This Is Spinal Tap

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1:26

This Is Spinal Tap

R

Released Sep 8, 1984

1h 22m

Comedy

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

175 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.

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Critics Consensus

Smartly directed, brilliantly acted, and packed with endlessly quotable moments, This Is Spinal Tap is an all-time comedy classic.

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Jake Cole

Slant Magazine

An instant cult classic, Rob Reiner’s 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap laid the groundwork for the modern improv comedy with its laser-precise skewering of the heyday of ’80s heavy metal and the vagaries of making it as a touring act.

Sep 15, 2025

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Richard Jinman

Sydney Morning Herald

The funniest film about rock ever made.

Sep 10, 2025

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Joe Williams

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Reiner's directorial debut remains his best and most inventive film, a note-perfect parody of show-biz self-importance and pre-MTV production values.

Sep 9, 2025

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Steven Mazey

Ottawa Citizen

In their shag haircuts and tight spandex pants, the actors are sublimely funny. The details are exactly right.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 10, 2025

Full Review

Ed Masley

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

From the cameos to Spinal Tap itself, the casting is brilliant.

Sep 10, 2025

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Stephen Hunter

Baltimore Sun

What we have here is that rarest of birds, the sustained and nearly pitch-perfect parody.

Sep 9, 2025

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Yash B

"This is Spinal Tap" is an enjoyable mockumentary comedy classic from the 80s. The film's style really makes it feel like a documentary about a real band, and the songs are genuinely catchy to listen to. The comedy is pretty good and there were a few laughs, but I wouldn't say it is one of my all-time favorites in the genre. I think it is light, short, and entertaining, and I can see why it has such a following because it does feel so unique. Overall, it is an enjoyable comedy that really feels immersive and wacky in equal measure, and is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/25

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Andrew A.

This one goes to eleven

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/16/25

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Jace T

I used to be in a touring band, and this is a film my entire band loved. The hair metal band spoof of Spinal Tap is so legendary that there were and are many people who believe them to be a real band, and one of the dumbest bands of all time. There are so many quotable moments in the film and ton of laughs to be had. I am so excited they are coming out with a sequel this month and I can't wait to go see it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/15/25

Full Review

Ann L

I've loved this movie since I was a tween and Mom rented the VHS for us. Just recently learned that the guys spent time learning to play their instruments. Well done, gents!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/25

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Thomas C

A modest grin but more cringe throughout. I’m afraid it doesn’t hold up very well so I can’t imagine #2 would be worth it. The references and music recalling Rock icons is kind of clever.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/13/25

Full Review

Sean R

An iconic movie from this crew. Friends of mine in the music industry have said everyone in the industry agrees that This Is Spinal Tap is what the industry is really like. I've seen this movie a dozen times or more and just adore it. If you like it also see their other works including A Mighty Wind and Best In Show.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/11/25

Full Review

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Rob Reiner

Director

Rob Reiner

Marty DiBergi

Michael McKean

David St. Hubbins (Lead Guitar, Vocals)

Christopher Guest

Nigel Tufnel (Lead Guitar, vocals)

Harry Shearer

Derek Smalls (Bass, vocals)

R.J. Parnell

Mick Shrimpton (Drummer)

This is Spinal Tap 41st Anniversary: Exclusive Movie Clip - This Goes to 11

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This Is Spinal Tap: Trailer 1

1:26

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Synopsis

"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Karen Murphy
Screenwriter: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Rob Reiner, Harry Shearer
Distributor: MGM
Production Co: Spinal Tap Prod.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1984, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jul 5, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 3, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $188.8K
Runtime: 1h 22m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Dolby Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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