Entertainment (Commonwealth Union) _ First introduced in the 1970s, the term “cult film” was used to refer to popular movies that had a devoted fan base and usually peaked years after their initial release. From controversial brain twisters to timeless 2000s films, here is a list of 10 cult classics that will give away whether you are a potential die-hard. Typically watched at midnight, these films leave a lasting impression that makes it hard to go back!
- The Rocky Horror Show
Crass and disjointed, this movie makes a statement even without the audience’s participation. Although it was initially dismissed as a landmark of cinema, it rose to popularity as a midnight movie and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in 2005. Following an engaged couple who end up stranded at a castle after their car breaks down, the film is a musical comedy horror film bursting with elaborate costumes, showy musical numbers, and a mad alien scientist.
- Labyrinth
Another box office flop, Labyrinth, starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie, is one of the most iconic dark fantasy movies in existence. Directed by master puppeteer Jim Henson, the film portrays a young girl who wishes her brother away. Navigating through a maze of fantastical beings, she sets out to get him back from the Goblin King.
- Pulp Fiction
On the other hand, Pulp Fiction hit theaters with major success, not surprising considering its Class A cast, which included Quentin Tarantino and John Travolta. A crime film constructed using monologues and extensive dialogue to portray three interconnected storylines, Pulp Fiction is still a regular (and popular) choice for movie nights and is widely quoted and obsessed over.
- The Evil Dead (1981)
Even if you haven’t watched it, you’ve definitely heard of it. One of the most iconic films in the history of the horror genre, this movie was made by Sam Raimi long before he directed the first Spider-Man trilogy. Revolving around 5 college students vacationing at an isolated cabin, the film diverges from mainstream horror to portray demonic possessions and gore, making it a major Hollywood hit despite its micro budget.
- Fight Club
Having reached new heights of popularity during the past few years, the adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s 1996 novel most likely drove an entire generation to an existential crisis. Undeniably one of the most beloved cult films of all time, it starred Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jared Leto. With heavy psychological content, Fight Club is like Dostoyevsky for manly men.
- Clue
One of the most ingenious films ever produced, its release created massive outrage with its screening of the film with three different endings, randomly alternated. The aftermath saw people rushing to different theaters to try to find all three endings, even without prior indication. The ambitious move by the writer and director Jonathan Lynn created a sensational whodunnit, which will remain one of the infamous cult classics of all time.
- Heathers
Endlessly spiraling into major theatre productions, Heathers is a satirical expression of the hellscape that is high school. This film, created by Daniel Waters and Michael Lehmann, is an incredible work packed with the trademark chaos and arguable horror of the teenage high school experience, featuring shallow characters who are actually incredibly layered.
- American Psycho
Despite its major standing in pop culture, this black comedy horror’s satirical take on consumerism and 1980s yuppie culture has earned it a place among the best cult classics. With an impressive cast that includes Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, and Josh Lucas, this film is based on a novel about an investment banker in New York City who also lives a double life as a serial killer. Although the writer Bret Easton Ellis assumed the novel was too controversial to be filmed, hardcore fans around the world are undoubtedly grateful to producer Edward R. Pressman for taking the risk.
- Donnie Darko
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this movie was nominated for Best Film during the Sundance Festival in 2001. However, the plot’s inclusion of a plane crash created complications for the movie’s marketing with the September 11 attacks. This science fiction psychological thriller became a major hit in the years following, featuring a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume who brings a premonition of death.
- Jennifer’s Body
As shown in countless 2000s movies (Mean Girls comes to mind), there is something quite terrifying about teenage girls. Portraying themes quite different from a cliché cheerleader flick, Jennifer’s Body is more of a feminist manifesto. Following a girl who gets demonically possessed and starts to kill her male classmates, this film is one of the more recent additions to the list of cult classics.
