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St. Elmo's Fire

Play trailer 1:28 Poster for St. Elmo's Fire R 1985 1h 48m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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St. Elmo's Fire

St. Elmo's Fire

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Brian V hasn’t aged well, but a fun retro visit Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/23/25 Full Review simone w Awesome movie! Really enjoyed seeing it again in the theater Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/20/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Dianne B Yes I loved the movie. GREAT ACTING! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/19/25 Full Review Read all reviews
St. Elmo's Fire

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St. Elmo's Fire

St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Jules Freaks Out St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Jules Freaks Out 2:13 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - It Is Tomorrow St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - It Is Tomorrow 2:11 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Our Time at the Edge St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Our Time at the Edge 2:08 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Not the Fat Chick St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Not the Fat Chick 2:12 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Still a Virgin St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Still a Virgin 2:13 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Marriage Is Obsolete St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Marriage Is Obsolete 2:10 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Very Pink St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - Very Pink 2:10 St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - What's the Meaning of Life? St. Elmo's Fire: Official Clip - What's the Meaning of Life? 1:49 View more videos
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Movie Info

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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