6 Cult Films Everyone Should See | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

6 Cult Films Everyone Should See

Wanna join the cult?

58
6 Cult Films Everyone Should See

A cult film, or otherwise commonly known as a cult classic, describe certain types of films that are not always too keenly desired by the general population. The film itself produces a strong following, to the point where fans depict the film as a defining moment for art and culture. The fans are actually 100 percent into the film. There are a couple of indicators that perpetuate a cult film. An emotionally attached fanbase, the desire to want multiple viewings that require discussion, quotable dialogue, the participation of the audience, and not having a strong following at the beginning of its release. The dedication of fans always continues to amaze me. A cult film is a whole other Netflix category that should not be taken too lightly. However, all people should embark on a movie spree to watch cult films to understand the logic and reasoning as to why they have a following, and to see what it culturally adds to society.

1. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

Based off the smash Broadway musical of the same name, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" keeps its musical roots and tackles the big screen to add even more weird quirkiness to the mix. The cult movie follows a couple who wanders into a mansion on a cold stormy night, only to find that it holds a creature created by the debatably evil Dr. Frank N. Furter. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" garners a huge fan base because of the audience participation at local theaters. Many fans choose to dress up and attend a showing to repeat the lines, perform, and to sing.

2. "The Big Lebowski"

The Dude, played by Jeff Bridges, is chased around in this hilarious classic all because he shares the same name as a man whose wife owes a lot of money to the wrong people. A Los Angeles burnout that manages to thwart the attacks of his pursuers easily prompts a classic cult film. It hits all of the common marks: quotable dialogue, audience participation, and a strong fanbase. Are you an achiever?

3. "Donnie Darko"

This mysterious and hectic movie that deals with deja vu, suburban teenage angst, and a creepy bunny. The main character, Donnie Darko, begins as the survivor of a crazy accident and follows the psychological journey of what it means to be alive. "Donnie Darko" gains its stripes as a cult film because of the intense fanbase and the dissection of scenes that can be confusing as a first time viewer. But once deciding that not everything is to be taken as face value, a deeper understanding is reached.

4. "Heathers"

The original "Mean Girls." There is Heather, Heather, and another Heather that wreck classic teenage havoc on anyone and everyone. Including non-Heather, Veronica, the integral heroine of the story. This witty satire becomes a cult classic because of the strong fans who enjoy a dark comedy that delves into the high school societal hierarchy.

5. "Fight Club"

A depressed man meets a soap salesman and create the wonderful world of fight club. A secret following that allows for fighting in discreet and hidden locations. There is only a strict amount of rules. The most important being: "You do not talk about fight club." "Fight Club" becomes a cult classic because of the cinematic beauty of the film. The strong performances by Edward Norton and Brad Pitt somehow creates a coming of age film, even when they are both in their 30s. The strong following is also acquired from the controversial undertone for allowing fighting to continue.

6. "Spring Breakers"

Who would have thought of film centered around four college students traveling to Florida for spring break could be counted as a cult film? A lot of people actually. That is what is so special about this movie. The controversy of the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and sex so visually apparent in the film causes quite the talk. The social commentary on how women choose to basically sell themselves for a week trip of fun and adventure is explicitly depicted on screen.

If a lot of people say, "This was nothing like the trailer," or "It's one of the worst movies ever," then there is potential for it to be a cult movie. Not saying that cult movies are all like that, but it appears to be a common motif. However, in this day and age, when a movie comes out, as an audience member, we rely so heavily on trailers and critic reviews to decide if a film is worth seeing. And in both cases, the movie is already spoiled. Cult films challenge the cultural norm to produce art that does more than tell one narrative a lot of movies choose to do. A cult film wants to find a new and special way to speak for itself and its fans. A cult film allows its uniqueness to be explored. Cult films are not for everybody, and that is ok. But, to challenge one movie fan to possibly a potential, watch these films and learn to dissect everything you see. Because remember, there is more than meets the eye.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

3920
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

118392
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Bucket List To Live In The Now

Find excitement in your life and start exploring wherever you are right here, right now.

614
mu bucket list

I was sitting at my cubicle, now that I am an adult, looking at the rain pouring down on the windowsill, bumming on life, wishing for the rain to just stop for a full day.

There are moments where we count down the hours until work is over and how many more days till the weekend, and this many weeks until something exciting. Or something like that? Well, I was bumming because my next day off from work is not until Memorial Day weekend, which is not until the end of May. And since this is my first year out of college being a “real person,” I am totally missing the winter, spring and summer breaks. I am sure all of us have felt this way even if just for a hot minute…

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Ways To Survive Finals As Told By Leslie Knope

Because you know you're going to be stressed out, and Leslie knows exactly how to survive.

449
Everything hurts and I'm dying

So finals are on their way. That's right everybody, finals are about to start.

But hey, don't panic. Start getting your affairs in order and prepare for a week of hell. Here's a few things Leslie Knope wants you to do to make your finals week just a little bit less stressful:

Keep Reading...Show less
Kent State University
Great Value Colleges

If you go to or went to Kent State, then more than likely you have done or will do some of these things.

1. You’ve slipped and fallen on the ice at least once.

The winters at Kent are brutal, and while the heated sidewalks and some great snow boots are always a help, there’s no chance you won’t bust it on the ice at least once in your four plus years at school.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments