The Couch Critic Logo
The Couch CriticCouch Critic
TrendingMoviesTV ShowsListsReviewsWhat to Watch
LogoThe Couch Critic

Menu

TrendingMoviesTV ShowsListsReviewsWhat to Watch

© 2026 The Couch Critic

The Couch Critic Logo

The Couch Critic

Your go-to destination for honest movie and TV show reviews from a passionate community of critics. Join the conversation today.

X

Explore

  • Trending
  • Movies
  • TV Shows
  • Reviews
  • Lists
  • Games
  • About Us

Categories

  • Popular Movies
  • Trending Now
  • Upcoming
  • Airing Today
  • Movie Genres
  • TV Genres

Community

  • Guides
  • What to Watch

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • RSS Feed
© 2026 The Couch Critic.•Built by Hayden Thorn
Cookie Settings
The Movie Database

This application uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.

The Buddy Holly Story
The Buddy Holly Story
  1. Movies
  2. The Buddy Holly Story

The Buddy Holly Story

1978
1h 54m
Drama
Music

Status

Released

Release

1978

Runtime

1h 54m

Where to Watch

Available options inUS

Provider type

Rent

5
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home

Buy

5
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home

Ads

1
The Roku Channel
Streaming data provided byJustWatch
Updated daily

Storyline

"His story will have you singing, laughing, crying, cheering, and stomping your feet"

A chronicle of the rise and brief career of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly, who aspires to play music the way he wants it to sound. Holly and his band, the Crickets, are first invited to record in Nashville, where they encounter creative differences with the producing staff. Later they play a major booking at the Apollo Theater, scheduled there under the mistaken assumption that they're a black band. Holly's career eventually goes solo -- until the tragic day the music dies.

Score Distribution

Details

Status
Released
Runtime
1h 54m
May 18, 1978
Languages
English
Director
Steve Rash
Steve Rash
Production
Innovisions
Innovisions
Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures
Taurus Film
Taurus Film
Production Countries
United States of America

Top Cast

21 Cast Members

Gary Busey

Gary Busey

Buddy Holly

Don Stroud

Don Stroud

Jesse Charles

Charles Martin Smith

Charles Martin Smith

Ray Bob Simmons

Conrad Janis

Conrad Janis

Ross Turner

William Jordan

William Jordan

Riley

Maria Richwine

Maria Richwine

Maria Elena Holly

Amy Johnston

Cindy Lou

Dick O'Neill

Dick O'Neill

Sol Gittler

Fred Travalena

Madman Mancuso

Neva Patterson

Neva Patterson

Mrs. Holly

Arch Johnson

Arch Johnson

Mr. Holly

John F. Goff

John F. Goff

T.J.

Gloria Irizarry

Gloria Irizarry

Mrs. Santiago

Jody Berry

Engineer Sam

Richard Kennedy

Preacher

Jim Beach

Jim Beach

Wilson

Gailard Sartain

Gailard Sartain

The Big Bopper

Albert Popwell

Albert Popwell

Eddie

Paul Mooney

Paul Mooney

Sam

M.G. Kelly

Avalon M.C.

Recommended Movies