La Bamba

Play trailer

1:24

La Bamba

PG-13

1987

1h 48m

Biography

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

80 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

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 whose parents didn't want her to date a Latino boy. 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.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Elevated by a perceptive performance by a perfectly cast Lou Diamond Phillips, La Bamba distills its subject's creative energy -- and reflects his music's enduring appeal.

Read Critics Reviews

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

01/27/2024

4/5

This rousing foot-tapper from the pioneering American film-maker Luis Valdez is the definitive Eighties music biopic.

Go to Full Review

Derek Smith

Slant Magazine

10/16/2023

The film feels curiously devoid of passion and lacking in curiosity as it hits every predictable beat from start to finish.

Go to Full Review

Kathy Huffhines

Detroit Free Press

08/10/2021

7/10

Sweet and serious, a fine little movie that accomplishes just what it sets out to do.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

09/27/2023

3/4

The movie paints a respectful portrait of the clean-cut kid while providing much of the dramatic conflict through the character of his hot-headed brother.

Go to Full Review

Rudie Obias

Battleship Pretension

09/26/2023

Valdez gives La Bamba a specificity that seems missing from today’s music biopic that feels more concerned with hitting the beats of a famous musician, rather than filling a life with family, shortcomings, and joy.

Go to Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

11/18/2022

Lively, enjoyable but superficial...

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Audriana H

@RT37502731 Jul 20

AMAZING MOVIE! watched with my boyfriend, it was fantastic but beware the ending will get you crying if you’re as sensitive as us! worth the watch, cute love story, though there are some rough moments it’s a FANTASTIC movie!

See more

David C

@davidjedi Jul 14

I watched it last night, I've not seen it since 1987 I think. Myself and wife really enjoyed it. We found out Donna his girfriend is still alive.

See more

Hotwheels T

@RT00311887 Jun 27

La Bamba is my absolute favorite of all time, my whole childhood is watching this movie

See more

Hector S

@HectUlrich Mar 10

Excelente de principio a fin. De mis favoritas.

See more

Amy G

@Amytheshort Dec 16

Wonderful acting on part of lou diamond phillips. The character of Bob is brilliant. He's edgy, but down to earth.

See more

Larry K

@Larrymoses39 Sep 30

Great music and great acting by all!

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Luis Valdez

Director

Lou Diamond Phillips

Ritchie Valens

Esai Morales

Bob Morales

Rosanna DeSoto

Connie Valenzuela

Elizabeth Peña

Rosie Morales

Danielle von Zerneck

Donna Ludwig

Mask

93%

83%

Mask

Watchlist

Lean on Me

71%

85%

Lean on Me

Watchlist

A Cry in the Dark

94%

74%

A Cry in the Dark

Watchlist

White Nights

50%

74%

White Nights

Watchlist

Without Limits

79%

91%

Without Limits

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

La Bamba: Trailer 1

1:24

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

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 whose parents didn't want her to date a Latino boy. 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.

Director: Luis Valdez
Producer: Bill Borden, Taylor Hackford
Screenwriter: Luis Valdez
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, New Visions Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 24, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 8, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $52.7M
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo