Love Heavy Metal? Us Too. Rock Out With These Must-See Heavy Metal Movies
Are you ready to bang your head and blow out your eardrums? Prepare to air guitar along with these essential heavy metal movies.
Mmm, rock n’ roll. Something about approaching the quieter season of the year (and the lingering spirit of Halloween) makes me want to listen to some heavy metal. There are few better ways to warm your bones on a cold morning by doing a little air guitar in your pjs, right? Or is that just me. Anyway…
Winter is also my big movie-watching season – well, one of four, anyway. If you’re like me, you love to marathon movies with a theme. And now that it’s winter time, I put together a watchlist so warm and cozy it’ll melt your face off.
Studio 666 (2022)
If you’re an elder millennial like me, you grew up watching the Foo Fighters music videos. And if that is the case, you’re old enough now to appreciate the sheer levels of dad-humor that went into this horror frolic.
The band rents out a creepy house with some stellar acoustics in order to push through the writing and recording of their 10th album. But things start going a little wonky when Dave appears to be under the influence of a malevolent spirit.
As far as horror movies go, it’s an alright watch. The real reason to watch this flick, apart from some really creative kills, is watching the band have the time of their lives. After the passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March, it’s heartwarming to see everyone goof off and rock out on screen.
Airheads (1994)
During this, the great Renaissance of one Brendan Frasier, I’ve been quite moved to watch many of his older movies. And I was pleasantly surprised at how much I still enjoyed Airheads. As far as early 90s movies go, it’s not as cringe-worthy as I was expecting.
Frasier, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler play three guys in a metal band who are trying to make it big. After being snubbed by the staff at a local radio station, these three total goobers take the station hostage and hilarity ensues.
Spinal Tap (1984)
I mean, come on. It’s the classic. This mockumentary was Rob Reiner’s first role as a director, and thanks to the comedic talents of the cast, most of the film’s dialogue was improvised. It’s a hilarious poke fun at the rock n’ roll lifestyle and the rockumentary genre. It’s also where we get the famous “turn it up to 11” joke.
Hesher (2010)
After the death of his mother, 13-year-old TJ is struggling to connect with his father, played by Rainn Wilson, and the world around him.
He meets Hesher, who takes it upon himself to move into the family’s garage – entirely without permission. Hesher, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is a chaotic, angry anarchist who loves him some heavy metal. Hesher’s nihilistic, confrontational personality forces the father and son to consider their lives from another perspective.
Tenacious D & the Pick of Destiny (2006)
You knew this list was gonna include the D.
Honestly, you can’t geek out on rock music without Jack Black feeling a little tickle in his nether-bits. I don’t know, I like to think he can feel it. Anyway, Pick of Destiny is silly, fun, and a fanboy tribute to rock n’ roll (and also Satan, woot!)
It’s the epic tale of the origins of Tenacious D, and it features Jack and Kevin doing what they do best. Which is being precious little jellybeans that can melt your face off.
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
A unique snapshot in time, this movie is a principal-vs-high-schoolers good time in celebration of punk rock. It features a cast full of high school students whose school can’t seem to keep a principal. It’s all thanks to the rebellious kids and their rock ‘n’ roll ways!
Riff Randel will do anything to get tickets to see the Ramones (who appear a bunch in this movie). But when a new principal threatens to come between the students and the band, all hell breaks loose.
Is it heavy metal? Not exactly. Do I care? No.
Purple Rain (1984)
You’ve watched all the comedies and even the sort of dark comedy/drama movies. Now it’s time for the magnum opus of rock ‘n’ roll movies: Purple Rain.
Prince plays a brooding musician who has to learn how to let others in if he wants to really nurture his gift. The musician is incredibly striking, and the years have not taken away from his mystique. Musically a delight from start to finish, this film about a gifted and emotionally haunted musician will have you seeing purple.
