The Wraith
The Wraith Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: The Wraith
| Movie | The Wraith |
| Release Year | 1986 |
| Director | Mike Marvin |
| Genre | Action / Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 93 minutes (1h 33m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wraith (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Wraith are led by Charlie Sheen . The supporting cast, including Nick Cassavetes and Sherilyn Fenn , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Wraith does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Action films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Wraith has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Wraith
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, The Wraith is a Action, Science Fiction film directed by Mike Marvin, written by Mike Marvin. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Charlie Sheen as Jake Kesey / The Wraith.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Mike Marvin establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. 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. After Walsh beats the decent teenager Jamie Hankins to death after finding him with his girlfriend, a mysterious power creates Jake Kesey, an extremely cool motor-biker who has a car which is invincible. Jake befriends Jamie's girlfriend Keri Johnson, takes Jamie's sweet brother Bill under his wing and manages what Sheriff Loomis couldn't; eliminate Packard's criminal gang the hard way... The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Charlie Sheen, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The Wraith opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes, introducing Charlie Sheen as Jake Kesey / The Wraith in the midst of conflict. Mike Marvin wastes no time setting up the action blueprint, and over its 93-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Charlie Sheen's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation provides adequate resolution, with Charlie Sheen at the center of the action. Mike Marvin's staging of the climax raises the stakes to their highest point.
Ending Explained: The Wraith
The Wraith Ending Explained: Directed by Mike Marvin, The Wraith wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core action themes developed throughout the film.
The climax builds toward a high-stakes confrontation that resolves the main conflict, particularly in scenes involving Charlie Sheen. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the action themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Wraith reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Wraith?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Charlie Sheen or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: The Wraith
| 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.
Where to Watch The Wraith Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Wraith Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about The Wraith age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wraith (1986) is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Directed by Mike Marvin, the film runs for 93 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Wraith is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wraith worth watching?
The Wraith is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wraith parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wraith identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Wraith (1986)?
The runtime of The Wraith (1986) is 93 minutes (approximately 1h 33m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
