Cult classics can usually be described as films that have a cult like following, being overly quotable by dedicated fans who watch the film repeatedly and have endless theories and discussions. They can also include films that weren’t well received at the box office at the time but over the years have gained popularity due to a new generation of film buffs. They can also be indie films that weren’t well received in the mainstream but now have become cult classics. Big budget box office success movies can also be included as cult movies as well as they have the same factors but with a larger audience. Here I have compiled a list of some of the best cult classics ever made.
1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 1974, Tobe Cooper
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a low budget horror film which is one of the most famous horror movies, having a whole franchise made after the success of the original. It received a cult status for its low budget as well as subtle violence and a dark subject matter which makes it truly terrifying with the sounds of a chainsaw in the background of most scenes adding to the eerie atmosphere. Another reason it was creepy at the time was the false pretence that it was a true story, with only minor details being true. Following a group of young people who are attacked by a group of cannibalistic freaks, notably Leatherface, the first instalment of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre belongs on this list as a cult favourite. Another notable mention would be the 1986 sequel The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 which was more of a comedy and featured lots more violence, extremely different tone to the first but has achieved cult status as well for these different themes.
2. The Evil Dead, 1981, Sam Raimi
The Evil Dead is another low budget horror made by a bunch of young students, most notably director Sam Raimi and is the first part of The Evil Dead Franchise. It has always been well praised since its release but has received cult status for being popular with horror fans for its practical effects and dark comedy with tons of bloody scenes. It also made a star of Bruce Campbell as Ash who plays the lead character when a group of young people head to an isolated cabin and accidentally summon evil spirits lurking in the woods. It would be followed by The Evil Dead 2 in 1987 and Army of Darknessin 1992 which became another cult classic. Another notable entry in the franchise is the 2013 remake of the same name by Fede Alvarez.
3. True Romance, 1993, Tony Scott
True Romance is a 1993 stylish action thriller which was received favourably at the time but in recent years achieved a cult status, due to the impressive cast of notable actors including Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette as main couple Alabama and Clarence. Brad Pitt made a brief appearance as a lazy stoner in one of his early acting roles. James Gandolfini appears as a ruthless gangster and was praised for his acting. Another reason for its cult status is because it was a story written by Quentin Tarantino although he wasn’t involved with production, you can tell from the narrative it has Tarantino elements. It involves a couple who accidentally get their hands on a large amount of cocaine and cross paths with gangsters, FBI agents, pimps and Hollywood executives leading to a violent confrontation.
4. Heathers, 1988, Michael Lehmann
Heathers has always been popular amongst young adults but at the time was very controversial due to the subject matter of suicide and dark comedy. It wasn’t the typical teen rom com being released at the time in the 80s. This made it a cult classic as well as starring iconic actors Winona Ryder and Christian Slater very early in their careers as two teenagers fed up with the high school culture. Things take a turn for the worse when J.D (Christian Slater) decides to stage suicides and blow up the school. With quotable lines this dark comedy is a classic 80s movie even becoming a hit Broadway musical.
5. They Live, 1988, John Carpenter
They Live is a 1988 sci fi action film starring Roddy Piper and has achieved cult status because of its heavy use of social commentary influencing artist Shepard Fairey on his street art and the ‘Obey’ symbol. It wasn’t well received when it was released due to these factors but in the last 30 years it has become a hit and more relevant in today’s society therefore becoming a cult classic. It tells the story of a man who discovers a pair of sunglasses allows him to see that the earth is controlled by aliens who display subliminal messages unbeknownst to the human race.
6. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, 1993, Terry Gilliam
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a trippy comedy road movie based on the novel of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson. Starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro as Raoul Duke and Dr Gonzo, it tells the story of a journalist and his lawyer, as they take a crazy drug fuelled journey in Las Vegas. The film wasn’t well received at the time due to the wacky scenes and fast paced dialogue but has since achieved cult status due to Depp’s performance memorable performance as the unique Hunter S. Thompson.
7. The Big Lebowski, 1998, Joel and Ethan Coen
The Big Lebowski is one of most popular films by the Coen brothers, who already have a cult like following for all of their movies. The Big Lebowski is about ‘The Dude’ played by Jeff Bridges as he accidentally gets involved with a kidnapping bribery scandal after being confused with another Jeffrey Lebowski who is much more successful than him. This comedy film has cult status because of its surreal dream sequences, funny and quotable dialogue and notable Hollywood actors such as John Goodman, Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi. It even has an annual festival called “Lebowski Fest” where fans come together to watch, sometimes even with the cast joining in.
8. Fight Club, 1999, David Fincher
Fight Club requires multiple viewings, and this may be why it wasn’t appreciated as it should be when it was released due to its complex storyline which was hard to market. The violent thriller stars Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter. It became a cult classic in the past 20 years after it flopped at the box office but after a cult following started more people were attracted to the 1999 masterpiece. With its dark humour, classic quotes and shocking plot twist, Fight Club deserves a place on the list as a cult favourite.
9. The Blues Brothers, 1980, John Landis
The 1980 musical adapted from an SNL sketch with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Set in Chicago, The Blues Brothers features outstanding musical numbers from notable acts such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown and this fun comedy film has achieved cult status. It tells the story of Jake and Elwood Blues on a ‘mission from god’ whilst being chased by multiple pursuers at the same time to raise money at a concert. This feel-good film has a dedicated following and worthy of its status.
10. Shaun of the Dead, 2004, Edgar Wright
Shaun of the Dead is a British cult classic with its perfect blend of comedy and horror and brilliant British cast. Edgar Wright directed the zombie apocalypse film which is filled with quotable dialogue and can be watched endlessly. The film is about a slacker who lives in London named Shaun who tries to win his girlfriend, Liz, back whilst also protecting his loved ones from flesh eating zombies. It received cult status after becoming a success in 2004 and launching Edgar Wright’s career as an acclaimed director and making stars out of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
11. A Clockwork Orange, 1971, Stanley Kubrick
A Clockwork Orange is a crime film set in the distant future about Alex and his ‘droogs’ causing havoc in London. It was originally released to heavy controversy due to rape scenes and general dark subject matter. It was even banned in the U.K until 1999. Therefore, it has received cult status over the years due to it being one of Stanley Kubrick best and most notable movies. A Clockwork Orange definitely belongs on this list because of the immense impact it’s had on popular culture due to its unique style and premise and it’s considered one of the best movies ever made.
12. Dazed and Confused, 1993, Richard Linklater
Dazed and Confused has become a cult classic because of its use of popular rock classics from Aerosmith and Kiss and notable stars in their first roles such as Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck. It was directed by Richard Linklater and follows a bunch of high school seniors on their last day of school whilst they torture the freshmen students. The film achieved cult status for these reasons and is a popular as a enjoyable coming of age comedy with good music and funny quotes.
13. The Room, 2003, Tommy Wiseau
Considered to be the “worst movie ever made”, The Room is famous for being so bad that it’s good. It’s achieved cult status for this reason as being quotable and funny because of the atrocious acting. Tommy Wiseau is also a cult icon due to the mystery surrounding his background and how he funded this movie himself. It has a dedicated following of fans who have traditions when attending annual screenings.
14.American Psycho, 2000, Mary Harron
American Psycho is a dark psychological thriller starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman who spends his nights murdering citizens of New York and by day is a rich businessman. It is a cult classic because although being praised for Christian Bale’s performance it was criticised for its use of violence, however it’s gained a cult following as it’s a quirky, often bizarre at times movie with endless theories over the ending. This requires multiple viewings as many clues can be missed out when trying to figure out what the film really meant.
15. Dawn of the Dead, 1978, George A. Romero
The second instalment in George A. Romero’s zombie franchise, the 1978 satirical movie follows civilians trapped in a shopping mall in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and is a classic zombie film even getting a 2004 remake. It’s uses of gory violent effects and an eerie theme song as well as creepy zombie actors and social commentary, has helped it become a horror cult classic.
16. The Lost Boys, 1987, Joel Schumacher
The Lost Boys is a vampire classic which was one of the early uses of youthful teen vampires in film therefore being heavily influential in the years to come, cementing it as cult classic from the 80s. It follows Michael and his family as they move to the ‘murder capital of the world’ which is filled with vampires lurking the streets at night. Michael ends up becoming a vampire and his brother and his vampire hunting friends must kill the lead vampire gang to succeed.
17. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975, Jim Sharman
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is probably one of the most well-known cult films as it has a large following of fans ever since its release in 1975 until today. It is also a classic ‘midnight movie’ with lots of screening across the globe. The comedy musical follows Brad and Janet who end up in the mansion of the extravagant transvestite Frank N. Furter. With memorable songs and multiple real-life performances acted out in theatres, it’s no wonder it’s on the list.
18. Being John Malkovich, 1999, Spike Jonze
Being John Malkovich is a quirky 90s movie with familiar favourites including John Cusack, Cameron Diaz and obviously John Malkovich as an exaggeration of himself. It tells the story of a man who finds a portal into the mind of John Malkovich, with a strange and unusual concept, the indie classic has an army of fans.
19. The Warriors, 1979, Walter Hill
The Warriors is a 1979 stylish violent thriller that explores the street gangs of New York in the 70s with marvellous cinematography. It wasn’t popular when it was released but has been praised recently due to its depiction of rival street gangs and showing everywhere from Coney Island to Brooklyn and the Bronx in 70s New York achieving cult like status in the process.
20.Trainspotting, 1995, Danny Boyle
Trainspotting is regarded a timeless classic British film and launched the career of Ewan McGregor and director Danny Boyle. Set in Edinburgh in the 90s, it gave us a look at the reality of heroin addicts experiencing tragic circumstances because of their addiction. It became a cult classic for its comedic fast paced dialogue, surreal drug induced states and unforgettable soundtrack.
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