Rock music is usually not incorporated in your everyday musical, and films about bands, real or fictional, have all become cult classics in some way. The rise of rock in the ’70s and ’80s led to an onslaught of movies based on the obsession that everyone had with wanting to become a rockstar which then led to some awesome, but ridiculous, films. The life of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll has been turned into a fantasy world that only those with the tightest pants, biggest hair and massive hits could live in but that hasn’t stopped many from imagining what it was like. These films were no doubt good, but definitely somewhat ridiculous only adding to the myth of rockstar life.
9. The Runaways (2010)
This particular movie is ridiculous for a whole lot of reasons. First, many movies about huge bands or artists often don’t make a lot of money so making one about Cherie Currie and Joan Jett in their band The Runaways, which is not what many remember Jett for is questionable. Then they went and cast Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart in the lead roles, which just seemed wrong especially during sex scenes because they seemed so young. In the end, the movie wasn’t horrible but seems like it got lost on its way to rock biography and landed in the teen dramedy category.
8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
This Is Spinal Tap is amazing because it’s the whole purpose is to poke fun at the biggest rock bands and their music of the ’70s and ’80s. While it wasn’t a commercial success during its 1984 release, it has developed into a cult classic and has only gotten funnier as time has gone on as it was definitely not fully appreciated at the time of its release, especially as many people took it as a literal documentary.
7. School of Rock (2003)
School of Rock landed Jack Black in the prime of his career, as well as showcasing his love of rock music. Black plays his best “loser-type” who becomes a schoolroom hero after creating an epic band out of a group of fifth-graders. This feel-good family comedy was an awesome entry in the rock music movie scene and ridiculous in a fun way as fifth-graders become rockstars.
6. The Labyrinth (1986)
In no way is this film not awesome, but still ridiculous none the less. Described as a British-American musical adventure fantasy film, this film obviously has everything, including David Bowie as the Goblin King. The creepy film has also gained a cult following and there is just no getting over Bowie’s “Magic Dance” performance.
5. Rock Star (2001)
This Mark Wahlberg film basically plays out the dreams of every rock music fan ever as Wahlberg’s character goes from being the frontman of a tribute band for his favorite group Steel Dragon to actually becoming their frontman which is based on the story of Tim “Ripper” Owens who replaced Judas Priest singer Rob Halford when he left the band. The film not only features a young Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston but has some real-life rock credibility as Jeff Pilson, Zakk Wylde, and Jason Bonham form the Steel Dragon group in the film.
4. Detroit Rock City (1999)
Detroit Rock City tunes right into teenagers obsession with rock music and the parents who rallied against it because of its “negative influence” on their children. Four friends who are huge fans of the band KISS have to defy their parents and embark on a trip to Detroit to see the band, but not before a whole bunch of random and hilarious encounters occur.
3. Wayne’s World (1992)
Ridiculous, yes. Amazing, obviously. Wayne’s World has become one of the most quoted films of the ’90s as Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar play metalheads with their own TV show. Tia Carrere really can wail, Alice Cooper makes an appearance and “Stairway To Heaven” is not allowed in the guitar store, “Denied!” in this unbelievably funny ode to rock music. And you’re lying to yourself if you don’t love Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” even more after the film’s rendition in the opening scenes.
2. Rock of Ages (2012)
Unlike some of the other films on this list, Rock of Ages is simply ridiculous. Although it does include some incredible singing, this is why rock musicals are broken up with a lot more dialogue (see The Labyrinth). Sure, it looked pretty good, but that was until Tom Cruise shows up as Stacee Jaxx looking like a Bret Michaels rip off and leaving you wondering if the film is some sort of joke. Even though it was loaded with amazing rock music, it still couldn’t save this movie from being more ridiculous than awesome.
1. Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)
The stoner’s delight rock movie of the 2000s definitely goes to Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny. Tenacious D is a real band formed by Jack Black and Kyle Gass and much like films similar to it, it was greatly unappreciated by mass media but quickly became a cult classic. Ridiculousness knows no bounds right from the band name being formed from birthmarks on each of their butts that read “Tenacious D” when put together, to on all-out rock off with Satan himself with the end result being the guys turn Satan’s horn into the “Bong of Destiny.” If you haven’t seen this movie, do it, even if you hate it you won’t be able to stop watching.
