Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition

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2:27

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition

May 2026

1h 46m

Documentary

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

250+ Verified Ratings

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band's rise from the pubs of East London to the world's biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden's uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

Audience Says

A loud, loving tribute to fifty years of Iron Maiden, their music documentary Burning Ambition is a grainy, nostalgia-dappled time capsule that has fans roaring, “Up the Irons!”

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

May 11

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition is a movie for the fans alone. A ploddingly unremarkable documentary, it leans heavily on platitudes and soundbites, voiceover quotes from band members and carefully curated archive footage.

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Jamie Graham

Empire Magazine

May 9

4/5

A high-energy doc that does a tidy job of spanning 50 action-packed years. We suggest you don’t run to the hills but your nearest cinema instead.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

May 8

3/5

There’s not much here to convert nonbelievers, but the affection is palpable.

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Kevin Harley

Radio Times

Jun 10

3/5

There isn't much room for critical or contextual analysis in what is, essentially, an unabashed celebration.

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Mini Anthikad-Chhibber

The Hindu

Jun 9

The Iron Maiden story, told through fans, including a charming, invested Javier Bardem, captures both the thrill and the grind behind music that can get an arena moshing

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Marcelo Paredes

Cinencuentro

May 26

The documentary perfectly understands that for many people this music doesn't just function as escapism, but also as a different way of understanding life, of facing adversity, and of pushing beyond certain limits. [Full review in Spanish]

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Sarah R

May 18

I thought it covered the timeline of events well

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Bruce

May 14

Greatest Band Ever !! Documentary was great...nothing I didnt all ready know but very entertaining, great footage from the beginning to now.

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Mike

May 13

Excellent! From the early days all the way up to now, this band keeps getting better. Incredible fan base.

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Howard F

May 13

I like iron maiden. They've done documentaries in the past and they have always been good. It was fun to see this in the theater with other iron maiden fans

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Daniel

May 12

I had a disappointing experience with this movie. It is supposed to be about one of the most important heavy metal bands in music history, so you expect the sonic experience to be superior and immersive. All the scenes featuring music were at a lower volume than normal only the dialogue was at a standard volume. It was very disappointing, as you can't really connect with the band while watching the film. It is much more exciting to watch Iron Maiden videos on your phone.

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Anthony

May 12

The story,concert footage and seeing so many familiar faces in the movie was great! The film on the screen was a bit too "grainy" and the sound could have been better. Still an amazing movie that brought back so many wonderful memories!

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Malcolm Venville

Director

Steve Harris

Self

Bruce Dickinson

Self

Nicko McBrain

Self

Adrian Smith

Self

Dave Murray

Self

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition: Exclusive Movie Clip - Bruce Leaves the Band

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Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition: Official Trailer

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Synopsis

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band's rise from the pubs of East London to the world's biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden's uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

Director: Malcolm Venville
Screenwriter: David Teague
Distributor: Trafalgar Releasing
Production Co: Universal Pictures Content Group
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 7, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 46m