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5 Scary Movies Inspired by Latin American Legends

Last updated: September 11, 2024

From the chupacabra to La Llorona, Latin American legends have come to the big screen to stay—and scare audiences of all ages. Here are five adaptations of the most popular Latin American folklore tales, all with creepy characters and scary twists to delight horror fans. And if you're left wanting more haunting vibes, make sure to check out our lists of Guillermo del Toro's Halloween Must-Sees and 5 Family Movies to Celebrate the Day of the Dead.

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La Leyenda de la Llorona Poster Image
MOVIE

La Leyenda de la Llorona

age 8+

Mexican ghost story for kids has scares.

October 21, 2011 2011 NR (74 minutes)
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La Leyenda del Chupacabras Poster Image
MOVIE

La Leyenda del Chupacabras

age 8+

Fourth movie in Spanish-language series has scary parts.

October 14, 2016 2016 PG (81 minutes)
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Xico's Journey Poster Image
MOVIE

Xico's Journey

age 8+

Pro-nature tale is beautiful and sweet, has some violence.

February 12, 2021 2021 NR (85 minutes)
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Chupa movie poster: A boy strokes a cub of the mythical beast known as a chupacabra
MOVIE

Chupa

age 9+

Fantasy adventure has mythical beasts, peril, life lessons.

April 7, 2023 2023 PG (95 minutes)
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The Curse of La Llorona Poster Image
MOVIE

The Curse of La Llorona

age 16+

Scary supernatural horror movie has style but lacks oomph.

April 19, 2019 2019 R (93 minutes)
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