La Bamba (1987)
Kernel Score: 82% · 763 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Music
Released: 1987-07-24
Runtime: 108 minutes
Where to watch La Bamba
- Stream: Netflix
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
La Bamba parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that La Bamba is a PG-13 biography of rock star Ritchie Valens, including family conflict and a reference to marital rape.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Includes a reference to marital rape within a family subplot, handled dramatically rather than graphically.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Depicts 1950s rock-and-roll lifestyle with some drinking.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like La Bamba
If you liked La Bamba, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Doors (1991) — 80%
- Cadillac Records (2008) — 78%
- Nowhere Boy (2009) — 80%
- The Last Waltz (1978) — 86%
- Rocketman (2019) — 81%
- Flamin' Hot (2023) — 87%
- A Million Miles Away (2023) — 85%
- When You're Strange (2010) — 80%
Director
Luis Valdez
Cast
- Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens
- Danielle von Zerneck as Donna Ludwig
- Elizabeth Peña as Rosie Morales
- Rosanna DeSoto as Connie Valenzuela
- Esai Morales as Bob Morales
- Joe Pantoliano as Bob Keane
- Marshall Crenshaw as Buddy Holly
- Brian Setzer as Eddie Cochran
- Daniel Valdez as Lelo
- Howard Huntsberry as Jackie Wilson
La Bamba FAQ
Is La Bamba good?
La Bamba has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 763 audience ratings.
Where can I watch La Bamba?
In the US you can stream La Bamba on Netflix, watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is La Bamba OK for kids?
La Bamba is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that La Bamba is a PG-13 biography of rock star Ritchie Valens, including family conflict and a reference to marital rape.
What movies are like La Bamba?
If you liked La Bamba, try The Doors, Cadillac Records, Nowhere Boy and The Last Waltz.