Cult Films

What is a cult film?  The original definition: A cult film is one that has acquired a highly devoted but relatively small group of fans. These devotees enthusiastically champion films that are not generally acknowledged as worthy, that usually involve atypical heroes, plots, dialogue, etc. Cult fans believe they are among the few who have discovered something in certain films that the average moviegoer and critic have missed (elitism? “subcultural capital”?). Cult viewers will watch a film repeatedly, seeking it out wherever it may play.

What is a cult film?  The definition of a cult film is rather up to interpretation, though.  There are films that are widely-viewed, and that have made a great deal of money, that can still be considered “cult”. For example, The Big Lebowski (1998), has grossed well above its budget, and holds a large fan base. A “Lebowski Fest” is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, where fans of the film come to dress up as their favorite characters, and celebrate the film. Although the fan base of this film is relatively large, it meets the other criteria of a cult film. It is quoted an insurmountable amount of times, is watched repeatedly, and is widely considered by many as the ideal cult film.  Lebowski Fest 2013 Footage Lebowski Fest 2013 Footage

What is a cult film?  Generally though, cult films can be popular films, but are normally indie and not blockbuster, mainstream films.  For example, superhero films such as The Avengers (2012), have large followings, are often quoted, and have fans that celebrate these films via costumes and parties, but are not considered cult films by most.

What is a cult film?  Ultimately though, whether or not a film can be considered a cult film, is decided by the audience of that film.  The Wash (2001), is a film starring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. It received horrible critical reviews, and was a loss financially. Although it is widely considered to be a bad film, The Wash still holds a small cult following of people who find entertainment in the film that a majority of people did not, and therefore can be considered a cult film by those people.

Audience Participation  Many cult films throughout the years have had fans who enjoy to participate in some activity along with the film while it is being screened.  Many fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) dress up as certain characters, and act along with scenes of the movie.  Fans of The Room (2003), called by many “the worst movie of all-time”, participate in a number of activities while watching the film, including yelling, “Spoon!”, whenever there is an image of a spoon on screen.  The Room Audience Participation The Room Audience Participation

Cult Films Throughout The Years Early Years  Freaks (1932)  Plan 9 From Outer Space (1964)  Dr. Strangelove (1964)  King of Hearts (1966)  Night of the Living Dead (1968)  Harold and Maude (1971)  A Clockwork Orange (1971)  Pink Flamingos (1972)  The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)  The Warriors (1979)

Cult Films Throughout The Years Later Years - Present  Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)  The Goonies (1985)  Point Break (1991)  The Sandlot (1993)  Clerks. (1994)  The Big Lebowski (1998)  Fight Club (1999)  Donnie Darko (2001)  The Room (2003)  Borat (2006)

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