Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- melodramatic
- nostalgic
- witty
- 1980s nostalgia night
- ensemble drama marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film stylish and musically memorable but undermined by unlikable characters and weak writing, direction, and plotting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
All seven friends are navigating careers, commitment, finances, and identity after graduating from college.
Wendy's wealthy background, Jules's debt-driven excess, and the others' working lives create friction within the group.
The film's young ensemble, period fashion, soundtrack, and social milieu are central to its cultural identity.
Alec and Leslie, Kirby and Dale, Kevin and his confidante, Billy and Wendy, and Jules's crisis unfold alongside one another.
Films like St. Elmo's Fire, and why
About Last Night
shared 1980s young-adult ensemble, post-college uncertainty, romantic entanglements, and nostalgic soundtrack-driven atmosphere
The Breakfast Club
shared brat pack casting, friendship-centered coming-of-age drama, romantic conflict, and emotionally heightened 1980s style
Reality Bites
shared ensemble relationship drama, urban young-adult disillusionment, witty banter, and evolving friendships
Singles
shared post-college transition, romantic complications, friendship tensions, and polished melodramatic tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Joel Schumacher
- Release Date
- 1985-06-28
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (618)
Cast
- Andrew McCarthy
- Emilio Estevez
- Rob Lowe
- Demi Moore
- Judd Nelson
- Ally Sheedy
- Mare Winningham
- Martin Balsam
- Andie MacDowell
- Joyce Van Patten
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is St. Elmo's Fire about?
- Seven recent graduates test whether their intense friendship can withstand romance, ambition, financial pressure, and the responsibilities of adulthood.
- What is St. Elmo's Fire like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of St. Elmo's Fire as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is St. Elmo's Fire violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in St. Elmo's Fire as mild.
- What did critics think of St. Elmo's Fire?
- Critics broadly found the film stylish and musically memorable but undermined by unlikable characters and weak writing, direction, and plotting.
- Which films are like St. Elmo's Fire?
- Films with a similar feel include About Last Night, The Breakfast Club, Reality Bites, and Singles.
- How long is St. Elmo's Fire?
- St. Elmo's Fire runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch St. Elmo's Fire?
- In United States, St. Elmo's Fire streams on Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
