Selena (1997)
Kernel Score: 85% · 1,294 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Music, History
Released: 1997-03-21
Runtime: 127 minutes
Where to watch Selena
- Stream: HBO Max
- 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
In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham, 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, who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.
Selena parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Selena is a PG biographical drama about singer Selena Quintanilla's rise to fame, family bonds, and tragic early death.
- Violence & scariness: A little — The film alludes to Selena's real-life murder by a fan club president without graphic depiction, per reviewer accounts.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Selena
If you liked Selena, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Cadillac Records (2008) — 78%
- Monsieur Aznavour (2024) — 79%
- Miss Americana (2020) — 89%
- Dallas Buyers Club (2013) — 89%
- Everybody’s Everything (2019) — 90%
- Stomp the Yard (2007) — 80%
- I Can Only Imagine (2018) — 85%
- The Last Picture Show (1971) — 85%
Director
Gregory Nava
Cast
- Jennifer Lopez as Selena Quintanilla
- Jackie Guerra as Suzette Quintanilla
- Constance Marie as Marcela Quintanilla
- Alex Meneses as Sara
- Jon Seda as Chris Perez
- Edward James Olmos as Abraham Quintanilla
- Jacob Vargas as A. B. Quintanilla
- Pete Astudillo as Self - Dinos 1990's
- Rubén C. González as Joe Ojeda - Dinos 1990's
- Ricky Vela as Self - Dinos 1990's
Selena FAQ
Is Selena good?
Selena has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,294 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Selena?
In the US you can stream Selena on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Selena OK for kids?
Selena is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Selena is a PG biographical drama about singer Selena Quintanilla's rise to fame, family bonds, and tragic early death.
What movies are like Selena?
If you liked Selena, try Cadillac Records, Monsieur Aznavour, Miss Americana and Dallas Buyers Club.