Top 15 Must-Watch Cult Classic Movies

Lately, mainstream cinema has become bland. While occasional brilliant films emerge, the majority of releases are dull and uninspiring, recycling the same narratives over and over. The cinematic landscape has become overcrowded with soulless IP-adaptions and unwanted remakes/ reboots.

Are you craving to watch something different? Something unconventional or maybe a little strange? Welcome to the world of cult classics. These films typically underperformed at the box office or received mixed critical reviews but over time, they’ve gained a passionate and dedicated following.

But why do people love these weird movies? While commercial films aim to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, cult films are not made for everyone. They are beloved by niche audiences who appreciate their offbeat characters, unpredictable plots, outrageous humor, or controversial themes.

So, if you’re looking to expand your movie watchlist or explore hidden gems from the past, these 15 must-watch cult classics are a great place to start. Because cult films appeal to certain people, I’ve chosen a variety of movies so that you can find the right ones that will connect with you. Get ready for a journey through some of the most eccentric, unforgettable, and truly unique cinematic experiences of all time.

1. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Set in a dystopian future, Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange  follows a delinquent youth who indulges in “ultraviolence” until he is subjected to a contentious form of psychological conditioning. Upon its release, the film sparked intense controversy from its graphic depiction of violence and was even pulled from theaters in the UK due to accusations of inspiring real-world violence. Though over time, it’s become celebrated as an iconic movie for its striking visuals and complex themes on free will, the nature of evil, and the morality of state intervention.

2. The Holy Mountain (1973)

Alejandro Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain is a surreal, avant-garde exploration of spirituality, mysticism, and societal corruption. The story follows a thief who joins a group of people on a journey to reach a sacred mountain. Known for its shocking imagery and bizarre symbolism, this film was initially divisive but gradually garnered a loyal following among fans of experimental cinema. Its influence extends to music videos, fashion, and art, with its vivid imagery being referenced by musicians like David Bowie, Lady Gaga, and  Travis Scott. 

3. American Psycho (2000)

American Psycho is a dark satire of 1980s materialism based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel. It follows a New York yuppie who leads a double life as a brutal serial killer. Director Mary Harron struggled to adapt this controversial novel and to maintain Christian Bale (who was not yet a movie star) as the lead. The film faced a polarized critical reception upon its release with critics like Roger Ebert calling it a “pointless, endless horror”. American Psycho  later became appreciated as a cult classic, with its dark humor, memorable quotes, and unapologetic critique of society resonating with a new generation of viewers.

4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical comedy horror film that has become an iconic part of midnight movie culture. It follows the story of Brad and Janet, two innocent college students who find themselves at the mercy of mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The film celebrates sexuality, rebellion, and eccentricity through catchy songs and campy performances. Initially a commercial failure, The Rocky Horror Picture Show became a cult classic due to its interactive screenings where audiences sing along, dress in costume, and participate in call-and-response dialogue.

5. Labyrinth (1986)

Labyrinth is a fantasy adventure film about a teenage girl’s journey to rescue her brother from the Goblin King, played by David Bowie. At the time of its release, it was overshadowed in the box office by more successful movies. For those who did see Labyrinth, they were unsure of how to categorize it. The film was marketed as a family movie, but its eerie, surreal imagery and complex themes were not typical of the mainstream family films of the 1980s. It slowly gained a devoted following over the years, largely through home video, where its unique blend of fantasy and puppetry found an audience.

6. Office Space (1999)

Office Space is a satirical comedy about the soul-crushing monotony of corporate America, following a disgruntled office worker who becomes fed up with his tedious job. The film lampoons office culture, management, and the absurdities of corporate life. It offers a hilarious, yet painfully accurate portrayal of the frustrations of the modern workplace. Initially a box-office failure, Office Space gained a cult following through VHS rentals and late-night viewings. The movie continues to resonate with audiences disillusioned by corporate culture and the lack of fulfillment in white-collar jobs.

7. Trainspotting (1996)

Upon its release, Trainspotting was met with a mixture of praise and controversy. Directed by Danny Boyle and based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, the film explores the lives of a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland. Its stark portrayal of addiction, countercultural themes, and visceral, raw energy resonated especially with young people in the UK. However, the film’s depiction of drug abuse and its unapologetic, often gritty narrative shocked many. Over time, the film’s legacy solidified as a defining portrayal of the era’s counterculture and as one of the most important films of the 1990s.

8. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

This irreverent British comedy, written and performed by Monty Python, parodies the legend of King Arthur and his knights. Through absurd humor, anachronistic jokes, and slapstick comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail redefined the parody genre. The film’s success grew through word-of-mouth and its endless quotability. Lines like “It’s just a flesh wound” and “We are the knights who say Ni!” have become iconic. It has impacted everything from television sketch comedy to modern comedic films and has influenced many filmmakers like Edgar Wright and Taika Waititi. 

9. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari  is a German expressionist masterpiece that is considered “cinema’s first cult film” by critic Danny Peary. The film follows a mad doctor who uses a sleepwalking man to commit murders. Its groundbreaking visual style, with distorted sets and shadowy lighting, was revolutionary for its time. Despite the innovations ofThe Cabinet of Dr. Caligari , its German origins and the lingering war tensions of the time, led to initial reluctance from distributors in other countries. However, its lasting legacy has prevailed, inspiring the styles of Tim Burton and David Lynch.

10. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

This quirky indie comedy about a socially awkward teenager in rural Idaho became an unexpected hit, thanks to its offbeat humor and eccentric characters. Initially a limited release, it eventually became a cult phenomenon through word of mouth, DVD sales, and repeated airings on television. Its unique style, memorable one-liners, and characters like Napoleon and his friend Pedro have made it a cultural touchstone. The film has influenced fashion (think: moon boots, vintage tees) and has maintained its place in pop culture through internet memes, quirky merchandise, and continued fan support.

11. House (1977)

House (or Hausu) is a Japanese horror-comedy that blends surrealism, fantasy, and slapstick humor. The film follows a group of schoolgirls who visit a haunted house and encounter bizarre, supernatural events. Its unconventional storytelling, wild visual effects, and eclectic use of music have earned it a reputation as one of the strangest films ever made. Critics at the time dismissed it as a nonsensical and chaotic mess. But its appeal grew over time, particularly among avant-garde fans who embraced its outlandish creativity and unconventional storytelling.

12. Harold and Maude (1971)

Harold and Maude was a commercial flop upon its release. This dark romantic comedy tells the story of a morbid young man who forms an unlikely relationship with a free-spirited older woman. The film’s unusual premise, which tackled topics like suicide, death, and aging with humor and tenderness, was too unconventional for mainstream audiences at the time. The combination of black comedy and romance, particularly with an elderly woman as a romantic lead, was seen as inappropriate to many viewers. But it later found its audience through word-of-mouth, midnight screenings, and home video.

13. Heathers (1989)

Heathers explores the life of high school student Veronica and her involvement with a clique of popular girls all named Heather. The film’s sharp satire of high school cliques, teen suicide, and the dark undercurrents of teenage life was considered too edgy and disturbing for mainstream audiences who were used to the light-hearted teen flicks of the time period. Heathers would eventually became a cult classic and influence subsequent teen comedies like Mean Girls . In 2010, the film was even adapted into a successful off-Broadway musical, which further solidified its place in pop culture.

14. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

The initial failure of Jennifer’s Body  can be largely attributed to its marketing, which mislead audiences into thinking it was another slasher film with scantily clad women. In reality, the film tells the story of Jennifer and her best friend Needy, who must contend with Jennifer’s demonic transformation and the breakdown of their friendship. It is not just a horror film but a sharp satire of the male gaze, female sexuality, and the complexities of friendship between women. Over time, Jennifer’s Body has garnered a dedicated fan base that appreciates the film’s dark humor and sly commentary.

15. The Room (2003)

Tommy Wiseau’s The Room is perhaps the quintessential cult classic. Advertised as a drama, it is notorious for its baffling script, wooden performances, and unintentional humor. At first a complete box office failure, The Room gained a huge following after becoming viral online. Its absurdities turned it into a beloved “so-bad-it’s-good” phenomenon, inspiring books, documentaries, and even a Hollywood adaptation (The Disaster Artist). The film’s cultural impact includes catchphrases, fan rituals, and a lasting influence on how we view “bad” movies.