My list of useful Spanish resources
Warning: This is a long list. Please don't feel pressured to do everything all at once—you are not supposed to. Experiment with different resources one at a time and see what works best for you.
Complete Spanish Step by Step:
An absolute gem of a textbook. It covers almost all the grammar a non-native speaker would need, and the selected vocabulary (especially the verbs) is excellent.
McGraw-Hill Language Lab App:
An app for all McGraw-Hill textbooks (including Complete Spanish Step by Step). The interface is a bit clunky, but it does include flashcards and listening/pronunciation resources.
Feeling nostalgic? Want to rewatch cartoons from your childhood, lament the good old days, and improve your Spanish? Say no more, fam! (I literally just finished rewatching Death Note yesterday lol.)
Language Transfer (Spanish):
An awesome course that offers an alternative perspective on language learning. It draws a lot of parallels between Spanish and English and teaches useful shortcuts and tricks.
A large repository of videos from different Spanish-speaking countries and creators, covering a variety of topics. Content is available at super beginner, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Duolingo & Duolingo Podcasts:
Coupling Duolingo with the textbook worked wonders for me. I'd learn a concept from the book, then reinforce it on Duolingo (or vice versa). The podcasts are interesting, though I personally wish they were entirely in Spanish (I think I only listened to about 15).
My favorite flashcard tool! It supports batch uploads and provides audio pronunciation for almost all the words you add
Recommended YouTube channels:
Español con Juan: This man is the sunniest sunshine one could ever imagine.
How to Spanish: Absolute bebes, cover a large variety of interesting topics.
Hola Spanish: The nice lady has that "favourite school teacher" vibe, and I love it!
Pick up a school or university textbook on a subject you know well. You'll be surprised how easily you can figure out unfamiliar words just from the context.
Recommended Series/Movies:
EVERYTHING WITH TONY DALTON LOL. Or just pick a favourite Spanish-speaking actor and watch their filmography. The list includes:
Los simuladores: I've seen the Mexican remake (because…TONY DALTON), but there are other versions too. The plots are basically the same across adaptations. Even if you don't catch every word, the context and situations are easy to follow and a lot of fun.
And ofc, TONY DALTON!!!!!
2. Sr. Ávila: Four seasons of TONY DALTON!!!! Won Emmy for Non-English Language US Primetime Program. Has English subtitles and TONY DALTON!!!!
Fun fact: Tony said in an interview that playing Lalo was refreshing after four years of portraying a character "with the personality of a wall." While Ávila himself is kind of punchable, the series has some really interesting characters.
3. Pinky and the Brain (Pinky y Cerebro): Always loved this cartoon, and it’s super fun to (re)watch in Spanish. The dub is excellent. You can find it on LACartoons.
4. Disney animated movies: No explanation needed :D You can find 50 of them (50 Clásicos de Disney) on LACartoons.