Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

66% Tomatometer 85 Reviews 78% Audience Score 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. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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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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Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (1) 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 Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (2) 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 Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (3) 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 Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (4) 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 Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (5) 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 Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (6) 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/17/22 Full Review Deke P GREAT! LOVED it. But so sad, almost cried cuz knew what the end would be. Wanted to see it, but never did til this week April 2024 AMC 'lertn.especially loved her young father's group singing BLUE MOON! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/22/24 Full Review Tanay M Selena served as two things. It was my introduction to Selena (the artist with the beautiful spirit) and voice and it was my introduction to Jennifer Lopez (The beautiful Performer). Selena is a great movie elevated by the concert scenes mainly but it also serves as a cautionary tale that people aren't always your friends and you should live and love for today. This film should not exist only because Selena should still be here but this is the only film after Titanic that moved me emotionally as a child and later adult. I'm curious as to whether or not any of you hold this movie in high regard as part of Jennifer's Filmography it really will stand the test of time. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/23/24 Full Review Rosalyn M Truly Jennifer Lopez was meant to play the role of ‘Selena.' She has undeniable warmth, charm, & sincerity. Loved this film so much. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/17/23 Full Review Isla E Amazing movie.This biographical true story film about, Selena Quintanilla starring (Jennifer Lopez) is about a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham playing her dad is (Edward James Olmos), who 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, she would never complete. Tragically due to a thief lying and killing trader that she trusted. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/15/23 Full Review lucas. melhor filme biográfico mas tem algumas coisas no filme que me deixam com um pé atrás Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

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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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

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
Most Popular at Home Now
Selena | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

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