Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Review – Where to Watch in the US, UK & Australia

“This time… it doesn’t go to eleven. It goes to goodbye.”

More than four decades after This Is Spinal Tap redefined comedy, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues arrives as one final, absurdly heartfelt encore. Directed by Rob Reiner, the 2025 mockumentary reunites Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer for what’s billed as Spinal Tap’s last performance — and fittingly, it’s chaotic, self-aware, and hilariously unhinged.

But does the sequel live up to the original’s legendary status? And where can you actually watch it right now?

Let’s break it down.

🎸 What Is Spinal Tap II: The End Continues?

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is a 2025 American mockumentary comedy-musical, serving as the official sequel to the 1984 cult classic This Is Spinal Tap.

The film follows:

• Nigel Tufnel

• David St. Hubbins

• Derek Smalls

…as they reunite after 15 years for one final concert, forced into it by an old contract inherited by the daughter of their original manager.

Once again, fictional director Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) documents the madness — from disastrous rehearsals to ego clashes, aging rock-star anxiety, and yet another drummer curse.

Runtime: 1h 24mGenre: Comedy / Musical / Mockumentary

🧠 Spinal Tap II Review: Does the Sequel Work?

⭐ Ratings Snapshot

• IMDb: 6.5/10

• Rotten Tomatoes: 66%

🎤 The Good

1. The Original Trio Is Still MagicChristopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer haven’t missed a beat. Their chemistry remains effortless, and the humor still thrives on:

• Deadpan delivery

• Musical absurdity

• Ego-driven nonsense

Watching them navigate aging, relevance, and mortality adds a surprising emotional layer.

2. Celebrity Cameos Done RightAppearances from Paul McCartney and Elton John aren’t cheap jokes — they’re used as affectionate nods to rock history. McCartney calling “Big Bottom” “almost literature” feels perfectly on-brand.

3. A Surprisingly Reflective ToneBeneath the stupidity (and there’s plenty), the film quietly reflects on:

• Legacy

• Friendship

• The fear of being forgotten

Songs like “Rockin’ in the Urn” shouldn’t work — but they do.

🎶 The Not-So-Good

1. Not as Sharp as the OriginalLet’s be honest: This Is Spinal Tap is untouchable. The sequel doesn’t reinvent mockumentary comedy the way the original did.

2. Some Jokes DragA few gags feel stretched, and not every subplot lands. The pacing occasionally dips, especially in the middle act.

3. It’s for Fans FirstNew viewers may enjoy it, but longtime fans will get the most out of the callbacks, in-jokes, and self-referential humor.

🎬 Plot Highlights (Spoiler-Free)

• A forgotten contract forces Tap into one last show

• Nigel runs a cheese-and-guitar shop

• David produces true-crime podcast music

• Derek curates a glue museum and composes “Hell Toupee”

• A new drummer finally survives… maybe

• A Stonehenge disaster returns — bigger and worse

It’s classic Tap chaos, filtered through aging rock-star absurdity.

📍 Where to Watch Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

🇺🇸 United States

• Theaters: Initially released September 12, 2025 by Bleecker Street

• Digital / VOD:

  • Apple TV

  • Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy)

  • Vudu

  • Google Play Movies

⚠️ Not currently included with a streaming subscription.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• Digital Platforms:

  • Apple TV

  • Amazon Prime Video Store

  • Sky Store

The film is available to rent or buy, but not streaming free on subscription services as of now.

🇦🇺 Australia

• Available On:

  • Apple TV

  • Amazon Prime Video Store

Like the US and UK, it’s digital rental/purchase only at the moment.

🎥 Is Spinal Tap II the Final Film?

Yes — in more ways than one.

• This is officially Rob Reiner’s final directed film

• Marketed as Spinal Tap’s last show

• The ending leans heavily into finality, legacy, and absurd closure

Whether the band truly ends here… well, it is Spinal Tap.

🧠 Final Verdict: Should You Watch Spinal Tap II?

If you love:

• The original This Is Spinal Tap

• Mockumentary comedy

• Music satire

• Absurd, character-driven humor

Then yes — absolutely.

Is it as groundbreaking as the original? No.

Is it funny, affectionate, and weirdly moving? Very much so.

This isn’t about going to eleven anymore.

It’s about knowing when to stop — and doing it loudly.