![Metallica Popular Song Rankings [2025]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/E0ozmU9cJDg/maxresdefault.webp)
Metallica Popular Song Rankings [2025]
Alongside ANTHRAX, MEGADETH, and SLAYER, Metallica has enjoyed immense popularity since their debut as one of the Big Four of thrash metal.
Given the tough, intimidating look of the Big Four, you might think, “Isn’t thrash metal too hard and difficult to listen to?” But don’t worry!
Despite the heaviness, their songs feature addictive melodies, and they even have dramatic ballads that draw you in.
Here’s a ranking of popular Metallica songs recommended as an entry point into metal!
Metallica Popular Songs Ranking [2025] (1–10)
Master Of PuppetsMetallica1rank/position
Beginning with an odd-time riff, moving into a lyrical midsection, and then cascading into a ferocious guitar solo, the structure is truly masterful.
Despite running over eight and a half minutes, it never becomes dull—an all-time classic among classics.
It’s the title track from the album Master of Puppets, released in March 1986, and is known as one of Metallica’s signature works.
The lyrics, depicting the horror of drug addiction, are also striking.
It’s a song every guitar-loving metal kid dreams of playing, and it has had a profound influence on countless bands.
A staple in their live shows, it’s guaranteed to send the crowd into a frenzy.
Enter SandmanMetallica2rank/position
A shocking track that invites you into a world of darkness and fear.
Centered on the themes of a child’s sleep and nightmares, it portrays anxiety and terror through the presence of the Sandman.
Defined by its powerful guitar riffs and overwhelming sonic pressure, it pierces deeply into the listener’s heart.
Released in July 1991 and included on the album “Metallica,” which came out in September of the same year.
It achieved major commercial success and won a Grammy Award.
Frequently used in film and television soundtracks, it’s a song with broad influence.
Perfect for moments wrapped in the silence of night or when you want to face yourself.
Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in Metallica’s musical world.
Nothing Else MattersMetallica3rank/position
Metallica is generally well known worldwide as a metal band.
However, they’re popular not only for their heavy songs but also for their calmer tracks.
The piece we’re introducing today, “Nothing Else Matters,” begins as a slow ballad, but its shift into a more intense development partway through is a highlight.
If you listen closely, you’ll notice the song maintains a triple meter from start to finish.
This distinctive rhythm conveys emotions like melancholy and inner conflict that you don’t often feel in other tracks, making the song itself particularly memorable.
BatteryMetallica4rank/position
Metallica, the legendary rock band regarded as pioneers of the thrash metal genre.
Their fast-paced metal sound won widespread popularity and had a significant impact on the modern rock scene.
Their hit song “Battery,” released in 1986, gained worldwide acclaim.
It’s a work that lets you fully experience their hallmark thrash metal—relentlessly fast and quintessentially them.
Be sure to check it out.
OneMetallica5rank/position
Metallica, a heavy metal band immensely popular in Japan as well, has produced numerous masterpieces, some of which carry an anti-war theme.
Among them, I’d like to highlight “One.” This song was modeled after the protagonist of the film “Johnny Got His Gun,” and, following the film’s storyline, it portrays an anti-war message.
Although it’s an anti-war song based on a work of fiction, its content is just as serious as anti-war songs focused on current events.
Be sure to check it out.
Creeping DeathMetallica6rank/position
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Metallica, the American heavy metal band, is the most famous metal band.
Their low-slung Explorers are still the object of admiration for many guitarists.
All the members have long hair—they’re intense, rugged, and utterly cool.
WhiplashMetallica7rank/position
When it comes to American heavy metal, Metallica immediately comes to mind.
This is their song “Whiplash,” released in 1983.
“Whiplash” means “muchi-uchi” (whiplash injury) in Japanese.
Headbanging—the familiar motion of moving your head up and down at rock and heavy metal concerts—can actually cause whiplash if you overdo it.
The song carries Metallica’s gratitude to their fans: “Thanks for always headbanging so hard you get whiplash!” While it’s great to express thanks directly through lyrics, showing appreciation by getting fired up together and sharing a great time is another wonderful way to do it.
Very Metallica, isn’t it?