The Wraith (1986)
A supernatural avenger in a jet-black car descends on an Arizona desert town to dismantle a murderous street-racing gang from the inside out.
The Wraith - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Wraith
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Mike Marvin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 1, 1986 (Japan - R18+), November 21, 1986 (United States - R), January 2, 1987 (United Kingdom - 15), June 11, 1987 (Germany - 16), August 13, 1987 (Australia - R18+), November 21, 1986 (Brazil - 14)
- Alternative Titles: Turbo Interceptor (FR), El ejecutor (ES), A Aparição (BR), El Espectro (MX), Tillbaka till verkligheten (SE), El ejecutor (AR), Interceptor - Phantom der Ewigkeit (DE)
- Production Companies: New Century Entertainment Corporation, Alliance Entertainment, Turbo Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada
The Wraith - Plot
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 Wraith - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the supernatural showdown take shape:
He’s not from around here...
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The Wraith - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mike Marvin
Main Cast
- Charlie Sheen
- Nick Cassavetes
- Sherilyn Fenn
- Randy Quaid
- Matthew Barry
- Clint Howard
- David Sherrill
- Jamie Bozian
- Griffin O’Neal
- Chris Nash
Writers
- Mike Marvin
Producers
- John Kemeny
The Wraith - FAQs
Where can you stream The Wraith (1986)?
The Wraith is available to stream for free on Tubi TV, Plex, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, YouTube Free, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is The Wraith based on a true story?
No, The Wraith is not based on a true story. It is an original supernatural action screenplay written by director Mike Marvin, blending themes of reincarnation and revenge with 1980s car-racing culture set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert.
Is The Wraith Charlie Sheen a ghost or alien?
The film strongly implies that Jake Kesey, played by Charlie Sheen, is the reincarnated spirit of Jamie Hankins, a teenager murdered by gang leader Packard Walsh. Whether supernatural ghost or cosmic avenger, the movie deliberately leaves his exact nature open to interpretation, adding to its cult mystique.
Who are the main actors in The Wraith?
The Wraith stars Charlie Sheen as the mysterious Jake Kesey, Nick Cassavetes as the villainous Packard Walsh, Sherilyn Fenn as Keri Johnson, and Randy Quaid as Sheriff Loomis. Supporting roles are filled by Matthew Barry, Clint Howard, Griffin O’Neal, and Chris Nash.
What is The Wraith (1986) about?
The Wraith follows a ruthless street-racing gang in Arizona that terrorizes drivers into forced drag races to steal their cars. After the gang’s leader murders a young man, a supernatural biker and his invincible car appear to exact justice, picking off gang members one by one in high-speed duels.
What is the age rating for The Wraith?
The Wraith is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying adult supervision. The film contains violence, some language, and mature themes consistent with 1980s action and science fiction films of its era.
Who directed The Wraith and who wrote it?
The Wraith was both written and directed by Mike Marvin, making it a singular creative vision. Marvin crafted the film’s unique blend of supernatural revenge, 1980s car culture, and desert noir atmosphere entirely from his own original screenplay.
How long is The Wraith and when was it released?
The Wraith runs 93 minutes and was theatrically released in the United States on November 21, 1986. It had an earlier release in Japan on October 1, 1986, and subsequently opened in the United Kingdom on January 2, 1987, and Germany on June 11, 1987.
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