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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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Stefon D. S.

Insane, creative as hell, wicked animation

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/25

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Bohdan D

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/19/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Funny in 1.5 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $204,700.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

Full Review

Diet Dr. Paul .

A face melting good time! If Conan the Barbarian, Star Wars and Iron Maiden had a love child… that’s Heavy Metal! Despite the fact that it’s animated, this is one the best sci-fi fantasy films of all time, as it blends together each of the sub genres flawlessly! And I haven’t even mentioned the music, which is the lifeblood of the film. This is just a blast from top to bottom and MUST SEE!!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/01/25

Full Review

Jacqueline G

Greatest movie ever made

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/25

Full Review

Brad S. R

An occasionally flawed, but delightfully original animated sci-fi anthology.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/12/25

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

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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