The Buddy Holly Story
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.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream The Buddy Holly Story
Streaming now in the United States on Criterion Channel, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel, The Roku Channel, and YouTube Free.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and MovieMe.
Trailers and promos
The Buddy Holly Story (1978) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Josh Olson on THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (Trailer Commentary)
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Frequently asked questions about The Buddy Holly Story
Where can I watch The Buddy Holly Story in the United States?
The Buddy Holly Story is available to stream on Criterion Channel, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel, The Roku Channel, and YouTube Free in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and MovieMe. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Can I watch The Buddy Holly Story for free?
The Buddy Holly Story streams free with ads in the United States on The Roku Channel and YouTube Free. A subscription is not required, though the service may ask you to register.
What are the ratings for The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story scores 7.1 on The Movie Database.
Who stars in The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story stars Gary Busey, Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith, Conrad Janis, and William Jordan. Steve Rash is the director.
How long is The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story runs 1h 54m (114 minutes).
When did The Buddy Holly Story come out?
The Buddy Holly Story was released on May 18, 1978.
Which studio made The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story was produced by Innovisions, Columbia Pictures, and Taurus Film in the United States.
What was the budget for The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story was made on a budget of $1,200,000.
How much did The Buddy Holly Story make at the box office?
The Buddy Holly Story grossed $14,363,400 worldwide, against a budget of $1,200,000.
Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.