Selena

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Selena

PG

Released Mar 21, 1997

2h 7m

Biography

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

85 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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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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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

definitely recommend this documentary, well implemented and actors that lookalike her actual family

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/01/25

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Alexander S

Selena’s authentic and tragic storytelling, especially considering the film was made two years after Selena Quintanilla’s untimely death, is decently spot on. Jennifer Lopez’s performance as Selena is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing her early acting prowess before her meteoric rise to her own pop stardom. Grading: B

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

Full Review

David W

While it may lack the more developed style of storytelling modern audiences have come to expect from critically acclaimed biopics that came later, Selena still manages to offer a compelling narrative and an informative look into the life of a cultural icon. However, as a story and film, this is one I would only watch again under special circumstances.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

Full Review

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Gregory Nava

Director

Jennifer Lopez

Selena Quintanilla

Edward James Olmos

Abraham Quintanilla

Jon Seda

Chris Perez

Constance Marie

Marcela Quintanilla

Jacob Vargas

Abie Quintanilla

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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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