6.4
Where can I stream St. Elmo's Fire legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
St. Elmo's Fire fingerprint
Big heart, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Nostalgic and romantic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Coming of Age9
- Nostalgia8
- Romance7
Humor
Some situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and pop culture
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
St. Elmo's Fire is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighNostalgic and romantic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, romantic, and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, growing up, and pop culture
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and pop culture.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture8References and cultural commentary.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-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
The passion burns deep.
Reluctant to let go of college life, a close-knit team of seven friends--irresponsible saxophone player Billy, young Republican Alec, his girlfriend Leslie, struggling journalist Kevin, drama queen Jules, lovesick waiter Kirby, and Wendy, a social worker with a heart of gold--realise the party is over. And as the burdens of maturity close in on the young dreamers, the complexities of adulthood and the daily struggle of growing up put their sacred friendship to the test. But everyone knows life is not a bed of roses. It won't be easy, but when all is said and done, what will it take for St. Elmo's clique to find its place in the real world?
Brat Pack DramaReagan EraPost-College AngstFriendship & Growing UpMelodramatic RelationshipsPop SoundtrackYuppie Culture80s NostalgiaGroup Dynamics
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about St. Elmo's Fire
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is St. Elmo's Fire worth watching?
52
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 52/100 (IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 44%, and Metacritic 35). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is St. Elmo's Fire rated?
RStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is St. Elmo's Fire?
1 h 48 min
St. Elmo's Fire runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on St. Elmo's Fire?
Critics40
Audiences66
Not quite. Audiences rate St. Elmo's Fire higher (66) than critics (40). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was St. Elmo's Fire a box office hit?
Budget$10 million
Box office$38 million
Yes. It cost about $10 million to make and earned $38 million worldwide, 3.8 times its budget.
What language is St. Elmo's Fire in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch St. Elmo's Fire?
81
+67
+67GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for St. Elmo's Fire in 81 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does St. Elmo's Fire use?
Crowd SongBetty and VeronicaMistaken for GayAM/FM CharacterizationAlways Save the GirlManchildHooker with a Heart of GoldHair of Gold, Heart of GoldSpotlight-Stealing TitleFour-Temperament EnsembleDid Not Get the GirlVerbal Business Cardand 39 more
TV Tropes lists 51 storytelling tropes for St. Elmo's Fire, including Crowd Song, Betty and Veronica, Mistaken for Gay.