Is The Wraith Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Wraith is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Wraith Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1986, The Wraith emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Packard Walsh and his motorized gang control and terrorize an Arizona desert town where they force drivers to drag-race so they can 'win' their vehicles. Unlike standard genre fare, The Wraith attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Wraith features a noteworthy lineup led by Charlie Sheen . Supported by the likes of Nick Cassavetes and Sherilyn Fenn , 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 The Wraith (1986) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Wraith Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Wraith is a Action, Science Fiction film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Wraith Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Wraith concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Wraith reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Wraith?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
The Wraith Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.7M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wraith Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wraith is $2.7M. 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 The Wraith
- Charlie Sheen – Jake Kesey / The Wraith
- Nick Cassavetes – Packard Walsh
- Sherilyn Fenn – Keri Johnson
- Randy Quaid – Sheriff Loomis
- Matthew Barry – Billy Hankins
Top Highlights
Charlie SheenJake Kesey / The Wraith
Nick CassavetesPackard Walsh
Sherilyn FennKeri Johnson
Randy QuaidSheriff Loomis
Matthew BarryBilly Hankins
Clint HowardRughead
David SherrillSkank
Jamie BozianGutterboy
Griffin O'NealOggie
Chris NashMinty
Where to Watch The Wraith Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Wraith is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Wraith stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1986 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wraith movie hit or flop?
The Wraith has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Wraith worth watching?
The Wraith is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Wraith online?
The Wraith 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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How The Wraith Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Wraith
I first saw this movie back in 1986... didn't really remember too much about it... decided to watch it again after seeing the car in an episode of Leno's Garage. You know what.. it is actually very entertaining movie... it doesn't suck at all. The bad boy characters are somewhat stupid but fit in quite well... the story is a little simplistic... but sometimes watching a movie that is entertaining and you don't need to think too much about is just what you need. Plus it was a trip down memory lane from 35 years ago. Charlie Sheen was 21, but looked a lot younger!! For the time, the movie had a good look and feel to it. And the Wraith car stands the test of time really well.
**_Hammy 80’s motorhead thriller with Charlie Sheen and Sherilyn Fenn_** A ruthless (but comical) gang terrorizes a town in southern Arizona, forcing guys to drag race in order to ‘win’ their vehicles; that is, until a young man comes to town (Sheen), along with a mysterious black sportscar and driver. Randy Quaid is on hand as the Sheriff. "The Wraith" (1986) is like a meshing of the contemporaneous “Top Gun” with the campiness of “Lost Boys” (which came out the next year), just trade the pilot ace flying with drag racing and the vampires with a thug gang. The hammy approach mainly applies to Skank (David Sherrill), Gutterboy (Jamie Bozian) and tech-geek Rughead (Clint Howard) whereas Nick Cassavetes is more subdued about it as the lead bully, but still cartoonishly exaggerated. Nick, by the way, is the son of John Cassavetes & Gina Rowlands, which is odd since John was only 5’7” while Nick is 6’6”, but I guess it happens. I’m not a fan of the hammy tone and think it would’ve worked better if done more seriously, like “Top Gun.” However, if you can roll with the goofiness, it’s entertaining on several fronts. For instance, the Arizona locations are spectacular, Sherilyn Fenn’s beauty is well captured and there’s a lot of thrilling vehicle mayhem. It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in the Greater Tucson area, including the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Gila Bend, which is 92 miles northwest of Tucson (and just southwest of Phoenix). GRADE: B-
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