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

Apr 4, 2022

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.

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

Jan 3, 2018

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

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Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

Jul 13, 2017

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

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

Oct 5, 2025

1.5/5

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.'

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

Jul 8, 2025

2.5/5

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.

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Brian Orndorf

Blu-ray.com

Jun 29, 2025

B

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.

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Ben W

Oct 27, 2025

Strange.. I enjoy this era of movies especially this type (young, teen era, coming of age, etc..) but this was weird.

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Eric B

Oct 23, 2025

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!

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Brian V

Oct 23, 2025

hasn’t aged well, but a fun retro visit

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simone w

Oct 20, 2025

Awesome movie! Really enjoyed seeing it again in the theater

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Valerie

Oct 20, 2025

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!

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Jennifer

Oct 20, 2025

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

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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

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

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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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