Mexico, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, has always been a popular destination for filmmakers around the world. From the dusty deserts of the north to the lush jungles of the south, the country has a lot to offer to movie makers. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best movies filmed in Mexico and explore the stunning locations that served as the backdrop for these cinematic masterpieces.
10. Y Tu Mamá También
Y Tu Mamá También, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a coming-of-age film that follows two teenage boys and an older woman as they embark on a road trip through Mexico. The film explores themes of friendship, sexuality, and mortality against the backdrop of Mexico’s stunning beaches, mountains, and deserts.
9. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a classic western film directed by John Huston. Filmed in and around the town of Tampico in eastern Mexico, the movie follows a group of American prospectors as they search for gold in the rugged Sierra Madre mountains. The film is widely regarded as one of the best westerns ever made, and its stunning scenery is a testament to Mexico’s natural beauty.
8. Coco
Coco, directed by Lee Unkrich, is an animated film that tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician. The movie is set in the fictional Mexican town of Santa Cecilia, and features colorful depictions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations. The film was praised for its portrayal of Mexican culture, and its touching story has won over audiences around the world.
7. Roma
Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a semi-autobiographical film that explores the life of a young maid working for a middle-class family in Mexico City. The movie was shot in black and white, and features stunning depictions of the city’s streets, buildings, and neighborhoods. The film was widely acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of life in Mexico City, and won numerous awards including the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.
6. Amores Perros
Amores Perros, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, is a multi-narrative film that explores the lives of several characters whose paths intersect in Mexico City. The movie features stunning depictions of the city’s gritty streets and alleyways, as well as its vibrant culture and nightlife. The film was praised for its intense storytelling and raw emotion, and is widely regarded as one of the best Mexican films ever made.
5. Frida
Frida, directed by Julie Taymor, is a biographical drama that tells the story of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The film features stunning depictions of Mexico City, as well as the countryside around the city where Kahlo grew up. The movie was widely acclaimed for its portrayal of Kahlo’s life and art, and earned numerous awards including two Oscars.
4. The Wild Bunch
The Wild Bunch, directed by Sam Peckinpah, is a classic western film that was shot in various locations across Mexico. The movie follows a group of aging outlaws as they plan one last heist, and features stunning depictions of the Mexican landscape, from the deserts of Durango to the canyons of Chihuahua. The film was praised for its gritty realism and intense violence, and is widely regarded as one of the best westerns ever made.
3. Desperado
Desperado, directed by Robert Rodriguez, is an action-packed film that takes place in the fictional town of El Mariachi in Mexico. The movie stars Antonio Banderas as a guitar-playing vigilante seeking revenge against a drug lord. The film features stunning depictions of Mexican culture, including colorful streets, bustling markets, and lively music. The movie was praised for its high-octane action and stylish direction, and helped launch Banderas’ Hollywood career.
2. The Three Amigos
The Three Amigos, directed by John Landis, is a comedy film that takes place in the fictional Mexican village of Santa Poco. The movie follows three hapless actors, played by Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short, as they are mistaken for real-life heroes and asked to save the village from a band of bandits. The film features stunning depictions of Mexican culture, from colorful costumes to lively music and dance. The movie was praised for its silly humor and memorable performances by its three leads.
1.Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Once Upon a Time in Mexico, also directed by Robert Rodriguez, is the third installment in the director’s “Mexico Trilogy”. The movie follows Antonio Banderas’ character El Mariachi as he is recruited by the CIA to take down a corrupt Mexican general. The film features stunning depictions of Mexican culture, including vibrant cities, dusty deserts, and bustling markets. The movie was praised for its stylish direction and action-packed set pieces.
Why Choose Mexico for Filming
Mexico has become an increasingly popular location for filmmakers from around the world. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thriving film industry, it’s no surprise that more and more filmmakers are choosing to shoot their movies in this beautiful country.
Stunning Natural Beauty
One of the main reasons why filmmakers choose Mexico as a filming location is its breathtaking natural beauty. From the deserts of Durango to the lush jungles of Chiapas, Mexico offers a wealth of stunning landscapes and iconic backdrops. Additionally, Mexico’s stunning coastline and pristine beaches have been the setting for numerous films, including The Night of the Iguana and The Shawshank Redemption.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Mexico’s unique blend of indigenous and European traditions has created a rich and diverse cultural landscape that filmmakers have long been drawn to. From the colorful festivals and lively music of Oaxaca to the ancient ruins of the Maya and Aztec civilizations, Mexico’s cultural heritage offers a wealth of inspiration for filmmakers.
State-of-the-Art Production Facilities
Mexico’s film industry is one of the largest and most advanced in Latin America. The country boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and talented crews that are experienced in working on a wide range of film projects. Additionally, Mexico offers a number of incentives and tax breaks to encourage foreign productions to shoot in the country.
Experienced Crews
Mexico’s film industry has a long and storied history, with a number of talented filmmakers and crews calling the country home. This wealth of experience and expertise means that filmmakers who shoot in Mexico can rely on a highly skilled workforce to help bring their vision to life. This has led to several of the best movies filmed in Mexico on our list.
Cost-Effective Filming
Mexico’s lower production costs compared to other countries is also a key factor for filmmakers. This means that filmmakers can often achieve high production value at a fraction of the cost of filming in other locations.
What are some other movies filmed in Mexico?
– The Magnificent Seven
– Babel
– The Last Emperor
– Traffic
– The Mexican
What is the “Mexico Trilogy”?
The “Mexico Trilogy” is a series of three films directed by Robert Rodriguez that all take place in Mexico. The films are El Mariachi, Desperado, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
What makes Mexico such a popular destination for filmmakers?
Mexico’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique history make it an ideal location for a wide range of films. Additionally, the country’s film industry is one of the largest in Latin America, with state-of-the-art production facilities and talented crews.
Are there any film festivals in Mexico?
Yes, there are several film festivals in Mexico, including the Guadalajara International Film Festival, the Morelia International Film Festival, and the Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival.
What are some other popular Mexican films?
– El Norte
– Like Water for Chocolate
– Pan’s Labyrinth
– Nosotros los Nobles
Mexico has provided a stunning backdrop for numerous movies over the years, from classic westerns to modern-day dramas and comedies. The country’s diverse landscapes and rich culture have inspired filmmakers from around the world, and its unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty continues to captivate audiences today.