6.1
Where can I stream Firestarter legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Firestarter
1984·Movie
Firestarter fingerprint
High energy, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
- Scare7
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Coming of Age6
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor3
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and mystery
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Firestarter is tense, thrilling, and scary.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowNostalgic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumThe mind, everyday modern life, and mystery
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and mystery.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
- Tech & Humanity5Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
She has the power to set objects on fire with just one glance!
Charlene "Charlie" McGee has the amazing ability to start fires with just a glance. Can her psychic power and the love of her father save her from the threatening government agency which wants to destroy her?
Psychic PowersGovernment ConspiracyFamily on the RunStephen King AdaptationSupernatural ThrillerComing-of-AgeTenseAction-Oriented
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Firestarter
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Firestarter worth watching?
52
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 53/100 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 40%, and Metacritic 50). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Firestarter rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Firestarter?
1 h 54 min
Firestarter runs 1 h 54 min.
Is Firestarter based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Firestarter?
Critics45
Audiences59
Not quite. Audiences rate Firestarter higher (59) than critics (45). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Firestarter a box office hit?
Budget$15 million
Box office$17 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $17 million worldwide, 1.1 times its budget.
What language is Firestarter in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Firestarter?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Firestarter in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Firestarter use?
Government Agency of FictionDramatic Chase OpeningAdaptational Superpower ChangePsychic NosebleedShooting SupermanThe HeavyThe Film of the BookRoaring Rampage of RevengePstandard Psychic PstanceBloodier and GorierAll Girls Like PoniesRace Liftand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for Firestarter, including Government Agency of Fiction, Dramatic Chase Opening, Adaptational Superpower Change.