Is St. Elmo's Fire Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, St. Elmo's Fire is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
St. Elmo's Fire Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, St. Elmo's Fire emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, St. Elmo's Fire attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and St. Elmo's Fire features a noteworthy lineup led by Emilio Estevez . Supported by the likes of Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of St. Elmo's Fire (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
St. Elmo's Fire Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: St. Elmo's Fire is a Drama, Romance, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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? The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
St. Elmo's Fire Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: St. Elmo's Fire concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of St. Elmo's Fire reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch St. Elmo's Fire?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
St. Elmo's Fire Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $37.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
St. Elmo's Fire Budget
The estimated production budget for St. Elmo's Fire is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of St. Elmo's Fire
- Emilio Estevez – Kirby Keger
- Rob Lowe – Billy Hicks
- Andrew McCarthy – Kevin Dolenz
- Demi Moore – Jules
- Judd Nelson – Alec Newbary
Top Highlights
Emilio EstevezKirby Keger
Rob LoweBilly Hicks
Andrew McCarthyKevin Dolenz
Demi MooreJules
Judd NelsonAlec Newbary
Ally SheedyLeslie Hunter
Mare WinninghamWendy Beamish
Martin BalsamMr. Beamish
Andie MacDowellDale Biberman
Joyce Van PattenMrs. Beamish
Where to Watch St. Elmo's Fire Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
St. Elmo's Fire is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, St. Elmo's Fire stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Elmo's Fire movie hit or flop?
St. Elmo's Fire has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is St. Elmo's Fire worth watching?
St. Elmo's Fire is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch St. Elmo's Fire online?
St. Elmo's Fire may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for St. Elmo's Fire
As with most Joel Schumacher films, this one is beautifully shot. The locations of the film stand out and never overshadow the characters as they go on about their lives. St. Elmo's fire is not comedy-driven and there isn't much of a plot. This is more of a slice of life piece about a group of young people embarking on their careers and lives. The soundtrack works well, the music was good for the time. Andie MacDowell and Andrew McCarthy are great in their respective roles even if Andie's character doesn't speak much. Emilio Estevez and Judd Nelson make honest attempts with the material they are given, and they aren't horrible, but both actors have done much better in lesser roles or maybe they needed more of a role. The other members of the cast just appear to be plodding through the script but that may be what the script called for; if this is the case they did well.
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