Ready to up your Spanish game without jumping straight into telenovela territory? Check out Spanish cartoons! These animated shows are already super fun to watch, and when you flip the audio to Spanish, you get a totally stress-free way to practice. The visuals help you follow the story even when words fly past you—perfect for anyone who's felt overwhelmed by regular Spanish TV shows!
In this post, we'll show you eight killer Netflix cartoons to watch in Spanish that'll boost your listening skills without the pressure. We've rounded up options with different styles and difficulty levels, so you'll find something that clicks.
Netflix Cartoons To Watch In Spanish
Each show on our list has something special for language learners - maybe it's the perfect speaking speed, useful everyday vocabulary, or stories simple enough to follow without catching every word. We've also included the original language of each show so you know what to expect from the Spanish dub.
And don't worry about finding age-appropriate content - these picks work great for teens and adults looking to learn, not just kids!
Maya and The Three
Created by Mexican filmmaker Jorge Gutierrez, "Maya and The Three" is a Netflix original that's perfect for Spanish practice. The show's original language is English, but the Spanish dub feels incredibly natural since the story centers around Mesoamerican mythology.
This 9-episode series follows Maya, a warrior princess fighting to save humanity from the gods. With its Mexican cultural roots, watching in Spanish gives you exposure to Latin American expressions and mythology-related vocabulary that you wouldn't get from your typical Spanish class.
3Below
Part of Guillermo del Toro's "Tales of Arcadia" trilogy, "3Below" was originally created in English but features excellent Spanish dubbing. This sci-fi animated series follows royal alien siblings who crash-land on Earth and must blend in while hiding from bounty hunters.
The Spanish version includes plenty of everyday conversations as the aliens try to understand human customs, making it great for picking up casual phrases and slang. Plus, the sci-fi setting means you'll learn some tech and space-related vocabulary that might come in handy!
Daniel Spellbound
Originally an English-language Netflix original, "Daniel Spellbound" follows a teen tracker who finds magical items in modern New York City. The Spanish dub works really well because magical terminology sounds cool in any language!
Since the show combines modern-day talk with fantasy elements, you'll pick up both everyday vocab and fun magical phrases. The episodes run about 25 minutes each, perfect for a quick Spanish session without getting overwhelmed.
A Tale Dark and Grimm
Based on the book series, this English-language Netflix adaptation follows Hansel and Gretel as they venture through twisted fairy tales. The Spanish version is fun because fairy tales have their own special vocabulary and phrases in Spanish culture. You'll learn how traditional stories get told in Spanish-speaking countries, all while following a plot you're probably already familiar with—making it easier to follow along even when you miss a few words.
Hilda
Originally produced in English, "Hilda" is a British-Canadian animated series with an excellent Spanish version. The show follows blue-haired Hilda and her adventures with magical creatures in a Scandinavian-inspired setting. The Spanish dub stands out for its clear pronunciation and manageable pace, making it perfect for beginners.
Since Hilda often explores nature, you'll pick up lots of outdoor and environmental vocabulary alongside basic conversational Spanish.
Wizards
This fantasy series combines time travel, magic, and Arthurian legend. The Spanish version helps you learn both modern expressions and old-timey language (when characters travel to medieval Camelot). It's a bit more complex than some others on this list, so it works well for intermediate learners looking to level up their skills.
Trolls: The Beat Goes On
This English-language DreamWorks series continues the story from the Trolls movies. Its Spanish version is fantastic for beginners because it features tons of songs! Music helps vocabulary stick in your brain better, and you'll find yourself humming Spanish phrases without even trying. The show also uses simple, repetitive dialogue patterns that make it easy to follow along and predict what characters might say next.
Trash Truck
Originally created in English, this sweet Netflix show follows a boy and his imaginary friend—a giant trash truck. The Spanish dub works wonderfully for absolute beginners because the dialogue is straightforward and often relates directly to what you're seeing on screen.
Since many episodes focus on simple activities like going to the beach or visiting a farm, you'll learn basic vocabulary for everyday locations and actions. The shorter 11-minute episodes also make it perfect for quick study sessions!
Why Watch Netflix Cartoons In Spanish
Why pick cartoons to learn Spanish? Simple: they're actually made for people learning new stuff! Think about it - when kids watch cartoons, they're still figuring out their own language. So these shows are built with simpler words, clearer speaking, and stories that make sense even if you miss some dialogue.
- Easy-to-follow plots: Most cartoons tell straightforward stories with obvious heroes, villains, and goals. You won't get lost in complex storylines while trying to catch what everyone's saying.
- Visual context clues: When a character points at something while talking about it, you instantly connect the word to the object. These visual hints make the understanding way easier.
- Shorter episodes: Most cartoons run just 20-30 minutes—quick enough to fit into your day without feeling like homework. Watch one during lunch and you've already practiced Spanish!
- Fun factor: You'll stick with something you actually enjoy. Cartoons are made to be entertaining, so you keep coming back... and learning Spanish almost by accident.
- Repeated phrases: Many cartoons have catchphrases or lines that come up again and again, helping burn vocabulary into your brain naturally.
Time to turn your Netflix habits into actual Spanish progress! These eight cartoons will get you started right away.
Ready To Jump In? Here's How To Make It Count!
Now that you know which cartoons to add to your Netflix queue, it's time to turn casual watching into actual Spanish learning! That's where Lingopie changes the game completely.
Instead of just standard subtitles, Lingopie offers interactive dual-language subtitles, word lookups with a single click, and personalized flashcards created from words you encounter. You can even slow down speech in tricky sections or repeat phrases to nail the pronunciation.
The best part? When you install the Lingopie extension, you can easily import and watch these Netflix cartoons and learn from them. So grab some snacks, fire up these cartoons in Spanish, and give your language skills the boost they deserve! With these animated shows and the right tools, you'll be speaking Spanish before you know it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cartoons really effective for learning Spanish?
Yes! Research shows watching Spanish cartoons boosts vocabulary retention by up to 40% compared to traditional study methods. The combination of audio, visuals, and simple storylines creates perfect learning conditions for your brain to make connections. Kids learn languages this way naturally—cartoons mimic this process for adults.
Which cartoon is best for absolute beginners?
"Trash Truck" tops our list for total newbies. Its 11-minute episodes use basic vocabulary with lots of visual cues. "Trolls: The Beat Goes On" comes in close second because its catchy songs help new words stick in your memory without much effort.
Can I really learn Spanish just by watching cartoons?
Watching alone won't make you fluent, but it's an excellent supplement! Cartoons train your ear for real Spanish sounds and help you pick up natural phrases. For best results, pair your cartoon watching with interactive tools that let you click on words, save vocabulary, and practice what you hear.
Do I need subtitles while watching?
Dual subtitles (Spanish + English) work best for beginners and intermediate learners. They help you connect what you hear with what you read. When using Netflix alone, you'll need to choose either Spanish or English subtitles, which isn't ideal. Language learning platforms provide both simultaneously, making learning much faster.
How long should I watch each day to see improvement?
Just 20-30 minutes daily (one cartoon episode) can show results within weeks. Consistency matters more than marathon sessions. Your brain needs regular exposure to new language patterns, not occasional cram sessions.
