Hollywood has a huge debt to Latino actors: for years, they have been stereotyped in roles that are either criminal or secondary in nature. However, this glass ceiling is slowly but surely being broken. One of the most profitable (and star-making!) genres is the ever-present romantic comedy.

To get ready for Valentine’s Day, here are 21 romantic comedies led by Latino actors or Latino characters. We have included both Hollywood movies and films coming out of Latin American entertainment industries. Representations matters!

“Spanglish”

Starring: Paz Vega and Adam Sandler

Year released: 2004

OK, this is a borderline example because it stars a Spanish actress who plays a Mexican maid who falls for her boss, a world-renowned chef. It is a bittersweet comedy about language and human connection.

“Fools Rush In”

Starring: Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry

Year released: 1997

A one-night-stand leads to an unplanned pregnancy which leads to a wedding. Of course, that leads to intercultural hilarity between an Anglo dude and a Latino family. A good fish-out-of-water experience so many people can relate to.

“Breaking Up”

Starring: Salma Hayek and Russell Crowe

Year released: 1997

We just can’t get enough Salmita. A movie about how hard it is to actually put an end to a romantic entanglement. Hayek and Crowe shine as the main couple. Ideal to watch if you just can’t shake off your ex.

“The Wedding Planner”

Starring: Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey

Year released: 2001

J.Lo is one of the absolute queens of the genre. In this movie, she plays a dynamic planner who thinks she found love at first sight. Unfortunately, the man she is falling for is destined to be married and her feelings need to be put in check fast.

“Monster in Law”

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Michael Vart, and Jane Fonda

Year released: 2005

One of the biggest issues when it comes to intercultural relationships are… suegras. Or so this movie makes us believe. Jane Fonda is the terrible in-law who le hace la vida de cuadritos to our beautiful princess.

“Shall We Dance?”

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon

Year released: 2004

This remake of a Japanese international hit is not what you expect. It is not a mature-dude-meets-young-ethnic-girl kind of deal, but an ode to marital love and friendship. The kind of stuff that would be great to watch with your parents.

“Everybody Loves Somebody”

Starring: Karla Souza, Jose Maria Yazpik

Year released: 2017

This bilingual film is commonplace but delicious. A Mexican doctor who lives in the US is suddenly torn between her Mexican ex and a new gringo flame. Totally worth a watch.

“Hitch”

Starring: Eva Mendes and Will Smith

Year released: 2005

Will Smith plays a hook-up expert coach who just can’t seem to woo a reporter played by the super sexy Eva Mendes. A comedy of errors that showcases the power and intelligence of Latino women.

“You’re Killing Me Susana”

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal and Veronica Echegui

Year released: 2016

Heartthrob Gael Garcia Bernal plays an actor who is left by his wife. Will be able to get the love of his life back? Gael has really matured as a thespian and this movie truly shows it. Hilarity and loss ensue.

“A Little Bit of Heaven”

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal and Kate Hudson

Year released: 2011

Sad, sad, sad…. a businesswoman played by Kate Hudson (post her breakthrough role in Almost Famous) has a carefree romantic life… until she gets colon cancer… and she falls for her doctor. Ouch.

“Letters to Juliet”

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal and Amanda Seyfried

Year released: 2010

A young woman, who happens to be engaged, is not happy with settling with a life that is less than romantic. She realizes that her beau, a chef played by Gael, is actually more focused on his job than on her. Un idiota. 

“Don’t Blame the Kid!”

Starring: Karla Souza

Year released: 2016

This surprise Mexican hit stars Karla Souza, who plays a posh girl who gets pregnant. The father? A younger, working-class dude. Director Gustavo Loza not only makes us laugh but also makes poignant social commentary on class and race relations in contemporary Mexico.

“From Prada to Nada”

Starring: Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega

Year released: 2011

A funny rags-to-riches story about two sisters who live in Beverly Hills until their papito dies suddenly. The sibling move to East Los Angeles, where they get in touch with their roots and realize that love is much more than social status.

“Bad Moms”

Starring: Jay Hernandez and Mila Kunis

Year released: 2016

This hilarious comedy about the life of moms pushes a very important agenda but it also includes some steamy romance scenes between Mila Kunis and Latino galanazo Jay Hernandez. He has matured really well. You can watch it back to back with Bad Moms 2.

“Crazy/Beautiful”

Starring: Jay Hernandez and Kirsten Dunst

Year released: 2001

This is not a romantic comedy per se, but it is romantic as hell. Two high school students fall for each other: one is a white rich girl, the other a Latino nerdy kid. As you can imagine, tragedy ensues perfect for a more serious Valentine’s Day.

“Behaving Badly”

Starring: Selena Gomez and Nat Wolff

Year released: 2014

A perfect example of passionate teenage love. A young man falls for the girl of his dreams (Selena Gomez, obviously!) but gets involved with some shady individuals in the process. Selena is truly magnetic.

“How to Be a Latin Lover”

Starring: Salma Hayek and Eugenio Derbez

Year released: 2017

No, Derbez and Hayek are not an item, but brother and sister. Derbez plays a gigolo who is dumped by his rich flame and has to crash at her sister’s place. Will she find true love? Will he?

“Our Family Wedding”

Starring: America Ferrara and Lance Gross

Year released: 2010

Let’s face it: families can be either big help or a terrible obstacle come wedding time. America Ferrara is sweet and amazing in this multicultural story about love and marriage.

“How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer”

Starring: Elizabeth Peña, Lucy Gallardo and America Ferrara

Year released: 2005

Not only an ode to romantic and sexual love, but also to the enduring bonds between grandmothers, mothers, and daughters. Three generations of Mexican-American women who experience romantic episodes during the course of the summer. A tear-jerker for sure.

“Mosquita y Mari”

Starring: Fennesa Pineda and Venecia Troncoso

Year released: 2012

An indie American film that tells the story of two Mexican-American teenage girls whose deep friendship develops into a more complex romantic bond. One of the few queer films coming out of indie Latino cinema in the U.S.

“Just the Ticket”

Starring: Andy Garcia and Andie MacDowell

Year released: 1998

An oldie but goodie. This underrated romantic comedy stars Cuban-American star Andy Garcia as a ticket scalper who wants to reignite the fire in his relationship. Not the best movie ever, but good for a Valentine’s Day movie marathon.

READ: Hollywood Does Latin America: 21 Movies Shot South Of The Border

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