This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
A mockumentary chronicles a heavy metal band's absurd world, exposing their campy struggles and witty misfortunes.
"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.
How intense is This Is Spinal Tap?
This Is Spinal Tap has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a party watch. The humor runs dry and absurdist. Rated R.
What This Is Spinal Tap feels like
- Tone
- campysatiricalabsurdist
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- dry and witty, absurdist
- Best for
- Full attentionPartyComfort watch
Where to stream This Is Spinal Tap
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 9, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is This Is Spinal Tap for you?
Is This Is Spinal Tap scary?
No. This Is Spinal Tap is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is This Is Spinal Tap gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is This Is Spinal Tap sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is This Is Spinal Tap OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3.
How long is This Is Spinal Tap?
This Is Spinal Tap runs 1h 22m.
Where can I stream This Is Spinal Tap?
This Is Spinal Tap is streaming on Max, Kanopy and Hoopla.
Does This Is Spinal Tap have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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