This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Kernel Score: 83% · 1,596 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Music
Released: 1984-03-02
Runtime: 82 minutes
Where to watch This Is Spinal Tap
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
"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.
This Is Spinal Tap parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that This Is Spinal Tap is an R-rated mockumentary about a fictional rock band, featuring adult humor and language.
- Language: Moderate — R-rated comedy about a rock band likely includes frequent crude language and innuendo.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Rock band lifestyle content implies drinking and partying typical of the music industry setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like This Is Spinal Tap
If you liked This Is Spinal Tap, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016) — 88%
- The Dirt (2019) — 84%
- Almost Famous (2000) — 85%
- Play (2019) — 80%
- Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982) — 88%
- The Last Waltz (1978) — 86%
- Stop Making Sense (1984) — 92%
- School of Rock (2003) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel
- Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins
- Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls
- Rob Reiner as Marty DiBergi
- June Chadwick as Jeanine Pettibone
- Tony Hendra as Ian Faith
- Bruno Kirby as Tommy Pischedda
- Ed Begley Jr. as John 'Stumpy' Pepys
- Paul Benedict as Tucker 'Smitty' Brown
- Zane Buzby as Rolling Stone Reporter
This Is Spinal Tap FAQ
Is This Is Spinal Tap good?
This Is Spinal Tap has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,596 audience ratings.
Where can I watch This Is Spinal Tap?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is This Is Spinal Tap OK for kids?
This Is Spinal Tap is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that This Is Spinal Tap is an R-rated mockumentary about a fictional rock band, featuring adult humor and language.
What movies are like This Is Spinal Tap?
If you liked This Is Spinal Tap, try Bo Burnham: Make Happy, The Dirt, Almost Famous and Play.