La Bamba
Born into poverty. Destined for stardom. He lived the American dream.
1987 • 108 min • Drama · Music
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. 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.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 73 Audience · 827 · 100%
La Bamba tells the true story of Ritchie Valens, a Mexican-American teenager who rocketed to rock and roll stardom in the 1950s. The film follows his meteoric rise, his relationships with family and girlfriend, and the challenges he faced before his untimely death.
- Violence & peril
- 3/10
- Language
- 3/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 3/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 3/10
- Scary moments
- 4/10
Heads up
- Disputes between brothers
- References to past sexual assault
- Tragic death of a main character
- Smoking and drinking
What it models well
- Pursuing dreams
- Family bonds
- Cultural pride
- Overcoming adversity
Talk about it after
- The challenges of fame and success
- Dealing with loss and grief
- The importance of family support
- Mexican-American cultural identity
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for La Bamba. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Stream
- Netflix
- Netflix Standard with Ads
- Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Sony Pictures Core Amazon ChannelRent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: Luis Valdez • Crew: Luis Valdez
Trailers & clips
The Breakup
Will Richie Ask Donna On A Date?
Richie's Garage Party Invite
Richie Is Mesmerized By Donna
First 10 Minutes
Official Trailer
30th Anniversary Dual Format Trailer
Reviewer notes
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Fan reviews
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.3/10 (827)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $6,500,000
- Box office
- $54,215,416
- IMDb
- tt0093378
