Metal and movies have always made for a killer combination, whether it’s the electrifying energy of a concert scene or the adrenaline rush of a horror film set to a speed-metal soundtrack. From demonic comedies to glam slashers to gritty mockumentaries, the heavy metal genre has graced the silver screen in various forms. Here are the top five metal movies of all time, as voted by Revolver readers:
Top 5 Metal Movies of All Time
5. Deathgasm
New Zealand comedy-horror Deathgasm delivers a splatstick romp as a teen metal band stumbles upon an ancient piece of sheet music that summons occult ghouls. Farcical and face-sanding, this film is a love letter to Satanic Panic schlock and heavy metal mayhem.
4. Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
Jack Black and Kyle Gass star as the acoustic duo Tenacious D on a quest to find the mythical Pick of Destiny, a powerful plectrum forged by a wizard. This pseudo-origin tale is part caper film, part homage to rock legends like Ronnie James Dio, culminating in a sacrilegious rock-off with the Devil.
3. Trick or Treat
Set in the Eighties, Trick or Treat merges slasher horror with a killer soundtrack featuring original songs from Fastway. With cameos from Ozzy Osbourne and Gene Simmons, this ghoulish tale follows a teen possessed by the murderous thoughts of a dead rock star, resulting in PMRC paranoia and a metal-filled nightmare.
2. Heavy Metal
Based on the sci-fi comic magazine, Heavy Metal takes viewers on a surreal journey ranging from cyber-punk noir to prehistoric fantasy. With an ominous glowing orb called LocNar connecting each segment, this animated anthology is infused with sex, violence, and iconic tracks from bands like Black Sabbath.
1. This Is Spinal Tap
Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time, This Is Spinal Tap follows the absurd exploits of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap. From bad business decisions to onstage mishaps, this mockumentary offers a ruthlessly satirical critique of the music industry, all while cranking the absurdity up to 11.
Whether it’s the irreverent humor of Spinal Tap or the blood-soaked chaos of Deathgasm, these metal movies have left an indelible mark on cinema, captivating audiences with their headbanging antics and devilish charm.
