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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 09/06/2023
2.5/4
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. Go to Full Review Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer 09/06/2023
3/4
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. Go to Full Review Harper Barnes St. Louis Post-Dispatch 09/06/2023
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. Go to Full Review Rene Rodriguez Miami Herald 09/06/2023
2.5/4
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. Go to Full Review Joe Baltake Sacramento Bee 09/06/2023
3.5/4
[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. Go to Full Review Bob Ross Tampa Tribune 09/06/2023
3.5/4
As Selena, Lopez glows with eagerness and joy. She does resemble the person she portrays, but she amplifies the characterization with impeccable body language. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Eric 6d Anything 4 SALINAS!! Classic movie and I LOVE Selena and JLo was good but maybe because she's gotten unpopular now I wasn't as sold on her as Selena this time. Regardless, James Edward Olmos was fantastic(bustie-caca!) and the music was great! See more Nestor T May 6 One of my all time favorite movies! Introduced to the great artist that was Selena! Since I was 2 when this was released in theaters, being able to watch it now as an adult was satisfying! Of course being a die hard fan, I noticed all the inaccurate details, but I just treat this as a wonderful tribute to her & her legacy! See more Christopher H Apr 17 Classic movie that can be watched at any time to celebrate the life of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla, Perez. This is a story about family, perseverance, love music and unfortunately tragedy. She has remembered through her songs and her creativity that she shared with the world. See more mildred 05/14/2025 I liked the song of somewhere over the rainbow by Selena See more Kristy A 09/25/2024 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. See more Janice W 09/17/2022 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. See more Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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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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Selena

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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
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