St. Elmo's Fire

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St. Elmo's Fire

R

1985

1h 48m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

44%

Tomatometer

48 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A group of recent college graduates embark on a series of misadventures in the real world. There's Kirby, a waiter who wants to be a lawyer; Kevin, a moody writer who yearns for the wild Jules; Alec, whose political aspirations alienate his girlfriend, Leslie; and Wendy, a quiet girl in love with Billy, who juggles roles as husband, dad and drunk. Together they grapple with adulthood.

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Critics Consensus

St. Elmo's Fire is almost peak Brat Pack: it's got the cast, the fashion, and the music, but the characters are too frequently unlikable.

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Derek Malcolm

Guardian

In spite of good playing from talented players like Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy and Ally Sheedy, the film looks more like an up-market version of Porky's than anything more coherent.

Apr 4, 2022

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

These aren't characters -- they're character hooks.

Jan 3, 2018

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Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

All speed and stylishness without a bit of emotional resonance beneath.

Jul 13, 2017

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

Andrew McCarthy blamed the derailing of his acting career on having been labeled a member of the Brat Pack. It was more likely his having been in 'St. Elmo's Fire.'

Rated: 1.5/5

Oct 5, 2025

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

While "St. Elmo’s Fire" is often quite bad, it’s still bizarrely watchable and its cast’s chemistry somehow commendable as a collective unit even when all but maybe one or two of them are portraying unrepentant stalkers, scumbags or wastoids.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jul 8, 2025

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Brian Orndorf

Blu-ray.com

It's a tough sell for some, and while "St. Elmo's Fire" makes curious creative choices, the offering actually manages to connect ideas concerning stunted emotional growth, fading friendships, and the troubling demands of life.

Rated: B

Jun 29, 2025

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Eric B

Fantastic film! An 80's classic if you ask me. Characters we can all relate to for the "just out of college" time in our lives. Excellent acting and wonderful set design. Highly recommended!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/25

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Brian V

hasn’t aged well, but a fun retro visit

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/23/25

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simone w

Awesome movie! Really enjoyed seeing it again in the theater

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

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Valerie

Loved seeing St Elmo’s Fire again on the big screen after 40 years! My son saw it with me for his first time….he loved it too!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

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Jennifer

So fun to see a movie that was released 40 years ago and still enjoy every second!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

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Dianne B

Yes I loved the movie. GREAT ACTING!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/19/25

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Joel Schumacher

Director

Rob Lowe

Billy Hicks

Demi Moore

Jules

Andrew McCarthy

Kevin Dolenz

Judd Nelson

Alec Newbary

Ally Sheedy

Leslie Hunter

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Jules Freaks Out

2:13

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - It Is Tomorrow

2:11

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Our Time at the Edge

2:08

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Not the Fat Chick

2:12

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Still a Virgin

2:13

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Marriage Is Obsolete

2:10

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Very Pink

2:10

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - What's the Meaning of Life?

1:49

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St. Elmo's Fire: 40th Anniversary Trailer

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St. Elmo's Fire: Trailer 1

1:24

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Synopsis

A group of recent college graduates embark on a series of misadventures in the real world. There's Kirby, a waiter who wants to be a lawyer; Kevin, a moody writer who yearns for the wild Jules; Alec, whose political aspirations alienate his girlfriend, Leslie; and Wendy, a quiet girl in love with Billy, who juggles roles as husband, dad and drunk. Together they grapple with adulthood.

Director: Joel Schumacher
Producer: Lauren Shuler Donner
Screenwriter: Joel Schumacher
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 28, 1985, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2010
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1)

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