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Heavy Metal

Play trailer Poster for Heavy Metal R 1981 1h 30m Fantasy Adventure Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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66% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Adventures from deep space to futuristic New York, and beyond. Each world and story is dominated by the presence of the Loch'nar -- the sum of all evils manifest as a glowing green sphere whose power infects all times, all galaxies, all dimensions. To some, it appears as treasure, a green jewel they must possess. Others worship it as a god. Few escape it. Even in death and through death its powers continue. From war to war and world to world it seems invincible.
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Heavy Metal

Heavy Metal

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Critics Consensus

It's sexist, juvenile, and dated, but Heavy Metal makes up for its flaws with eye-popping animation and a classic, smartly used soundtrack.

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Critics Reviews

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Jake Cole Slant Magazine 04/26/2022
A cult film receives a sterling AV transfer from Sony, while its miscalculation of a sequel makes its high-def debut on home video. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety 03/26/2009
Initial segments have a boisterous blend of dynamic graphics, intriguing plot premises and sly wit that unfortunately slide gradually downhill. Go to Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader 04/16/2007
Some of the animation is first-rate, particularly in the more modest comedy segments, and even the heavy set pieces have greater flash and dazzle than anything Ralph Bakshi mustered around the same period. Go to Full Review John Brosnan Starburst 07/27/2022
Heavy Metal is a mind boggling, mind blowing animation extravaganza. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 04/30/2022
2.5/4
A mixed bag of a movie. Go to Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect 04/18/2022
4/5
Heavy Metal didnt win any awards and the movie certainly isnt for everyone (neither is Heavy Metal 2000) but it has a certain charm that allows it to have a cult-like following. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stefon D. S. 02/08/2025 Insane, creative as hell, wicked animation See more Sam R @EvilRat Jan 30 Misogynistic garbage from start to finish. The only female character who doesn't immediately whip out her boobs and hop on the first man she sees is a child who is simply the poor narrative device chosen to tie this slop together with less than 5 minutes of screen time. I've seen many people claim that the final act is somehow impowering however our heroin is yet another hype sexualized play thing in the most useless armor ever designed. This is nothing more than a collection of fantasies from slack jawed baboons. See more Erock T @Erock1991 Dec 15 Great classic flick from the 80's Great animation and some truly funny parts mixed in with gore. A must see See more Jack F @MovieFan111 Nov 14 Of course I had to write a review of this movie. In my opinion, it's potential was squandered. It could have been much better. They had all the tools for it. Having said that, this movie is the epitome of what it means to be a fanboy, and, if you like this movie, then you will be considered a cool kid. (Having the poster is a must) See more Bohdan D @RT34151326 Sep 19 There will never be another movie like this. There's certain movies that can only exist in the era that they were made, and this is one of them. Adult themes, different styles of art, this is a must see for any comic/graphic novel enthusuiast as well as any cult movie lover. The soundtrack is amazing. The final chapter's grandiose imagery can only be compared to Gibhli films. But in contrast with other animated films, this is the one and only animated movies with metal music, nudity and mature themes. It's just fun. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jun 21 Funny in 1.5 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $204,700.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Read all reviews
Heavy Metal

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Cast & Crew

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Gerald Potterton

Director

Harvey Atkin

Alien, Henchman

Thor Bishopric

Boy

Rodger Bumpass

Hanover Fiste, Dr. Anrak

Jackie Burroughs

Katherine

John Candy

Desk Sergeant, Dan, Den, Robot

Movie Clips

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Heavy Metal

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - B-17 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - B-17 2:45 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - WWII Zombies Heavy Metal: Official Clip - WWII Zombies 3:31 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Harry Canyon Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Harry Canyon 2:21 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Bar Fight Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Bar Fight 2:20 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Captain Sternn vs. Hanover Fiste Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Captain Sternn vs. Hanover Fiste 3:21 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - So Beautiful, So Dangerous Heavy Metal: Official Clip - So Beautiful, So Dangerous 2:44 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Double-Crossed Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Double-Crossed 1:55 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Den Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Den 1:30 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Taarna's Flight Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Taarna's Flight 2:24 Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Taarna vs. the Barbarian Leader Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Taarna vs. the Barbarian Leader 4:17 View more videos

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Heavy Metal

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Movie Info

Synopsis Adventures from deep space to futuristic New York, and beyond. Each world and story is dominated by the presence of the Loch'nar -- the sum of all evils manifest as a glowing green sphere whose power infects all times, all galaxies, all dimensions. To some, it appears as treasure, a green jewel they must possess. Others worship it as a god. Few escape it. Even in death and through death its powers continue. From war to war and world to world it seems invincible.
Director
Gerald Potterton
Producer
Ivan Reitman
Screenwriter
Len Blum, Daniel Goldberg, Cornelius Cole, Dan O'Bannon
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Columbia Pictures, Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC), Guardian Trust Company
Rating
R
Genre
Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 7, 1981, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 25, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$204.7K
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Stereo, Dolby Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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