10 Must-See Movies For Heavy Metal Fans

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Heavy metal music has long been a source of inspiration for filmmakers, from comedic satires to gritty dramas. This article explores 10 of the best movies that capture the essence of the genre, from the outrageous antics of Spinal Tap to the raw energy of Los Angeles’s 80s metal scene.

10. Metalhead (2013)

Metalhead is an Icelandic drama that tells the poignant story of Hera, a young woman who finds solace in heavy metal music after the tragic death of her brother. Set against the stark and beautiful Icelandic landscape, the film explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and rebellion. With its raw performances and an evocative soundtrack featuring bands like Megadeth and Judas Priest, Metalhead is an emotional and introspective journey into the healing power of music.

9. Lords of Chaos (2018)

Based on the true story of the Norwegian black metal scene, Lords of Chaos delves into the violent, controversial, and tragic events that surrounded the rise of bands like MAYHEM in the early 1990s. The film highlights the darker side of heavy metal culture, including the infamous church burnings and the murder of guitarist Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth. The film portrays the extremes to which the metal community went in their quest for authenticity and rebellion.

8. The Pick of Destiny (2006)

This musical comedy stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass as the rock duo TENACIOUS D. The film follows the pair on a quest to find the legendary “Pick of Destiny,” an artifact that will make them the greatest rock band in the world. With its over-the-top humor, references to rock and heavy metal legends, and numerous musical numbers, The Pick of Destiny is a love letter to the world of rock and metal music.

7. Airheads (1994)

A comedy about a struggling heavy metal band, Airheads stars Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler as members of a band who take over a radio station in a desperate bid to get their music played. Filled with slapstick humor, rock references, and a satirical take on the music industry, Airheads is a fun and nostalgic film for fans of both heavy metal and 90s comedies.

6. The Dirt (2019)

Based on the autobiography of the iconic band MÖTLEY CRÜE, The Dirt tells the chaotic, no-holds-barred story of the band’s rise to fame, their turbulent personal lives, and their notorious rock-and-roll antics. From wild parties to inner-band conflicts, The Dirt provides an unfiltered look at the glamorous and destructive nature of the music industry, all set to a killer heavy metal soundtrack. This biographical film is a must-watch for fans of Mötley Crüe and anyone who loves a story about rock star excess.

5. Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

This documentary, directed by Penelope Spheeris, takes a hard look at the excesses and absurdities of the 1980s glam metal scene. It focuses on the lives of hair metal bands such as Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, and KISS, offering an unflinching glimpse into the fame, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll culture of the time. The film’s candid portrayal of the metal scene remains an essential watch for fans interested in the history of rock music.

4. Heavy Metal (1981)

An animated anthology film, Heavy Metal is a cult classic that blends fantasy, science fiction, and rock music. With its psychedelic visuals and heavy metal soundtrack, it is an exploration of the genre’s themes of rebellion, freedom, and power. The film features music from bands like BLACK SABBATH, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, and NAZARETH, setting the tone for a wild ride through space and time.

3. Wayne’s World (1992)

While Wayne’s World isn’t entirely about heavy metal, it features one of the most iconic metal moments in film. The film centers around Wayne and Garth, two metalhead friends who host a public-access TV show. The iconic scene in which Wayne and Garth headbang to QUEEN’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” has become synonymous with rock music and metal fandom, encapsulating the spirit of youth and rebellion.

2. Heavy Trip (2018)

Heavy Trip is a Finnish comedy that follows a group of young friends in a small village who aspire to form a heavy metal band. The film’s humor and charm come from their attempts to overcome the many obstacles they face, from dealing with their conservative surroundings to navigating the chaotic world of metal music. Featuring hilarious situations and a heavy soundtrack, Heavy Trip is an uplifting and heartwarming film for fans of metal and outsiders alike.

Worth mentioning is its 2023 sequel, Heavier Trip, which continues the story of the band’s adventures. In this follow-up, the friends face new challenges as they attempt to take their metal act to even greater heights.

1. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

A legendary mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner, This Is Spinal Tap is a hilarious and satirical look at the rise and fall of a fictional heavy metal band. The film is a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time, capturing the absurdities of rock stardom with spot-on humor. The band, SPINAL TAP, provides a witty yet poignant parody of the over-the-top antics that defined many metal acts in the 1980s.