Best Cinco de Mayo Movies to Watch with the Family

When you think of Cinco de Mayo, what comes to mind? Tacos and margaritas, of course!

But Cinco de Mayo can be celebrated with the family without the party… and the hangover.

It’s a great opportunity to get the family together and watch a movie that celebrates the Cinco de Mayo holiday with reverence to Mexican culture and fun too.

Here are the best Cinco de Mayo movies to watch with the family for movie night in May. Every movie on this list is rated G, PG, or PG-13, making them great picks for kids, tweens, teens, and young adults alike.

There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.

Links included below to the where the movies are streaming FREE (where available).

Read to the end for BONUS movies streaming FREE

Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST to keep track of what movies you want to watch!

What Does the Cinco de Mayo Holiday Celebrate?

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It’s not Mexico’s Independence Day (which is on September 16), but rather a symbol of Mexican resilience and pride. In the U.S., it’s more widely celebrated as a day to honor Mexican culture with food, music, and festivities.

A List of Cinco de Mayo Movies

Coco (2017)

Actors: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Miguel, a young aspiring musician, embarks on a magical journey through the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history and embrace his passion. While centered around Día de los Muertos, Coco beautifully celebrates Mexican heritage, making it a perfect pick for honoring culture on Cinco de Mayo.

The Book of Life (2014)

Actors: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldaña, Channing Tatum
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Manolo, a kind hearted bullfighter, embarks on an afterlife adventure to reunite with his true love and embrace his destiny. This visually stunning film celebrates Mexican folklore, music, and traditions, making it a festive and colorful way to enjoy Cinco de Mayo.

Instructions Not Included (2013)

Actors: Eugenio Derbez, Loreto Peralta, Jessica Lindsey
MPAA Rating: PG-13
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A carefree bachelor’s life is turned upside down when he’s left to raise a daughter on his own, leading to a heartfelt and comedic journey of fatherhood. Set against a backdrop of Mexican culture and humor, this touching film is a great way to celebrate family and heritage on Cinco de Mayo.

Ferdinand (2017)

Actors: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A gentle bull named Ferdinand, who prefers flowers over fighting, embarks on an adventure to find freedom and prove that being different is a strength. With its Spanish inspired setting, this heartwarming film is a great way to celebrate the spirit of Cinco de Mayo.

Saludos Amigos (1942)

Actors: Walt Disney, Clarence Nash, José Oliveira
MPAA Rating: G
IMDb | Amazon Prime

This classic Disney film takes viewers on a vibrant journey through Latin America with Donald Duck and Goofy experiencing local culture, music, and traditions. While it highlights several countries, its celebration of Latin American heritage makes it a fitting choice for Cinco de Mayo festivities.

The Road to El Dorado (2000)

Actors: Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Two con artists stumble upon the legendary city of gold and are mistaken for gods, leading to a hilarious and thrilling adventure. While set in an ancient time, its lively depiction of Mesoamerican culture and folklore makes it a fun, family-friendly watch for Cinco de Mayo.

Bandidas (2006)

Actors: Salma Hayek, Penélope Cruz, Steve Zahn
MPAA Rating: PG-13
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Two fierce women team up to become bank robbing outlaws in 19th century Mexico, taking on a corrupt land baron to save their people. With its Mexican setting and strong female leads, this action comedy brings a fun, adventurous spirit that aligns with the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

The Three Caballeros (1944)

Actors: Clarence Nash, José Oliveira, Joaquin Garay
MPAA Rating: G
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Donald Duck teams up with his Latin American friends, José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles, for a lively adventure filled with music, culture, and magical storytelling. This Disney classic is a vibrant celebration of Latin American traditions, making it a perfect festive watch for Cinco de Mayo.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Actors: Isabela Merced, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Teen explorer Dora embarks on a thrilling jungle adventure to save her parents and uncover the legendary Lost City of Gold. Filled with Latin American cultural elements and a spirit of adventure, this fun family film embodies curiosity and heritage, making it a great choice for Cinco de Mayo.

Nacho Libre (2006)

Actors: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A monastery cook, Ignacio, secretly becomes a luchador to support orphans while chasing his dream of wrestling glory. With its mix of Mexican wrestling culture, humor, and heart, Nacho Libre brings laughs and a lively dose of Mexican tradition to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Tortilla Soup (2001)

Actors: Héctor Elizondo, Jacqueline Obradors, Elizabeth Peña
MPAA Rating: PG-13
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A retired Mexican-American chef struggles to connect with his three independent daughters, but their Sunday family dinners always bring them together. With its delicious celebration of Mexican cuisine and family traditions, this film is a warm and flavorful pick for Cinco de Mayo.

The Legend of Zorro (2005)

Actors: Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rufus Sewell
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Zorro returns to protect California from a dangerous conspiracy while balancing his secret identity and family life. With its thrilling sword fights, Spanish colonial setting, and a legendary Latino hero, this action packed film is a great way to bring excitement to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

East Side Sushi (2014)

Actors: Diana Elizabeth Torres, Yutaka Takeuchi, Rodrigo Duarte Clark
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A hardworking Latina single mother defies expectations by pursuing her dream of becoming a sushi chef, despite cultural and gender barriers. With its themes of perseverance and the blending of Mexican and Japanese cuisine, this inspiring film is a perfect reflection of cultural pride for Cinco de Mayo.

Three Amigos (1986)

Actors: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

Three washed up silent film stars are mistaken for real heroes and must save a small Mexican village from a ruthless bandit. Filled with humor, mariachi flair, and classic slapstick comedy, this film is a lighthearted way to celebrate Mexican culture on Cinco de Mayo.

Rio (2011)

Actors: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez
MPAA Rating: G
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A domesticated macaw named Blu embarks on an exciting adventure to Brazil, discovering love, courage, and the joy of flight. While set in Brazil, Rio is bursting with Latin music, energy, and vibrant animation, making it a fun and colorful pick for a Cinco de Mayo family movie night.

Selena (1997)

Actors: Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Jon Seda
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

This heartfelt biopic tells the inspiring story of Selena Quintanilla, the beloved Tejano music star, as she rises to fame and leaves a lasting legacy. Celebrating Mexican-American culture, music, and perseverance, Selena is a perfect film to honor heritage and Latin pride on Cinco de Mayo.

Rango (2011)

Actors: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin
MPAA Rating: PG
IMDb | Amazon Prime

A quirky pet chameleon accidentally becomes the sheriff of a dusty desert town and must step up to protect its citizens. With its Western setting, mariachi inspired soundtrack, and nods to Mexican cinema, Rango adds a fun, adventurous twist to a Cinco de Mayo movie lineup.