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

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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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

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Brad S. R

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

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/12/25

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Martijn t

He-Man with boobies and some deliciously camp line readings.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/25

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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