Metallica’s thrashing riffs and pounding rhythms have not only filled arenas around the world but have also added adrenaline to various movies and TV shows. Their music has the power to elevate scenes, underscore drama, or simply evoke a certain rebellious spirit. Here are the 10 best Metallica needle drops in movies and TV.

1. “Master of Puppets” in “Stranger Things” (Season 4)

In a pivotal scene from “Stranger Things,” this iconic track underscores a heroic moment for the character of Eddie Munson, resonating with fans for its raw energy.

2. “Enter Sandman” in “Zombieland”

When characters Tallahassee and Columbus blast zombies to the tune of “Enter Sandman” in “Zombieland,” Metallica’s hit adds a layer of heavy metal intensity to the comedic carnage.

3. “Nothing Else Matters” in “Jungle Cruise”

This track’s epic and somber tones complement key emotional scenes in Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” illustrating the vast spectrum of Metallica’s influence across genres.

4. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” in “Triple Frontier”

As the opening credits roll in “Triple Frontier,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls” plays over shots of South American landscapes and military operations, setting the film’s gritty tone.

5. “Fuel” in “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”

“Fuel” revs up one of the intense racing sequences in Will Ferrell’s comedy about NASCAR racing, echoing the movie’s high-octane humor.

6. “I Disappear” in “Mission: Impossible II”

This custom track for “Mission: Impossible II” is as explosive as the movie’s action scenes, perfectly matching Tom Cruise’s daredevil stunts with its aggressive guitar work.

7. “Whiskey in the Jar” in “The Walking Dead” (Season 3)

A cover of a traditional Irish song reimagined by Metallica plays through an episode of “The Walking Dead,” fittingly accompanying a scene involving drinking and camaraderie against a backdrop of zombie apocalypse tension.

8. “Orion” in “Billions” (Season 2)

The instrumental “Orion” sets a powerful yet contemplative mood during a scene in Showtime’s high-stakes financial drama “Billions.”

9. “The Memory Remains” in “The Punisher” (Season 2)

Used during an intense fight scene, “The Memory Remains” matches Frank Castle’s relentless pursuit of justice in Marvel’s gritty series “The Punisher.”

10. “Battery” in “Paradise City”

Within episodes of this rock-themed series, “Battery” fits effortlessly, paying homage to heavy metal culture while energizing scenes with its blistering pace and aggressive delivery.

From cinema to streaming series, Metallica tracks are carefully chosen for moments that need an extra boost of intensity or depth—testament to their enduring legacy on screen as much as on stage.