7.2
Where can I stream Pump Up the Volume legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Pump Up the Volume
1990·Movie
·1h 45min·R·
Pump Up the Volume fingerprint
High energy, immersive world.
Energy
Thrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline7
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
Heart
Nostalgic and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age9
- Nostalgia8
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody6
- Dark Humor5
World
Growing up, show business, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout score
- Music Centrality9
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
Energy
HighThrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
Pump Up the Volume is thrilling, tense, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighGrowing up, show business, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around growing up, show business, and pop culture. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Showbiz9Entertainment industry and performance.
- Pop Culture9References and cultural commentary.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Music Centrality9Songs central to storytelling.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-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
TALK HARD. STEAL THE AIR.
Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.
Teen AngstPirate RadioCounter-CultureComing-of-Age DramaSocial CommentaryGeneration XFree SpeechSoundtrack DrivenNineties Nostalgia
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
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Questions about Pump Up the Volume
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Pump Up the Volume worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 82%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Pump Up the Volume rated?
RStrong languageSuicide themes
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and suicide themes.
How long is Pump Up the Volume?
1 h 45 min
Pump Up the Volume runs 1 h 45 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Pump Up the Volume?
Critics80
Audiences80
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 80 out of 100, so both groups see Pump Up the Volume much the same way.
What language is Pump Up the Volume in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Pump Up the Volume?
13
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Pump Up the Volume in 13 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Pump Up the Volume use?
Reluctant HeroReasonable Authority FigureSmoking Is CoolNice Job Breaking It, Hero!Censorship BureauImmoral JournalistMost Writers Are WritersProduct PlacementMetaphorically TrueSmug SnakeAudience MonologueShirtless Sceneand 36 more
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for Pump Up the Volume, including Reluctant Hero, Reasonable Authority Figure, Smoking Is Cool.