St. Elmo's Fire

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1:24

St. Elmo's Fire

R

Released Jun 28, 1985

1h 48m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

44%

Tomatometer

45 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 (Emilio Estevez), a waiter who wants to be a lawyer; Kevin (Andrew McCarthy), a moody writer who yearns for the wild Jules (Demi Moore) ; Alec (Judd Nelson), whose political aspirations alienate his girlfriend, Leslie (Ally Sheedy) ; and Wendy (Mare Winningham), a quiet girl in love with Billy (Rob Lowe), 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

Full Review

Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

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

Jan 3, 2018

Full Review

Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

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

Jul 13, 2017

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Many reviewers at the time of its release slammed the movie for being fussy, unfocused, and self-important, completely missing the point that these are the very same qualities often attributed to college-age kids.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 5, 2025

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

...St Elmo's Fire is self-absorbed and dull, just like the characters that it depicts. But it's also something of a hoot to see 80's idiocy laid bare like this...

Rated: 3/5

Jun 8, 2021

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...familiar territory that is, for the most part, employed to underwhelming effect...

Rated: 2/4

May 20, 2021

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Chip C

A certain generation can watch this a feel the entire film. If you watch it along with the Breakfast Club, you're reliving that wonderful time in your life where the world was yours to conquer.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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Melissa M

Not all critics are fans of this film. A lot of people think that the eighties was a decade of decadence. This movie pretty much is how a lot of people acted back then. The 80s were over the top. '80s was definitely one of the most economic decades. Most 20-year-olds are just trying to find their way. It is natural for them to get wrapped up in themselves. In a lot of ways they are still like kids trapped in adult bodies. At that age there's a lot of poor decision making. And impulsive decisions are made. They definitely look out for each other in this film. Especially when Jules gets herself in over her head. Billy surprisingly towards the end of the film shows he has a grown up side. When he tries to help her get out of a funk. Wendy is very level-headed. Her character is very mature for her age. She's the voice of reason in the group. Leslie is pretty down to earth. She gets a little impulsive. But she still has a good head on her shoulders. Kevin is indecisive. But by the end of the film he figures it all out. Kirby is love obsessed. He doesn't have his priorities straight. Love can make you do crazy things. By the end of the Movie he grows up somewhat. Give the film a chance you might be surprised.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme legalzinho, o roteiro é bacana, o elenco é legal, as histórias de dramas e de romance dos adolescentes é legal, com traições e coisas de relacionamentos, um meio que parece um episódio/filme de friends só que de adolescentes, por que são amigos que tem coisas de relacionamentos que acontece depois da formatura, o filme teve muito drama e pouca comédia para um elenco desse, eu só recomendo se quiser ver um filme de drama e romance de adolescentes, por que comédia não tem.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

Brad CKA L

https://youtu.be/IwsZi4rLwyE?si=9x70zD_N2vhYvASu

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/24

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Mark A

Unrealistic and very self absorbed

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/04/24

Full Review

Calvin R

It started out OK, but degraded quickly. My wife and I couldn't finish watching it.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/23/24

Full Review

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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: 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 (Emilio Estevez), a waiter who wants to be a lawyer; Kevin (Andrew McCarthy), a moody writer who yearns for the wild Jules (Demi Moore) ; Alec (Judd Nelson), whose political aspirations alienate his girlfriend, Leslie (Ally Sheedy) ; and Wendy (Mare Winningham), a quiet girl in love with Billy (Rob Lowe), 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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