Coco (2017)

Pixar’s Coco is a film that transcends its animated format by weaving together emotion, culture, and mythology into a singular, unforgettable experience. Released in 2017, Coco follows the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. His journey takes him into the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, where he uncovers hidden family secrets and discovers the true power of memory and connection. What makes Coco especially powerful is how it draws from Mexican mythology and cultural traditions to tell a universal story about life, death, and remembrance.

At the core of Coco is the mythological framework of Día de los Muertos, a holiday that is deeply spiritual and symbolic in Mexican culture. The belief that the dead return to visit the living if they are remembered and honored is not just a narrative device—it is a mythological truth rooted in both pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions. The film brings this idea to life through the beautifully imagined Land of the Dead, a vibrant, glowing city filled with departed souls who continue to exist as long as their photos remain on altars, or ofrendas, in the world of the living. This realm reflects ancient ideas, especially from Aztec mythology, where the soul’s journey after death depended on how it lived, how it died, and how it was remembered.

Coco also introduces alebrijes, fantastical spirit animals that guide and protect souls in the afterlife. While alebrijes are a relatively modern Mexican art form, Coco gives them mythological depth by portraying them as spiritual guardians, similar to the concept of nahuales, the spirit animals believed to accompany individuals through life and into the afterlife in Mesoamerican beliefs. The enormous, majestic Pepita, who protects Miguel’s great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda, is a striking example of how Coco reimagines folk art through a mythological lens, creating a link between contemporary culture and ancestral spiritual beliefs.

Another profound mythological element in Coco is the concept of the Final Death—the moment when a soul is completely forgotten by the living and thus disappears forever from the Land of the Dead. This idea, though not directly from ancient mythology, aligns with the indigenous emphasis on memory, ritual, and ancestor veneration. It adds dramatic weight to the story, especially through the character of Héctor, whose fear of being forgotten creates an emotional anchor that underscores the importance of remembrance. In many mythological systems around the world, memory serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, and Coco captures this with heartbreaking beauty.

Miguel’s journey through the Land of the Dead follows the arc of a classic mythological hero’s quest. Like the great mythic heroes before him—Orpheus descending into Hades, or Quetzalcoatl venturing through Mictlán—Miguel enters a realm beyond the mortal world to uncover truths, face trials, and return transformed. He confronts illusions, uncovers deception, and ultimately brings healing not just to his own spirit but to his entire family lineage. This narrative structure elevates Coco from a charming story to a mythic adventure with universal resonance.

The film’s mythological themes are also reinforced by its visual language. The use of marigold petals as a spiritual pathway between worlds reflects actual Día de los Muertos practices, where marigolds are believed to guide spirits with their vibrant color and scent. In Coco, these petals form a glowing bridge that connects the land of the living with the dead—a perfect symbol of the liminal space that mythology often explores. This imagery enhances the idea that the barriers between life and death are porous, passable through love, memory, and ritual.

What makes Coco particularly impactful is its respectful portrayal of Mexican culture and its commitment to authenticity. The filmmakers consulted with cultural experts, local communities, and artists to ensure that the film didn’t merely borrow from mythology and tradition, but honored them. The result is a story that doesn’t just tell a mythological tale—it becomes one. Coco celebrates the living presence of myth in modern life, where family stories, community rituals, and collective memory shape identity and belief.

Ultimately, Coco is a myth for our times. It speaks to the universal need to remember, to connect with those who came before us, and to understand that death is not the end of our stories. With its lush visuals, heartwarming music, and spiritual depth, Coco invites viewers of all ages to reflect on the sacredness of memory and the power of honoring one’s ancestors. It teaches that mythology isn’t just a relic of the past—it is a living, breathing part of culture, passed down through stories, songs, and traditions. In doing so, Coco secures its place not only as a cinematic masterpiece, but as a new legend in its own right.