#40. The Breakfast Club
If you haven't heard of The Breakfast Club, it is probably because you've been living under a rock this whole time. Enjoyed by teens and adults alike, this teen film has grown into a cult classic.
The movie tells the story of a group of teenagers who come from different high school cliques but find themselves in detention together. There's the jock, the nerd, the popular kid, and all the clichés you would expect, but they all learn that they have more in common than they originally thought.
#39. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the most iconic and gruesome slasher films of all time. It was released in 1979, right when these movies were extremely popular.
The film was widely marketed as being based on a true story, which made it disturbingly interesting, but it was later discovered that it was only loosely based on some crimes that actually happened, but basically 90% of the movie was fictional. Still, the film is gory, bloody, and terrifyingly awesome.
#38. Pink Floyd: The Wall
Many people might think of Pink Floyd: The Wall as pretentious, but that's because they don't get how awesome this movie really is. The film is based on the Pink Floyd album of the same name and tells the story of a rock star who, after going through a series of traumatic events, goes insane and builds a wall to shelter himself from the pain.
The movie achieved cult status over the years, but general audiences didn't enjoy it that much, probably because they didn't get all the symbolism in it.
#37. 2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey is set in a very unrealistic 2001 but hey, the movie was made in 1968. This incredible movie tells the story of a space-traveling crew aboard a robot spaceship that travels to Jupiter in order to figure out how an unknown alien is affecting human evolution.
The movie deals with a series of complex themes such as humanity, existentialism, and whether artificial intelligence is a good idea or not. Definitely a must-watch!
#36. The Terminator
At this point, who hasn't seen The Terminator? This legendary action movie tells the story of a cyborg assassin from the year 2029 who travels back in time to kill the mother of the man who destroys the machines and saves human kind so that he is never born.
This movie made Schwarzenegger the star that he is now and inspired several sequels, merchandise, and video games. This franchise is so powerful that they are still milking it today!
#35. Alien
Alien combined the best elements of science fiction and horror to create one of the best movies ever made. The Ridley Scott movie tells the story of a spaceship crew that, in the middle of a mission, discovers that an alien has nested in their ship.
These alien eggs hatch and slowly but surely start killing the crew members. Even though it was released in 1979, its special effects are still very relevant today and the movie can be enjoyed by pretty much anyone with a stomach.
#34. The Wicker Man
The Wicker Man is a cult movie about cults, and it does not disappoint. It is a remake of the famous British movie of the same name, but the difference is that it cannot be taken seriously. Much like The Room, which we will see later on our list, this movie became legendary because of how unintentionally hilarious it is.
The film is intended to be a horror film but it is basically a comedy. The plot doesn't make any sense, the acting is deplorable, and the dialogue is just plain funny.
#33. 12 Monkeys
12 Monkeys has nothing to do with monkeys, but before you write it off in disappointment, we want to tell you it is still an amazing movie. The film is about a deadly virus that is threatening to eliminate humans, who are forced to live underground.
A group known as the 12 Monkeys are believed to have released the virus into the population and Bruce Willis has to travel back in time to try and stop the virus from spreading. The movie is the perfect mixture of action and sci-fi, you just can't miss it!
#32. Blade Runner
Even though Harrison Ford was enjoying plenty of success thanks to his role as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, he didn't become a true movie star until Blade Runner came along. This was the first movie that he starred in and while it wasn't so big when it was first released, it slowly became legendary.
The movie tells the story of a man tasked with hunting down a group of synthetic humans that are going to destroy the Earth. It's pretty surreal, but it's worth it.
#31. Kill Bill Vol. 1
Basically, anything that Quentin Tarantino does becomes a cult classic at this point. One of the best movies he has ever made is Kill Bill Vol. 1. The movie starts out with a very common premise, which is a main character that is seeking revenge against those who wronged her.
But the film is way more complex than it sounds! Aside from the usual bloodbath and cool fight sequences, this movie is structured in very original way, the cinematography is incredible, and the soundtrack is addictive.
#30. Napoleon Dynamite
Nobody expected Napoleon Dynamite to be as big as it was. It started as a small project and its main star, Jon Heder, was actually paid only $1,000 for his work as the title character.
Part of the movie's success, aside from the fact that is hilarious, has to do with the fact that Napoleon is so relatable. He is an awkward teenager who daydreams in order to escape his boring life. In his mind, he pretends to be this great guy that has everything he wants, when in reality, it is the opposite.
#29. The Godfather
The Godfather is, without a doubt, one of the greatest films ever made. From the incredible cinematography, to the plot, to the great faces featured in it such as Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, this film has got it all.
What many people don't know is that it is based on a book of the same name. The book itself wasn't such a big deal, and the studio bought the rights to it for a mere $80,000, but the movie went on to become one of the highest-grossing films if all time.
#28. Mad Max
Not many people believed in Mad Max when it was released. In fact, the movie was made with a small budget of $400,000 and its reviews weren't the best. It slowly gained a cult following, and now it is regarded as one of the greatest action movies of all time.
The movie features a young Mel Gibson in a dystopian future where society has collapsed and it is every man for himself. Gibson plays Max, a police officer that seeks revenge against a ruthless motorcycle gang. There's blood, cars, and lots of murder.
#27. Monty Python And The Holy Grail
Monty Python And The Holy Grail is, quite literally, the Holy Grail of British films. Unlike the typical cult film, the movie was a huge success upon its release. The plot is very simple: King Arthur goes on an adventure to get knights to join his Round Table and along the way, God appears before them.
The king is then tasked with finding the Holy Grail, but the group gets caught in a series of ridiculous situations trying to do so. Do they find it in the end? Watch it and find out!
#26. Harold And Maude
Dark humor is a pill hard to swallow for many people, and more often than not, these kinds of movies are not well received. Harold and Maude was released in 1971, and audiences at that time were definitely not ready for it.
Without giving too much away, Harold is a troubled teenager that is obsessed with dark stuff like death and torture, and falls in love with Maude, a 79-year-old lady who also happens to love those things. As the years went by, it became one of the most beloved cult movies ever.
#25. Memento
Memento is one of those films that keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time you're watching it. This psychological thriller tells the story of a man who must track down the man who murdered his wife and family.
The problem is that he suffers from a very rare form of amnesia that, not only makes him forget everything he ever did, but also prevents him from forming any new memories. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you pay attention when you see it, because it can be hard to follow.
#24. Brazil
This iconic film is about a dystopian future that involves strange machines and a man who tries to find a woman he met in his dreams. Upon watching it, you may notice that it has nothing to do with the country of Brazil whatsoever.
However, the recurring song you can hear in the background is called Brazil, and that's why the movie is named that way. The movie was seen as a weird piece of cinema upon its release, but it later became a cult film loved by many.
#23. Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
Younger generations may remember the adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl novel as a Tim Burton movie starring Johnny Depp, but there was a much better adaptation of the book made in the 1970s. Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.
This musical adventure is colorful, funny, and perfect for people of all ages. While the newer version is okay, this one is worth your while, especially considering that it was made in the 1970s with limited resources and very little knowledge of special effects.
#22. The Shawshank Redemption
It is hard to imagine a huge movie like The Shawshank Redemption being a box-office failure, but it actually was! Many films are not appreciated at the time of their release and only become classics several years after their release, which is what happened to this movie.
If you're one of those people who aren't really into thrillers, this prison-escape classic will do the trick. Besides, if Morgan Freeman is in it, what can go wrong?
#21. Scarface
Directed in 1983 by acclaimed director Brian De Palma, Scarface remains a classic crime drama film to this day. A remake of a 1932 film, Scarface narrates the story of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a Cuban refugee arriving in Miami in the 80s with nothing in his pockets but grows to become a powerful drug lord.
Due to its excessive violence and explicit drug usage, the film’s initial reception was negative, but it aged into a classic.
#20. Easy Rider
Directed by Dennis Hopper, Easy Rider was released in 1986 and is one of the most iconic independent road movies ever made. Starred by Peter Fonda, Denis Hopper and Jack Nicholson, the story turns around two bikers who decide to travel through the American desert hoping to attend the Mardi Gras carnival.
However, things end up getting more complicated than they thought. The air of rebellion and adventure has made this film a "touchstone for a generation".
#19. Clerks
If you're a cult movie fan, then Clerks is a must-watch. This black-and-white comedy film was released in 1994, and it became very popular among teenagers. What's most surprising is that the film was shot with only $27,000, but earned more than $3 million!
The plotline is actually quite simple, for it narrates the lives of two convenience clerks named Dante and Randal and their problems at work. The reason people love this film is that they feel identified with the main characters' problems.
#18. Reservoir Dogs
If you are a fan of Quentin Tarantino's films, you must have seen Reservoir Dogs (1992). This iconic movie inaugurated the director's singular style, with his bizarre scenes of violence, excellent dialogue, and unique soundtrack.
The film tells the story of a group of men who work as diamond thieves. One day, they plan to rob a jewelry store but everything goes wrong that night. If you want to see Tarantino's essence and style, this movie is a must!
#17. Labyrinth
Psychedelic music and David Bowie in one film? What could go wrong with such a combination? Labyrinth is a musical fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and released in 1986. Although it didn't have so much success when it was released, it earned a large cult following.
The story revolves around a rebellious 16-year-old girl, played by Jennifer Connelly, who wishes for her baby brother to be taken away from her, but is forced to bring him back when her dream comes true.
#16. Donnie Darko
Directed by Richard Kelly, Donnie Darko (2001) is a science fiction thriller and psychological film which, to be honest, is quite hard to understand. It tells the story of a troubled teenager who constantly has visions of a man in a rabbit suit that tells him to commit a series of crimes.
The film plays with time, and it's not until the ending in which you finally understand who the rabbit is. The film received critical acclaim and it's considered one of the greatest independent films of all time.
#15. Trainspotting
Directed by Danny Boyle Trainspotting (1996) is one of the most iconic cult films ever made, and it stars Ewan McGregor and Jonny Lee Miller. The film has become embedded in pop culture, and even today it is one of the most-watched British films.
The film sheds light on the Edinburgh drug scene, and it depicts the lives of a group of friends who live in poverty and are addicted to heroin. As you may imagine, the film is full of intense and dramatic scenes.
#14. Pink Flamingos
Pink Flamingos was released in 1972 and it was directed, written, filmed, and narrated by John Waters. The story goes around a Baltimore criminal and underground figure called Divine,who is proud to be the filthiest person alive.
However, a married couple tries to humiliate her and to steal her title of the "filthiest person ever", triggering a rivalry between both of them. I know, this is as bizarre as it gets!
#13. This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) is a rock film directed by Rob Reiner and it is considered one of the first mockumentaries ever made. In case you were wondering, a mockumentary is a film that depicts fictional events but that is filmed as a documentary.
The story revolves around a fictional British heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. The film describes the musicians' lives and the obstacles they overcome during one of their tours.Both the characters and the problems that they face are quite bizarre, so you'll be in for a laugh!
#12. Mulholland Drive
What can we expect from a movie if the director is the one and only David Lynch? This film was released in 2002 and stars Naomi Watts and Justin Theroux. The story starts with an aspiring actress called Betty Elms arriving at Los Angeles and meeting an amnesiac woman.
The film is divided between Betty's dream world and her reality, and it's hard to tell the difference between both. Is it all a drug-induced fantasy? Is the ending actually the beginning? Watch it and find out... if you can!
#11. The Warriors
The Warriors was released in 1979 and is based on Sol Yurick's homonymous novel. At first, it had a negative reception because of the acts of vandalism that were reported to the police after the film was released. But nowadays it's considered as one of the most important cult films ever.
The film depicts the life of different New York City street gangsters, but problems arise when one of the most charismatic gangsters is shot dead. Be prepared for some blood and violence!
#10. Dazed And Confused
Dazed And Confused (1993) was the pioneer of coming-of-age films. In 2002, Quentin Tarantino said that the film was one of the 10 best films of all time, and many fans seem to agree! The story follows the last days of school of a group of high school and junior high students in Texas.
The movie's plot is very simple, and because of this, most people feel identified with the hardships that the characters go through. The title of the movie comes from Led Zeppelin's song with the same name.
#9. Heathers
Directed by Michael Lehmann, Heathers was released in 1988 and stars Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. At first, it was not a big success but nowadays it is considered a cult film.
The story goes around a group of high school friends in Ohio, of which three are called Heather. The character portrayed by Ryder decides to team up with a sociopath in order to kill the three Heathers. Are you ready for some drama?
#8. A Clockwork Orange
Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange was released in 1971 and is based on Anthony Burgess' novel of the same name. The film was censored in many parts of the world because of its strong violent scenes.
The film tells the story of a group of gangs in future Britain, where the leader Alex (Malcolm McDowell) embarks on many violent and bizarre adventures with his thuggish droogs. Most of the scenes are so dramatic and explicit that they make you twitch, and the soundtrack is just perfect.
#7. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino is on our list once more as the king of cult movies. This time, we're gonna talk about his masterpiece Pulp Fiction (1994) starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis.
Like most of Tarantino's films, Pulp Fiction is full of graphic scenes of violence and punchy dialogues. Some of the scenes are so famous that even those who haven't seen the film are familiar with them, like when Thurman and Travolta dance on the dancefloor!
#6. Fight Club
Even though the first rule of the Fight Club states "don't talk about Fight Club", we have to mention David Fincher's thriller. Like many films on this list, Fight Club wasn’t a success after its release in 1999 but became very popular after its release on DVD.
The story revolves around two men who form an underground fight club, but things get more complicated than they thought.
#5. The Room
The Room was released in 2003 and was directed, written, and starred by Tommy Wiseau, one of the most eccentric people to ever live. Wiseau had no experience in filmmaking but had the money to make a movie, so he just went for it.
Despite the terrible reviews the film received, it is regarded as one of the best cult movies of all time because of its bizarre plot and inconsistent arguments. Some critics say that when something is so bad, it can actually turn into something really good. Well, this is definitely the case!
#4. Eraserhead
David Lynch has directed many cult classics other than Mulholland Dr. Another of his famous cult films is Eraserhead (1977), a black-and-white body horror film that was produced, written, edited, and sound-mixed by Lynch himself.
The films tell the story of Henry Spencer, a man who tries to deal with his angry girlfriend and his newly born mutant child. It's a typical horror movie but with Lynch's personal touch!
#3. The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers is an American blues and soul band created in 1978 by comedy actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live, but two years later, these actors decided to take things to another level and released a musical comedy film with the same name.
The story goes around Jake Blues, a man who has just come out of prison and decides to reunite his band again. The film was so successful that the band released an album in real life and even performed some concerts!
#2. The Big Lebowski
Written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski was released in 1998. The film was not very successful when it was first released, but as the years went by, it slowly became one of the people's favorite cult classics.
The plot is really simple and kind of silly, but it works. Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, is mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, while the millionaire Lebowski's wife is kidnapped. With the help of his bowling buddies, The Dude sets off to rescue her.
#1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Our list would be incomplete without The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). It is considered the best cult movie of all time, and it was actually first known as a midnight movie.
The story starts when a young engaged couple has a problem with their car on a rainy night, and they have no choice but enter a castle and ask for help. The castle happened to be the bizarre residence of transvestite monster Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the rest of the plot is just plainly bizarre.