Heavy Metal

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Heavy Metal

R

Released Aug 7, 1981

1h 30m

Fantasy

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Jake Cole

Slant Magazine

A cult film receives a sterling AV transfer from Sony, while its miscalculation of a sequel makes its high-def debut on home video.

Apr 26, 2022

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Variety Staff

Variety

Initial segments have a boisterous blend of dynamic graphics, intriguing plot premises and sly wit that unfortunately slide gradually downhill.

Mar 26, 2009

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

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.

Apr 16, 2007

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John Brosnan

Starburst

Heavy Metal is a mind boggling, mind blowing animation extravaganza.

Jul 27, 2022

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A mixed bag of a movie.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 30, 2022

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

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.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 18, 2022

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MG_Claymore C

Not a bad little cult film. Not for kids.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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César S

I watched this animation as a child and didn't understand much, much later I watched it and was able to appreciate what it delivered. It's worth watching, it's very dated, the animation isn't good quality but it's violent and sexy in many scenes.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

Full Review

Anderson O

Heavy Metal is a cult classic with a complex plot and rhythmic soundtrack that flows very well with Occurrences of events that’s happen throughout each arc. The animation still stands ahead of its bygone era, and aids to its grit, and murkiness. Heavy Metal Truly is unlike anything before or after it, to a point you wish it was not done again. Almost impossible to believe that the eventual director of Ghostbusters was involved in the movie as well. Loch’ Nar and his presence throughout the movie, possibly makes him one of the most underrated villains in cinematic history.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/03/24

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Audience Member

Awesome movie. Wish there was more of these. Not like there isnt source material.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/29/24

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Noe G

Heavy metal 1981 is an amazing, animated film from 1981 I give this film a 10/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/24

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davenface

I never cared to watch beforehand but now I did just because my son wanted to watch.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/16/23

Full Review

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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

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Heavy Metal: Official Clip - B-17

2:45

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - WWII Zombies

3:31

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Harry Canyon

2:21

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Bar Fight

2:20

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Captain Sternn vs. Hanover Fiste

3:21

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - So Beautiful, So Dangerous

2:44

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Double-Crossed

1:55

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Taarna vs. the Barbarian Leader

4:17

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Taarna's Flight

2:24

Heavy Metal: Official Clip - Den

1:30

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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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