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Cult ClassicsCult classics are films, television shows, albums, and other works of art that are initially unsuccessful or underappreciated upon release, but later reevaluated and appreciated. They often develop a dedicated fan base that outsiders believe takes on a "cult-like" devotion. Scholars suggest that many cult classics—like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or "The Big Lebowski"—are initially unpopular because they're too idiosyncratic or transgressive for broad, mainstream audiences, though they find appreciative, niche audiences through independent or underground outlets. Other cult classics—like "The Room"—develop passionate followings because of their shortcomings, with audiences (ironically or earnestly) admiring the shoddy production values, sometimes believing them to be more endearing and authentic than traditional art. While the internet has eliminated the middlemen that previously relegated cult classics to the margins, some media scholars argue that it has only consolidated mainstream tastemakers and crippled the independent outlets that introduced audiences to more obscure works.Explore Cult Classics
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Cult classics are often defined by their initial commercial failureWhether they're films, albums, television shows, or some other work of art, cult classics usually develop ardent followings because of their early struggles, either as box office flops or modest, self-released affairs. Richard Kelly, director of cult film "Donnie Darko," explains why he believes that endears audiences. Arrow VideoCult classics are often defined by their polarizationFilms that reach cult status are far from universally beloved. In fact, fans of cult movies often become such passionate supporters because a title has been lambasted by mainstream audiences. Stat Significant breaks down some of the most polarizing films of all time based on the data behind audience scores. It should come as no surprise that many in the top 10 are considered cult franchises. Stat SignificantMany critically panned cult classics did well at the box officeFranchise flops like 1997's "Batman & Robin," 1983's "Jaws 3-D," and 2015's "Fantastic Four" were panned, though that didn't stop them from selling hundreds of millions of dollars in tickets. Stat SignificantJim Henson's 1986 film 'Labyrinth,' an attempt to break out of children's entertainment, was initially a commercial failure in the US, though it slowly gained an audience that now considers it a cult classic. The internet has changed the definition of a cult classicCult classics were often established slowly over time, often through alternative outlets, like independent video and record stores, underground magazines, and tape trading. The internet has put those delivery methods on hyperdrive, helping to splinter the notion of a mainstream monoculture. The Ringer's Miles Surrey wonders whether anything can have a "cult following" if everything now exists outside the "mainstream." The RingerThe Shaggs weren't good musicians, but they still made a classicIn 1969, the three sisters recorded "Philosophy of the World"; only 100 copies were publicly distributed. The record became a cult classic thanks to its strange backstory (their father forced them into playing music) and the band's amateurism. Critic Lester Bangs wrote, "They can't play a lick! But mainly they got the right attitude, which is all rock'n'roll's ever been about from day one." NPRThe best cult TV showsBefore the streaming era, television shows lived and died by their weekly ratings. That led to early cancellations for several well-regarded shows, like "Freaks and Geeks," "Party Down," and "Veronica Mars." Thanks to DVD boxsets and streaming, the shows often became cult classics long after they were taken off the air. Entertainment WeeklyThe best cult moviesCult film followings develop for a number of reasons. Some admire a movie's unappreciated genius. Others believe the work was simply ahead of its time. And, yes, some cult classics gain their cult status because they're unbelievably, laughably bad. This list includes all of the above, ranking the films that have developed passionate, even obsessive, followings—for whatever reason. The RingerWatch the 'Star Wars Holiday Special,' a 1978 spin-off that became a cult classicThe CBS television special is a hokey variety show that was widely panned after it aired and, as a result, was never officially released on home video. George Lucas had little involvement, though it did feature the original cast alongside guest stars like Bea Arthur. Interestingly, it also features Boba Fett's first appearance. Star Wars Holiday SpecialWatch 'Black Orpheus,' the film that helped popularize bossa novaThe 1959 film, directed by Marcel Camus, was soundtracked by bossa nova musicians Antônio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá. It was a big hit, winning the Palme d'Or at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival and the 1960 Academy Award for best foreign language film, helping spread the genre in Brazil and beyond. Cult Cinema ClassicsA startup is trying to create the diamond equivalent of the gold standardIt's called the Diamond Standard Co, and it uses an algorithm to assign standard values to a variety off small diamonds, grouping them together into individual coins. Historically, diamonds haven't been able to be classified as commodities or standardized like gold because they aren't uniform—factors such as clarity, cut, color, and carat size significantly influence the value of a diamond. The HustleThe ‘Universal Monsters’ series solidified horror as a film genreBefore 1931, most scary movies were billed as “mystery” or “suspense” with grounded explanations for anything "supernatural." That changed with “Dracula,” which presented the character as a real vampire who drank victims' blood. Universal continued adapting similar titles, including HG Wells’ “The Invisible Man” and Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories. SIFF'Harold and Maude' became a cult classic thanks to a one-screen theater in Minnesota that featured the film for two years straight. Atlas Obscura'Labyrinth' initially floppedThe fantasy movie, directed by Henson and starring David Bowie, exited theaters less than a month after its release. Later, though, the movie would become a cult classic and would inspire many writers and artists to create similarly whimsical worlds. Literary HubSpinal Tap began as a sketch on a short-lived TV showThe fake band might be best known for "This is Spinal Tap," 1984 movie that effectively created the comedy mockumentary, but the premise began with an appearance on a short-lived ABC show called "The TV Show." Open Culture'The Shawshank Redemption' flopped in theatersThe Tim Robbins movie, based on Stephen King's short story "The Body," did poorly at the box office when released in 1994. It took off on the video rental market, though, after it was nominated for seven Oscars. ListverseAn original review of the 1987 parody 'Spaceballs'On June 24, 1987, Mel Brooks launched "Spaceballs" in theaters—a comedy starring Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis that spoofed the "Star Wars" trilogy and sci-fi tropes in general. The movie has remained a cult classic ever since. Read the Hollywood Reporter's original review of the film here. The Hollywood ReporterThe studio behind 'Rocky Horror' pulled promotion before its national releaseBefore its national release in 1975, the studio behind "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" decided the musical movie was too strange, campy, and unwieldy for most audiences and cut its promotional efforts, hoping to minimize its losses. That decision led to the film flopping commercially. It wasn't until a theater began screening the film at midnight that it caught on, attracting a devoted fanbase who attended weekly screenings and dressed as their favorite characters—a tradition that continues to this day. Can of BeanieExplore 1,500 Soviet propaganda posters showcasing the USSR’s visual cultuThis extensive gallery curated by Ben Perry features nearly 1,500 Socialist Realist posters. The images celebrate agriculture, industry, and cultural life, condemn fascism and capitalism, and glorify leaders like Lenin and Stalin through bold colors, striking typography, and classic Soviet design. Ben Perry A look at Sikh actor and designer Waris AhluwaliaWaris Ahluwalia has acted in many films, including Wes Anderson's "Darjeeling Limited" and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," two classics from the cult favorite filmmaker. Read this brief inspiring piece on Ahluwalia's experience that defies... TheGuardian.com
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