The Best Films About Cuba To Watch Before You Visit

Watching films is a great way to get inspired about an upcoming trip. Here are some of the top titles to watch before you head off to Cuba.

Our Man in Havana (1959)

Filmed in Havana a few years after the revolution, this dark comedy is a great way of seeing how the Cuban capital used to look. It features Alec Guinness as a British salesman who is tasked with setting up a spy network for MI6. There is a huge number of great shots, and even a scene at the iconic Tropicana nightclub.

Una Noche (2012)

Habanastation (2011)

Watch as director Ian Padrón explores the growing economic inequality on the island through the lives of two youngsters from different neighbourhoods. It’s an interesting look at how the nominally socialist system is in fact allowing for the creation of class structures.

Fresa y Chocolate (1993)

This classic Cuban film won an Oscar award for its depiction of the struggles of a gay artist in the face of government persecution of the LGBT community. It takes its name from two flavours of ice cream at the famous Helados Coppelia parlour in Havana, which features in the movie.

Guantanamera (1995)

This film is set during the Special Period in Time of Peace, a tough time in the 1990s, when the end of Soviet aid programmes led to great hardship in Cuba. It’s a good watch, and one that will help you get an idea of what Cubans have been through.

Viva Cuba (2005)

An interesting take on societal issues, Viva Cuba is filmed from the perspective of child protagonists Malú (Malú Tarrau Broche) and Jorgito (Jorgito Miló Ávila). It deals with the effects of migration on children and the relationships that are interrupted when someone moves away.

El Benny (2006)

A fictional exploration of the life of one of Cuba’s most famous musicians, Benny Moré, this film sees contemporary musicians, such as Los Orishas, performing new versions of Moré’s old classics.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.