Metal Band Names Inspired By Films

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Metal Band Names Inspired By Films

List image
A list by
Plattner
Created
December 02, 2023
Entries
101
Endorsements
5
This alphabetical list presents bands that took the inspiration for their name from films (movies, tv series, documentaries).

Please feel free to suggest more examples of metal/hard rock band names that are inspired by films.


SUMMARY:

- most cited films:
Alien (4 bands)
Star Wars (3 bands), The Empire Strikes Back (3 bands)

- most cited franchises:
Star Wars movies (6 bands)
Alien movies (5 bands)
Godzilla movies (3 bands), The Simpsons series (3 bands)

- genre distribution:
horror/mystery (19 bands)
science fiction (18 bands)
fantasy (16 bands)
animated/cartoon (11 bands)
action/thriller/martial arts (8 bands)
artist names/citations (6 bands)
documentary (5 bands), history/western (5 bands)
comedy (4 bands)
others (11 bands)

See also: "Metal Band Names Inspired By..."
“Books”, “Games”, “Bands”, “Visual Arts”

[Updated 19.03.2026]
101.
1.
36 Crazyfists - Bitterness The Star
The 36 Crazy Fists (1977): inspired by the title of the Jackie Chan film
101.
2.
Alien Queen - Matriarch
Aliens (1986): named after the queen of the xenomorphs
101.
3.
Alien Weaponry - Tū
District 9 (2009): inspired by the depiction of aliens and their weapons
101.
4.
All Them Witches - Our Mother Electricity
Rosemary's Baby (1968): inspired by a book mentioned in the film
101.
5.
Anaal Nathrakh - The Codex Necro
Excalibur (1981): inspired by Merlin's Charm Of Making; Old Irish for snake`s breath
101.
6.
Armored Saint - March Of The Saint
Excalibur (1981): inspired by the knights in this medieval movie
101.
7.
Austrian Death Machine - Total Brutal
The Terminator (1984): inspired by the actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his role as Terminator
101.
8.
Bhayanak Maut - Bhayanak Maut
Bhayanak Maut (2000): inspired by an Indian horror movie of the same name, which translates to "Horrific Death"
101.
9.
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath (1963): inspired by the movie title
101.
10.
Bloodywood - Rakshak
The name is a pun on the popular name of Hindi cinema, Bollywood (which itself is a portmanteau of Bombay (former name of Mumbai) cinema and Hollywood).
101.
11.
Bonginator - The 1986 Doink City Massacre
The Terminator (1984): The band name combines "bong," referring to a water pipe for smoking marijuana, and "Terminator", the cyborg from the corresponding films.
101.
12.
Bongzilla - Stash
Godzilla (1954): The band name combines "bong," referring to a water pipe for smoking marijuana, and "Godzilla", the monster from the corresponding films.
101.
13.
Bossk - Audio Noir
The Empire Strikes Back (1980): named after an alien character of the Star Wars fictional universe
101.
14.
Bring Me The Horizon - Count Your Blessings
Pirates of the Caribbean:The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): line by main character Captain Jack Sparrow: "Now, bring me that horizon!"
101.
15.
Cinema Strange - Quatorze Exemples Authentiques Du Triomphe De La Musique Decorative
inspired by the silent movies genre
101.
16.
Cloudkicker - The Discovery
TaleSpin (1990-1991): inspired by a character of this animated Disney series.
101.
17.
Crystal Lake - Dimension
Friday The 13th (1980): named after the fictional summer camp for kids in the Friday The 13th film series. In addition, the name was inspired by a location in the game Romancing SaGa.
101.
18.
Dagoba - Dagoba
The Empire Strikes Back (1980): based on the planet Dagobah, the remote exile of Jedi master Yoda in the Star Wars series
101.
19.
Dethklok - The Dethalbum
Metalocalypse (2006-2013) is an animated series about the fictional metal band Dethklok. The real musicians behind this series released music from or based on the series under this band name.
101.
20.
Dom Zły - Rytuał
Dom Zły (2009): inspired by the Polish title, which is The Dark House in the English release
101.
21.
Dr. Colossus - The Dank
The Simpsons (tv series since 1989): named after a fictional (mad) scientist that acts as supervillain in several episodes
101.
22.
Dr. Know - This Island Earth
Dr. No (1962): reference to the James Bond villain Dr. No
101.
23.
Dream Theater - When Dream And Day Unite
named after an old movie theatre in Monterey, California
101.
24.
D.V.C. - Descendant Upheaval
Star Wars (1977) and other movies of this series: D.V.C. stands for Darth Vader's Church and refers to the central Star Wars character Darth Vader
101.
25.
Edge Of Sanity - Nothing But Death Remains
Edge Of Sanity (1989): inspired by the film title
101.
26.
Elm Street - Barbed Wire Metal
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984): as reference to the film and the 80`s era in general
101.
27.
Emil Bulls - Red Dick's Potatoe Garden
Achterbahn (tv series 1992 - 2002): named after the episode "Die Emil-Bulls" from 1993.
101.
28.
Evergreen Terrace - Losing All Hope Is Freedom
The Simpsons (tv series since 1989): named after a fictional street where the Simpson family lives
101.
29.
Evildead - Annihilation Of Civilization
The Evil Dead (1981): inspired by the film and its title
101.
30.
Fantômas - Fantômas
Fantômas Se Déchaîne (1965): inspired by the eponymous villain of the book series by Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre and the corresponding films. The cover art of the first album is from the Spanish version (Fantômas Amenaza Al Mundo) of the 1965 French film.
101.
31.
Faster Pussycat - Faster Pussycat
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965): inspired by the movie title
101.
32.
Five Finger Death Punch - The Way Of The Fist
Kill Bill:Volume 2 (2004): the name of the fictional martial arts move shown in the movie is Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique, which was changed to Five Finger Death Punch by the band
101.
33.
Fu Manchu - No One Rides For Free
The Adventures Of Dr. Fu Manchu (tv series 1956) and corresponding movies: named after the 1950`s films about the villain Dr. Fu Manchu, based on the novels series (1913-1959) by Sax Rohmer
101.
34.
Fulci - Opening The Hell Gates
named after the Italian horror film director Lucio Fulci
101.
35.
Genghis Tron - Cloak Of Love
Tron (1982): combination of the science fiction movie title Tron and the historical figure Genghis Khan
101.
36.
Gigan - Footsteps Of Gigan
Godzilla vs Gigan (1971): named after the kaiju monster Gigan, a cyborg creature from the Godzilla and Zone Fighter franchises
101.
37.
God Is An Astronaut - The End Of The Beginning
Nightbreed (1990): quote from the Clive Barker horror movie (based on his novella Cabal): "All things are true. God's an Astronaut. Oz is Over the Rainbow, and Midian is where the monsters live."
101.
38.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - F♯ A♯ ∞
Godspeed You! Black Emperor (1976): Japanese documentary about a group of motorcyclists called the Black Emperors
101.
39.
Gojira - Terra Incognita
Godzilla (1954): Gojira refers to the original Japanese pronunciation of Godzilla
101.
40.
Gorgatron - Torturetorium
Aqua Teen Hunger Force (animated tv series 2000-2015): monster character
101.
41.
Gozu - Locust Season
Gozu (2003): named after the title of this surrealistic Japanese movie
101.
42.
Hail Spirit Noir - Pneuma
The band’s name is a tribute to the 70s Italian horror movies as well as the prog rock of the same era
101.
43.
Happy Days - Melancholic Memories
Happy Days (tv series 1974-1984): this depressive black metal band was inspired by the name of the sitcom
101.
44.
Helion Prime - Helion Prime
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004): Helion Prime is the name of an alien planet.
101.
45.
Hoth - Infinite Darkness
The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Hoth is an ice planet in the Star Wars fictional universe
101.
46.
Ikarie - Cuerpos En Sombra
Ikarie XB-1 (1963): Ikarie XB 1 is the eponymous starship of a Czechoslovakian science-fiction movie
101.
47.
Imperium Dekadenz - ...Und Die Welt Ward Kalt Und Leer
Caligula (1979): based on the depiction of the decadent Roman emperor
101.
48.
Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden
The Man In The Iron Mask (1939): inspired by the torture device shown in the movie
101.
49.
Keitzer - ...To Destroy The Planet Earth
Star Wars (1977) and other movies of this series: named after the central character The Emperor. The band used the corresponding Dutch word "Keizer" and added a "t".
101.
50.
Killswitch Engage - Killswitch Engage
The X-Files (tv series 1993-2002/2016-2018): named after the episode Kill Switch of The X-Files (season 5, episode 11), which itself was named after the band Kill Switch…Klick (1998)
101.
51.
Kongh - Counting Heartbeats
King Kong (1933): inspired by the name of the gorilla-like monster
101.
52.
Lord Vigo - Under Carpathian Sun
Ghostbusters II (1989): Lord Vigo von Homburg Deutschendorf is a Ghostbusters II character
101.
53.
Mad Max - Heavy Metal
Mad Max (1979): inspired by the name of the main character and the eponymous movie title
101.
54.
Magnum - Kingdom Of Madness
Dirty Harry (1971): According to Tony Clarkin, the name was inspired by the gun of Dirty Harry. However, another explanation of the name is the story, in which the mother of Les Kitcheridge had the idea after seeing oversized champagne bottles.
101.
55.
Make Them Die Slowly - Ferox
Cannibal Ferrox (1981): inspired by the English name version of the horror movie: Make Them Die Slowly
101.
56.
Manilla Road - Invasion
Monty Python's Flying Circus (tv series 1969-1974): indirectly inspired; it has been reported that Munkirs and Shelton came up with the name (that meant "Road of Light" to them) while drinking and watching the series
101.
57.
Marilyn Manson - Portrait Of An American Family
The name is formed by a juxtaposition of two opposing American pop cultural icons: the actress Marilyn Monroe and the cult leader Charles Manson.
101.
58.
Misfits - Walk Among Us
The Misfits (1961): inspired by the movie title
101.
59.
Mogwai - Mogwai Young Team
Gremlins (1984): Mogwais are the cute primary form of the creatures that can transform into the gremlins
101.
60.
Mothman And The Thunderbirds - Into The Hollow
Ancient Aliens (2010-present): inspired by an episode of this pseudoscientific TV series.
101.
61.
Motorpsycho - Lobotomizer
Motorpsycho (1965): inspired by the movie title
101.
62.
Mr. Bungle - Mr. Bungle
The Pee-Wee Herman Show (1981) and subsequent films: inspired by the eponymous character
101.
63.
Nicolas Cage Fighter - The Bones That Grew From Pain
named after the actor Nicolas Cage
101.
64.
No Terror In The Bang - Eclosion
inspired by a quote from the filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock: "There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it."
101.
65.
Norma Jean - Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child
inspired by the real name of the actress Marilyn Monroe: Norma Jean Baker
101.
66.
Nostromo - Argue
Alien (1979): named after the starship (which was named after the eponymous character from Joseph Conrad's novel Nostromo from 1904)
101.
67.
Okilly Dokilly - Howdilly Doodilly
The Simpsons (tv series since 1989): named after the typical way of speaking by the fictional character Ned Flanders
101.
68.
Rolo Tomassi - Hysterics
L.A. Confidential (1997): named after a pseudonym of a character mentioned in the movie
101.
69.
SeeYouSpaceCowboy - Fashion Statements Of The Socially Aware
Cowboy Bebop (anime TV series 1998-2000): based on the phrase "See you, space cowboy" that appears on the end of the title cards of episodes.
101.
70.
Sir Lord Baltimore - Kingdom Come
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969): named after the Native American tracker called Lord Baltimore
101.
71.
SkeleToon - The Curse Of The Avenger
combination of "skeleton" and "cartoon"
101.
72.
Skraeckoedlan - Äppelträdet
The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953): based on the Swedish title of the movie, Skräcködlan, which means "terrifying lizard"
101.
73.
Sparzanza - Wheeler Dealer
Name variant of a character from a 70's blaxploidation movie
101.
74.
Spawn Of Possession - Cabinet
Possession (1981) and Amityville II:The Possession (1982): inspired by the movie names and the song title "Spawn Of Azathoth" by Grotesque (Incantation, 1990)
101.
75.
Spinal Tap - This Is Spinal Tap
The T.V. Show (1979) and This Is Spinal Tap (1984): The group started as a fictional band (with original songs) for TV comedy sketches. The soundtrack for the comedy mockumentary film "This Is Spinal Trap" became a cult hit and the band performed several concerts in character.
101.
76.
Spiritbox - Spiritbox
Ghost Adventures (paranormal and reality television series since 2008): "Spiritbox" is the casual name of the SB7 device. It is supposed to communicate with deceased people through very quickly scanning radio frequencies.
101.
77.
Spock's Beard - The Light
Star Treck episode "Mirror, Mirror" (season 2, episode 4, 1967): episode plays in a parallel universe with a bearded Officer Spock
101.
78.
Star One - Space Metal
Blake's 7 series (1978-1981): inspired by the title of episode 13, season 2.
101.
79.
Stovokor - Metal Of Honor
Star Treck series (since 1966): Stovokor is a transcription of Sto'Vo'Kor or Suto'vo'qor, which is the Klingon equivalent to Valhalla
101.
80.
Susperia - Predominance
Suspiria (1977): inspired by the horror film Suspiria; the group changed the spelling to Susperia to avoid confusion with the corresponding gothic rock band
101.
81.
Tanith - In Another Time
The Devil Rides Out (1968): inspired by the name of the female character (based on the novel of Dennis Wheatley)
101.
82.
Taramis - Queen Of Thieves
Conan The Destroyer (1984): inspired by the character Queen Taramis from the movie and the song "Riders of Taramis" from the soundtrack
101.
83.
TesseracT - Concealing Fate
Cube2:Hypercube (2002): this math metal band was inspired by the tesseract mentioned in the movie
101.
84.
Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre - 'Til Death Do Us Party
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974): inspired by the movie title
101.
85.
The Damned - Damned Damned Damned
The Damned (1969): inspired by the movie title
101.
86.
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Calculating Infinity
inspired by a documentary about John Dillinger, who was a 1930s bank robber known for his multiple escapes from jail
101.
87.
The Gathering - Always...
Highlander (1986): based on the gathering of all immortals
101.
88.
The Mars Volta - De-Loused In The Comatorium
The term "volta" was used by the Italian film director Federico Fellini to describe the changing of scene or a turnaround in time within a cinematic context. The band added the word "Mars" because of their interest in science fiction.
101.
89.
The Number Twelve Looks Like You - Put On Your Rosy Red Glasses
The Twilight Zone (tv series 1959-1964): named after an episode (season 5, episode 17) of the television series (1964)
101.
90.
Vader - The Ultimate Incantation
Star Wars (1977) and other movies of this series: named after the central character Darth Vader
101.
91.
Voorhees - Chapter One
Friday The 13th (1980) and other movies of this series: named after the main antagonist Jason Voorhees
101.
92.
Wednesday 13 - Transylvania 90210 : Songs Of Death, Dying And The Dead
The Addams Family (television show [based on comics by Charles Addams]): named after the female character Wednesday combined with the number 13.
101.
93.
White Zombie - Soul-Crusher
White Zombie (1932): inspired by the movie, which is regarded as one of the first feature length zombie films
101.
94.
Witchfinder General - Death Penalty
Witchfinder General (1968): inspired by the title of this horror film
101.
95.
Wo Fat - The Gathering Dark
Hawaii Five-O (tv series 1968-1980): inspired by Wo Fat, who was the villainous character of the series
101.
96.
Xenomorph - Baneful Stealth Desire
Alien (1979): named after the alien species
101.
97.
Xenomorph (USA) - Empyreal Regimes
Alien (1979): named after the alien species
101.
98.
Xenomorphic Contamination - Colonized From The Inside
Alien (1979): named after the alien species
101.
99.
Yob - Elaborations Of Carbon
Merry Melodies cartoons, episode "Rocket-Bye Baby" (1956): The name came from a kid called Yob.
101.
100.
You Win Again Gravity - Reflect The Change
Futurama (tv series since 1999): named after a quote in the episode "Love And Rocket" (Season 4, Episode 3)
101.
101.
Zoetrope - Amnesty
A zoetrope is a pre-film animation device (invented in 1834) consisting of a cylinder with images that, when spun, create an illusion of continuous motion.
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Comments: 37 Visited by 120 users

Posts: 1254
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+2
17.12.2023 - 09:23

Posts: 1254


Written by no one on 17.12.2023 at 07:30

Isengard - taken from lord of the rings...also
Falls Rauros
Cirith Gorgor
Gorgoroth
Burzum
Amon Amarth
Druadan Forest

........and the list goes on and on

Thank you, no one. I have added Falls Of Rauros to the book list
(see previous comment).
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Posts: 248
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+1
22.12.2023 - 18:12

Posts: 248


Tesseract?? Lol
----
Um, Dois, Três, Quatro! Yeah! PORRA!!!
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Posts: 1254
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+1
22.12.2023 - 21:00

Posts: 1254


Written by Samot on 22.12.2023 at 18:12

Tesseract?? Lol

Thank you very much for your interesting suggestion, Samot. I have added the band to the list.
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Posts: 226
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+1
31.12.2023 - 17:47

Posts: 226


Polish band Dom Zły is inspired by polish movie by Wojciech Smarzowski. Although the band is "invisible" on Metal Storm
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Posts: 1254
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31.12.2023 - 18:15

Posts: 1254


Written by Chidder on 31.12.2023 at 17:47

Polish band Dom Zły is inspired by polish movie by Wojciech Smarzowski. Although the band is "invisible" on Metal Storm

Thank you very much, Chidder. I have added your suggestion to the list. The album will be shown in the list, because "invisible" just means that the band MS profile is incomplete or not fully compatible.

Thank you very much for taking your time. 👍
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03.06.2024 - 11:13

Posts: 1254


Footnote in order to collect some common mistakes that can be found in the litetature:

BAD COMPANY was NOT named after the Jeff Bridges film Bad Company. Rodgers stated that the idea came from a book of Victorian morals that showed a picture of an innocent child looking up at an unsavoury character leaning against a lamp post. The caption read "beware of bad company".

CINDERELLA was NOT named after a movie about the fairytale (but after a cat).

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH was NOT directly named after the movie King Boxer (1972), which was released in the U.S. as Five Fingers Of Death (but directly after the movie Kill Bill Vol. 2, which cites the older movies).

GREAT WHITE was NOT inspired by the movie Jaws (1975) but was named after both the shark with the same name and Mark Kendall's former stage nickname.

SHINING does NOT refer to the book The Shining or the film based on it, but rather it means "the path to enlightenment", according to Kvarforth.

SLAYER was NOT named after the 1981 movie Dragonslayer.
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Posts: 1254
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30.01.2026 - 21:41

Posts: 1254


Summary added to the introduction
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