Heavy Metal

The embodiment of ultimate evil, a glowing orb terrorizes a young girl with bizarre stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror.

Critics broadly found the anthology uneven and sexist but entertaining, with eye-catching animation and an effective rock soundtrack compensating for its juvenile excesses.

• 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.

• Heavy Metal 2000adult animated anthology blending science fiction, fantasy, graphic violence, sexualized spectacle, and heavy music
• Fantastic Planetadult animation with surreal science fiction, fantasy worlds, grotesque imagery, and countercultural energy
• Wizardsepisodic adult animation combining violent fantasy adventure, irreverent humor, and exaggerated sexuality
• The Fifth Elementstylized science fiction adventure built around pulpy worlds, outrageous characters, and visual spectacle

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 (835)

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 streams on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV.