5 Spanish Crime Thriller Movies and TV Shows You Need to Watch Now
Posted by Language learning can be an exciting and engaging journey, especially when incorporating media like movies and TV shows into your study routine. Not only do they offer a break from traditional study methods, but they also provide real-life context and cultural insights that textbooks often lack. Watching Spanish crime thriller movies, in particular, can be highly beneficial. These gripping stories captivate viewers with their plots and complex characters, making language learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
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Crime thrillers are great for language learners because they use a lot of visual cues. Even if you miss some words, the context helps you understand. Their suspenseful nature makes you want to rewatch scenes, which reinforces your learning. These movies and series also make vocabulary more memorable by linking it to the plot.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore five unforgettable Spanish crime thriller films and series. These titles will keep you hooked while providing an immersive language-learning experience.
1. El Caso Asunta (The Asunta Case, 2024, Netflix)
In September 2013, Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra reported their daughter Asunta missing. Hours later, her body was found near Santiago de Compostela. The investigation quickly pointed to her parents as suspects. What drove them to commit such a crime? What secrets did their family hide?
This six-episode miniseries alternates between two timelines: events leading to Asunta’s death and the investigation. Even if you know the outcome, the gripping narrative will keep you watching.
From a language perspective, the series offers a mix of Spanish and Galician, showcasing the region’s linguistic diversity. You’ll also hear the Galician Spanish accent, which has a unique intonation. Many viewers even find themselves mimicking the speech patterns after watching the show.
2. Los renglones torcidos de Dios (God’s Crooked Lines, 2022, Netflix)
This film, based on the novel by Torcuato Luca de Tena, takes place in a psychiatric hospital. Alice Gould, a private investigator, checks herself in to solve a suspicious death. As she uncovers secrets, her own sanity is questioned. What’s real, and what’s not?
This thriller is packed with plot twists and flashbacks. It blurs the line between truth and lies, leaving you questioning everything until the final scene. Bárbara Lennie’s performance as Alice is extraordinary. Her clear Madrid accent is ideal for learners looking to improve their pronunciation.
3. Dolores: La verdad sobre el caso Wanninkhof (Dolores: The Truth About the Wanninkhof Case, 2021, HBO Max)
This documentary series revisits the 1999 murder of Rocío Wanninkhof in Málaga. Dolores Vázquez, a family friend, was wrongfully convicted due to circumstantial evidence and media pressure. Years later, the real murderer was discovered, exposing flaws in the investigation.
The series features interviews with legal experts, journalists, and family members, offering exposure to different Spanish accents. The courtroom scenes also provide valuable legal and conversational vocabulary, making it a rich resource for learners.
4. Muerte en León (Death in León, 2016, HBO Max)
This documentary series investigates the 2014 murder of Isabel Carrasco, a prominent political figure in León. Montserrat González, her daughter Triana Martínez, and a police officer, Raquel Gago, were accused and convicted of the crime.
The series delves into the political corruption and personal motives behind the murder. It also introduces viewers to the Leonese accent, which has a softer intonation and precise pronunciation, making it easier for learners to follow.
5. Los ojos de Julia (Julia’s Eyes, 2010, Amazon Prime)
This thriller follows Julia, a woman losing her sight, as she investigates her twin sister’s mysterious death. Officially ruled a suicide, Julia believes there’s more to the story. As her vision worsens, she faces unseen dangers and uncovers dark secrets.
Produced by Guillermo del Toro, the film combines suspense with horror. Its intense atmosphere and minimal dialogue make it ideal for beginner to intermediate learners. Set in Catalonia, it also introduces the Catalan accent, adding to its linguistic appeal.
Beyond Spanish Crime Thrillers: Learn Spanish Now
Watching the best Spanish crime thriller movies and TV shows can be an incredibly effective and enjoyable way to enhance your language skills. These films and series provide immersive experiences, exposing you to authentic dialogue, diverse accents, and cultural nuances. However, to maximise your learning, it’s beneficial to complement this method with private sessions with native teachers.
Private lessons with native Spanish teachers or Galician language instructors offer a personalised approach to learning that perfectly complements the insights gained from watching crime thrillers. In a one-to-one setting, you can practice speaking and listening in real-time, receive immediate feedback, and have your specific questions answered. This focused interaction helps reinforce what you’ve learned from the media, solidifying vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and boosting overall confidence in using the language.
→Sign Up Now: Free Trial Spanish Lesson With a Native Teacher!←
At Language Trainers, we offer tailored lessons with experienced native teachers who can help you reach your language goals. Our instructors understand the intricacies of the language and can provide the structured guidance you need to advance your skills. By combining the gripping narratives of Spanish crime thrillers with the expertise of our teachers, you’ll find yourself progressing faster and more effectively.
Start your language learning journey with Language Trainers today and experience the perfect blend of engaging content and professional instruction. Contact Language Trainers now so we can arrange an in-person Spanish course in Toronto, Ontario, or wherever you happen to live!