The end of Latinx Heritage Month shouldn’t stop audiences from watching Latinx stories. 

When Oct. 15 rolls around and the world reverts to its regularly scheduled programming, it’s imperative that audiences keep exploring Latinx media, especially titles outside their comfort zone. 

Jennifer Lopez’s breakout film “Selena” should definitely be crossed off your watchlist by now. And while the world should still do anything for Selenas, there are other Latinx stories to be acknowledged. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month, enacted into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, celebrates those with roots in certain Latin American countries. Unlike the term “Hispanic,” “Latinx” refers to someone from any Latin American country. The Human Rights Campaign uses the term “Latinx Heritage Month” to include Brazilian and Inidigenous peoples, who are left out by Hispanic Heritage Month. Their stories are worth watching, too. 

The Daily Texan has compiled a list of Latinx movies and shows to add to your watchlist. Please feel free to watch them before the celebratory month ends and onward. Don’t be afraid to use subtitles. 

This 2009 drama by Paola Mendoza and Gloria La Morte depicts the life of a Colombian mother, who cares for her two children in New York City after her husband walks out on the family. Not knowing English, Mariana struggles with scraping together money while attempting to devote time to her young ones. This film is a tearjerker that displays fierce motherly love and is based on true events from Mendoza’s life.

“Vampires vs. The Bronx”
Available on Netflix

Director Osmany Rodriguez shares the horror of gentrification in this spooky flick. When vampires come into the Bronx with plans to buy out businesses and suck the blood of its residents, a few teenagers decide it’s up to them to save their neighborhood. Garlic, wooden stakes and holy water-filled water balloons make an appearance in the satirical film.

“The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão”
Available on Amazon Prime

Two sisters in 1950s Rio de Janeiro find themselves forced apart. Despite their trying circumstances, they continue living different lives with the common goal of reuniting once again. The film speaks to the gender struggles of the time period as well as the unbreakable bond between siblings.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
Available on Netflix

Miles Morales saves the day in this mind-boggling animated picture. Although there’s more than one Spider-Man, Miles is one of the few Latinx superheroes in existence. Yes, he swings from skyscrapers like any other Peter Parker, but Morales is the first hero I’ve ever heard say “OK, mami. Hasta luego.”

“Jane the Virgin”
Available on Netflix

When Jane Villanueva is accidentally artificially inseminated, her life turns into a real-life telenovela. Between the theatrics of evil twins, mysterious murders and steamy hookups, the show portrays the life of a multigenerational Venezuelan family living in Miami.

Pero Like
Available on YouTube

This YouTube channel acts as an arm of BuzzFeed and a comedic resource on the diversity within the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Videos such as “Signs You Grew Up With A Latina Mom” poke fun at the culture, while titles such as “Struggles of Not Feeling Latino Enough” speak honestly on identity challenges.

Jenny Lorenzo
Available on YouTube

Pero Like’s co-founder, Jenny Lorenzo, appears on other Latinx YouTube channels, such as we are mitú. She also has her own channel filled with skits on Cuban American families, where she plays every character. (Her wig game is strong.)