Modern Cult Films

Cult films are films that do not have a wide appeal to a large audience, but nevertheless enjoy a devout following of occasionally obsessive fans. Cult movies have been around since the early days of film and usually fared poorly at the box office before finding a revival amongst certain fans.

Here are some of the best modern cult films, from 1985 to the present:

Evil Dead II

The director Sam Raimi may be more well-known for the "Spiderman" movies of late, but it was the "Evil Dead" series that first brought him to the attention of a certain segment of horror and comedy fans. The first "Evil Dead" is genuinely scary, and the third ("Army of Darkness") is pure slapstick, but "Evil Dead II" is a brilliant combination of both. That may be why it has developed such a huge cult following. Oh, and cult-favorite Bruce Campbell as the hero Ash doesn't hurt either. Where Bruce Campbell goes, B-movie fans will surely follow.

The Room

This is the most recent cult film on this list, and it may just have the strangest story. Written, produced, directed, and starring Tommy Wiseau, "The Room" was first released in Los Angeles in 2003 to less than thrilled audiences. Despite it's initial failure, the movie began to catch on in L.A. and eventually midnight showings began popping up. It remained a purely L.A. phenomenon until earlier this year when it began a run of shows in a few major cities around the country. Midnight showings have been happening across the nation and "The Room" has been termed the new "Rocky Horror." Though the film is ostensibly a relationship drama, it falls into the "so bad it's good" category.

The Big Lebowski

I was a bit hesitant to put this on the list, as this film has grown into something actually popular outside of its cult roots. On the other hand any movie that has its own religion (Dudeism, for the curious) based on its main character certainly qualifies as cult. This film is meandering and plotless in the wonderful way that only Coen brothers films are, and has found a definite place in the hearts of certain segments of the film-going population.

Clue

Just how funny could a film based on a board game be? Well, ask the fans of "Clue." This film qualifies as cult based on the sheer devotion its fans feel. The film initially was met with a tepid response from audiences, but today enjoys a very vocal fanbase. To make a long story short (too late!), "Clue" is certainly worthy of cult film status.

Wet Hot American Summer

Featuring several alumni of MTV sketch show "The State", as well as a few other well-known comedic actors, "Wet Hot American Summer"was more or less ignored upon its initial release. DVD is really where the film made its mark, winning over fans with its absurdist humor. Today those who love the film really love it and consider it to be one of the greatest comedies of all time, and rabid devotion is what a cult film is all about.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

A rock musical about an East German transgendered rock star, love, jealousy, and redemption based on an off-Broadway show was never really intended for commercial appeal. What the film has found instead is definite cult status. Midnight showings and shadowcasts (where fans act out part of the movie as the film plays) are attended by "Hedheads" around the globe. A very fun movie, with very adoring fans.

Brain Candy

"Brain Candy" is another cult film starring sketch comedy vets, this time it's the legendary Canadian troupe The Kids in the Hall. Fans of the troupe flocked to see the film, but that wasn't enough to give it a decent opening. Though the film has its flaws, its fanbase's affection makes it a modern cult classic. When fans discovered that there was an unreleased workprint of the film that differed from the distributed version, they quickly set up websites and began trading copies of the leaked VHS. If that isn't devotion I don't know what is.

Brazil

Terry Gilliam is something of a cult favorite himself, having been a member of Monty Python before going on to direct his own brand of stylistically unique films. "Brazil" - the dystopian, bureaucratic nightmare - currently enjoys the critical success that makes it a modern classic, as well as a cult classic.

Heathers

"Heathers" is the type of film that cult followings are made for. This movie has the quintessential cult film story: it was a box office flop that found its following after its initial release. Its dark and subversive look at high school politics is not palatable to everyone, but for those who enjoy it, it has a wealth of humor and quotability. Fans appreciated its clever use of language and the brutally frank take on adolescence.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

This is a film that seemed destined for cult status. "Priscilla" is essentially a road trip movie set in the Australian outback. The three protagonists are drag queens traveling in an old bus named Priscilla. Though widely loved in its native Australia, the film was largely ignored in the United States. After it caught on through midnight showings, "Priscilla" became the cult favorite we know today.

They Live

If ever a film was destined for cult status, this is the one. What else would you expect from a John Carpenter film featuring a homeless man with sunglasses which allow him to see the world as it truly is: full of aliens in disguise and subliminal messages? This satirical dark comedy/action film opened to fair reviews and small audiences. It found its fans eventually, and can be considered a modern cult classic.