A cult film is typically a movie that has not done well commercially at the box office, but has gained a substantial cult following. Certain movies have only gained a small amount of following where others, such as the Boondock Saints and Pulp Fiction, have become classics in terms of underground movies. Here is the list of cult films I believe should be on ever short-list:
Just a side note before you potentially waste your time with this list:
No, it contains neither Snakes on a Plane nor Napoleon Dynamite. I, under no circumstances, condone either of these movies. I recognize both have an extremely strong underground cult following and could be considered under other opinions as top 10 worthy. But personally they’re not my style.
5. Fight Club (1999)
The first rule of Fight Club…” One of my personal favorite comedy films (yes, I stress comedy. It is originally intended to be a dark humor type of movie) behind Planet Terror and American Psycho, so you can see what type of films catch my view when these are my comedies. Fight Club did not do well at all at the box office, falling short of what was perceived due to harsh critical reactions that did not like the movie’s apparent condoning of violence (I can’t see where they were going with that). DVD sales have, since then skyrocketed and I believe this is a DVD every guy should own. I just wish there was more fighting…
4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
I can’t imagine many people thinking that a horror musical during the 1970s would amount to much in terms of the box office – and it didn’t. But if this movie isn’t a classic for you, maybe it’d be a good gift for your parents? Add it to your DVD list.
3. Scarface (1983)
Movie-goers have to have a tough time dealing with the MPAA and the FCC normally, but rated X? Scarface might have netted itself a PG movie if it didn’t drop the F-bomb over 200 times (thanks, IMDB! Good to know you have guys all over that). This cult great was in another time and place – when Al Pacino was youthful and vibrant and didn’t look like his years of old age were amounting to the only person I’d ever consider naturally “melting.” Great movie.
2. Evil Dead II (1987)
Ok, so Bruce Campbell might have a hard time passing for a college student in a sequel nearly five years after the first movie (where he wasn’t so young looking either). But, he’s the King of the B-Movies and he obviously does what he wants, and Sam Rami is brilliant for letting him do so. I wouldn’t put it past getting the other two (The Evil Dead – 1981 and Army of Darkness 1993). In watching them in order, it’s great seeing how the third movie of the trilogy is drastically changed into a comedy. Arguably (and my personal favorite) the best multiple cult movies of the same story line. Look for Bruce Campbell in all three Spider-Man movies where his roles are epic in themselves. Hail to the King, baby.
1. This is Spýn̈al Tap(1984)
This mockumentary is widely considered the best cult classic film ever made. It should definitely be on your short-list of DVDs you should own. It not only has good music, but a hilarious satirical comedy at the dangerous lifestyles of our favorite headbangers, which has caused a lot of controversy among those whose lifestyles it mocks. But for the rest of us, stick to Spýn̈al Tap and Guitar Hero.
Honorable Mention:
The Big Lebowski: The Dude abides. If there is any movie you’d want to substitute into my life, this would be one that can’t be overlooked.
The Shawshank Redemption: In my non-professional opinion, a bit too long, but a good movie nonetheless and should at least be viewed.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: My favorite Gene Wilder movie outside of anything he did with Mel Brooks. It’s a very funny movie for the kid in you.
The Princess Bride: “Because her hands were as big as Andre the Giant’s.” The only other movie I know of with Mandy Patinkin besides Elmo in Grouchland (I was a kid once). Also a good look at what Cary Elwes before he attempted seriousness in Saw.
Opinions taken into consideration:
Amazon.com
Entertainment Weekly
The Boston Globe (18-1 anybody?)
My own
