
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition
Seen it?2026 | 105 min | Documentary, Music
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious. If you loved The Last Waltz or Moonage Daydream, start here.
- The mood
- Eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
Award season hasn't happened yet, so this isn't counted.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$3 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 5K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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The Last WaltzSaturday SpecialAnother documentary.
Moonage DaydreamFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed documentary that fewer people know today.
Miss AmericanaSaturday SpecialAnother documentary that's easy to miss.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Malcolm Venville
- Steve HarrisSelf
- Bruce DickinsonSelf
- Nicko McBrainSelf
- Adrian SmithSelf
- Dave MurraySelf
- Janick GersSelf
- Blaze BayleySelf
- Rod SmallwoodSelf
- Chuck DSelf
- Simon GallupSelf