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The Wraith
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMike Marvin
Written byMike Marvin
Produced byJohn Kemeny
Starring
CinematographyReed Smoot
Edited byScott Conrad
Gary Rocklen
Music byMichael Hoenig
J. Peter Robinson
Production
companies
New Century Entertainment Corporation
Alliance Entertainment
Turbo Productions
Distributed byNew Century Vista Film Company
Release date
  • November 21, 1986 (1986-11-21) (US)
Running time
93 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
BudgetC$8 million[1]

The Wraith is a 1986 independently made American action-fantasy film, produced by John Kemeny, written and directed by Mike Marvin, and starring Charlie Sheen, Sherilyn Fenn, Nick Cassavetes, and Randy Quaid.[2] The film was theatrically released November 21, 1986, on just 88 screens in the United States by New Century Vista Film Company (later New Century Entertainment Corporation).

Plot

[edit]

In the town of Brooks, Arizona, Packard Walsh, the leader of a gang of car thieves, coerces people with fast cars into racing, with the winner of the race taking ownership of the loser's car. Packard controls everyone through intimidation including Keri Johnson, whom he views as his property. Keri's boyfriend, Jamie Hankins, was the victim of an unsolved murder and Keri, who was with him, has no memory of the traumatic event.

Jake Kesey arrives in Brooks riding a dirt bike. He befriends Billy Hankins (Jamie's brother) and Keri. While swimming at a river, Jake is shown to have knife scars on his neck and back.

Packard's control of the illegal races comes to an end when an all-black Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor supercar appears with a driver covered head-to-toe in black body armor and helmet, and metal braces resembling those worn by victims of physical trauma. The driver challenges Packard's gang to a race, ending in high-speed, explosive crashes in which one of the gang members is killed. His body appears unharmed afterwards except for burned-out eye sockets. The Turbo Interceptor then reconstructs itself and eludes the pursuing Sheriff Loomis in a cloud of glowing light.

Two more gang members, Skank and Gutterboy, are killed when the Turbo Interceptor races inside the gang's warehouse, causing an explosion, with Rughead, the gang's tech-geek, witnessing it from a distance. Rughead, who had nothing to do with the gang murdering Jamie, figures out why each of the gang members had been targeted. When Loomis arrives at the scene of the destruction, Rughead tells him Packard and his gang had murdered Jamie Hankins.

Now with his gang mostly gone, Packard decides to flee town. He kidnaps Keri and beats up Billy when he tries to intervene. When Packard tries driving to California, Keri resists. As they both exit the car and he pulls a knife on her, the Turbo Interceptor arrives and challenges Packard to a race. Packard accepts and is then killed in an explosive head-on collision with the Turbo Interceptor, like the rest of his gang were. Loomis calls off the hunt for the mysterious driver, believing it to be futile.

As Keri arrives home that night, the Turbo Interceptor pulls up and Jake emerges. Keri realizes that Jake is a revived form of her dead boyfriend Jamie, who had returned for a chance to rekindle their past relationship. He then asks her to wait for him because he has one last thing to do. Jake then gives his car to Billy. When Billy asks who he is, Jake says that Billy already knows, and as he rides off on his dirt bike, Billy then realizes Jake is Jamie. Jake picks up Keri, whom Loomis is watching from a distance. Together they ride off along the desert highway into the moonlight.

Cast

[edit]
  • Charlie Sheen as Jake Kesey / The Wraith / Jamie Hankins
  • Matthew Barry as Billy Hankins
  • Sherilyn Fenn as Keri Johnson
  • Randy Quaid as Sheriff G.L. Loomis
  • Clint Howard as "Rughead"
  • Nick Cassavetes as Packard Walsh
  • David Sherrill as Maurice "Skank"
  • Jamie Bozian as "The Gutterboy"
  • Griffin O'Neal as Oggie Fisher
  • Chris Nash as "Minty"
  • Christopher Bradley as Jamie Hankins
  • Vickie Benson as The Waitress
  • Jeffrey Sudzin as "Redd", Skank's uncle
  • Peder Melhuse as Deputy Murphy
  • Michael Hundrtford as Deputy Stokes
  • Dick Alexander as Deputy Sandeval
  • Steven Eckholdt as George, Boy In Daytona
  • Elizabeth Cox as Girl In Daytona
  • Joan H. Reynolds as Policewoman

Production

[edit]

Shooting locations

[edit]

The Wraith was shot entirely in and around Tucson, Arizona; shots of the hilly road leading into the fictional "Brooks, AZ" were filmed on Freeman Road on the city's southeast side. Keri's (Sherilyn Fenn) home is located at 2128 East 5th Street.

Sheriff Loomis goes to talk to Skank and Gutterboy at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, at the airplane graveyard where they both work. The film's swimming hole is located in Sabino Canyon, off North Upper Sabino Canyon Road. The curvy mountain road where Packard and his gang challenge other cars to deadly races is the General Hitchcock/Catalina/Mount Lemmon Highway that winds through natural stone monoliths north of the city. Skank and Gutterboy chase after Jamie and Keri down North 4th Avenue at East 7th Street. The portion of the chase that leads into a tunnel is the since-redone tunnel on North 4th Avenue, where it crosses under railroad tracks; Jake and Keri are seen riding down the road through Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (near Sabino Lake Dam) northeast of Tucson.

Bruce Ingram, a camera operator, died during the filming of one of the car chases; another crew member was seriously injured.[2]

Turbo Interceptor

[edit]

The Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor used in the film was originally a pace car built by Chrysler Corporation and PPG Industries. Six copies were made for use in the film: two stunt cars made from molds of the original car and four non-drivable "dummies" that were destroyed during filming. During production, the real Dodge Turbo Interceptor was used in close-ups. That original was located at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, MI until 2016, when the museum closed permanently.[3]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Original motion picture soundtrack on vinyl

The music score was composed and performed by Michael Hoenig and J. Peter Robinson, two famous synth composers of film and TV series soundtracks. The soundtrack LP was recorded by Rick Hart and entirely played on a NED Synclavier II.[4]

Many famous 1980s rock music hits are included on the film's soundtrack:[5]

Release

[edit]

The Wraith was released in the United States on November 21, 1986. In the Philippines, the film was released as Black Moon Rising: Part-2 on April 29, 1987, connecting it to the unrelated film Black Moon Rising starring Tommy Lee Jones.[6] The film grossed $1,402,535 on its opening weekend.[7] The Wraith grossed $3,500,045 worldwide.[8]

Home video

[edit]

In 1987, the film was released to VHS video by Lightning Video, then on LaserDisc by Image Entertainment; it was then released in 2003 on DVD by Platinum Disc Corporation (now Echo Bridge Home Entertainment). In spite of having no special features and only being available in the pan-and-scan format, there is footage retained that was missing on the original VHS and LaserDisc releases. Lionsgate released a widescreen Special Edition DVD on March 2, 2010, which included the previously missing footage.[9]

Reception

[edit]

The Wraith holds a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on fifteen reviews.[10] Review aggregator Metacritic gives the film 39 out of 100 indicating mostly negative reviews.[11]

Critical response

[edit]

The Wraith received mixed reviews from critics. Film historian and critic Leonard Maltin dismissed the film as "... for those who favor fast cars and lots of noise."[12] In the Time Out review, editor John Pym saw The Wraith having "comic-strip killer car thieves" with "...the best joke having one of the thugs knowing the word 'wraith.'"[13] Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote in her review: "The greatest suspense in The Wraith, which opened yesterday at the National and other theaters, is generated by the problem of how the writer-director, Mike Marvin, will work a word like wraith into the dialogue. It wouldn't be common parlance under the best of circumstances, let alone in a teen-age action film filled with car races."[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Wraith

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Wraith is a American independent action-fantasy film written and directed by Mike Marvin, starring as a enigmatic supernatural driver who descends upon a small town to exact revenge on a ruthless gang of street racers. The story centers on the gang, led by Packard Walsh (played by ), who terrorize locals by forcing them into high-stakes drag races to steal their cars, until the arrival of the armored protagonist in his advanced turbocharged vehicle disrupts their reign. Supporting roles include as Keri Johnson, a young woman caught in the conflict, and as the local sheriff investigating the ensuing chaos. Produced by John Kemeny with a of $2.7 million, the film emphasizes high-octane car chases and features custom-built vehicles, most notably the Turbo Interceptor driven by the Wraith—a mid-engine prototype with a modified 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 440 horsepower, developed through a partnership between and .) Shot primarily in and around , The Wraith blends elements of revenge thriller, horror, and teen , with a runtime of 93 minutes and a PG-13 rating. The soundtrack, composed by Michael Hoenig, features 1980s rock tracks from artists like and Mötley Crüe to heighten the film's energetic pace. Upon its theatrical release on November 21, 1986, The Wraith earned $3.5 million at the North American , failing to recoup its costs but gaining modest attention for its vehicular spectacle.) Critics offered mixed responses, with a 33% approval rating on based on 15 reviews, praising the action sequences while critiquing the thin plot and . Over time, it has cultivated a among fans of 1980s B-movies and automotive cinema, bolstered by releases and renewed interest in its iconic cars, including public unveilings of surviving M4S replicas in the .

Overview

Plot

In the small town of , a ruthless gang led by Packard Walsh terrorizes residents by spotting desirable cars, intimidating owners into illegal drag races, and claiming the vehicles as prizes when they inevitably lose through the gang's cheating tactics. The gang's sadistic nature culminates in the murder of local teenager Jamie Hankins—Keri Johnson's boyfriend and brother of Billy Hankins—after he is found with her; the group ambushes the couple and stabs Jamie to death. Months later, a supernatural phenomenon occurs in the desert when a luminous pod descends from the sky, from which emerges the Wraith, an enigmatic figure clad in black who possesses an indestructible turbocharged . Portrayed by , the Wraith is the resurrected spirit of Jamie Hankins, who adopts the human alias of Jake Kesey to infiltrate the town. The entity systematically targets the , branding each member with a glowing, circuit-like symbol on their forehead that signals impending doom. The Wraith challenges them to high-stakes races across the barren highways, where his vehicle demonstrates otherworldly abilities, including rapid regeneration from collisions, the power to dematerialize through solid barriers, and explosive countermeasures that cause the opponents' cars to erupt in flames, killing the drivers one by one in vivid, fiery wrecks. As the gang dwindles, —now under 's possessive control—encounters Jake and forms an emotional bond with him, gradually uncovering clues to his true identity as through shared memories and visions, aided by Billy who suspects the connection. In the film's climax, the Wraith confronts in a brutal final race through the mountains, culminating in Packard's vehicle careening off a cliff in a massive , avenging 's . With justice achieved, the Wraith reveals himself fully to and Billy as , shares a tender moment, then departs in his car, ascending into the night sky as the pod reappears to reclaim him, leaving to reflect on their brief reunion.

Cast

The principal cast of The Wraith centers on , who plays the dual roles of Jake Kesey and The Wraith, the enigmatic avenger returning from death to dismantle a violent street gang through high-stakes races and targeted retribution. Sheen's performance anchors the film's supernatural thriller elements, portraying a stoic outsider who infiltrates the gang's world while forming alliances with the town's outcasts. This role represented an early lead for Sheen, shot in a single day amid his commitments to . Nick Cassavetes portrays Packard Walsh, the film's primary antagonist and ruthless leader of the gang, whose authoritarian grip on his followers drives the central conflict and terrorizes the community. Sherilyn Fenn plays Keri Johnson, whose emotional turmoil—balancing her coerced loyalty to the gang with an unexpected connection to Jake—adds layers to the interpersonal dynamics. Fenn's portrayal here preceded her breakthrough as in . Randy Quaid stars as Sheriff G.L. Loomis, the skeptical lawman probing the Wraith's nocturnal attacks and the escalating gang violence, providing a grounded to the film's otherworldly tone. Matthew Barry appears as Billy Hankins, the supportive younger brother of the gang's original victim , who aids Jake and represents the innocent civilians caught in the feud. The gang ensemble, emphasizing their tight-knit yet volatile camaraderie under Packard's rule, includes Griffin O'Neal as the hot-tempered Oggie, Clint Howard as the eccentric Rughead, David Sherrill as the sleazy Skank, and Jamie Bozian as the aggressive Gutterboy. These supporting roles heighten the group's menacing presence, contrasting the lone Wraith's methodical justice.

Production

Development

The screenplay for The Wraith was written by Mike Marvin, marking his feature directorial debut after prior work in television production. Marvin drew inspiration from revenge westerns such as Clint Eastwood's High Plains Drifter (1973) and post-apocalyptic action films like George Miller's Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981), incorporating elements of supernatural resurrection into a narrative centered on high-stakes street racing. The film was produced by John Kemeny, whose prior credits included the Academy Award-nominated comedy The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), with Buck Houghton serving as . Marvin handled both writing and directing duties, aiming to craft an independent action-fantasy targeted at a youth audience through its exploration of teen revenge tropes involving car culture and vigilante justice. Casting emphasized a mix of emerging and established talent to enhance the film's appeal. was secured for the lead role shortly before beginning production on Oliver Stone's (1986). , son of acclaimed director , was cast as the primary antagonist Packard Walsh, bringing intensity to the villainous role. Supporting parts went to newcomer as the romantic interest Keri Johnson and veteran actor as the quirky Sheriff Loomis, balancing star power with fresh faces. As a low-budget independent production with an estimated cost of $2.7 million, The Wraith was financed without major studio backing, allowing creative freedom in its genre-blending approach while focusing on practical effects and desert-set action sequences.

Filming

Principal photography for The Wraith took place over several months in early 1986, concluding in April, in and around Tucson, Arizona, spanning several months to capture the film's desert isolation and small-town atmosphere. The production utilized the region's expansive Sonoran Desert landscapes, including Sabino Canyon Recreation Area for the pivotal water scenes where the Wraith's pod emerges from the creek bed, evoking a sense of otherworldly arrival amid the arid terrain. Drag racing sequences were filmed on winding Tucson-area roads such as Freeman Road south of the city, while teen-oriented scenes drew from local spots like 4th Avenue and the Sam Hughes neighborhood to convey youthful rebellion in the fictional town of Brooks. Additional exteriors, including high school vignettes, were shot at Tucson High School and nearby facilities to ground the narrative in authentic Southwestern suburbia. Filming faced significant logistical hurdles, exacerbated by Arizona's variable spring weather, where rising temperatures in and strained crew endurance and equipment reliability during extended outdoor shoots. The most profound challenge occurred early in production on March 4, 1986, when an overloaded camera vehicle flipped during a high-speed chase on Highway, killing assistant cameraman Bruce Ingram and injuring seven others, including one left paraplegic; this tragedy, which happened on the second day of , prompted a dedication in the film's credits and forced a compressed schedule for the action sequences. Director Mike Marvin noted that the incident reduced planned filming from three weeks to just eight days, heightening the pressure on the $2.7 million independent production. The action sequences relied heavily on practical effects and in-camera techniques typical of mid-1980s filmmaking, with real crashes, explosions, and pyrotechnics coordinated by stunt coordinator Buddy Joe Hooker to maintain visceral intensity without digital augmentation. High-speed chases demanded precise synchronization among stunt drivers, who navigated treacherous desert roads at night to build atmospheric tension, often under dim lighting to enhance the supernatural mood; these nocturnal shoots, essential for the film's drag race climaxes, required careful permitting and safety protocols amid the post-accident scrutiny. Marvin emphasized a disciplined approach to these elements, drawing from western and sci-fi influences to execute the scripted vehicular confrontations efficiently, though studio interference later led to cuts that streamlined some effects-heavy segments. Marvin's directorial style prioritized adherence to the script's core dynamics, focusing on the gang's raw aggression through tightly controlled performances rather than extensive improvisation, while contributed to select driving scenes but deferred high-risk stunts to professionals like those handling the Dodge-PPG Turbo Interceptor vehicles. This methodical execution allowed the production to wrap before the November 1986 release, despite the setbacks, resulting in a that captured the era's blend of practical spectacle and genre thrills.

Vehicles

The Turbo Interceptor, the film's central vehicle driven by the titular character, was a custom-built developed as a collaboration between and , originally intended as a pace car. This mid-engine featured a body for reduced weight and enhanced , allowing it to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of approximately 195 mph. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four engine tuned by with Garrett T25 turbos, it produced up to 440 horsepower, far exceeding standard Dodge engines of the era. Visual modifications included distinctive flame decals on the hood and sides, while production versions incorporated explosive destruction rigs for dramatic crash sequences, enabling the car to participate in multiple high-speed races and the climactic showdown against the antagonists. Packard's gang operated a fleet of modified muscle cars, including a supercharged 1977 Trans Am as Packard's personal ride, a 1969 , and a 1969 , each customized for with performance enhancements like boosted engines and custom paint jobs. These vehicles were integral to the gang's dominance in desert races, but practical stunts during filming involved real crashes and to depict their explosive defeats, emphasizing the Interceptor's superiority in action sequences. The vehicles' authenticity stemmed from close collaboration with automotive sponsors like , which provided the prototype Interceptor and supported integrations, while PPG contributed to the pace car concept's development. Post-filming, two fiberglass replicas of the Interceptor were destroyed in scenes, but additional replicas have since been constructed by enthusiasts using original molds, preserving the car's legacy beyond the production. In the narrative, these cars extend character conflicts through intense race confrontations that drive the plot's theme.

Soundtrack

Score

The original instrumental score for The Wraith was composed and performed by Michael Hoenig and , renowned for their work in electronic music. Their contribution features a synth-heavy electronic style characteristic of 1980s genre films, utilizing the synthesizer to create pulsating rhythms that underscore high-speed racing sequences and eerie, atmospheric textures that heighten the tension during the Wraith's appearances and resurrection motifs. Key cues include the main theme "The Wraith 'Turbo Charge,'" which drives the film's action-packed pursuits, alongside ambient electronic tracks supporting pivotal scenes such as street races and character resurrections. The score totals approximately 30 minutes of original music, comprising around a dozen cues tailored to the film's and vehicular elements. Production occurred in post-filming to align with the edited action sequences, drawing on Hoenig's experience with Tangerine Dream's innovative synth techniques from earlier electronic film works. The soundtrack for The Wraith features a collection of licensed rock and pop songs that amplify the film's themes of high-speed revenge and youthful rebellion, drawing from prominent artists to evoke the era's MTV-driven energy. Released in 1986 by Scotti Bros. Records, the original motion picture soundtrack compiles 10 tracks, including contributions from established acts like alongside emerging talents. Note that some songs featured in the film, such as Mötley Crüe's "" and Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love," are not included on the . Although the did not achieve notable commercial chart success, it has endured as a favorite among enthusiasts of 1980s action films and hair metal, often praised for its nostalgic with the movie's adrenaline-fueled narrative. Key songs are strategically placed to heighten key moments, blending riffs with pop hooks to underscore racing sequences and interpersonal drama. The album opens with Tim Feehan's "Where's the Fire," an upbeat rocker that plays over the and recurs during intense street races, establishing the film's pulse-pounding tempo from the start. Ozzy Osbourne's "Secret Loser," from his 1985 album , introduces the antagonistic gang in an early scene, its heavy guitar and ominous lyrics mirroring their menacing presence. Mötley Crüe's cover of "Smokin' in the Boys' Room" energizes a rowdy sequence, capturing the carefree yet chaotic spirit of the teen characters with its anthemic chorus and raw attitude. Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love," a major hit from his 1985 album Riptide, accompanies romantic interludes between the protagonist Jake and , its sultry rhythm and iconic video-style appeal reinforcing the film's blend of action and adolescent romance (featured in the film but not on the album). Stan Bush's "Hearts vs. Heads," performed with his band Barrage, underscores the dramatic arrival of the enigmatic Wraith, its motivational power style building tension and heroism in the high-stakes confrontations. Other notable tracks include Honeymoon Suite's "Those Were the Days," which reflects on lost innocence during reflective moments; LaMarca's "Hold On Blue Eyes," adding a melodic pop edge to emotional beats; The Nymphs' "Walls Come Down," contributing punk-infused urgency to chase scenes (featured in the film but not on the album); and Ian Hunter's "," a gritty closer that ties into themes of awakening and retribution. These licensed tracks were deliberately selected for their alignment with the film's racing motif, featuring driving beats and solos that enhance the visual spectacle of car chases and explosions, thereby boosting The Wraith's resonance within teen culture and its MTV-era aesthetic. The songs' commercial familiarity—many already radio staples—helped integrate the film into the broader pop landscape, layering vocal energy over the Michael Hoenig and score's instrumental builds for a cohesive auditory experience.

Release

Distribution and box office

The film premiered theatrically in the United States on November 21, , distributed by the independent company New Century Vista Film Company. It received a limited international rollout, including a release in the on January 2, 1987, and a festival screening in in October . Produced on an estimated budget of $2.7 million, The Wraith grossed $3.5 million at the domestic , accounting for nearly all of its worldwide earnings of approximately $3.5 million. The film's opening weekend earned $1.4 million across 588 theaters, representing 40% of its total domestic gross, with a theatrical run lasting several weeks. This performance marked a modest financial return for an independent but ultimately failed to recoup its production costs amid the competitive market dominated by major studio releases. As an independent production, The Wraith encountered distribution hurdles typical of low-budget films from smaller distributors, including inconsistent print quality that led to audio issues in some theaters and restricted its access to prime multiplex slots. These factors contributed to a rollout focused primarily on regional and second-run venues rather than a nationwide , though it achieved a respectable theater count for its scale.

Marketing

The marketing campaign for The Wraith positioned the film as a thrilling action spectacle, capitalizing on its high-speed vehicular pursuits and enigmatic anti-hero. Trailers spotlighted intense car chases across desert landscapes and the mysterious, helmeted protagonist portrayed by , building suspense around his otherworldly vengeance against a gang of road racers. Posters prominently displayed the futuristic Turbo Interceptor with its signature glowing accents and sleek design, evoking a sense of high-tech terror amid the night. The primary , "He's not from around here," encapsulated the film's blend of sci-fi intrigue and adrenaline-fueled revenge. Key promotional tie-ins revolved around the film's central vehicle, the Turbo Interceptor, a one-of-a-kind co-engineered by (a division of Motors) and as a technology demonstrator capable of speeds exceeding 194 mph. This partnership allowed to feature the car in advertisements and displays, enhancing the film's visibility through real-world showcases of its advanced mid-engine layout, twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four, and custom bronze pearl paint. The Interceptor appeared at major events such as the 1986 Auto Show and , where it drew crowds as a pace car prototype, directly linking the movie's spectacle to automotive innovation. The campaign targeted a teenage and demographic, particularly enthusiasts and fans of 1980s action cinema, through TV spots that aired on broadcast networks emphasizing the film's rebellious energy and supernatural twists. It leveraged Charlie Sheen's emerging stardom from his breakout 1986 performances, including Platoon, to appeal to youth audiences seeking escapist thrills amid the era's fascination with muscle s and vigilante heroes. These efforts generated buzz for the November 21, 1986, release, contributing to early theater attendance among Gen-X viewers.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in 1986, The Wraith garnered mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated certain technical and performance elements but found the narrative lacking depth. The film holds a 33% approval rating on , based on 15 reviews, with many citing clichéd and a derivative storyline as key weaknesses. of described the film as a "teen-age " with an "outstandingly crazy plot," commending director Mike Marvin's brisk pacing and the effective performances, particularly Charlie Sheen's charismatic portrayal of the enigmatic stranger and Randy Quaid's handling of his underdeveloped sheriff role. However, she critiqued the for awkward phrasing that strained , observing that Marvin seemed challenged to incorporate terms like "wraith" naturally into the , rendering much of it as if "written in an alien language." Reviewers highlighted strengths in the action sequences and , such as the high-speed chases and explosive stunts, which provided energetic spectacle amid the desert setting. Sheen's presence was frequently noted for injecting charisma into the lead, helping to carry the film's premise despite its underdeveloped lore on the protagonist's ghostly origins. Critiques often pointed to the antagonists as relying on familiar of rowdy, leather-clad teens, lacking nuance in their motivations or dynamics. Despite these critical shortcomings, the movie cultivated a dedicated fanbase drawn to its high-octane thrills and 1980s vibe.

Audience response

Upon its release, The Wraith generated strong word-of-mouth among drawn to its adrenaline-fueled race sequences and theme, positioning it as a quintessential teen of the . The film's drive-in screenings further amplified its appeal to young s seeking high-energy entertainment in the . Over time, this initial buzz has contributed to its enduring popularity among car enthusiasts nostalgic for cinema. On , The Wraith maintains an average user rating of 5.9 out of 10 from over 21,000 votes, indicating a dedicated but divided fanbase. On , it has a 62% score based on over 5,000 ratings as of November 2025. Audience members often praise the film's synth-heavy soundtrack for capturing the era's electronic vibe and Charlie Sheen's brooding, enigmatic performance as the titular for adding mystique to . However, common criticisms from viewers center on the slower pacing in non-race scenes, which some find draggy compared to the high-speed thrills. The romance subplot involving the and Keri Johnson also receives lower appreciation, with audiences often viewing it as underdeveloped amid the dominant vehicular spectacle. Viewer reviews suggest high repeat viewings driven by the action elements, while the romantic aspects see less engagement, reinforcing the film's core draw as a fantasy. Audiences largely prioritize the visceral excitement of the races and cars.

Legacy

Home media

The Wraith was first made available for home viewing on in 1987 through Lightning Video, a division of , which contributed to its popularity in the rental market and early among fans of 1980s action-fantasy films. A edition followed the same year from Image Entertainment, presented in widescreen format to preserve the film's cinematic . The film received its initial DVD release in 2002 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment, with a subsequent edition in 2003 by Platinum Disc Corporation. In 2010, Lionsgate issued a Collector's Edition DVD featuring an track by writer-director Mike Marvin, along with featurettes exploring the production and the film's custom vehicles. A Blu-ray edition arrived in 2021 as part of Lionsgate's Collector's Series, utilizing a newly restored 2K transfer of the original film elements and including previously edited-out scenes for a more complete presentation. This release also contains multiple audio commentaries, including one with Marvin and another with stunt coordinator Craig Tanner, plus new interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes focused on the film's iconic vehicles, such as the Turbo Interceptor. As of 2025, The Wraith is available for streaming in high-definition on platforms including (free with ads), , and , though no 4K Ultra HD release has been issued. Special editions of the film's original motion picture soundtrack, featuring rock tracks by artists like and , were released on vinyl and CD in 1986, with an expanded edition in later years adding score cues and additional songs from the movie.

Cultural impact

The Wraith has developed a dedicated since its initial release, particularly through distribution in the late and , which allowed it to reach audiences beyond its modest theatrical run and build a niche appreciation for its blend of revenge and high-speed racing. This status has been reinforced by fan-organized events, including screenings at car shows that celebrate the film's iconic vehicles, and online communities focused on recreating the Turbo Interceptor, with enthusiasts building replicas using aftermarket kits and sharing projects on dedicated sites. The film's narrative of a racer targeting a street gang has influenced later action cinema, notably serving as a precursor to the racing-revenge tropes in films like The Fast and the Furious (2001), as acknowledged by director Mike Marvin, who noted its impact on similar stories in xXx (2002) and beyond. References to The Wraith appear in gaming culture, particularly through fan-created mods that incorporate the Turbo Interceptor into titles like Need for Speed: Most Wanted (), allowing players to race customized versions of the car's futuristic design. In the , retrospective reviews have reevaluated The Wraith as a quintessential artifact of aesthetics, praising its neon-drenched visuals, synth-heavy soundtrack, and over-the-top action as emblematic of the era's excess, while highlighting Charlie Sheen's performance as an early milestone in his career before major hits like Wall Street (1987). This renewed interest ties into the revival, with the film's retro-futuristic style inspiring tribute tracks and playlists that evoke its high-octane, VHS-era vibe. Memorabilia from the film remains sought after among collectors, exemplified by the 2023 auction of a street-legal replica of the Turbo Interceptor, a homebuilt variant listed for up to $499,000 but ultimately unsold, underscoring the enduring allure of the vehicle's design.

References

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  14. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447190/
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  22. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-04-mn-15018-story.html
  23. https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/16314/after-all-these-years-mike-marvin-talks-the-wraith/
  24. https://www.reddit.com/r/flicks/comments/qzc3tf/the_wraith_1986/
  25. https://www.projectionboothpodcast.com/2015/02/episode-205-wraith.html
  26. https://www.slashgear.com/1407378/the-wraith-dodges-ppg-pace-car-m4s/
  27. https://moparinsiders.com/street-legal-dodge-m4s-wraith-interceptor-goes-unsold/
  28. https://www.allpar.com/threads/dodge-m4s-wraith-inspiration-posters.231201/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Lp7RIvhUo
  30. https://www.imcdb.org/m92240.html
  31. https://www.facebook.com/groups/312924925565944/posts/2650121778512902/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092240/trivia/
  33. https://barnfinds.com/1-of-1-wraith-turbo-interceptor/
  34. https://filmmusic.com/movie/the-wraith/
  35. https://forum.vintagesynth.com/viewtopic.php?t=72042
  36. https://dailydead.com/blu-ray-review-the-wraith-vestron-video-collectors-series/
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/2369380-Various-The-Wraith-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  38. https://fanedit.org/forums/threads/bernsteins-basterds-a-wraith-re-scoring-experiment-part-1-of-2.31753/
  39. https://www.discogs.com/artist/95871-Michael-Hoenig
  40. https://www.voices-in-the-net.de/__mh.htm
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/3240902-Various-The-Wraith-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  42. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/various-artists/the-wraith-1/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092240/soundtrack/
  44. https://www.what-song.com/Movies/Soundtrack/102579/The-Wraith
  45. https://genius.com/albums/Various-artists/The-wraith-original-motion-picture-soundtrack
  46. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Wraith-The-(1986)
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092240/releaseinfo
  48. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0092240/
  49. https://www.joblo.com/the-wraith-1986/
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucxMGRm5PiM
  51. http://www.impawards.com/1986/wraith_ver2.html
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092240/taglines/
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4impz8afzY
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6cnONHI5YE
  55. https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-wraith-ghost-car-classic-exclusive-blu-ray-clip
  56. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/22/movies/cinema-the-wraith-teen-age-action-film.html
  57. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wraith/reviews?type=user
  58. https://actionzone.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wraith
  59. https://www.lddb.com/laserdisc/01039/ID5232VE/Wraith-The
  60. https://www.oldies.com/product-view/5260GD.html
  61. https://www.slashfilm.com/507697/weekend-weirdness-the-wraith-special-edition-explores-the-cult-status-and-troubled-production-of-the-oddly-lynchian-80s-film/
  62. https://popgeeks.com/the-wraith-special-edition-dvd-review/
  63. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Wraith-Blu-ray/78450/
  64. https://tubitv.com/movies/300846/the-wraith
  65. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-wraith
  66. https://www.discogs.com/release/5474081-Various-The-Wraith-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  67. https://www.cdsyouwant.com/product-page/the-wraith-1985-special-edition-film-soundtrack
  68. https://wearecult.rocks/moviedrome-redux-the-wraith-1986
  69. http://www.thewraithmovie.com/
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlT6NdNar8I
  71. https://manapop.com/film/the-wraith-1986-review/
  72. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/the-wraith-its-a-scarry-ish-movie-with-a-cool-car/
  73. https://midweekcrisis.medium.com/a-brief-history-of-synthwave-3ca71f08845f
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxEdPr68P-Y
  75. https://driving.ca/auto-news/entertainment/wraith-turbo-interceptor-dodge-m4s-concept-movie-auction-sale
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