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Poster for Heavy Metal Parking Lot

Heavy Metal Parking Lot

Seen it?

1986 | 17 min | Documentary, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little 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
Great for people who'll be humming afterwards and the curious. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. Same wavelength as Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me or Cobain: Montage of Heck.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Well paced for a documentary, at 17 min. Done before bedtime.
What might put you off
Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot documents heavy metal music fans tailgating in the parking lot outside the Capital Centre (since demolished) in Landover, Maryland, on May 31, 1986, before a Judas Priest concert (with opening act Dokken).

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 18K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jeff Krulik, John Heyn