"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.
Directed by Rob Reiner
rock star
groupie
parody
mockumentary
rock band
found footage
aftercreditsstinger
duringcreditsstinger
amplifier
music industry
musical comedy
metal band
music comedy
comedy
amused
cheerful
Rank
#11 in 1984·#2145 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.9 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Christopher Guest
Nigel Tufnel
Michael McKean
David St. Hubbins
Harry Shearer
Derek Smalls
Rob Reiner
Marty DiBergi
June Chadwick
Jeanine Pettibone
Tony Hendra
Ian Faith
Bruno Kirby
Tommy Pischedda
Ed Begley Jr.
John 'Stumpy' Pepys
Paul Benedict
Tucker 'Smitty' Brown
Zane Buzby
Rolling Stone Reporter
Billy Crystal
Morty the Mime
Howard Hesseman
Terry Ladd
Crew
Rob Reiner
Director
Rob Reiner
Writer
Christopher Guest
Writer
Michael McKean
Writer
Harry Shearer
Writer
Christopher Guest
Original Music Composer
Michael McKean
Original Music Composer
Rob Reiner
Original Music Composer
Harry Shearer
Original Music Composer
Lindsay Doran
Executive In Charge Of Production
Popular Reviews
1171 reviews
vi
7.0★ · 03/26/16
it was tragic, really. he exploded on stage. just like that.
it was tragic, really. he exploded on stage. just like that.
23
Tae
10.0★ · 09/05/25
10 ⭐️? THIS GOES UP TO 11
10 ⭐️? THIS GOES UP TO 11
2
nina
3.6★ · 12/31/25
wdym the man with six fingers plays guitar
wdym the man with six fingers plays guitar
Alice
9.0★ · 05/17/26
Shit sandwich
Shit sandwich
LJ Saurman
7.0★ · 05/17/26
Solid movie. Important movie. Probably wouldn’t watch again
Solid movie. Important movie. Probably wouldn’t watch again