Top Ten Metal Movies

With the summer block busters around the corner, Brian takes a look at some of the most metal movies of all time! These films feature metal musicians, metal music, or metal inspirations, but some rock louder than others. So let's get started!

10. The Dead Pool (1988)

(Full band in the funeral scene. Film property of Warner Bros.)

This is not to be confused with 2015's DeadPool. This is a Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood) film, and it is surprisingly metal. It features Jim Carey lip-syncing to Welcome to the Jungle for some reason. The entire Guns N Roses crew makes a silent cameo later on. Definitely not the best Dirty Harry Film, but its rock reference is a nice nod!

9. Trick or Treat (1986)

(Yeah that's Ozzy, and he's acting! Film property of D.E.G.)

This film gets points for starring Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne in leading roles. The cheesy horror movie doesn't really hold up. Filled with campy paranormal elements and poor production value, it's not great. It's on this list because it's an incredibly interesting time piece, with two of the more prominent faces of the metal community's history.

8. Rock of Ages (2012)

(Tom Cruise, taking the stage as "Stacee Jaxx". Film by New Line Cinema)

This movie preserves the musicality of its Broadway predecessor and pays tribute to hair and glam metal of the 80's. Its cast does the songs right, and Tom Cruise is a surprisingly solid cover-singer. If you didn't catch the musical, watch the higher production value adaptation.

7. Metallica: Through the Never (2013)

(Chaos in the streets. Film by Blackened Recording)

Metallica's attempt at a concert film subverts the expectations of other concert films. There's a loose narrative and interesting graphic design. The relationship between the concert and the protagonist, a roadie looking for a mysterious bag, is unique and worth checking out. It feels like a series of connected music videos, light on dialogue and heavy on metal.

6. The Big Short (2015)

(Christian Bale, drumming to Pantera. Film by Plan B Entertainment)

Why is a film about finance on a metal list? Isn't this supposed to be heavy metal? Well the Big Short features Mastodon, Metallica, and Pantera. Christian Bale head bangs out to classic metal, and there's even a drumming scene! Hearing the familiar introduction of "Blood and Thunder", or the way the office vibrated to Eye of the Beholder made me smile. It's nice to see someone else keep a pair of drum sticks in their office too!

5. School of Rock (2003)

("You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore!" Film by Paramount)

Definitely more classic rock than metal, but still a pro-metal movie. This film was an inspiration for a generation of kids. Its "rock on, explore the music you want" mentality was what led me to a lot of music. We can argue about Jack Black's spot in the metal community (or even acting community) another time, but this film is still solid.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

(Hopefully Doof Warrior will tour soon. Film by Warner Bros.)

This film makes the list for the Doof Warrior, a metal guitarist who rocks while strapped onto a car made of amplifiers. The guitar has a flame thrower for a neck, and he rocks out over a droning chorus of engines in a nonstop chase. The film is a fast-paced practical effects filled roller coaster. It looks and sounds metal the whole way through.

3. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

("Wyld Stallions", rocking out! Film by D.E.G.)

It's just a rocking good time. Two time traveling metal heads have to pass their history exam, but there's air guitar through out. While some say the sequel, 1991's Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, is better, this has to go to the original. It's a fun time with metal references throughout.

2. Wayne's World (1992)

("Party Time! Excellent!" Film by Paramount)

Featuring a lot of rock music, including an Alice Cooper concert, Wayne's World is one of the better SNL spin off movies. Two rock-loving friends, guitar, drums, and a pro-shredding attitude. This one also has a rocking sequel, 1993's Wayne's World 2, but this is the more grounded picture. Come for the guitar and drum solos, stay for the cheesy 90's local access community TV!

1. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

(Turning it up to 11. Film by Spinal Tap Productions)

A mockumentary of epic proportions, this is the mother of all metal movies. Spinal Tap doesn't take it self serious, opting to write a satirical love letter to the metal community and its history. All of the jokes are on point, from band infighting to on-tour technical difficulties. It's the origin of taking things to 11!

So that's the top ten metal movies! What do you think? Let us know what metal masterpiece missed the cut!

Posted in: Metal, Top Ten, WSOU Exclusive, WSOU