Musicians have often appeared within the movie industry, with several going on to take up big roles within movies. The likes of David Bowie and Rihanna have taken up major characters in the past, but while big pop stars have found it easier to make that transition, there have been plenty from the rock world as well.
Those within the heavy metal genre have been part of some big movie projects in the past, but there have also been some who popped up in smaller, cameo appearances. Whether it was a blink and you'll miss it style performance, or a slightly bigger role, there have been plenty of rock gods going from the stage to screen.
Ozzy Osbourne - Little Nicky
Ozzy Osbourne is one of the most iconic heavy metal singers of all time. The Englishman is the frontman for the legendary band, Black Sabbath, and has always proven himself to be a very entertaining character. His big personality is one that is perfect for the movie world.
He got to appear in the Adam Sandler movie, Little Nicky, which did mention the rockstar plenty of times. Sandler's character is one who loves Ozzy's music, and the rockstar ends up being summoned where he has to re-create his bat-biting moment, which is a huge part of Osbourne's real-life story.
Ronnie James Dio - Pick Of Destiny
Speaking of Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio did actually replace Ozzy Osbourne for three albums as the lead singer of the band. The rockstar has also been the frontman for Rainbow and Dio, and is a huge part of heavy metal history.
He made a cameo appearance in the Tenacious D movie, Pick Of Destiny, which has become a real cult classic with its fans. The movie is all about rock and metal music and focuses on how the band came together, with Dave Grohl also making a cameo as the devil later on in the movie.
Dave Grohl - The Muppets
Dave Grohl makes an appearance in Pick Of Destiny, but that is a movie that features a lot of metal music. However, The Muppets is a movie where the legendary Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman wasn't expected to be popping up.
He ends up being part of a group called The Moopets, where he works as an Animal tribute, which is a great nod to the fact that Grohl is one of the biggest drummers of all time. He's since gone on to even have a drum-off with Animal for ABC.
James Hetfield - Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, And Vile
The Metallica lead singer is one of the most famous heavy metal musicians of all time, but he also popped up in the movie, Extremely Wicked, Shocking Evil, And Vile, which focuses on Ted Bundy. Zac Efron also did a fantastic job as the serial killer in the Netflix movie.
Hetfield took on the role of Bob Hayward, who is actually a massive part of Ted Bundy's story, as he was the police officer who first arrested him. He has a great scene with Bundy in the movie, and the rock and roll legend showcased real acting quality.
Corey Taylor - Sharknado 4
The Sharknado movie series is one that is absolutely jam-packed with hilarious cameos throughout each one. Whether it be actors, wrestlers, or heavy metal rockstars, there have been tons of brilliant appearances which have kept audiences surprised and entertained throughout the franchise's history.
In the fourth installment, Slipknot lead singer Corey Taylor made an appearance where he took on the role of Frankie, who worked at the Shark World Hotel as a security guard.
Rob Zombie - Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
Rob Zombie has had an incredible career in the heavy metal world, but he has also made a lot of movie cameo appearances at points. As a close friend of the director, James Gunn, he has often popped up in his projects throughout his career.
That included the MCU movie, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2, which was one that featured a ton of amazing cameos throughout. Rob Zombie didn't physically appear in the movie though, so fans of the singer have to listen out for his vocals, as he provides the voice of the "Ravager Navigator."
Lemmy Kilmister - Airheads
Lemmy Kilmister is one of the biggest names in the history of music as the lead singer of the incredible Motorhead. He's helped to create some of the best songs in heavy metal history, and he makes a fun cameo appearance in the movie Airheads.
This comedic movie does actually fit a lot of jokes in about the heavy metal genre in general. But when Lemmy pops up as a general person in the crowd, he ends up screaming out some facts about himself, which is a funny moment.
Alice Cooper - Dark Shadows
Alice Cooper is well-known for his over-the-top performances and being a real showman, therefore it's no surprise that he has made appearances in quite a few movies over the course of his career. One of those included Dark Shadows, where he got the chance to play himself.
When Barnabas decides to host a "happening" he needs to get some entertainment, and that's where Alice Cooper steps in. He appears and puts on a performance and this leads to a great performance, with his music really suiting the style of the movie.
Rob Halford - Spun
Rob Halford is the lead singer of the band Judas Priest and is someone who has a huge history within the heavy metal industry. The band is incredibly well-known for their notorious behavior, but Halford did take the time to pop-up in the movie Spun.
He appears in a very memorable scene with Mickey Rourke, while he is working as a clerk of an adult movie store. While Rob Halford doesn't have too many lines, he does end up ringing the police to actually arrest Rourke's character.
Lars Ulrich - Get Him To The Greek
Lars Ulrich is one of the most famous drummers in the history of heavy metal, as one of the core members of the band Metallica. He made a hilarious cameo in the movie Get Him To The Greek, which is a very funny movie that sees Russel Brand play a washed-up rockstar, Aldous Snow.
Jonah Hill takes on the role of Aaron here, who works at a record company who decides to bring Snow back for a big show. However, Snow has plenty of issues, one of which is that the love of his life is no longer with him, and she actually ends up having a fling with Ulrich during the movie.