10 Movies and Shows Similar to A Day Without a Mexican (2004)

Description: This film is a seminal work in the genre of immigration narratives, much like 'A Day Without a Mexican.' It follows the journey of two Guatemalan siblings fleeing to the U.S., highlighting the hardships and hopes of immigrants, a central theme in both films.

Fact: Directed by Gregory Nava, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It's often cited as one of the most important films about immigration.

Description: This film shares similarities with 'A Day Without a Mexican' in its exploration of the U.S.-Mexico border issues and the human impact of immigration policies. Both films use a mix of drama and dark humor to address serious social issues, and they highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Mexican immigrants to American society.

Fact: Directed by Tommy Lee Jones, who also stars in the film. The movie won awards at the Cannes Film Festival for Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

Description: This film, like 'A Day Without a Mexican,' explores the tensions and violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Both films use their settings to comment on broader social and political issues affecting Mexican communities.

Fact: A horror-thriller that incorporates elements of the real-life 'Narco Saints' cult. It's known for its gritty and intense atmosphere.

Description: Like 'A Day Without a Mexican,' this film delves into the personal and emotional struggles of Mexican immigrants in the U.S. It portrays the challenges of family separation due to immigration laws, a theme that resonates with the societal commentary in 'A Day Without a Mexican.'

Fact: The film was a box office success and was praised for its heartfelt storytelling. It stars Adrian Alonso and Kate del Castillo.

Description: This film shares with 'A Day Without a Mexican' a focus on the perilous journeys immigrants undertake. Both films use gripping narratives to shed light on the dangers and desperation faced by those seeking a better life across borders.

Fact: Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film won awards at the Sundance Film Festival. It's known for its realistic portrayal of gang violence and immigration.

Description: Like 'A Day Without a Mexican,' this documentary examines the tragic consequences of U.S. border policies. Both films humanize the statistics by focusing on individual stories affected by these policies.

Fact: The film tells the true story of a U.S. Marine killing a teenage goat herder near the border. It won several documentary awards.

Description: This film, while a thriller, touches on themes of isolation and the physical and psychological barriers between nations, much like the metaphorical absence in 'A Day Without a Mexican.' Both films use their premises to explore deeper societal divides.

Fact: Directed by Doug Liman, the film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena. It's a tense survival story set in the Iraq War.

Description: Similar to 'A Day Without a Mexican,' this film uses a unique approach to discuss immigration issues. It blends documentary and narrative styles to tell the true story of activists who infiltrated a detention center, highlighting systemic injustices.

Fact: The film won the NEXT Audience and Innovator Awards at Sundance. It's based on real events and activists.

Description: This documentary shares with 'A Day Without a Mexican' a focus on the human side of immigration debates. Both works present multiple perspectives on the issue, from migrants to activists to border patrol agents.

Fact: The film was shot during a time of heightened border security post-9/1It provides a comprehensive look at the complexities of immigration policy.

Description: This documentary complements 'A Day Without a Mexican' by providing a grounded, interview-based look at why Mexicans leave their homes for the U.S. Both films challenge common misconceptions about immigration.

Fact: The director traveled across Mexico to interview families affected by migration. The film is praised for its intimate and unbiased approach.