Overview
A shy teenager finds his voice through the airwaves, igniting a revolution among his peers.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- rebellious
- witty
- restless
- Saturday afternoon
- late night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's conviction, heartfelt teen perspective, Christian Slater's performance, and energetic soundtrack while finding its premise overbearing and its final resolutions rushed.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Mark secretly broadcasts as Hard Harry, turning a short-wave station into a rallying point against school and civic authority.
Shy teenager Mark Hunter gains influence and confidence through the anonymous identity of Hard Harry.
The principal and authorities attempt to suppress the broadcasts as student unrest spreads through the high school.
Rock music and radio performance shape the film's rebellious atmosphere and its communication between isolated teenagers.
Films like Pump Up the Volume, and why
Heathers
teen rebellion, dark humor, anti-authoritarian school satire, and a confrontational coming-of-age perspective
If....
youthful alienation, subversive humor, outsider protagonists, and critique of repressive institutions
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
music-driven adolescent rebellion, underground media, and emotionally charged resistance to authority
Over the Edge
coming-of-age drama centered on troubled teenagers, social pressure, and an affecting soundtrack
Movie Details
- Director
- Allan Moyle
- Release Date
- 1990-08-22
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (426)
Cast
- Christian Slater
- Samantha Mathis
- Annie Ross
- Scott Paulin
- Mimi Kennedy
- Andy Romano
- Keith Stuart Thayer
- Cheryl Pollak
- Jeff Chamberlain
- Lala Sloatman
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Pump Up the Volume about?
- A shy Arizona teenager becomes an anonymous pirate-radio provocateur, turning adolescent isolation into a rebellious soundtrack for students challenging authority.
- What is Pump Up the Volume like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pump Up the Volume as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Pump Up the Volume violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Pump Up the Volume as mild.
- What did critics think of Pump Up the Volume?
- Critics broadly praised the film's conviction, heartfelt teen perspective, Christian Slater's performance, and energetic soundtrack while finding its premise overbearing and its final resolutions rushed.
- Which films are like Pump Up the Volume?
- Films with a similar feel include Heathers, If...., The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years, and Over the Edge.
- How long is Pump Up the Volume?
- Pump Up the Volume runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pump Up the Volume?
- In United States, Pump Up the Volume is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
