, so this offers something for everyone including literary classes, travelogues, and some historical epics. Let me know which ones of these are your favorites or if there’s a hidden gem I missed!
Ten Books Set in Mexico
Bad Karma: The True Story of a Mexico Trip From Hell
Author: Paul Wilson
Genre: Nonfiction, Travelogue
Places Featured: Mexico
Bad Karma is a fascinating funny memoir about an unplanned road trip to Mexico that quickly spirals out of control. Paul and his friend Gene, in search of adventure and great surf spots, end up facing a series of unexpected disasters, from car troubles to run-ins with the law. As things go from bad to worse, their journey becomes a cautionary tale about poor planning, bad luck, and the unpredictability of travel, but Wilson is honest about their troubles and offers great insights into Mexican people.
Author: Rosario Castellanos
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Places Featured: Chiapas, Mexico
Chiapas is Mexico’s southernmost state (it borders Guatemala) and this powerful novel delves into the indigenous uprisings there during the early 20th century. Castellanos, one of Mexico’s most important female writers, sheds light on the struggles of the indigenous communities against oppression and exploitation. This book can be intense and emotionally challenging, but it’s worth the read for its important themes and historical insights.
Author: Carlos Fuentes
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Political
Places Featured: Mexico City, Veracruz
This dense read by a well-known Mexican author, Carlos Fuentes, is considered a classic novel in Mexico. It delves into the life of Artemio Cruz, a former revolutionary who reflects on his corrupt rise to power. The book captures Mexico’s turbulent political landscape and social issues, making it a profound exploration of the country’s somewhat recent history and how it looks at power and politics.
Author: Luis Alberto Urrea
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Magical Realism
Places Featured: Sinaloa, Sonora, Mexico
While this is a novel, it is actually based on the true story of the author’s great-aunt, Teresita Urrea, a healer and revolutionary figure known as the “Saint of Cabora.” So if you’re looking for your history with a side of the spiritual, the book beautifully intertwines history, folklore, and magical realism. (Yes, magical realism is quite popular in Mexico.) Urrea also has a nonfiction book called The Devil’s Highway that covers Mexico’s history, but this novel combines that history with a story, so it can be a little more palatable.
The Labyrinth of Solitude and Other Writings
Author: Octavio Paz
Genre: Nonfiction, Essays, Philosophy
Places Featured: Mexico City, Mexico
This influential work by Nobel Prize-winning author Octavio Paz is a collection of essays exploring Mexican identity, culture, and history. Paz’s reflections on solitude, religion, and the Mexican Revolution offer readers a deep understanding of the country’s soul and psyche. Many consider it a must-read for anyone interested in Mexican culture and identity…and thankfully, since it’s a collection of essays, it’s easy to read and reread some of those stories as you to make sure you got it all.
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Places Featured: Mexico City, Coyoacán, Mexico
This novel takes readers into the world of Mexican art, politics, and history through the eyes of Harrison Shepherd, a fictional character who finds himself intertwined with real historical figures like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The story spans several decades and provides a vivid portrayal of Mexico’s cultural and political landscape.
*Note from Jen: Barbara Kingsolver is known for writing engaging and educational epics (The Poisonwood Bible set in Kenya is one that has stuck with me for more than twenty years and the more recent Demon Copperhead set in Appalachia took the world by storm and won Kingsolver the Pulitzer.)
Author: Laura Esquivel
Genre: Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance
Places Featured: Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
This beloved novel combines food, family, and magical realism to tell the story of Tita, a young woman who pours her emotions into her cooking. Set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, the book is rich with cultural details and provides an unforgettable glimpse into Mexican life and traditions. The book is a popular one and was even made into a movie included in the list of movies set in Mexico below.
*Note from Jen: Although magical realism is not really my style, I did still enjoy this one—probably because of the food aspect and I did also include it in my list of Books about Cooking and Food.
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Genre: Fiction, Horror, Gothic
Places Featured: Hidalgo, Mexico
Set in a remote Mexican mansion in the 1950s, this chilling gothic horror bestseller follows Noemí Taboada as she investigates her cousin’s disturbing marriage and the strange goings-on in the house. With its lush descriptions and eerie atmosphere, Mexican Gothic offers a fresh and captivating take on the gothic genre.
*Note from Jen: I’ll admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of this one (again, I just don’t really like magical realism books), but I will certainly give credit for good storytelling with lots of tension and suspense.
On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey
Author: Paul Theroux
Genre: Nonfiction, Travelogue
Featured: Mexico/US Border
Paul Theroux is a well-known travel writer and this travel memoir is about his journey along the U.S.-Mexico border. Exploring the rich history, culture, and complexity of the region, Theroux encounters migrants, indigenous communities, and the challenges of modern Mexico. Through his detailed observations and personal experiences, he delves into issues of immigration, violence, and the resilience of the Mexican people with respect and insight. The book offers a nuanced and compelling portrayal of life on both sides of the border.
Author: Roberto Bolaño
Genre: Fiction, Literary
Places Featured: Mexico City, Sonora, Mexico
This sprawling novel follows two young poets as they embark on a literary and existential journey across Mexico. Bolaño’s writing captures the vibrancy and chaos of Mexico City’s literary scene, while also exploring themes of identity, exile, and the search for meaning. Bolaño is a literary powerhouse but the story doesn’t follow a straight line, so be ready.
Bonus Books set in Mexico
- A Visit to Don Otavio by Sybille Bedford
- Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera by Isabel Alcantara
- Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
- The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia
- Under the Volcano: A Novel by Malcolm Lowry
- Where the Air is Clear by Carlos Fuentes
Bonus Children’s Books set in Mexico
- The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- My Mexico/México mío by Tony Johnston
Ten Movies Set in Mexico
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Musical
Places Featured: Acapulco, Mexico
This list has some pretty serious movies, so I wanted to be sure to include at least one that was pure fun…and that’s this one. Fun in Acapulco is a lighthearted musical starring Elvis Presley as Mike Windgren, a former trapeze artist who finds himself working as a lifeguard and singer at a resort in Acapulco. While adjusting to his new life, Mike navigates romantic entanglements with a hotel social director and a local woman. Set against the backdrop of Acapulco’s scenic beauty, the film is filled with lively musical numbers and classic Elvis charm, making it a colorful, fun-filled escape into Mexico’s glamorous coastline.
The Night of the Iguana (1964)
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Based on a Tennessee Williams’ play, The Night of the Iguana tells the story of a defrocked priest who leads a tour group to a dilapidated Mexican hotel, his attraction to one of the tourists, and that tourist’s alcohol-fueled night. The film, set in Puerto Vallarta, helped put the town on the map as a tourist destination and captures the raw beauty of Mexico’s Pacific coast. It also has a compelling story with complex characters and emotions.
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
Places Featured: Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico
Desperado is the second movie in Robert Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy–and while you really should watch all three (El Mariachi from 1992 was the first and Once Upon a Time in Mexico from 2003 is the third), I specifically included Desperado because it is the most popular. It’s an action film that follows El Mariachi (played by Mexican native Antonio Banderas), a musician seeking revenge against a drug lord in a small Mexican town. With its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and vibrant cinematography, the movie has become a cult classic. Rodriguez has a distinctive directorial style and you’ll definitely see it when you watch all three.
The Other Conquest (La Otra Conquista, 1998)
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama, Historical
Places Featured: Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City), Mexico
Set in the aftermath of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, this historical drama tells the story of an Aztec scribe who struggles to preserve his culture while facing the harsh realities of colonization. The film provides a poignant look at the clash of civilizations during one of the most significant periods in Mexican history. The Other Conquest offers a unique perspective on the colonization of Mexico, blending indigenous and Spanish viewpoints to tell a powerful story.
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Places Featured: Mexico City, Mexico
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Amores Perros is a gritty, intense film that weaves together three interconnected stories, all tied to a tragic car accident in Mexico City. The movie explores themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of life in the city—meaning its intense and powerful—but if you want to know about real life in Mexico City, you should watch this.
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Coming-of-Age
Places Featured: Oaxaca, Mexico City, Mexico
This critically acclaimed film by Alfonso Cuarón follows two teenage boys and an older woman as they embark on a road trip through Mexico. The movie explores themes of friendship, sexuality, and the complexities of Mexican society, all while showcasing the stunning landscapes of Oaxaca.
*Note from Jen: This is a great movie if you’re visiting Mexico and/or want to learn more about the country, of course, but if you’re in a movie club, this is definitely one you’ll want to use—it’s just a well-done film with a lot of subtle messages that would be great to discuss and discover.
Rating: R
Genre: Biography, Drama
Places Featured: Mexico City, Coyoacán, Mexico
Frida Kahlo is arguably Mexico’s most well-known artist and with her eccentric life story, a biopic was inevitable. Salma Hayek was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of the iconic Mexican artist. The movie portrays the artist’s complex relationships, struggles with physical pain, and creative genius, all set against the backdrop of 20th-century Mexico.
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Places Featured: Guerrero, Mexico
The Violin, directed by Francisco Vargas, is a powerful Mexican drama set during a rural guerrilla uprising. The story follows an elderly violinist, Don Plutarco, who uses his musical talents to secretly aid rebels fighting against a brutal military regime. While appearing harmless to the soldiers, Plutarco hides weapons for the resistance in his violin case. The film explores themes of survival, oppression, and the power of art amidst conflict, delivering a poignant and haunting portrayal of resistance in the face of tyranny.
Rating: PG
Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure
Places Featured: Santa Cecilia (fictional town), Mexico
Yes, I have a list below specifically for children’s movies about Mexico, but this one is worth including on the overall list. Disney Pixar’s Coco is a heartwarming story about a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician and finds himself in the Land of the Dead during the Day of the Dead celebration. The film is a visually stunning and culturally rich portrayal of Mexican traditions—it’s actually specifically been lauded for its accurate and respectful representation of Mexican culture and values.
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: Mexico City, Mexico
Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma is an intimate and visually striking portrayal of life in 1970s Mexico City. The film follows Cleo, a live-in housekeeper for a middle-class family, and explores themes of class, race, and social upheaval against the backdrop of political unrest in Mexico. The movie won multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Director, and is lauded for its deep emotional resonance and stunning cinematography.
Bonus Children’s Movies set in Mexico
Bonus Movies set in Mexico
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
- Old Gringo (1989)
- Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
- The Mexican (2001)
- Alamar (To the Sea) (2009)
