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The 30 most important cult films ever made
- Cult classics encompass a wide range of films, from major studio flops to independent productions. These movies share key ingredients: memorable characters, shocking scenes, and memorable lines.
Explore our gallery of essential classics and become part of the cult experience.
© NL Beeld
0 / 31 Fotos
'The Big Lebowski' (1998)
- Initially, The Coen Brothers masterpiece, starring The Dude, wasn't highly acclaimed. Nevertheless, it now holds the title as their pinnacle work, with the establishment of Lebowski fest as evidence.
© NL Beeld
1 / 31 Fotos
'Heathers' (1989)
- "Winona Ryder's most notable performance can be traced back to this sardonic comedy, which challenged the conventions of heartfelt '80s youth films."
© NL Beeld
2 / 31 Fotos
'Rocky Horror Picture Show' (1975)
- The fans of this film, which is based on Richard O'Brien's musical, changed the meaning of the term "cult" by creating a script for audience participation that includes props. This tradition is still ongoing today.
© NL Beeld
3 / 31 Fotos
'Bottle Rocket' (1996)
- Wes Anderson's initial movie, which he co-wrote with Owen Wilson, may not have been a financial success. However, his devoted fans continue to regard it as the cornerstone of his brilliance due to his distinctive cinematic style.
© NL Beeld
4 / 31 Fotos
'Pulp Fiction' (1994)
- Despite being a movie that won both an Oscar and the Palme D'Or, the gritty, drug-infested Los Angeles narrative had numerous memorable moments that made it a beloved cult film.
© NL Beeld
5 / 31 Fotos
'A Clockwork Orange' (1971)
- Stanley Kubrick's renowned and chilling film expanded boundaries, yet its cult following stems from its controversial and unsettling nature which made it difficult to view for a prolonged period of time.
© NL Beeld
6 / 31 Fotos
'Scarface' (1983)
- The Miami crime story featuring a Cuban immigrant who becomes a drug lord is recognized for having one of cinema's most famous lines.
© NL Beeld
7 / 31 Fotos
'Pan's Labyrinth' (2006)
- Guillermo Del Toro's career saw two remarkably innovative and imaginative hours that, though lacking commercial success, instantly captivated fantasy enthusiasts and cosplayers.
© NL Beeld
8 / 31 Fotos
'The Princess Bride' (1987)
- This movie is widely known for its memorable quotes and is regarded as a delightful yet intelligent fairy tale that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
© NL Beeld
9 / 31 Fotos
'Pink Flamingos' (1972)
- Starring a cult icon, the drag queen Divine, this scandalous film is a grotesque gem that only found success by word-of-mouth. Modern viewers get sick bags at the cinema for that one infamous scene...
© NL Beeld
10 / 31 Fotos
'The Blues Brothers' (1980)
- Originating as a skit on 'Saturday Night Live,' this transformed into a successful band and later a movie showcasing renowned blues icons. Tribute acts and themed showings continue to thrive, preserving the spirit.
© NL Beeld
11 / 31 Fotos
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (1975)
- This surreal quest for the Holy Grail with a low budget has unquestionably endured throughout the ages.
© NL Beeld
12 / 31 Fotos
'Withnail & I' (1987)
- This British comedy depicts two actors struggling with alcoholism who go on an unplanned vacation, showcasing the classic cult film elements of memorable characters and quotes.
© NL Beeld
13 / 31 Fotos
'Donnie Darko' (2001)
- This horror sci-fi movie gained a dedicated fan base through late-night showings in the US, captivating audiences with its puzzling story, the impressive acting of Jake Gyllenhaal, and, of course, the memorable character Frank the Rabbit.
© NL Beeld
14 / 31 Fotos
'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)
- Quentin Tarantino's fashionable heist movie faced a ban in the UK for a brief period and lacked enthusiasm in other locations. However, devoted fans of the film contributed to its success by consistently attending screenings dressed in black and white suits.
© NL Beeld
15 / 31 Fotos
'Clerks' (1994)
- Kevin Smith's initial and arguably most exceptional film chronicles the tale of two disgruntled store employees and the customers they loathe, humorously encapsulating the aimlessness of a generation.
© NL Beeld
16 / 31 Fotos
'El Mariachi' (1992)
- Robert Rodriguez financed his Mexican action-thriller by selling his body to science, marking a milestone in low-budget filmmaking.
© NL Beeld
17 / 31 Fotos
'Eraserhead' (1977)
- David Lynch deserves a place on this list for his debut film, which effectively captures the essence of a cult film - an odd universe with fantastic hairstyles.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
'Clueless' (1995)
- This humorous movie about a wealthy and intellectually-challenged individual was adored by audiences worldwide. It had numerous encore screenings, Halloween outfits, and interactive events where fans could recite memorable lines. No other high school film has achieved such popularity.
© NL Beeld
19 / 31 Fotos
'Labyrinth' (1986)
- The fandom surrounding David Bowie merges with his portrayal of the Goblin King in this unique and captivating film, which has served as the inspiration for Labyrinth Masquerade Balls across the globe.
© NL Beeld
20 / 31 Fotos
'Blade Runner' (1982)
- Ridley Scott's futuristic sci-fi film initially didn't achieve success, but its art direction, modern film noir atmosphere, mystery, music, and talented actors have secured its position in the cult hall of fame.
© NL Beeld
21 / 31 Fotos
'Harold and Maude' (1971)
- This darkly comical movie tells the story of a young individual who pretends to commit suicide and unexpectedly falls in love with an older woman. It is a unique and distinct film in the world of cinema.
© NL Beeld
22 / 31 Fotos
'Memento' (2000)
- Christopher Nolan is widely revered for this film about a man with memory struggles that remarkably transformed into an indelible experience.
© NL Beeld
23 / 31 Fotos
'Amélie' (2001)
- The French movie's enchanting portrayal of joy surpassed language hindrances, captivating global viewers and attracting tourists to the unremarkable Café des 2 Moulins till today.
© NL Beeld
24 / 31 Fotos
'This Is Spinal Tap' (1984)
- "The mockumentary showcasing the world of a British metal band quickly became a hit, inspiring the actors to embark on a genuine tour, staying in character. They released three albums and enjoyed sold-out shows at arenas."
© NL Beeld
25 / 31 Fotos
'Fight Club' (1999)
- The combination of an iconic plot twist in film history and an exclusive club with rules of its own makes it undeniably a beloved cult classic.
© NL Beeld
26 / 31 Fotos
'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974)
- This iconic '70s film, banned in multiple countries, possessed a captivating horror and its cult status was further solidified by its profound political message.
© NL Beeld
27 / 31 Fotos
'Office Space' (1999)
- The film had a strong following to the extent that fans insisted on the production of red Swingline staplers. The film's main actor has revealed that individuals confessed to him that they quit their jobs due to the influence of the film.
© NL Beeld
28 / 31 Fotos
"The Room" (2004)
- Tommy Wiseau, the filmmaker behind the cult classic, remains as perplexing as his unintentionally humorous creation. Fans passionately recite every line and persistently showcase it, illustrating that the quality of cult movies need not always be top-notch.
© NL Beeld
29 / 31 Fotos
'The Warriors' (1979)
- Walter Hill's chilling portrayal of gang violence in New York, combined with the underwhelming performance at the box office and the actual controversy surrounding the imitative violence that resulted from the film, struck a chord with viewers.
See also: Movies about experiments gone wrong
© NL Beeld
30 / 31 Fotos
The 30 most important cult films ever made
- Cult classics encompass a wide range of films, from major studio flops to independent productions. These movies share key ingredients: memorable characters, shocking scenes, and memorable lines.
Explore our gallery of essential classics and become part of the cult experience.
© NL Beeld
0 / 31 Fotos
'The Big Lebowski' (1998)
- Initially, The Coen Brothers masterpiece, starring The Dude, wasn't highly acclaimed. Nevertheless, it now holds the title as their pinnacle work, with the establishment of Lebowski fest as evidence.
© NL Beeld
1 / 31 Fotos
'Heathers' (1989)
- "Winona Ryder's most notable performance can be traced back to this sardonic comedy, which challenged the conventions of heartfelt '80s youth films."
© NL Beeld
2 / 31 Fotos
'Rocky Horror Picture Show' (1975)
- The fans of this film, which is based on Richard O'Brien's musical, changed the meaning of the term "cult" by creating a script for audience participation that includes props. This tradition is still ongoing today.
© NL Beeld
3 / 31 Fotos
'Bottle Rocket' (1996)
- Wes Anderson's initial movie, which he co-wrote with Owen Wilson, may not have been a financial success. However, his devoted fans continue to regard it as the cornerstone of his brilliance due to his distinctive cinematic style.
© NL Beeld
4 / 31 Fotos
'Pulp Fiction' (1994)
- Despite being a movie that won both an Oscar and the Palme D'Or, the gritty, drug-infested Los Angeles narrative had numerous memorable moments that made it a beloved cult film.
© NL Beeld
5 / 31 Fotos
'A Clockwork Orange' (1971)
- Stanley Kubrick's renowned and chilling film expanded boundaries, yet its cult following stems from its controversial and unsettling nature which made it difficult to view for a prolonged period of time.
© NL Beeld
6 / 31 Fotos
'Scarface' (1983)
- The Miami crime story featuring a Cuban immigrant who becomes a drug lord is recognized for having one of cinema's most famous lines.
© NL Beeld
7 / 31 Fotos
'Pan's Labyrinth' (2006)
- Guillermo Del Toro's career saw two remarkably innovative and imaginative hours that, though lacking commercial success, instantly captivated fantasy enthusiasts and cosplayers.
© NL Beeld
8 / 31 Fotos
'The Princess Bride' (1987)
- This movie is widely known for its memorable quotes and is regarded as a delightful yet intelligent fairy tale that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
© NL Beeld
9 / 31 Fotos
'Pink Flamingos' (1972)
- Starring a cult icon, the drag queen Divine, this scandalous film is a grotesque gem that only found success by word-of-mouth. Modern viewers get sick bags at the cinema for that one infamous scene...
© NL Beeld
10 / 31 Fotos
'The Blues Brothers' (1980)
- Originating as a skit on 'Saturday Night Live,' this transformed into a successful band and later a movie showcasing renowned blues icons. Tribute acts and themed showings continue to thrive, preserving the spirit.
© NL Beeld
11 / 31 Fotos
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (1975)
- This surreal quest for the Holy Grail with a low budget has unquestionably endured throughout the ages.
© NL Beeld
12 / 31 Fotos
'Withnail & I' (1987)
- This British comedy depicts two actors struggling with alcoholism who go on an unplanned vacation, showcasing the classic cult film elements of memorable characters and quotes.
© NL Beeld
13 / 31 Fotos
'Donnie Darko' (2001)
- This horror sci-fi movie gained a dedicated fan base through late-night showings in the US, captivating audiences with its puzzling story, the impressive acting of Jake Gyllenhaal, and, of course, the memorable character Frank the Rabbit.
© NL Beeld
14 / 31 Fotos
'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)
- Quentin Tarantino's fashionable heist movie faced a ban in the UK for a brief period and lacked enthusiasm in other locations. However, devoted fans of the film contributed to its success by consistently attending screenings dressed in black and white suits.
© NL Beeld
15 / 31 Fotos
'Clerks' (1994)
- Kevin Smith's initial and arguably most exceptional film chronicles the tale of two disgruntled store employees and the customers they loathe, humorously encapsulating the aimlessness of a generation.
© NL Beeld
16 / 31 Fotos
'El Mariachi' (1992)
- Robert Rodriguez financed his Mexican action-thriller by selling his body to science, marking a milestone in low-budget filmmaking.
© NL Beeld
17 / 31 Fotos
'Eraserhead' (1977)
- David Lynch deserves a place on this list for his debut film, which effectively captures the essence of a cult film - an odd universe with fantastic hairstyles.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
'Clueless' (1995)
- This humorous movie about a wealthy and intellectually-challenged individual was adored by audiences worldwide. It had numerous encore screenings, Halloween outfits, and interactive events where fans could recite memorable lines. No other high school film has achieved such popularity.
© NL Beeld
19 / 31 Fotos
'Labyrinth' (1986)
- The fandom surrounding David Bowie merges with his portrayal of the Goblin King in this unique and captivating film, which has served as the inspiration for Labyrinth Masquerade Balls across the globe.
© NL Beeld
20 / 31 Fotos
'Blade Runner' (1982)
- Ridley Scott's futuristic sci-fi film initially didn't achieve success, but its art direction, modern film noir atmosphere, mystery, music, and talented actors have secured its position in the cult hall of fame.
© NL Beeld
21 / 31 Fotos
'Harold and Maude' (1971)
- This darkly comical movie tells the story of a young individual who pretends to commit suicide and unexpectedly falls in love with an older woman. It is a unique and distinct film in the world of cinema.
© NL Beeld
22 / 31 Fotos
'Memento' (2000)
- Christopher Nolan is widely revered for this film about a man with memory struggles that remarkably transformed into an indelible experience.
© NL Beeld
23 / 31 Fotos
'Amélie' (2001)
- The French movie's enchanting portrayal of joy surpassed language hindrances, captivating global viewers and attracting tourists to the unremarkable Café des 2 Moulins till today.
© NL Beeld
24 / 31 Fotos
'This Is Spinal Tap' (1984)
- "The mockumentary showcasing the world of a British metal band quickly became a hit, inspiring the actors to embark on a genuine tour, staying in character. They released three albums and enjoyed sold-out shows at arenas."
© NL Beeld
25 / 31 Fotos
'Fight Club' (1999)
- The combination of an iconic plot twist in film history and an exclusive club with rules of its own makes it undeniably a beloved cult classic.
© NL Beeld
26 / 31 Fotos
'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974)
- This iconic '70s film, banned in multiple countries, possessed a captivating horror and its cult status was further solidified by its profound political message.
© NL Beeld
27 / 31 Fotos
'Office Space' (1999)
- The film had a strong following to the extent that fans insisted on the production of red Swingline staplers. The film's main actor has revealed that individuals confessed to him that they quit their jobs due to the influence of the film.
© NL Beeld
28 / 31 Fotos
"The Room" (2004)
- Tommy Wiseau, the filmmaker behind the cult classic, remains as perplexing as his unintentionally humorous creation. Fans passionately recite every line and persistently showcase it, illustrating that the quality of cult movies need not always be top-notch.
© NL Beeld
29 / 31 Fotos
'The Warriors' (1979)
- Walter Hill's chilling portrayal of gang violence in New York, combined with the underwhelming performance at the box office and the actual controversy surrounding the imitative violence that resulted from the film, struck a chord with viewers.
See also: Movies about experiments gone wrong
© NL Beeld
30 / 31 Fotos
The 30 most important cult films ever made
© NL Beeld
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