Detroit Rock City

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Detroit Rock City

R

1999

1h 35m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

51%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Rock-loving teens and aspiring musicians Hawk (Edward Furlong), Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip (James DeBello) and Jam (Sam Huntington) can't wait to see their favorite band, KISS, perform at an upcoming concert. However, when Jam's pious mother (Lin Shaye) finds the tickets to the event, she incinerates them, leaving the boys desperate for a way to see the show. In their attempts to see KISS, the lads endure misunderstandings, humiliation and violence, all just to see their beloved idols.

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Critics Consensus

Silly plot, over-the-top directing style.

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Xan Brooks

Independent (UK)

12/20/2024

Rifkin's yoof comedy hits a lot of easy buttons, but it's ultimately rather charming.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/22/2010

2/5

A valentine to sex, drugs, and cutting school.

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Chuck Klosterman

Akron Beacon Journal

10/26/2023

3/4

Much like the rock group it celebrates, Detroit Rock City is so brazenly moronic that it ends up seemingly brilliant for all the right reasons.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

10/06/2021

2.5/4

...a briskly-paced, unabashedly larger-than-life comedy...

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

01/02/2017

By no means a masterpiece; hell, it's barely a great movie, but it packs in enough talent, fun, and healthy delusions only KISS fans are capable of.

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Steve Newton

Georgia Straight

08/12/2014

1/5

Like KISS's music, it's juvenile, crass, bombastic, and loud.

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Tyler P.

@TylerPhoenixMD May 3

Amazing movie through and through! It captures the time right on point. It’s funny if not hilarious, the perfect soundtrack and acting! A must watch classic!

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Steven F.

@SteveGotScored Feb 21

One of the best rock n roll comedies of all time!

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Catalin L

@RT50396771 Dec 1

James DeBello is one of the best late 90’s and 2000s stoner type comedy actor. He kills it here as well as in Cabin Fever. I don’t know hiw he didn’t get more good roles

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Dominic I

@Giomeeseeks 06/23/2025

I’m gonna be flat honest, Gene Simmons fr cooked with this one. This movie is one of the best coming of age comedies I’ve ever seen if not the best. The characters were very well cast and the plot just makes sense for teens that age. The film also has a fantastic soundtrack with songs from famous musical artists like KISS, AC/DC, Van Halen, Sweet, Cheap Trick, David Bowie, Blue Oyster Cult, Golden Earring, ELO, Black Sabbath, Styx and a LOT more! The movie is super fun with incredibly hilarious lines and scenarios. The biggest praise I’d have to give this film though, is the pacing. Every event in the whole movie is perfectly timed and there aren’t any moments drag on for too long or end too quickly. You actually get to enjoy the moments all in the perfect running time. It’s also a great movie to watch with your friends and I would highly recommend this to anyone in their teens to late 20s or to anyone that feels nostalgic for 70s culture.

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Nick O

@Nicki1985 06/03/2025

Like if Rock N’ Roll High School swapped out The Ramones for KISS…and don’t forget that trademark Adam Rifkin weirdness we all love!

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Jeepers C

@RT12312147 05/24/2025

What a gem of a movie. For anyone who has ever been young and in awe of their favorite band. They will do anything to see their favorite rock band Kiss. This is a fun, little comedy to watch with a few friends.

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Adam Rifkin

Director

Edward Furlong

Hawk

Giuseppe Andrews

Lex

James DeBello

Trip

Sam Huntington

Jeremiah 'Jam' Bruce

Lin Shaye

Mrs. Bruce

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Synopsis

Rock-loving teens and aspiring musicians Hawk (Edward Furlong), Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip (James DeBello) and Jam (Sam Huntington) can't wait to see their favorite band, KISS, perform at an upcoming concert. However, when Jam's pious mother (Lin Shaye) finds the tickets to the event, she incinerates them, leaving the boys desperate for a way to see the show. In their attempts to see KISS, the lads endure misunderstandings, humiliation and violence, all just to see their beloved idols.

Director: Adam Rifkin
Producer: Gene Simmons, Barry Levine, Kathleen Haase
Screenwriter: Carl V. Dupré
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Base 12 Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 13, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.2M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround

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