The Wraith (1987)

30% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
60% of users liked it
(8,320 ratings)

After a boy is killed at the hands of the drag-racing gang led by Packard Walsh (Nick Cassavetes), the mysterious Jake Kesey (Charlie Sheen) shows up in town. When a strange black car makes an appearance around the same time, the members of Packard's gang begin to suffer from a number of unfortunate… More After a boy is killed at the hands of the drag-racing gang led by Packard Walsh (Nick Cassavetes), the mysterious Jake Kesey (Charlie Sheen) shows up in town. When a strange black car makes an appearance around the same time, the members of Packard's gang begin to suffer from a number of unfortunate "accidents." ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Mike Marvin
Genres: Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Nov 21, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Nov 26, 2002
Studio: Lionsgate

Critic Reviews

Janet Maslin, New York Times
Mr. Cassavetes is effectively black-hearted, and makes a striking figure, and Randy Quaid does a lot with the underdeveloped role of a local sheriff.
Paul Attanasio, Washington Post
There is all too little of the quietly charismatic Sheen and all too much of Cassavetes, who is a dead ringer for the young Hugh Hefner.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A ridiculous mishmash of drag racing, ghosts, and science fiction.
, Time Out
The town (comprising one house, a burger joint and no citizen who isn't a teenager or a cop) is overseen by Sheriff Randy Quaid, who displays all the reverence the script deserves.
Clint Morris, Film Threat
An imaginative, thrilling piece
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
This movie makes no sense.
Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine
An enjoyably trashy sci-fi/car racing action movie.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jeff "

The Wraith is a supernatural action horror film that is surprisingly good. The film has gotten many bad reviews, and is considered pretty bad. But The Wraith is actually enjoyable entertainment. A group of thugs murder a kid, and suddenly a new guy shows up in town. A short while… More
The Wraith is a supernatural action horror film that is surprisingly good. The film has gotten many bad reviews, and is considered pretty bad. But The Wraith is actually enjoyable entertainment. A group of thugs murder a kid, and suddenly a new guy shows up in town. A short while after, a mysterious car appears and hunts down the gang members. The plot is simple, yet effective. The film blends elements of action and horror perfectly. There are some eerie parts in the film, nothing ever really scary, but a tad uncomforting. This is an entertaining film that is quite underrated and it doesn't deserve the flack it has received. Sure the film is pretty silly, but it has enough good elements to make it an enjoyable film. The fact that the director is able to combine action and supernatural horror into one film makes it watchable. The film isn't perfect, but it definitely is a film worth watching if you enjoy awesome car chases, horror and vengeance spirits returning to settle a few old scores. The films' acting is questionable, but this is a B movie, so what do you expect? The Wraith may not be the best supernatural horror flick around, but the fact that it combines action elements makes this an interesting film to watch. Add to that, a pretty good hard rock, pop and heavy metal soundtrack; and you have an entertaining film. A good addition to the supernatural horror genre.
AJ V

This movie may make you think of Christine or The Car, but it's different from those movies, really. It's an awesome mysterious car thriller/horror movie with a good cast, and I loved it.
EightThirty .

This movie was kick but material back in the day ^_^
Steve K

I went to see this because it was advertised on Headbanger's Ball. It's a silly film. The car, however, is undeinably cool. And Sherilyn Fenn is undeniably hot.
Anthony V

Being dead is just swell! You can come back, kill all your enemies and get the girl!
Adam M

This is just one of those films thats so bad that its good!A proper 80's thriller,its got Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue on the soundtrack, its got Sherilyn Fenn looking fit and its got Charlie Sheen being cheesey.Good Stuff!