This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

I don't think I could possibly love a fake band any more than I love Spinal Tap. A completely genius "mockumentary" directed by Rob Reiner, this film paved the way for the Christopher Guest-directed mockumentaries Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind. This is Spinal Tap tells the story of sort-of-legendary rock band Spinal Tap (the world's loudest band!) with members Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) desperately trying to remain in the spotlight as tensions rise within the band.

They have to deal with their own egos along with problems like getting lost backstage, having to eat bread that's too small, trying to rock onstage with a teeny tiny Stonehenge, a bitchy girlfriend, and losing all their drummers to sudden death. And it is HILARIOUS. It's kind of mindblowing that these same actors went on to be the nerdy-but-talented Folksmen in A Mighty Wind. Trivia time! They actually toured as Spinal Tap in 2001 and occasionally opened for themselves as The Folksmen! I love it.

I don't know what else to say about this film except that it's a hilariously on-point look at the world of a rock band, from its early days to fame to near-obscurity. The acting is all excellent, and the music is both hysterically funny and incredibly well-performed and enjoyable. But don't take my word for it! Enjoy!