7 best Hispanic telenovelas of all time

• Best Telenovelas in Hispanic Culture
• Memorable TV Hits
• Lasting Impact of These Stories

We present a list that will surely spark discussions during National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

Over the years, the Latino audience has been known for its love of telenovelas, always seeking quality stories.

For this reason, this list may be subject to controversy, as many great telenovelas may not be included.

Here, you’ll recall both «Yo soy Betty, la Fea» and «Café con Aroma de Mujer» (Colombian telenovelas) as well as several made in Mexico.

Los Ricos También Lloran (The Rich Also Cry), One of the Best Hispanic Telenovelas

«Los Ricos También Lloran» premiered in 1979 and was produced by Valentín Pimstein for Televisa, where it enjoyed great success.

Rafael Banquells directed this telenovela, which features stellar performances by Rogelio Guerra and Verónica Castro.

Edith González, Guillermo Capetillo, Rocío Banquells, Carlos Cámara, and Miguel Palmer, later replaced by Fernando Luján, complete the cast.

In total, 248 episodes were aired, and it was broadcast on all five continents, dubbed into 25 different languages.

Witchcraft and the Occult in «El Maleficio» (The Curse)

The telenovela «El Maleficio» could be described as ahead of its time, as it addressed topics like witchcraft and the occult for the first time.

Its success was such that it had a sequel in the cinema, called «El Maleficio II (Los Enviados del Infierno),» though with less impact.

Ernesto Alonso, known as ‘El Señor Telenovela,’ produced and starred in this eerie story.

The telenovela featured actors of the caliber of Jacqueline Andere, Norma Herrera, María Sorté, Carlos Bracho, and Humberto Zurita.

Catalina Creel, a Villain for the Ages

When mentioning the telenovela «Cuna de Lobos» (Cradle of Wolves), most immediately think of its villain, the wicked Catalina Creel.

María Rubio (RIP) was responsible for bringing this character to life. In interviews, the actress revealed that people would stop her on the streets to scold her for her misdeeds.

The stars of this story were Diana Bracho and Gonzalo Vega, supported by Rebecca Jones, Alejandro Camacho, and Lilia Aragón, among others.

Many consider it one of the best telenovelas in the history of Mexico. Its unsettling ending is remembered to this day.

«Rosa Salvaje» (Wild Rose), Another Hit for Verónica Castro

Years after «Los Ricos También Lloran,» Verónica Castro scored another success with the telenovela «Rosa Salvaje» (Wild Rose).

Considered one of the best Hispanic telenovelas of all time, «Rosa Salvaje» tells the story of Rosa García.

The young woman lives with her godmother Tomasa, affectionately called ‘Manina,’ who raised her since she was a child.

Supporting ‘La Vero’ are actors Guillermo Capetillo, Laura Zapata, Claudio Báez, Liliana Abud, Renata Flores, and Felicia Mercado.

«Café con Aroma de Mujer» (Coffee with the Scent of a Woman), a great Hispanic telenovela

For many viewers, «Café con Aroma de Mujer» should be considered one of the best Hispanic telenovelas of all time.

Guy Ecker and Margarita Rosa de Francisco starred in this story written by Fernando Gaitán and produced by RCN Televisión in Colombia.

Years later, it had another version starring William Levy and Laura Londoño, though not as successful.

«Café…» became popular among audiences of all ages and genders, something very difficult to achieve even today.

The Global Impact of the Colombian Telenovela «Yo soy Betty, la Fea» (I am Betty, the Ugly One)

Much could be said about this Colombian telenovela, but more than 23 years after its premiere, it is still being talked about.

«In 1999, «Yo soy Betty, la Fea» was included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful telenovela in television history.

Fernando Gaitán wrote this story, which was broadcast in over 180 countries and dubbed into 25 languages.

To date, there are at least 28 adaptations worldwide. Colombian actress Ana María Orozco delivered an outstanding performance.

«Despierta la mujer que en mí dormía…» («Awaken the Woman in Me…»)

Another telenovela ahead of its time, but aimed at a young audience, was «Quinceañera,» aired from October 1987 to February 1988.

The lead roles were played by Adela Noriega, Ernesto Laguardia, Thalía, and Rafael Rojas, not to mention Sebastián Ligarde and Nailea Norvind.

In this list of the best Hispanic telenovelas of all time, «Corazón Salvaje» (Wild at Heart) had to be included, starring Eduardo Palomo and Edith González.

According to Diez minutos magazine, «María la del Barrio,» «Mirada de Mujer,» and «La Dueña,» among many others, should also be mentioned.