The cult classic that turned music documentaries on their heads is back — and it’s louder than ever.
“This Is Spinal Tap,” the legendary 1984 mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner, is closing in on $1 million at the specialty box office following its limited rerelease. Thanks to a strategic partnership between Bleecker Street and Fathom Events, the film has seen a resurgence of popularity among both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
📽️ A Cult Classic With Staying Power
What started as a niche satire of rock ‘n’ roll excess has become a cultural touchstone over the past four decades. The film, featuring a fictional British heavy metal band spiraling into absurdity, has gained legendary status for its deadpan humor and quotable one-liners — especially the infamous “This one goes to 11.”
The rerelease campaign capitalized on that nostalgia. Originally planned as a one-night event, the demand was so high that Bleecker Street and Fathom quickly expanded playdates into additional cities and weekends.
💰 Box Office Buzz
According to insiders, “Spinal Tap” has grossed over $950,000 so far, with updated projections suggesting it will easily surpass $1 million in the coming days — an impressive feat for a rerelease in the streaming era.
Independent theaters and fan screenings have helped push the film’s momentum, and social media buzz around the rerelease has been steady, with #SpinalTap40 trending intermittently on X (formerly Twitter).
🎸 More Than Just a Movie
The film’s impact continues to stretch beyond the screen. A sequel — “This Is Spinal Tap 2” — is reportedly in development, with Rob Reiner returning alongside original cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer.
Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the hundredth, the film’s dry wit and rock satire hit just as hard in 2025.
Want to relive the madness? Check your local listings — because this classic mockumentary is still going up to 11.
