Heavy Metal
A malevolent green orb unleashes a psychedelic chain of violent, erotic, and wildly imaginative animated tales across alien worlds and dystopian futures.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- psychedelic
- irreverent
- campy
- cult movie night
- late night viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the anthology uneven and sexist but entertaining, with eye-catching animation and an effective rock soundtrack compensating for its juvenile excesses.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Loc-Nar introduces and connects the film's series of bizarre stories while terrorizing a young girl.
The film's adult animated action and fantasy sequences prominently use rotoscoping, especially in the Taarna segment.
The film combines exaggerated sexuality, grotesque violence, stoned aliens, barbarian warfare, and comic-book absurdity.
The Loc-Nar's influence links futuristic noir, fantasy transformation, courtroom chaos, zombie horror, alien comedy, and apocalyptic revenge.
Films like Heavy Metal, and why
Heavy Metal 2000
adult animated anthology blending science fiction, fantasy, graphic violence, sexualized spectacle, and heavy music
Fantastic Planet
adult animation with surreal science fiction, fantasy worlds, grotesque imagery, and countercultural energy
Wizards
episodic adult animation combining violent fantasy adventure, irreverent humor, and exaggerated sexuality
The Fifth Element
stylized science fiction adventure built around pulpy worlds, outrageous characters, and visual spectacle
Movie Details
- Directors
- Gerald Potterton, John Bruno, John Halas, Julian Harris, Jimmy T. Murakami, Barrie Nelson, Paul Sabella, Jack Stokes, Pino Van Lamsweerde, Harold Whitaker
- Release Date
- 1981-08-07
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (831)
Cast
- Rodger Bumpass
- John Candy
- Jackie Burroughs
- Joe Flaherty
- Don Francks
- Marilyn Lightstone
- Eugene Levy
- Harold Ramis
- Caroline Semple
- Richard Romanus
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Heavy Metal about?
- A malevolent green orb unleashes a psychedelic chain of violent, erotic, and wildly imaginative animated tales across alien worlds and dystopian futures.
- What is Heavy Metal like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Heavy Metal as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Heavy Metal violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Heavy Metal as graphic.
- What did critics think of Heavy Metal?
- Critics broadly found the anthology uneven and sexist but entertaining, with eye-catching animation and an effective rock soundtrack compensating for its juvenile excesses.
- Which films are like Heavy Metal?
- Films with a similar feel include Heavy Metal 2000, Fantastic Planet, Wizards, and The Fifth Element.
- How long is Heavy Metal?
- Heavy Metal runs 90 minutes.
- Where can I watch Heavy Metal?
- In United States, Heavy Metal is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex.
