Tigers Are Not Afraid

Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)★ 7.6/10

Not Rated · MX · 83 min · September 24, 2017

  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Fantasy
  • Horror
  • Mystery
  • Thriller

Directed by: Issa López

Written by: Issa López

A haunting fairy tale about five children struggling to survive cartel violence and the lingering ghosts born from the daily horrors of the drug war.

Articles about this

Cast & crew

See all ›

Awards · 2 wins, 7 nominations

See all ›

Reviews

BBrianna_GarnerAugust 26, 2025
Mexican filmmakers often employ fantasy to embellish harsh realities, which to some viewers may be overly sentimental. Yet here, that dreamlike approach allows for a deeply emotional exploration of youth, trauma, and the enduring human longing for peace and beauty. The film's surrealism brings out a sincerity and innocence that’s hard to resist.
AAlexandra_HuberAugust 26, 2025
"Tigers Are Not Afraid" is an overlooked gem. The pacing is tight and focused, unfolding through a young girl's three wishes while weaving in chilling tales of terrorism, child trafficking, organ harvesting, and gendered violence. Issa López crafts a grim, fairytale-like world that feels both magical and brutally real.

In these picks