10 Films & TV Shows Featuring Mexico City

Mexico City view
Mexico City view | © TVZ Design / Flickr
Stephen Woodman

With its fascinating cultural heritage and history, it is perhaps not surprising that Mexico City has been the setting for iconic films and TV shows. The megalopolis is also home to a thriving film industry and is the birthplace of several directors who have risen to international prominence. With that in mind, here are the ten best films and TV shows that feature Mexico City.

Amores Perros (2000)

Widely hailed as a modern classic, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s gritty debut feature is said to have kick started a new “Golden Age” in Mexican cinema. Starring Gael García Bernal, the film traces the lives of three citizens whose very different lives are brought together by a car accident in Mexico City.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Gael García Bernal followed on from his breakout role in Amores Perros with Y Tu Mamá También (And Your Mother Too). The film focuses on two Mexico City teenagers – played by García Bernal and Diego Luna – who embark on a steamy road trip with an older Spanish woman. The film was directed by Alfonso Cuaron, who went on to win the Best Director Oscar for Gravity (2013).

Gueros (2014)

This 2014 feature was given five Ariel Awards – Mexico’s Oscars – including Best Picture. Gueros traces a mischievous youth who is sent to stay with his brother in Mexico City. Filmed entirely in black and white, the film follows the brothers as they search for their musical hero, a journey that takes them all across the city.

The Noble Family (2013)

Nosotros Los Nobles (The Noble Family) focuses on three spoilt children whose father decides to teach them a valuable lesson about the real world by cutting off their pocket money. With no financial support, the children are forced to find jobs for the first time in their lives. An entertaining black comedy that examines class and inequality in modern Mexico City.

Spectre (2015)

This 2015 James Bond outing has a lavish opening sequence set in Mexico City during a Day of the Dead parade. The scene was shot in the Plaza Manuel Tolsa on Tacuba Street, and appears to be a four-minute long take, although it was actually several shots seamlessly blended together. At the time, no such Day of the Dead parade existed in Mexico City, although federal authorities have since organized a parade to capitalize on the interest generated by the film.

Frida (2002)

This 2002 Hollywood biopic stars Salma Hayek as the flamboyant Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Much of the film was shot in Kahlo’s iconic Casa Azul, or Blue House, the spacious, colourful building where she was born and died. The Aztec archaeological ruins of Teotihuacán also appear in the film.

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of Shakespeare’s most popular play was largely shot in Mexico City. Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in the Americas, was used as the Capulet’s mansion. In fact, the most memorable scene in the movie, where the star crossed lovers – played by Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio – first set eyes on each other, was filmed in the castle.

Castillo de Chapultepec, Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico +52 55 4040 5215

Sr. Ávila (2013)

This highly-rated HBO Latinoamérica production tells the story of a life insurance salesman and family man with a dark secret – he doubles as a contract killer for a major criminal organization. The fast paced thriller has unfolded over three seasons and a final season is in the works, with all filming taking place in Mexico City.

Crónica de castas (2014)

This exciting series centers on the Hotel Galicia, a fictional hotel buried deep in the heart of the rough Mexico City neighborhood of Tepito. A colorful array of characters populate Crónica de castas (The Caste Chronicles) and each episode captures the mood of Mexico City’s rundown underbelly. The series also touches on the violence that has become a part of life for many Mexicans caught up in the ongoing drug war that began in 2006.

Ingobernable (2017)

Kate del Castillo stars in Ingobernable (Ungovernable), a political drama that was released on Netflix in March 2017. The series follows the Mexican First Lady, played by Castillo, as she goes on the run after she is accused of assassinating her husband, the president. Occasionally melodramatic, it is an undeniably fast-paced and addictive series.

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