Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Film provides new insights on slain Mexican American icon.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Selena y Los Dinos
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SELENA Y LOS DINOS, a documentary about slain Mexican American entertainer Selena, bills itself as including never-before-seen footage and interviews with her family. Home video footage shows the Quintanilla family from Selena's earliest years performing with her siblings. Recent interviews with her father, brother, sister, husband, and former bandmates describe Selena's talent and personality as well as the highs and lows—mostly highs—of working and traveling together as a family. They give background into how the band developed its sound, how the siblings learned Spanish to connect more with their audiences (even though they were raised speaking only English), and what Selena meant as a role model and icon in the Latino market and beyond.
Is It Any Good?
Even for superfans, this documentary provides new insights and images of the beloved Mexican American star. It's quite affecting to watch the home videos of the Quintanilla children in Selena y Los Dinos and see Selena full of childlike innocence and energy. The behind-the-scenes footage depicts her as a naturally talented girl who grew up performing—dropping out of regular school and life to lead her family's band, which also provided the family's entire financial support. The film reiterates the milestones of her landmark career as well as her lasting influence today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they learned about the well-known singer in Selena y Los Dinos. Where could you go to learn more?
In what ways was Selena a role model for younger Latinos?
If you had to work full-time with your family, do you think you would get along as well as the Quintanillas seemed to, based on this film?
Were you surprised to learn that Selena didn't speak Spanish when she was younger? Why do you think some bilingual parents prefer their children to learn only English? Can you find clues in her father's described experiences with segregation?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 17, 2025
- Cast : Selena
- Director : Isabel Castro
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Mexican Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories , History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic material, suggestive references and brief smoking
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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