🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Liam Lynch
- Genre: Comedy, Musical, Rock
- Release year: 2006
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (117K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two dudes try to steal a guitar pick from the Devil so they can finally pay their rent and become rock gods, but mostly just end up high.
🍿 Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny: Detailed Plot Synopsis
JB’s Origins and Journey to Hollywood
The film opens with a young JB, raised in a strict Christian household, rebelling against his oppressive father’s disapproval of rock music. Inspired by Ronnie James Dio, JB embarks on a journey to Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming a rock star. This sets the stage for his fateful meeting with KG.

The Meeting of JB and KG
In Hollywood, JB encounters KG, a seemingly talented acoustic guitarist performing on the street. Impressed by KG’s perceived skills and rockstar attitude, JB idolizes him. However, JB soon discovers that KG is not the successful musician he claims to be, leading to a turning point in their relationship and the formation of their band, Tenacious D.

The Quest for the Pick of Destiny
JB and KG learn about the Pick of Destiny, a legendary guitar pick crafted from Satan’s tooth that grants its user unparalleled musical abilities. Driven by the desire to achieve rock stardom, Tenacious D embarks on a quest to steal the Pick of Destiny from a rock history museum. This quest forms the central plot of the movie and leads to various comedic misadventures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- JB (Jack Black): A naive and enthusiastic aspiring rock star who idolizes KG and seeks the Pick of Destiny.
- KG (Kyle Gass): A self-proclaimed guitar god who initially exploits JB but becomes his loyal bandmate.
- Satan (Dave Grohl): The Dark Lord who owns the tooth from which the Pick of Destiny was made and challenges Tenacious D to a rock-off.
- Dio (Ronnie James Dio): The iconic rock singer appears as a poster who encourages young JB to follow his rock and roll dreams.
- The Stranger (Tim Robbins): A mysterious hobo who points Tenacious D in the direction of the pick.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dio: “You gotta believe me when I tell you. You gotta go there and get yourself some. HOOK UP WITH KYLE GASS!” – Ronnie James Dio’s portrait comes to life to encourage young JB to leave his restrictive home and pursue his rock and roll destiny.
- JB: “We are Tenacious D! And we are here to layeth the smacketh down on all those candy asses!” – JB confidently announces their arrival and intentions at the open mic night.
- Guitar Center Guy (Ben Stiller): “Legend tells of a pick… forged from the Devil’s own tooth. It gives its users… UNNATURAL ABILITIES!” – The Guitar Center employee reveals the lore and the power of The Pick of Destiny.
- Satan: “I am complete! Now you shall be subject to my infernal whims!” – Satan proclaims his restored power after obtaining the Pick of Destiny, setting the stage for the rock-off.
- KG: “That was a masterpiece! He rocks too hard because he’s not a mortal man.” – KG acknowledges Satan’s superior rock skills during the rock-off, admitting defeat.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $8,334,575
- Worldwide Gross: $13,939,963
💥 Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I’m a huge Tenacious D fan, and this movie did not disappoint! From the opening scene with Meat Loaf to the epic rock-off with Dave Grohl as Satan, I was laughing the whole time. It’s dumb, it’s crude, but it’s exactly what I wanted. The songs are ridiculously catchy, and the cameos are hilarious, especially Ben Stiller as the guitar shop guy. It’s a must-see for any true fan, just be prepared to embrace the ridiculousness. The Sasquatch scene made me lose it. It’s just so random and perfectly executed. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite movies ever, even though I know it’s not high art, it’s just pure, unadulterated fun. You need to embrace the ‘D’!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Tenacious D’s music and HBO series”
- “Viewers who enjoy irreverent, musical comedies”
- “Fans of Jack Black and Kyle Gass’s comedic styles”
- “Audiences who appreciate rock music parodies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Drug references”
- “Sexual innuendo”
- “Crude humor”
- “Occult themes (portrayal of Satan)”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “A raucous and rowdy ride through the world of Tenacious D, ‘Pick of Destiny’ might not convert non-believers, but it’s a hilarious treat for existing fans. Black and Gass’s comedic chemistry shines, and the musical numbers are surprisingly catchy.
- The New York Times: “While ‘Pick of Destiny’ has its moments of inspired lunacy, it often feels like a stretched-out sketch. The humor relies heavily on vulgarity and stoner tropes, which can grow tiresome. However, the cameos and musical sequences offer some redeeming value.
- Variety: “Fans of Tenacious D will find plenty to love in this over-the-top rock ‘n’ roll adventure. Jack Black’s energy is infectious, and the film’s sheer absurdity is its greatest strength. The soundtrack is a standout, blending metal and comedy seamlessly.
Audience Reactions
The rock-off with Satan was the most epic musical battle ever!: The audience loved the film’s over-the-top humor, catchy songs, and Jack Black’s boundless energy.
Meat Loaf as JB’s dad was a stroke of genius casting!: Fans praised the many celebrity cameos, especially those from rock icons and comedians.
Overall Consensus: A polarizing film; beloved by fans of Tenacious D for its raunchy humor and musical antics, but likely to alienate those unfamiliar with their style.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Meat Loaf initially hesitated to take the role of JB’s father, fearing it would harm his acting career, as he had avoided singing in movies since ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ in 1975.”
- “Dave Grohl’s role as Satan is a callback to his appearance as the Devil in Tenacious D’s music video for ‘Tribute’.”
- “The movie features several cameos from well-known actors and musicians, including Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins, Amy Poehler, and Ronnie James Dio.”
- “Originally, test audiences didn’t understand the Blues Brothers parody in the ending, so the scene had to be re-filmed.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny?
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, you might like these similar films:
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A mockumentary that hilariously satirizes the world of rock music, with over-the-top characters and situations.
- Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989): Features a similar comedic duo with a quest-driven plot and a focus on the power of music.
- Wayne’s World (1992): Another comedy about rock music fans with a focus on the ridiculousness of the music industry.
- School of Rock (2003): Starring Jack Black as a struggling musician, sharing themes of the redemptive power of rock and roll.
- Flight of the Conchords (2007): A comedy series about a struggling folk-rock duo, known for its quirky humor and original songs.
🛒 Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny Related Products
- Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny – Soundtrack: The official soundtrack featuring all the rockin’ tunes from the movie. Includes ‘Kickapoo’, ‘Master Exploder’, and ‘Beelzeboss’.
- Tenacious D – The Pick of Destiny – Limited Edition Guitar Pick: A replica of the Pick of Destiny from the movie, made with high-quality materials. A great conversation starter.
- Tenacious D – The Pick of Destiny – Movie Poster: Official movie poster, suitable for framing. Features Jack Black and Kyle Gass in their iconic roles.
- Tenacious D – The Pick of Destiny – Satan Funko Pop: A Funko Pop of Dave Grohl’s portrayal of Satan from the Rock-Off scene. A must have for funko collectors and fans of The Pick of Destiny
🎧 Soundtrack
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Kickapoo” – performed by Tenacious D
- “Tribute” – performed by Tenacious D
- “Master Exploder” – performed by Tenacious D
- “Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)” – performed by Tenacious D
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Pick of Destiny is a legendary guitar pick made from a tooth of Satan. Legend has it that it gives the user incredible guitar skills, making them a rock god.
Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters plays Satan in Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. It’s a cameo role that adds to the film’s rock and roll credibility and humor.
The Bong of Destiny is created at the end of the movie when Tenacious D breaks off a piece of Satan’s horn and uses it to fashion a bong. It’s a symbol of their victory and their commitment to their music.
🔥 Bonus Content
Jack Black on the ‘Pick of Destiny’ Movie
Dive into the creative process of ‘Pick of Destiny’ with Jack Black’s own commentary. Get a glimpse of the inspiration and humor behind the cult classic.
Jack Black and AMHband’s ‘Kickapoo’ Duet
Witness the energy and chemistry as Jack Black joins AMHband for a lively performance of ‘Kickapoo.’ It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of ‘Pick of Destiny’.
Tenacious D: The Untold Story
Embark on a journey into the world of Tenacious D. This documentary unveils the origins and evolution of the band, giving you a deeper understanding of the context behind ‘Pick of Destiny’.
Vocal Analysis of ‘Tribute’
Prepare to be amazed as an opera singer analyzes the vocals in ‘Tribute’ from ‘Pick of Destiny.’ Discover the hidden intricacies and appreciate the musical brilliance that made this song an instant classic.
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