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Selena

Play trailer Poster for Selena PG 1997 2h 7m Biography Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 84 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez) is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), realizes that his young daughter is talented and begins performing with her at small venues. She finds success and falls for her guitarist, Chris Perez (Jon Seda), who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.
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Selena

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Critics Consensus

Selena occasionally struggles to tell its subject's story with depth or perspective, but those flaws are rendered largely irrelevant by Jennifer Lopez in the title role.

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Critics Reviews

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Ann Hornaday Austin American-Statesman As conventional mainstream filmed entertainment, then, Selena may not succeed completely. But as a ritual of celebration and closure it will provide its audience with an opportunity for some cathartic memories, laughs and tears. Rated: 2.5/4 Sep 6, 2023 Full Review Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer While Olmos is the soul of the film, Jennifer Lopez as Selena is its playful heart. Lip-synching to popular recordings by the singing sensation and bopping to her irrepressible beat, she personifies girlish high hopes. Rated: 3/4 Sep 6, 2023 Full Review Harper Barnes St. Louis Post-Dispatch Director Gregory Nava might have done us all a favor by tightening up the script. Still, fans of the music, which mixes traditional Mexican styles with rock music, should enjoy the movie for its many songs and Lopez's convincing portrayal. Sep 6, 2023 Full Review Rene Rodriguez Miami Herald Take away that ending, and you haven't got a movie. Fortunately, Selena also has actress Jennifer Lopez, who is good enough to hold your attention when the movie is not. Rated: 2.5/4 Sep 6, 2023 Full Review Joe Baltake Sacramento Bee [Jennifer Lopez] has a star-making role here and more than fulfills it. The actress is so vital and commanding that she makes one spookily aware of the loss of the real Selena. Rated: 3.5/4 Sep 6, 2023 Full Review Bob Ross Tampa Tribune As Selena, Lopez glows with eagerness and joy. She does resemble the person she portrays, but she amplifies the characterization with impeccable body language. Rated: 3.5/4 Sep 6, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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mildred I liked the song of somewhere over the rainbow by Selena Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/14/25 Full Review Kristy A I really needed to see Selena on the big screen again! It Brought me back to the day I first saw the film. I cried from beginning to end. Took me straight to my 15 year self. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/25/24 Full Review Janice W Although this movie came out 25 yrs ago, I never saw the entire movie. I know about the real about the life of Selena. I thought Jennifer Lopez made a convincing portrayal of Selena. Sad that her life ended so tragically at such a young age. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/17/22 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Selena is an absolute cinematic treasure — a film that continues to shine decades later and stands as one of the most powerful biographical dramas ever made. Jennifer Lopez doesn’t just play Selena Quintanilla; she becomes her. From the moment she steps on screen, Lopez captures the heart, spirit, and energy of the Tejano superstar in a way that feels both intimate and larger than life. This performance was career-defining, and it’s genuinely shocking that Lopez didn’t receive an Academy Award nomination for it. This role solidified her as not only an actress but a true performer capable of transforming into someone beloved by millions. The film itself is a masterpiece of storytelling, emotion, and authenticity. Directed by Gregory Nava, Selena captures the essence of family, fame, and tragedy without ever losing its humanity. It’s not just about Selena’s rise to stardom — it’s about her as a daughter, a sister, a dreamer, and a woman determined to bring her culture and music to the mainstream. Every scene feels organic, each line of dialogue purposeful, and the pacing flows naturally from the joy of her childhood performances to the heartbreaking conclusion that still brings tears to audiences today. What truly sets Selena apart is how beautifully it balances the glamour of fame with the grounded warmth of family life. Edward James Olmos delivers a brilliant performance as Abraham Quintanilla, Selena’s protective yet loving father, while Constance Marie shines as her mother, Marcella. The chemistry within the cast is magnetic — you feel their bond, their struggles, and their triumphs. These family moments, filled with laughter and tension alike, give the film an authenticity that makes the tragedy hit even harder. The music, of course, is unforgettable. Every song is performed with passion and precision, breathing new life into Selena’s hits like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Dreaming of You,” and “Como La Flor.” The concert scenes are electric, filmed with such energy and reverence that they transport you right into the crowd. It’s impossible not to feel the rhythm, the love, and the magic that Selena brought to every stage she graced. Selena is more than just a biopic — it’s a celebration of culture, perseverance, and legacy. It’s the rare kind of film that makes you laugh, cry, dance, and reflect all in one sitting. Even after countless rewatches, it never loses its emotional power or sense of inspiration. Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal remains one of the finest performances of her career, and this film stands as a timeless tribute to an artist who was taken far too soon. To this day, Selena continues to influence generations of Latinx artists and fans around the world. It’s not just one of Jennifer Lopez’s best films — it’s one of the greatest musical biopics ever made. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/25 Full Review J V Jlo made the movie Suck! Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 10/10/25 Full Review Lizabeth B. Excellent!!! I’ve watched several times and I’ll watch again!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/23/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Selena

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez) is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), realizes that his young daughter is talented and begins performing with her at small venues. She finds success and falls for her guitarist, Chris Perez (Jon Seda), who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.
Director
Gregory Nava
Producer
Robert Katz, Moctesuma Esparza
Screenwriter
Gregory Nava
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Q Film Productions, Esparza/Katz Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Biography, Drama, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 21, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$35.4M
Runtime
2h 7m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround
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