La Bamba

1h 48m · 1987 · Directed by Luis Valdez · 3.6 / 5 on Letterboxd

La Bamba (1987) runs 1h 48m, directed by Luis Valdez. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

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.

Genres: Drama, Music

Where to watch: Netflix (US, checked 9 July 2026)