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This Is Spinal Tap

1984·Movie
1h 22min·R
IMDb7.9Metacritic928.1Rotten Tomatoes98%92%

Where to watch

HBO MaxKanopyHooplaTCM

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

This Is Spinal Tap fingerprint

Funny, striking style, light on feelings.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Adrenaline5
  • Fast Pace5
  • Tension4

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Hopefulness6
  • Nostalgia5
  • Wholesome4

Humor

Plenty of satire and cringe comedy

  • Satire & Parody9
  • Cringe Humor8
  • Situational Comedy7

World

Show business, everyday modern life, and pop culture

  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances

  • Meta Narrative9
  • Acting8
  • Direction7

Style

Standout score

  • Music Centrality9
  • Music Composition8
  • Cinematography7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

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Funny movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Prepare to crank those amps up to eleven.

"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.
MockumentaryRock Band SatireCult ClassicImprov ComedyBehind-the-ScenesMusic-CentricPop Culture ParodyCringe HumorMeta-Narrative

Crew

Directed by:
Rob Reiner, Anne Rapp, Irwin Marcus
Written by:
Michael McKean, Rob Reiner, Harry Shearer
Produced by:
Lindsay Doran, Karen Murphy, Eve Brandstein
Composed by:
Michael McKean, Rob Reiner, Harry Shearer

Sequels and Prequels

Media

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Questions about This Is Spinal Tap

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream This Is Spinal Tap legally?

HBO MaxKanopyHooplaTCM

This Is Spinal Tap is included with a subscription to TCM in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is This Is Spinal Tap worth watching?

88
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 98%, and Metacritic 92). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is This Is Spinal Tap rated?

RStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.

How long is This Is Spinal Tap?

1 h 22 min

This Is Spinal Tap runs 1 h 22 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on This Is Spinal Tap?

Critics95
Audiences84

Not quite. Critics rate This Is Spinal Tap higher (95) than audiences (84). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

Was This Is Spinal Tap a box office hit?

Budget$3 million
Box office$6 million

Yes. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $6 million worldwide, 2.4 times its budget.

What language is This Is Spinal Tap in?

EnglishJapanese

It was made in English, with some Japanese. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch This Is Spinal Tap?

63ARATAUBEBGBOBRCACHCLCOCRCVCZ+49

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for This Is Spinal Tap in 63 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does This Is Spinal Tap use?

Brick JokeOblivious to LoveGood News, Bad NewsComically Missing the PointTeeny WeenieThe Rock StarHeavy MetalRewatch BonusAsk a Stupid Question...She Is Not My GirlfriendThe Comically SeriousSixth Rangerand 118 more

TV Tropes lists 130 storytelling tropes for This Is Spinal Tap, including Brick Joke, Oblivious to Love, Good News, Bad News.