Pump Up the Volume (1990)
Kernel Score: 80% · 393 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Music, Drama
Released: 1990-08-22
Runtime: 102 minutes
Where to watch Pump Up the Volume
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.
Pump Up the Volume parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Pump Up the Volume is an R-rated teen drama dealing with rebellion, authority conflict, and a teen suicide.
- Violence & scariness: Some — A teen suicide is a central plot point, along with themes of chaos and confrontation with authority.
- Language: Moderate — Rated R, consistent with strong teen-rebellion language typical of the genre.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Pump Up the Volume
If you liked Pump Up the Volume, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Before I Fall (2017) — 75%
- Clouds (2020) — 89%
- The Public Enemy (1931) — 79%
- Tune in for Love (2019) — 88%
- Dangerous Minds (1995) — 78%
- The Book of Henry (2017) — 83%
- Strange Circus (2005) — 80%
- American Graffiti (1973) — 79%
Director
Allan Moyle
Cast
- Christian Slater as Mark Hunter
- Samantha Mathis as Nora Diniro
- Annie Ross as Loretta Creswood
- Scott Paulin as Brian Hunter
- Mimi Kennedy as Marla Hunter
- Andy Romano as Murdock
- Keith Stuart Thayer as Luis Chavez
- Cheryl Pollak as Paige Woodward
- Jeff Chamberlain as Mr. Woodward
- Lala Sloatman as Janie
Pump Up the Volume FAQ
Is Pump Up the Volume good?
Pump Up the Volume has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 393 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Pump Up the Volume?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Pump Up the Volume OK for kids?
Pump Up the Volume is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Pump Up the Volume is an R-rated teen drama dealing with rebellion, authority conflict, and a teen suicide.
What movies are like Pump Up the Volume?
If you liked Pump Up the Volume, try Before I Fall, Clouds, The Public Enemy and Tune in for Love.