The 100 Best Telenovela Theme Songs: This Week, 80-61

The story: Based on the novel by Colombian writer Juan Gossaín, “La Mala Hierba” (Bad Weed) from Caracol network was perhaps the first narco-novela. It told the story of El Cacique Miranda, a man from the Colombian coast who accidentally enters the marijuana business, accumulating wealth and misfortune. The theme song was performed by vallenato legend and three-time winner of the vallenato festival Alfredo Gutiérrez, who also appeared in a cameo.

Why It Connected: The nighttime telenovela, considered violent for its time, caused a sensation and was a harbinger of the future of drug trafficking and the havoc it would wreak on Colombia.

The Story: Set in 1940s Mexico City, the telenovela unfolds in the Kumbala cabaret, a center of high society and clandestine dramas. The narrative focuses on Isabela, a wealthy young woman, who must navigate through a labyrinth of social expectations while dealing with her love for Adolfo amidst family disapproval and dramatic rivalries.

Why it connected: In a twist, the theme song was an instrumental piano ballad by the late great composer Bebu Silvetti. It set the tone of mystery that perfectly encapsulated the secret world of Kumbala. Its haunting melody resonates with the novel’s themes: forbidden love, ambition, and betrayal.

The Story: Florencia Bertotti stars in this modern version of Cinderella produced in Argentina. Florencia, a young orphan who works in a produce shop and sings in a band with her friends, performs at a party for the Fritzenwalden family, changing her life forever.

Why It Connected: The music reflected the fresh and vibrant energy of Floricienta, making each song an anthem among fans and creating a lasting bond. It was key in conquering young audiences in 40 countries and inspiring global adaptations.

The Story: Francisco el matemático (Francisco the Mathematician) is the story of a good-hearted young mathematics teacher who navigates the problems of his high school students at a district school in Bogotá. Originally conceived as a weekly series, it became a daily soap opera thanks to its success.

Why It Connected: Francisco dealt with the real problems of young people from different social strata. The series benefited from its theme song, an adaptation of the party dance song “El revoliático,” which famously uses the phrase “Francisco el matemático.” The song, a classic in Colombia composed by Alvaro Mercado and Alcides Díaz, was repurposed for the series in the voice of Diana Angel.

The Story: Produced by Venevisión and written by César Miguel Rondón, this Venezuelan soap opera delves into the intricate lives of a wealthy patriarch and his three daughters, exploring the depths of their complex romantic entanglements. It unveils of long-held family secrets, and the personal challenges they face.

Why It Connected: The slow-burning theme song, with its emotive lyrics and Rigó’s evocative voice, perfectly mirrored the internal conflicts and romantic depth of the series, striking a chord with the audience.

The Story: Desde que te conocí (Since I Met You) is an adaptation of telenovela Señora Isabel, which was also adapted before as Mirada de Mujer, all with enormous success. The plot revolves around a woman played by Victoria Ruffo, who is deceived by her husband and after divorcing meets a much younger man (Mauricio Ochman), who inspires her to move forward. The main theme song, written by Sandra Bustos and Ángelo, was performed by Ruffo herself.

Why It Connected: The relationship that arises between an older woman and a younger man, ended many prejudices.

The Story: This Venezuelan soap opera starring Catherine Fulop and Fernando Carrillo tells the story of the pampered Abigaíl, the only daughter of a wealthy businessman who falls in love with her school literature teacher, Carlos Alfredo. After immediately having a child with him, the young protagonist, in a moment of mental delirium, gives her baby away to an unknown taxi driver. Abigaíl will spend the next few years fighting to recover both her son and Carlos Alfredo’s love.

Why It Connected: With powerful lyrics about longing for the past and the sadness of not being able to be with your loved one, “Oh, No (No Te Quiero Olvidar)” by Fernando y Juan Carlos fit perfectly with the plotline, amplifying the emotions of its characters in the audience’s hearts as the opening theme of the show.

The Story: This teen-oriented telenovela, starring Anahí and Kuno Becker, premiered in 2000, during the “golden age” of Mexican pop music of the late ’90s and early 2000s. In this new version of Quinceañera, Anahí plays Jovana Luna, who lives in a humble home and, in her free time, works at a café to help her father with household expenses. She falls in love with León Baldomero (Kuno), but her mother rejects him because he’s humble mechanic.

Why It Connected: The story resonated with the Y2K generation by focusing not only on the love story but also on topics like drugs, sex, teenage pregnancy, family dynamics, and eating disorders. The song is a rebellious pop-rock singalong performed by Lynda Thomas (known as Lynda), who later retired from music.

The Story: Produced by José Enrique Crousillat and Malú Crousillat for Televisa, the plot is the typical forbidden love where the humble woman falls in love with the rich man. In it, Morelia (Alpha Acosta) escapes from her native Michoacán and goes to Miami where she works in a nightclub. One of her clients sues her and the lawyer Carlos Montero (Arturo Peniche) comes to the rescue.

Why It Connected: Like most telenovelas, it was full of drama. On top of that, Cristian Castro’s plaintive performance of “Morelia,” a ballad, almost compelled you to watch. The song hit No. 30 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart in 1995.

The Story: This melodrama, produced by soap opera iconic producer Rosy Ocampo for Televisa, is one of the most emblematic children’s telenovelas on Mexican television, and tells the story of a children’s musical group whose name gives the TV show its title. The protagonists are twin sisters separated at birth, both played by Belinda, who was later replaced by Daniela Luján due to work commitments, as stated by the production at the time.

Why It Connected: Music was key to its popularity. “The Froggie Dance” became an iconic song for Belinda. In 2016, the singer debunked rumors that she disliked performing it live, and this year, performed it corrido tumbao style during her performance at the Arre festival.

The Story: This children’s musical telenovela, produced by Rosy Ocampo, tells the story of a group of children — the “Alegrijes” (or Happies) and the “Rebujos” (Grumpies) — who discover a haunted mansion. Eventually, they realize it’s “haunted” by the eccentric and well-meaning Don Darvelio. Now, the children music find a way to beat evil Helga, who wants to get rid of orphan Sofía, the only one who has the power to destroy her.

Why it connected: Think Harry Potter meets High School Musical, plus key breakout roles for Diego Bonetta and Allisson Lozz.

The Story: This adaptation of the first version of Esmeralda from 1970 stars Venezuelan actors Grecia Colmenares (Topacio) and Víctor Cámara (Jorge Luis) as a blind country girl and the son of a wealthy landowner, respectively. They fall in love and become entangled in a series of lies that prevent them from being together throughout the plot.

Why It Connected: Although it appeared to be the typical story of a poor girl falling in love with a rich man, the protagonist overcame professional and emotional challenges. The main theme song was performed by Venezuelan actor and singer Carlos Mata.

The Story: Starring Lucía Méndez and Andrés García, this Mexican soap opera tells the story of Antonio Lombardo, who, after losing his memory in an accident, falls in love with Raquel, a woman deceived by his ambitious stepbrother.

Why It Connected: The lyrics reflect the protagonist’s internal struggle, which allowed the audience to identify with her suffering. This would be one of many soap operas to which Mendez lent her voice in addition to her acting skills.

The Story: Six women who work in a real estate agency face different problems; one is diagnosed with cancer (Rebecca Jones); another suffers from psychological abuse from her partner (Nailea Norvind); another is beaten by her alcoholic husband (Alejandra Barros); another is in a constant power struggle with her husband (Sophie Alexander); another is psychologically manipulated by her partner (África Zavala); and the sixth (Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez), was cheated on by her husband with a younger woman.

Why It Connected: The female audience felt identified with the stories, and the song by Kany García, a powerful female artist, was also used in a campaign against domestic violence. It reached No. 22 on Billboard‘s Latin Pop Airplay chart.

The Story: The plot revolves around the Hierro Family (starring Blanca Guerra and Alejandro Camacho as the parents) and their children (Angelique Boyer and Jorge Poza). The lives of adults and young people with their own problems were part of the first soap opera broadcast on the 10:00 p.m. slot in Mexico, setting a precedent for prime time which remains in place today.

Why It Connected: Showcasing a family like any other was the first hook. The voice of Fonseca, at that time a rising artist, singing tropipop, gave it contemporary flavor.

The Story: The Mexican adaptation of the Colombian soap opera Betty La Fea had the most watched ending in the history of Mexican television at the time. The Mexican version tells the story of the intelligent but ugly Lety (Angélica Vale), who falls in love with the owner of the modeling and advertising agency Conceptos, the womanizing Fernando (Jaime Camil).

Why It Connected: The story of the underdog who manages to win is always compelling. Everyone bet on Lety. Although La fea más bella had a soundtrack with many songs, the most catchy is the danceable “El club de las feas,” which ended the soap opera every night.

The Story: One of Mexico’s most successful soap operas, Corazón Salvaje, from Televisa, tells of a love triangle between two countesses – Mónica (Edith González) and Aimée – and the illegitimate son of a landowner (Eduardo Palomo), at the beginning of the 20th century in Puerto Vallarte, Jalisco.

Why It Connected: The rivalry between the innocent Mónica and the more manipulative Aimée (starring Ana Colchero) fascinated Mexicans and launched the career of González, who died in 2019 of cancer. The theme song — written by the leading songwriter of the day, Juan Carlos Calderón, and performed by Mijares — reached No. 7 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Tracks chart.

The Story: A remake of the 1965 telenovela, La Mentira’s new version, produced by Carlos Sotomayor, is about Demetrio (Guy Ecker) trying to solve the mystery of why his brother committed suicide. All he knows is that he did it after a woman, whose name starts with a V, broke his heart. He’s on the hunt to find this woman’s identity. 

Why It Connected: La Mentira was full of star power. It began with the theme song, which in Fernández’s voice, topped the Regional Mexican Airplay chart for three weeks. Its protagonists – including Kate Del Castillo, Guy Ecker, Eric Del Castillo, Blanca Guerra and Karla Álvarez — were also stellar.

The Story: A spring of water literally divides two wealthy families. But their respective children (starring Adela Noriega and Mauricio Islas) nevertheless fall in love.

Why It Connected: The location of San Andrés Tuxtla in Veracruz, the plot, the villain and the actors made it one of the most successful Mexican soap operas. Luis Miguel’s main theme song, from his now-iconic album Mis Romances, lent even more star power to the novel.

The Story: In the Mexican telenovela, a woman, played by singer/actress Daniela Romo, lives with her family under a false identity, fleeing from a dark past. The protagonist is at the center of a complicated love triangle with two men competing for her love, adding tension and conflict to an already dangerous situation.

Why It Connected: Daniela Romo’s performance was perfectly complemented by the musical theme, composed by the legendary Juan Gabriel. The theme song is a true vocal feat. To date, “De mi enamórate” is No. 19 on Billboard‘s Greatest of All Time Hot Latin Songs chart and remains one of Romo’s best vocal works.

The Story: Inspired by the 1979 Mexican film La Niña de la Mochila Azul in which Pedrito Fernández sings and stars, Amy, La Niña de la Mochila Azul is a children’s telenovela. The story follows Amy, a young girl with a big heart and an adventurous spirit, who navigates the challenges of childhood and education while living with her sailor father in a coastal town.

Why It Connected: Performed by Danna Paola and Tatiana, the opening children’s theme song captures the innocence and dreams of Amy’s world, resonating with young viewers and their families. Additionally, “La de la Mochila Azul,” performed by Joseph Sasson, serves as the ending theme, bridging the connection to the original film and deepening the nostalgic value for audiences familiar with the classic.

The story: A sequel to the 1982 Venezuelan telenovela Ligia Elena, Nacho — also starring Alba Roversi and Guillermo Dávila — follows the male protagonist now as a famous singer struggling to balance his career and his relationship with Ligia Elena, as a manipulative music executive tries to separate them.

Why it connected: After Ligia Elena’s happy ending, where the charismatic leading couple overcame obstacles to finally be together, the audience, already invested, could not help but remain hooked on their story. Guillermo Dávila’s song was the perfect framework for this new stage of the relationship.

The Story: An adaptation of the 1988 Venezuelan soap of the same title, the Mexican version is also a story of vengeance and betrayal. Starring Julieta Egurrola, Fernando Ciangherotti and Aylín Mujica, Señora is about Dolores, a young woman whose mother (Jacinta) is the lover of the chief of her town (Julio), but her mother breaks up with him. In revenge, Julio kidnaps, enslaves and rapes Dolores. She becomes pregnant, but Julio then steals their daughter. A full-out tragedy.

Why It Connected: In the powerful ballad, Cuban singer-songwriter Francisco Céspedes chants about a young girl who had a tough life and had no choice but to grow up and become a señora at a young age. “Her soul changed/ She lost faith/ And she breathed vengeance every hour, every time,” he chants.

The Story: Cuna de Lobos is a landmark Mexican telenovela, revolving around the manipulative matriarch, Catalina Creel, portrayed by the iconic María Rubio, who will stop at nothing to secure her family’s fortune. The story becomes even more complex as secrets about family ties and true identities unfold, involving murder, betrayal and dark family secrets.

Why It Connected: The somber instrumental not only heightened the suspense but also perfectly captured the eerie and dramatic atmosphere of the telenovela. Its haunting melody became synonymous with the image of Catalina Creel, one of the most formidable villains in the history of telenovelas, sporting an iconic eye patch.

The Story: The controversial plot of Gustavo Bolívar’s Colombian telenovela addresses drug trafficking, poverty, and the obsession with physical beauty through the life of its protagonist Catalina, played by María Adelaida Puerta. Coming from a poor neighborhood, the young woman seeks to achieve luxuries through her relationship with drug trafficking. Obsessed with appearance, she undergoes surgery to attract “traquetos” (’drug dealers”), which leads her to live with the consequences of her decisions. The story succeeded, inspiring adaptations in the United States and Spain and generating reflections in Colombian society.

Why It Connected: The lyrics and style of the main song complement the plot of the telenovela, highlighting the desperation and the “hole” into which the protagonist falls due to her obsession with power and money.

The Story: This Mexican telenovela premiered 28 years ago on TV Azteca as a result of a collaborative agreement with Argos Televisión, a company owned by producer and journalist Epigmenio Ibarra, which proposed a change in the television narrative in Mexico. Alberto Barrera’s melodrama featured a cast headed by Ana Colchero, José Ángel Llamas and Demián Bichir, and became a landmark of the 1990s. It tells the story of Camila de los Reyes, daughter of a murdered politician who survives an assassination attempt.

Why It Connected: Like other Argos productions, Nada Personal proposed a different approach to traditional telenovelas by adding a social touch to its plot and addressing issues such as corruption and drug trafficking, which were novel for the time. The song of the same name, written and performed by legendary composer Armando Manzanero, accompanied by Lisset’s powerful voice, hooked the viewer as soon as the first notes of the Yucatecan maestro’s unmistakable piano sounded.

The story: Based on the Argentine radio-novela Altanera Evangelina Garret, Carmín – starring Patricia Pereyra and Roberto Moll – follows Fiorella Menchelli, a beautiful young upper-class orphan who falls in love with Mariano Tovar, her professor at the Stella Maris Design Institute, while her evil aunt Claudia (Lourdes Berninzon) tries to get between them.

Why it connected: The story of an innocent love fighting against all obstacles is irresistible. And the cheerful main theme song, co-written by Miguel “Chino” Figueroa and Roxana Valdivieso with lyrics like “I want to feel, that’s why I’m going out/ I’m going to take the city by storm,” welcomed the viewers every night to the plot with an injection of positive energy.

The Story: This Colombian telenovela took us into the lives of the Reyes brothers, who, seeking revenge, ended up falling in love with the daughters of the family they blamed. With stars such as Mario Cimarro, Danna García, Paola Rey and Michel Brown, the chemistry of the cast was essential to the success of the series, making it a cultural phenomenon in Latin American television.

Why It Connected: The title song stuck in the fans’ memory, thanks to its lyrics and catchy beat.

The Story: Airing from 1974 to 1977 as an adaptation of the Argentine telenovela Papá Corazón, Mundo de Juguete became a phenomenon in Mexico. The plot centers on the life of Cristina Salinas, played by Graciela Mauri, an orphaned girl who lives with her father Mariano, and maternal grandmother. Cristina attends a convent school where her imagination leads her to create a toy world full of imaginary friends and adventures.

Why It Connected: The main theme song written by Armando Manzanero and Bebu Silvetti and performed by Lupita D’Alessio in 1975 became the most remembered version and a symbol of the successful Mexican production that helped boost D’Alessio’s career in the 1970s.

The Story: The plot of the Argentine-Peruvian children’s soap opera revolves around the life of a girl named Pinina, played by Andrea del Boca, who, after being orphaned by her mother, must face several challenges with her father Raúl, played by Norberto Suárez. The story takes place in the boarding school where Pinina lives and focuses on the bond between father and daughter and the difficulties they face together. The soap opera was adapted in other countries, including Mundo de Juguete and Carita de Ángel in Mexico.

Why It Connected: With a tender and emotional tone and a repeated verse, the song performed by its protagonist became one of the most remembered elements of the soap opera and a symbol of the relationship between the characters of Pinina and her father.

The Story: The Mexican telenovela, starring Victoria Ruffo and Saúl Lisazo, centers on Elena, a kind-hearted woman who gets entangled in the intense dramas of a wealthy family after she becomes their employee, facing challenges that test her resilience while uncovering hidden secrets.

Why It Connected: The powerful duet by Bocelli and Sánchez became a symbol of the telenovela’s themes of enduring love and sacrifice. The emotive piano ballad resonated deeply with the audience, enhancing the emotional intensity of the soap opera. In 2024, Bocelli revisited this iconic song, creating a new version with Colombian superstar Karol G. Both versions charted on Hot Latin Songs, the original landing at No. 16 and the remake at No. 41.

The Story: This Mexican telenovela produced by Roberto Hernández Vázquez in 1999 became one of the longest-running telenovelas on Televisa, with a total of 280 chapters. The storyline follows the lives of three Uriarte women — portrayed by Erika Buenfil, Karyme Lozano and Norma Herrera — but its main protagonist is Fátima (Lozano) —  a determined woman with a strong character. The youngest of the Uriarte family, Fatima navigates love and loss and a dysfunctional family that is tinged with envy. The telenovela was soundtracked by Ricardo Arjona’s “Desnuda,” an ode to the female beauty — one that lies in being comfortable in one’s own skin. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2000.

Why It Connected: Both Herrera and Buenfil were Televisa darlings but Lozano was an emerging star and she won over the fans with her convincing and moving acting skills, attracting a new generation of telenovela fans. Plus, the telenovela’s poster drew you in. It read: “This is the story of three women, which one are you?”

The Story: Starring Marlene Favela and Mario Cimarro, this Venezuelan-American production follows Rosaura Rios, a strong young woman who faces obstacles at every turn. From poverty to riches, Rosaura navigates betrayals, romances and finally her own life-changing inheritance.

Why It Connected: The song became an anthem for the audience, and without a doubt Pablo Montero’s vocal performance intensified the connection with the story.

The Story: Anan adaptation of the 1985 Venezuelan telenovela Las Amazonas, this Mexican remake aired on Televisa in 2003, starring Karyme Lozano and Sergio Goyri. The story centers on three sisters — mainly Isabela (Lozano) and their controlling father. It follows their journey to find happiness even if they have to challenge their father, whose secrets could destroy the lives of his daughters. Alejandro Fernández’s power ballad “Niña Amada Mía” was the telenovela’s theme song, and it peaked at No. 17 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2003.

Why It Connected: Legendary telenovela star Eric Del Castillo portrayed the father and pretty much his appearance certified the success of the telenovela. But its plot was compelling, three sisters going face to face with their father makes for a perfect coming of age story.

The Story: A remake of the Argentinian telenovela Muñeca Brava, Al Diablo Con Los Guapos — starring Allisson Lozz and Eugenio Siller — aired on Televisa in 2007. The Mexican adaptation tells the story of Milagros, who, at the age 18, leaves the convent where she was raised to work as a maid for Regina Belmonte’s wealthy family. Regina’s grandson, Alejandro, falls in love with Milagro, who is criticized by others for being poor and her wild spirit. Their forbidden love takes centerstage in this telenovela. Allisson Lozz performed the telenovela’s main theme song, which took name after the production.

Why It Connected: While for many years Televisa’s telenovelas featured the same actors, this one starred two young and promising new talent: Allisson Lozz and Eugenio Siller. It was a fresh breathe of air for television, and it connected with a younger audience.

The Story: Jaime Camil stars as Santiago “Santy” López Carmona, and Jacqueline Bracamontes plays Cándida “Candy” Morales Alcalde de Molina. Valentino Lanús portrays Patricio “Pato” Molina Lizárraga in a romantic story that involves a love triangle. In this narrative, “Candy” and “Pato” get married; however, on their wedding day, she discovers him kissing her sister. Devastated, she decides to fake her death and disappear from her friends’ lives. Later, she realizes that she is pregnant with Patricio’s child. Years later, she encounters a charming single dad and plastic surgeon, and they fall deeply in love. The theme song is from Jesse & Joy’s “Esto Es Lo Que Soy,” perfectly reflecting the story in their lyrics and how fast life can change. 

Why It Connected: In addition to the love story and different narrative, it featured three popular TV stars from that time and was Jaqueline Bracamontes and Valentino Lanús’ first novela together after they broke up in real life.

The Story: This production marked Kate del Castillo’s debut in telenovelas and became a window into the dreams of four girls from different social classes who yearn to shine at the TAES Art Academy. Along with Emma Laura, Tiaré Scanda and Cecilia Tijerina, the story captures the essence of youth and ambition.

Why It Connected: The theme song became the hallmark of the telenovela, and became a phenomenon that transcended the screen and became engraved in the collective memory of those who grew up watching it.

The Story: This Mexican telenovela that aired on Televisa in 1998 focused on the lives of four best friends navigating teenage years. All come from different backgrounds but all study in the same private school for rich kids — although one of the friends happens to be poor and is living a double life. Their rich lifestyles come with a set of challenges — including drugs and social class issues. The telenovela starred Aracely Arámbula, Angélica Vale, Michelle Vieth and Laisha Wilkins as the four best friends. Pop duo Sentidos Opuestos soundtracked the telenovela’s intro with their club-ready 90s anthem, “Fiesta.”

Why It Connected: Teen dramas had proven successful in Mexico with the previous success of Quinceañera and Muchachitas, this one was not the exception

The Story: The action-packed Mexican series follows Aurelio Casillas, a powerful drug lord who seeks to become one of the richest and most influential men in Mexico. It explores his rise in the drug trafficking industry and the challenges he faces, including betrayals, love affairs, and the complexities of family ties as he tries to secure his position.

Why It Connected: This lively norteña served as a fitting anthem for the telenovela’s rugged and ambitious theme. With its robust narrative and energetic tempo, it captured the essence of Aurelio’s fierce determination and murky moral compass. Each season features a different theme song written by Marco Flores and performed by Cardenales de Nuevo León.

The Story: Based on the bestselling novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the series follows Teresa Mendoza (played by Kate del Castillo), a young Mexican woman who rises to power, becoming one of the most formidable figures in southern Spain’s narcotics trade. La Reina del Sur is woven with tales of survival, betrayal, and resilience as the international drug queen navigates the dangerous male-dominated criminal underworld, fighting to stay alive and sustain her dominance.

Why It Connected: The accordion-driven corrido captures the essence of the show’s perilous themes and Teresa’s tenacious spirit while highlighting the harsh and hazardous world of drug trafficking.