Firestarter (1984): cast, story & where to watch

1984 · Film · ★ 6.3

Firestarter poster

Released in 1984, Firestarter is a thriller, horror and science fiction film directed by Mark L. Lester, running about 114 minutes. “Will she have the power... to survive?” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. As youths, Andy McGee and his future wife, Vicky, participated in secret experiments, allowing themselves to be subjected to mysterious medical tests. Years later, the couple's daughter, Charlie, begins to exhibit the ability of setting fires solely with her mind. This volatile talent makes the youngster extremely dangerous and soon she becomes a target for the enigmatic agency known as "The Shop."

Who’s in it. Firestarter stars David Keith as Andrew 'Andy' McGee, Drew Barrymore as Charlene 'Charlie' McGee, Freddie Jones as Doctor Joseph Wanless and Heather Locklear as Victoria 'Vicky' Tomlinson McGee, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Firestarter has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $17.1M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Firestarter page.

If you liked it. Fans of Firestarter tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Firestarter (1984)?
In US, Firestarter is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
Is Firestarter worth watching?
Firestarter holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, horror and science fiction. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Firestarter?
Firestarter stars David Keith, Drew Barrymore, Freddie Jones, Heather Locklear and Martin Sheen.
When was Firestarter released?
Firestarter was released in 1984, with a runtime of about 114 minutes.