A cult film is basically any film that gets an obsessive fanbase following, like a cult. A lot of the time these films were overlooked by awards or snubbed by critics, so their main source of popularity was word of mouth. Some of them are loved for being original, some for being out there, some for being creepy and some for being just plain weird. Here are our favourite cult films and the lessons they taught us about life, movies and everything!
1: Scott Pilgrim vs The World.
The film: It is based on a graphic novel and follows the lead character, musician Scott Pilgrim, as he fights to win the love of his life, Ramona, in a rather unusual way. He has to defeat her seven evil exes in battle as they try and kill him for wanting to date Ramona.
The best part: The awesome video-game injokes. From the factors of the countdown, where each ex is numbered, to the score bars and points, the whole thing is basically an amazing video-game concept written as a film. Loved it.
What it taught us: That in life nothing comes for free. That love is unusual and weird and fun. That we shouldn’t harbour prejudice or hate. That sometimes the best things are the ones we take for granted.
2: Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The film: A film from the creators of The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, featuring the same classic humour and style they are known for. It follows the knights of the round table in their quest for the Holy Grail. It features amazingly great characters, fun songs, amazing quotes and fourth-wall breaks to joke about the film budget, the set and the plot.
The best part: When they have to face the Rabbit of Caerbannog and fail miserably. One of the funniest scenes in film. Though Brave Sir Robin Ran Away was also very memorable.
What it taught us: That life is hard, you rarely find what you are looking for and it isn’t always worth it. That persistence is key, but sometimes you need to surrender. Not to go over budget. To keep a nice shrubbery handy.
3: Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The film: A comedy meets horror meets sex sort of a film. It follows a newly engaged couple as their car breaks down and they find themselves in the house of Dr. Frank N. Furter, a probably bisexual transvestite “from Transsexual, Transylvania” there for the Annual Transylvanian Convention. The characters are all horror movie parodies.
The best part: The songs! If I had to pick a favourite it would either be “A Sweet Transvestite” or “Toucha Toucha Toucha Touch Me”. It deals so frankly with sexuality and eroticism and the comedy just adds to its detailed perspective.
What it taught us: That everyone has a sexual beast lurking within. That you can be as crazy as you want and you’ll find someone to love you. That life is there to be seized.
4: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.
The film: Another comedy horror film. This film is a spoof of B movies, a genre known for it’s short budget, awful lines and weird special effects that has a cult following of its own. It was made on a budget of only $100,000 and it shows. The plot is based around sentient, human-hating tomatoes chasing down and killing as many people as they can.
The best part: The deaths. A man dies from drinking Killer Tomato Juice, people are eaten alive, swimmers are chased by evil tomatoes. It just gets more and more ridiculous as the film goes on and everyone’s horror makes it all the funnier.
What it taught us: That you don’t need much money to create. That even the simplest of things can be useful or terrifying. That life is what you make of it. That love triumphs over salad.
5: The Man who Fell to Earth.
The film: In his first film role, David Bowie stars as a humanoid alien who lands on Earth seeking water to help his home planet through an awful drought. Using his advanced technology, he creates many patents and becomes incredibly wealthy. He is found out as an alien and loses his lover and is chased by the press because of it. He is kidnapped and imprisoned, drugged and controlled. His family back home pass away and he is left trapped on Earth.
The best part: David Bowie’s wonderful portrayal, especially the reveal of his alien features to Mary-Lou and gradual degradation.
What it taught us: We all have a place, even if we don’t like it. The world is wonderful even if it isn’t safe. It is easy to hurt yourself in the quest to help others.