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La Bamba poster

La Bamba (1987)

“Born into poverty. Destined for stardom. He lived the American dream.”

7.3/10 · 836 votes 1h 48m pg-13 DramaMusic

#15 of 59 films from 1987 #1183 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Luis Valdez · Written by Luis Valdez

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

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.

Cast

Lou Diamond Phillipsas Ritchie Valens
Danielle von Zerneckas Donna Ludwig
Elizabeth Peñaas Rosie Morales
Rosanna DeSotoas Connie Valenzuela
Esai Moralesas Bob Morales
Joe Pantolianoas Bob Keane
Marshall Crenshawas Buddy Holly
Brian Setzeras Eddie Cochran
Daniel Valdezas Lelo
Howard Huntsberryas Jackie Wilson
Felipe Cantuas Curandero
Eddie Friasas Chino
Mike Moroffas Mexican Ed
Geoffrey Rivasas Rudy

Facts

Release dateJuly 24, 1987
Runtime108 min (1h 48m) — about the same as the 1987 average of 106 min
GenresDrama, Music
LanguageEN
Budget$6,500,000
Box office$54,215,416 (8.3× budget)
IMDbtt0093378

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Questions

How long is La Bamba?
La Bamba runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Is La Bamba worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.3/10 across 836 votes, which places it #15 of 59 films released in 1987 in this index (top 76%) and #1183 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed La Bamba?
La Bamba was directed by Luis Valdez.
Who stars in La Bamba?
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.
What is La Bamba rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for La Bamba?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/31351.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.