The 10 Best Day of the Dead Movies & Where to Stream Them

The Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that not only honors the deceased but also unveils the mystery, spirituality, and deep rootedness of Mexican culture.

It's a time when families come together to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed away. Over the years, Hollywood has taken an interest in sharing more of this story, which has led to several movies that give their unique spin on the holiday.

If you’re not sure what movies to watch on this Día de los Muertos, we’re here to help with both English and Spanish options.

How to Stream the Best Day of the Dead Movies

Whether you’re looking for free streaming options or you’re already subscribed to a streaming platform, there are plenty of ways to stream your favorite holiday movies. Your options include Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and many more. That means you can watch the best Day of the Dead movies just about anywhere, anytime, as long as you have a fast and reliable Internet connection.

The 10 Best Day of the Dead Movies to Watch

10. The Big Wish (2019) - No Rating

This animated film tells the story of Salma, a young girl who discovers her magical abilities during the Day of the Dead. She embarks on a journey to save her family, uncovering the importance of heritage and self-discovery in a vibrant, mystical adventure.

Starring: Alan Estrada, Memo Aponte, Fernanda Castillo.

Where to Stream: Fubo, Amazon Prime Video

9. A Night in Old Mexico (2013) - 40% Rating

As an elderly man in Texas is forced to sell his land, he embarks on a wild adventure with his estranged grandson in Mexico amidst the Day of the Dead celebrations. Their journey involves encounters with outlaws and newfound bonds, offering themes of redemption and freedom.

Starring: Robert Duvall, Jeremy Irvine.

Where to Stream: Pluto TV, Plex, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi.

8. La Leyenda de la Nahuala (2007) - 52% Rating

This animated film follows a group of children who venture into a haunted mansion on the Day of the Dead, encountering supernatural creatures and the terrifying Nahuala. The film blends humor, folklore, and adventure for audiences of all ages.

Starring: Jesús Ochoa, Rafael Inclán, Martha Higareda.

Where to Stream: Netflix, Sling TV.

7. Spectre (2015) - 63% Rating

With the help of his allies, James Bond unravels a sinister plot while confronting his past. Along with the action, intrigue, and classic Bond elements we all know and love, this film’s opening scene takes place during a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux.

Where to Stream: Fubo.

6. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) - 66% Rating

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, the final movie of this trilogy follows the legendary gunslinger El Mariachi as he's recruited by a CIA agent to stop a coup in Mexico. The film is a tale of revenge, politics, and intense gunfights in the backdrop of a corrupt and volatile Mexico, including an iconic Day of the Dead sequence.

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp.

Where to Stream: AMC+, Philo, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video.

5. Under the Volcano (1984) - 74% Rating

Set in the small Mexican town of Quauhnahuac on the Day of the Dead in 1938, this dramatic masterpiece follows the last 24 hours in the life of a British consul as he battles alcoholism and inner demons. Amid political turmoil and volcanic eruption, the film delves into themes of addiction and despair.

Starring: Albert Finney, Jacqueline Bisset, Anthony Andrews.

Where to Stream: Max, Amazon Prime Video.

4. The Book of Life (2014) - 83% Rating

Follow Manolo and join him on his quest to rescue the love of his life, Maria. This is an animated movie that beautifully captures the essence of the Day of the Dead from a lighter perspective.

Starring: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum.

Where to Stream: Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video.

3. The Halloween Tree (1993) - 84% Rating

This classic film is based on a Ray Bradbury novel. It’s an animated film following four friends on a magical journey on Halloween, which includes a stop in Mexico to learn about the significance of skeletons in the Day of the Dead festival.

Starring: Ray Bradbury, Leonard Nimoy, Annie Barker.

Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV.

2. Coco (2017) - 97% Rating

This is yet another Pixar instant-classic. Coco takes us into a deep dive of the traditions of the Day of the Dead. Sit back and enjoy as you follow young Miguel on his journey in the land of the dead.

Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt.

Where to Stream: Disney+.

1. Macario (1960) - 100% Rating

Can Macario make a deal with Death to save his life? You’ll need to watch to find out. Set on the eve of the Day of the Dead, this film was the first Mexican movie to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscar Awards.

Starring: Ignacio López Tarso, Pina Pellicer.

Where to Stream: VIX, Amazon Prime Video.

Honorable Mentions

The movies mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are several other ‘Day of the Dead’ movies available for you to enjoy. Check out a few of our honorable mentions:

• Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life: A documentary that explores the rich cultural and spiritual significance of the Mexican holiday.
• Sugar Skull Girls: A horror film that incorporates the Day of the Dead into its supernatural plot.
• All Souls Day: A 2005 zombie flick set in a small town in Mexico during the Day of the Dead.

Looking for More Holiday Movies?

From Halloween to Christmas and beyond, we’ve created lists of the best movies to watch for nearly every holiday. Whether you’re looking for comedy, action, or horror, we’ll let you know where you can stream all your favorite films.

SmartMove has you covered with the best movies for every holiday.