Selena (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham, 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, who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.
Rated PG • 1997 • 2h 7m
This biographical film about Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla is rated PG for its mature thematic elements, primarily revolving around her tragic, off-screen murder. The film contains some mild language, brief scenes of alcohol consumption, and intense family conflict. The most difficult scenes involve the depiction of Selena's death and the subsequent grief of her family and fans, which will be upsetting for younger viewers. Due… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Selena appropriate for kids?
This biographical film about Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla is rated PG for its mature thematic elements, primarily revolving around her tragic, off-screen murder. The film contains some mild language, brief scenes of alcohol consumption, and intense family conflict. The… Read more — free account
Content severity in Selena
What happens in Selena, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:40 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Sex and nudity in Selena
Sexual content is mild. Selena's famous stage costumes, which include bustiers and outfits that bare her midriff, are a minor plot point, with her father disapproving of them. There are a few scenes of kissing between Selena and her husband Chris, and they are shown eloping. A brief, comedic line of dialogue involves Selena wondering if she has the "boobs" for a revealing dress.
Violence and gore in Selena
Violence is infrequent and not graphic. An early scene depicts a brief riot in a nightclub where bottles are thrown. Later, some men trash a hotel room in a chaotic but non-bloody sequence. A concert scene in Mexico shows a stage nearly buckling under the weight of a rushing crowd, creating a moment of peril. Selena's murder occurs entirely off-screen, indicated only by a sound. Afterwards, the killer is shown in a standoff with police, holding a gun to her own head.
Language in Selena
Language is very mild. According to IMDb, there is one use of "shit" and "damn" spoken in frustration during arguments. The Spanish word "caca" (slang for "poop") is also used once.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Selena
Substance use is minor. Adults drink beer socially in a few scenes. In one sequence, several men are shown drinking beer and leaving empty cans behind while they trash a hotel room.
Mature themes in Selena
The film deals with several mature themes. Early scenes depict racial prejudice against Mexican-American musicians. A major source of conflict is the controlling nature of Selena's father, Abraham, leading to intense family arguments, particularly regarding her relationship with Chris Pérez. The film's conclusion is its most thematically heavy element, depicting the aftermath of Selena's murder, the intense grief of her family, and the public mourning of her fans.
Scary moments in Selena
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Selena yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selena appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Selena is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This biographical film about Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla is rated PG for its mature thematic elements, primarily revolving around her tragic, off-screen murder. The film contains some mild language, brief…
What age rating does Selena have?
Selena is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Selena about?
This biographical film about Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla is rated PG for its mature thematic elements, primarily revolving around her tragic, off-screen murder. The film contains some mild language, brief scenes of alcohol consumption, and intense family conflict. The most difficult scenes involve the…
Is there sex or nudity in Selena?
Sexual content is mild. Selena's famous stage costumes, which include bustiers and outfits that bare her midriff, are a minor plot point, with her father disapproving of them. There are a few scenes of kissing between Selena and her husband Chris, and they…
How violent is Selena?
Violence is infrequent and not graphic. An early scene depicts a brief riot in a nightclub where bottles are thrown. Later, some men trash a hotel room in a chaotic but non-bloody sequence. A concert scene in Mexico shows a stage nearly buckling under the…
Is the language in Selena appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. According to IMDb, there is one use of "shit" and "damn" spoken in frustration during arguments. The Spanish word "caca" (slang for "poop") is also used once.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Selena?
Substance use is minor. Adults drink beer socially in a few scenes. In one sequence, several men are shown drinking beer and leaving empty cans behind while they trash a hotel room.
What mature themes appear in Selena?
The film deals with several mature themes. Early scenes depict racial prejudice against Mexican-American musicians. A major source of conflict is the controlling nature of Selena's father, Abraham, leading to intense family arguments, particularly regarding…
How long is Selena?
Selena runs 127 minutes, directed by Gregory Nava, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full Selena parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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