This novel was adapted to a movie in 1992, starring Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas as the Castillo brothers. It was directed by Arne Glimcher. It was produced by Warner Brothers and is available on videocassette from Warner Home Video.

An audiocassette version of the book was read by E. B. Marshall and released by NewStar Media in 1991.

Although most movie soundtracks have little to do with the novels the movies are adapted from, the soundtrack for The Mambo Kings brings to life the music that is so important to the book. It features songs by legendary musicians such as Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, as well as works by contemporary Cuban artists such as Arturo Sandoval. The album includes two versions of the Mambo Kings' signature song "Beautiful María of My Soul": one in English (performed by Los Lobos) and one in Spanish (performed by...