St. Elmo's Fire

St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

  • 47% of critics liked it
    (30 reviews)

  • 70% of users liked it
    (52,959 ratings)

Post-collegiate angst, '80s style, is the subject of this coming-of-age ensemble piece, which traces the fortunes of a group of Georgetown grads as they enter the real world and grapple with work, infidelity, and adulthood. The most outwardly upscale member of the gang, Jules (Demi Moore), hides a… More

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R, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By
Joel Schumacher
Genres
Drama, Romance
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1985 Wide
On DVD
Nov 20, 2001
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Ellen Twadell, Common Sense Media

    Soapy 20-something friends saga isn't for kids.

  • Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central

    there's a perceptive, brilliant essay buried somewhere in St. Elmo's Fire on the dangers of deeply, tragically stupid people trying to write the great American novel.

  • James Plath, Movie Metropolis

    If you grew up with them, you'll like this generally unlikable group. But as far as I'm concerned, they all could use a strict parent.

  • James Plath, Movie Metropolis

    Even teens might have a hard time identifying with the level of melodrama we get here.

  • Pete Croatto, Filmcritic.com

    Everyone struggles. Everyone triumphs. The music swells. No one cares.

Read all 8 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Bethany M


    St. Elmo's Fire is an enlightening and coming-of-age ensemble that warms your heart and leaves you feeling all happy inside. The cast is one of the best, being the brat pack, nobody could get enough of them in the 80's and I can see why. It's also a great learning film,… More

  • Cassie H


    This movie shows and tells you about the transition to life after college. Just a really good honest film about life. Great story and great 80s music, this is another classic! :) I love it! :) :) :)

  • Alexander D


    I first heard the song "St. Elmo's Fire," and I liked it, but the movie was much better. That said, ST. ELMO'S FIRE could have easily been titled THE BREAKFAST CLUB: PART II, as it both has similar actors (Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez) and a much… More

  • Jennifer X


    Yuck. 80s angst gone bad.

  • AJ V


    I know that this film is usually considered an 80s classic, and yes it has a lot of great actors, but there are things about it I don't like. This romantic college drama has all the great stars except Ringwald, which disappoints me, the story is pretty good, but not realistic… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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