The Insane Charlie Sheen Sci-Fi Horror Movie You Need To Stream On Amazon

By Steven Nelson | Updated

charlie sheen

When it comes to 1980s Charlie Sheen movies, your mind likely goes to classics like Platoon, Wall Street, or even Major League. Dude had a pretty great run there. But there was a sci-horror movie thrown in that went under the radar and maybe for good reason. Rev up your engines for a thrilling ride as Charlie Sheen takes the wheel in The Wraith, a sci-fi thriller now available for streaming on Amazon.

Directed by Mike Marvin, this 1986 Charlie Sheen cult classic delivers a unique blend of action, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Has it been almost completely forgotten in the annuls of movie history? Oh, for sure. Was that for good reason? The anwer to that isn’t so clear.

Charlie Sheen stars as Jake Kesey, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who arrives in a small desert town with a dark secret.

In The Wraith, Charlie Sheen stars as Jake Kesey, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who arrives in a small desert town with a dark secret. As a vengeful spirit, he seeks to bring justice to those responsible for his tragic fate. Clad in a futuristic black car, The Wraith, he becomes a force of retribution, haunting and confronting a gang of dangerous street racers led by Packard Walsh (played by Nick Cassavetes).

Charlie Sheen in The Wraith

The film’s high-octane racing sequences and suspenseful plot create something of an adrenaline-pumping atmosphere even if the plot feels a bit like Freddy Kreuger goes racing. Charlie Sheen’s portrayal of Jake Kesey adds an air of mystery and intensity to the character, as he seamlessly balances the enigmatic allure of The Wraith with Jake’s vulnerability and determination.

Released during the 1980s, The Wraith garnered a devoted fan base for its unique blend of sci-fi and action elements. The film’s otherworldly themes, stylish visuals, and iconic car chases contributed to its cult status among genre enthusiasts. The movie was independently made at the time, on an $8 million budget and didn’t come close to earning that back at the theaters, pulling in just about $3.5 million worldwide.

Frankly, it was all just a little too weird even for the 1980s. Plus, Charlie Sheen wasn’t quite Charlie Sheen just yet and that didn’t help any either.

The Wraith Poster

The movie came out before Charlie Sheen’s breakthrough performances in the aforementioned Wall Street (came out the same year) and Wall Street which was one year later. He would go on to be one of the true stars of the late-80s and early-90s though The Wraith definitely wasn’t the movie that catapulted him there.

As one of Charlie Sheen’s early roles, The Wraith showcased his talent and charisma, foreshadowing the successful career that would follow. His ability to embody the enigmatic and brooding spirit of The Wraith while also displaying emotional depth in portraying Jake Kesey demonstrated his versatility as an actor. But as a whole film, it fell well flat and has been almost completely forgotten.

Charlie Sheen’s Roller Coaster

charlie sheen
Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men

In recent years, Charlie Sheen’s career has been something of a roller coaster (with mostly lows). He exited Two and a Half Men a little over a decade ago when his contract wasn’t renewed. He was dealing with issues at the time that had the show want to move in a different direction. Ashton Kutcher replaced him on the wildly successful comedy.

Charlie Sheen exited Two and a Half Men a little over a decade ago when his contract wasn’t renewed

He’s had some fits and starts since then on the acting front, though nothing to come even close to his career at the height of his powers. There have been some appearances in smaller productions, but no bigger budget movies to speak of. 

But if you are itching for some weird Charlie Sheen in your life then The Wraith on Amazon presents a captivating blend of action, mystery, and sci-fi elements. Charlie Sheen’s compelling performance as the enigmatic Jake Kesey and The Wraith at the heart of the film’s appeal. 

For fans of adrenaline-fueled stories with a touch of the otherworldly, The Wraith is a must-watch classic that continues to rev up excitement among new and old audiences alike. So, buckle up and get ready for a thrilling journey (and some unintentional laughs) with Charlie Sheen in The Wraith, a cinematic ride like no other (literally and figuratively).