Top Cult Movies

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is an American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie follows the lives of two mob hitmen, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, who are on a mission to retrieve a mysterious briefcase for their boss, Marsellus Wallace. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters including a boxer, a crime lord, a gangster, and a couple of seemingly ordinary people who all play an integral part in the story. Through a series of intricate and often humorous vignettes, Pulp Fiction explores themes of loyalty, friendship, revenge, and morality as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions. The film’s nonlinear narrative structure, dark humor, and iconic dialogue have made it a staple of popular culture and one of the most influential and important films of the 1990s.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American film based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. It stars Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film centers around an unnamed narrator (Edward Norton) who is a depressed insomniac who finds solace in frequenting support groups for different ailments. At a support group for testicular cancer, he meets Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), and the two become rivals for the attention of the group. The narrator finds an unlikely ally in Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a charismatic soap salesman whom he meets at a bar. The two become close friends and decide to form Fight Club, a secret underground organization where men can come to vent their frustrations through physical violence. The club quickly grows in popularity, and its members come to see it as a means of escape and a way to find meaning in life. As the Fight Club grows, however, the narrator begins to question Tyler's motives and intentions, as well as the true purpose of the club. Eventually, Tyler reveals his master plan and leads the club into a violent revolution against society's oppressive power structures. The film culminates in an explosive conclusion, where the narrator must

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian crime film written, directed, and produced by Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Malcolm McDowell as Alex, the leader of a small gang of teenage delinquents who embark on a night of "ultra-violence" in a dystopian future England. After Alex is arrested and sentenced to prison, he undergoes an experimental treatment designed to rid him of his violent impulses. However, his freedom comes with a heavy price: he cannot choose to do good on his own. At the end of the film, Alex finds himself trapped between the brutality of his past and an uncertain future. Themes explored in the film include free will, morality, and the consequences of violence.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn
Rated R

Reservoir Dogs is a 1992 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in his feature-length debut. The film follows a group of criminals—Mr. White, Mr. Orange, Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink, Mr. Blue and Mr. Brown—who are brought together by crime boss Joe Cabot to commit a diamond heist, though none of them knows the identity of the others. When the heist goes wrong and the police arrive, each of the criminals attempt to make their escape. Torn by paranoia, the criminals trade accusations and blame, and a bloody shootout ensues. Several of the criminals are killed, and the remaining survivors, including Mr. White and Mr. Orange, escape the scene with the diamonds. In the aftermath, the survivors learn that the heist was a setup by the police to catch Mr. Blonde, and that Joe Cabot had intended to double-cross them all. The film follows the survivors as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and attempt to piece together the identity of the informant who set them up. The film features intense violence, dark humor, and non-linear storytelling. Reservoir Dogs is recognized as one of the best independent films of all

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami in 1980 with nothing but his street smarts and his drive for wealth and power. With the help of his friend Manny and his lawyer, he quickly becomes a drug kingpin and rises to the top of the criminal underworld. However, he soon discovers the dark side of his success, as his insatiable ambition and violent lifestyle leads him to make enemies and cultivate a highly destructive lifestyle. In the end, Tony is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and the ultimate cost of the American dream.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 tells the story of The Bride, a former assassin who is seeking revenge against her former boss, Bill, and the members of the deadly squad of assassins she once belonged to. After being shot on the day of her wedding, The Bride wakes up from a coma four years later, determined to have her revenge. With the help of her former master, Pai Mei, she embarks on a mission of vengeance, determined to take down all of the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, one by one. Along the way, she meets allies and enemies, faces incredible danger, and learns the truth about her own past.

From David Lynch, starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud
Rated PG

The Elephant Man is a 1980 American historical drama film directed by David Lynch. The film is based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (played by John Hurt), a severely disfigured man in late 19th century London who is known as the Elephant Man due to the extreme nature of his deformities. After being a circus freak show exhibit, he is befriended by Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) who brings him to London Hospital so that he can be studied and treated. Through his friendship with Treves and a London actress (Anne Bancroft), Merrick gradually gains the confidence to interact with the outside world. The film explores the emotional and physical toll of his condition on Merrick's life, as well as the emotional struggles of those around him, including Treves and the hospital staff. The Elephant Man is widely regarded as a classic of modern cinema, and still one of Lynch's most acclaimed works.

From Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Rated PG

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 British comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones about the legendary King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail. The film follows Arthur and his knights of the Round Table as they travel throughout Camelot in search of the grail. Along the way, they encounter a variety of humorous and absurd characters and situations, including a killer rabbit, a three-headed giant, and a knight who refuses to fight until his opponent agrees that the earth is flat. The film is a send-up of the traditional Arthurian legend and medieval culture, and was a major influence on the film and television comedy of the 1980s and 1990s.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and is loosely based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows the story of Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with hunting down and "retiring" a group of escaped replicants, bioengineered androids who look like humans. Through his journey, Deckard discovers the truth about the replicants, as well as his own identity. Blade Runner is considered a classic of the science fiction genre and features some of the most iconic visuals in modern cinema.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Rated R

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 cult classic directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, an easy-going slacker living in Los Angeles, who is mistaken for a millionaire of the same name. After being attacked and having his rug soiled, The Dude seeks restitution from the other Lebowski, only to be entangled in a convoluted kidnapping scheme. With the help of his bowling buddies Walter and Donny, The Dude sets out to solve the mystery and reclaim his rug. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a pornographer, a suspiciously friendly police officer, a nihilistic German band, and a host of other offbeat personalities. With its iconic characters, brilliant dialogue, and absurdist humor, The Big Lebowski is an enduring classic that stands the test of time.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller about a troubled teenage boy in suburban Virginia. Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to have visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit suit, who warns him of the end of the world. As the film progresses, Donnie discovers the secrets behind his visions, which involve time travel, alternate universes, and a terrifying supernatural entity. Donnie must confront his fears and find a way to save the world from destruction. Along the way, he learns more about himself and the people around him, and comes to understand that he has a unique power to shape the future.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito
Rated R

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction thriller directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, and Madeleine Stowe. The film follows the story of James Cole (Willis), a convict from the year 2035 who is sent back in time to the year 1996 in order to stop a deadly virus that will eventually wipe out almost all of the human race. In order to find the cause of the virus, Cole must travel through time, discover the secrets of a mysterious organization, and confront his own personal demons. Along the way, he meets a psychiatrist (Stowe) who helps him understand his past and uncover the truth about the virus. With the help of a fellow time-traveler (Pitt), Cole must race against the clock to save the future.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is an acclaimed musical fantasy drama film directed by Alan Parker, based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The story follows a rock star named Pink, who experiences a mental breakdown, and builds a metaphorical wall around himself to protect himself from the outside world. Along the way, he is forced to confront the demons of his past, including his neglectful parents, his educational failure, and his experiences during the Vietnam War. With surreal visuals and an all-star cast, including Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, and James Laurenson, Pink Floyd: The Wall is a powerful exploration of alienation, mental illness, and the power of music.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a romantic fantasy adventure film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, and Christopher Guest. The film follows a farmhand named Westley (Elwes), who must rescue his true love, Buttercup (Wright), from the evil Prince Humperdinck (Sarandon). Along the way, he encounters a host of fantastic characters, including a menacing swordsman (Patinkin), a giant (the Giant), an evil criminal mastermind (Shawn), a sinister vizier (Guest), and a crew of misfits. Through a series of daring escapades, Westley and his companions battle their way through dangers to ultimately save Buttercup and the day. This classic fairy tale is filled with excitement, romance, swashbuckling adventure, and plenty of humor.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is an animated musical dark fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who grows bored of the same Halloween routine each year and stumbles upon Christmas Town. He decides to give Christmas a try, but his enthusiasm for the holiday is misinterpreted by the other citizens of Halloween Town. This leads to disastrous and comical results, as Jack attempts to bring Christmas to his home. Along the way, he must battle the mischievous Oogie Boogie, a villain trying to ruin Christmas. In the end, Jack helps Santa Claus and the citizens of Halloween Town to restore the spirit of Christmas.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond
Rated R

Brazil is a dystopian science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam in 1985. The story follows Sam Lowry, a low-level government employee who dreams of a life of adventure and romance. When a bureaucratic mistake causes him to become the target of a terrorist manhunt, Sam embarks on a surreal journey through a nightmarish world of bureaucracy, surveillance, and rebellion. Along the way, he discovers a truth that could save his life—or cost him his sanity. With its nightmarish vision of a dystopian future and its subversive approach to bureaucracy, Brazil remains one of the most influential science fiction films of all time.

From Rob Reiner, starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Rated R

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 mockumentary comedy film that follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on their disastrous tour of the United States. Directed by Rob Reiner and featuring a star-studded cast including Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, the film follows the band as they try to navigate the music industry and its eccentricities with little success. Along the way, they endure a series of misadventures, including a disastrous gig in a state fair, an unfortunate name change, and a series of brushes with death. This Is Spinal Tap is an affectionate and hilarious send-up of the music industry, filled with memorable scenes and hilarious lines.

From Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
Rated PG

Harold and Maude is a classic 1971 romantic dark comedy directed by Hal Ashby. The film follows the unlikely relationship between Harold (Bud Cort), a morbid and introverted 20-year-old, and Maude (Ruth Gordon), a vivacious and eccentric 79-year-old woman. Despite their age difference and societal judgement, the two find solace in each other and form a unique bond. Over the course of their romance, Harold is able to confront his inner demons and find joy in life, while Maude imparts her zest for living and unconventional wisdom on him. The film also touches on themes of class, mortality, and existentialism. Harold and Maude is an enduring cult classic and one of the most beloved films of the 1970s.

From George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Rated Not Rated

Night of the Living Dead is a classic horror film directed by George A. Romero. The story centers around seven people who are barricaded in an old farmhouse, trying to survive the night while hordes of flesh-eating zombies roam the countryside. The survivors must use all of their wit and resources to stay alive and battle the living dead. Throughout the film, tensions between the survivors rise as they fight to survive the night. Ultimately, the survivors must come together if they are to survive the onslaught of zombies. Night of the Living Dead is a classic horror film that has spawned its own genre of zombie films and continues to influence the horror genre today.

From Spike Jonze, starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich
Rated R

Being John Malkovich is a 1999 science fiction comedy-drama directed by Spike Jonze. The film tells the story of a struggling puppeteer named Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) who discovers a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich (portrayed by himself). Through the portal, Craig and others experience life as Malkovich for 15 minutes before they are dumped back into the real world. As Craig and his coworker Maxine (Catherine Keener) begin to exploit the portal, they find themselves in the middle of a bizarre love triangle with Maxine's pet-obsessed wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz). As the trio's lives become increasingly strange and unpredictable, Craig begins to realize the implications of being inside someone else's head. The film received widespread critical acclaim, earning itself a number of award nominations including three Academy Award nominations.

From John Hughes, starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Rated R

The Breakfast Club is an American teen comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. It follows five high school students from different social groups who meet for Saturday detention and, over the course of the day, come to realize that they are more alike than they thought. The film stars Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy as the five students. During detention, the students open up to each other and discover how they have more in common than they previously thought. They develop a plan to get their respective punishments reduced and, in the process, realize the importance of their friendship. The film is widely considered to be a classic of 1980s cinema and is one of the most successful teen films of all time.

From Tod Browning, starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates
Rated Not Rated

Freaks is a 1932 American Pre-Code horror drama film directed by Tod Browning. The film tells the story of a group of circus "freaks" who discover and rebel against the evil intentions of a trapeze artist and her strongman lover. The film stars Harry Earles, Daisy Earles, Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, and Roscoe Ates. The film follows a group of sideshow performers, known as "freaks". When a trapeze artist and her strongman lover conspire to murder one of the performers, the freaks unite and revolt in a gruesome and shocking revenge. The film was originally met with critical and audience rejection due to its controversial subject matter, though it has since become a cult classic.

From Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear
Rated G

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 musical film directed by Mel Stuart. It is an adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The film follows the adventures of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to visit the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka. During his tour of the factory, Charlie and his fellow guests face a series of fantastical challenges with Wonka's assistance. They must put their wits and courage to the test in order to receive a life-changing prize. The film stars Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket. The film is a classic of children's literature and cinema, and is remembered for its memorable characters and catchphrases.

From George A. Romero, starring David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross
Rated Unrated

Dawn of the Dead is a 1978 horror film directed by George A. Romero. The film follows four survivors of a zombie apocalypse: two SWAT officers, a television newswoman, and her traffic reporter. As the survivors face a dwindling food supply and increasing numbers of undead, they are forced to flee their secure hideout in a mall and seek out a safe haven. Along the way, they battle the undead, looters, and their own inner demons, all while trying to find a way to survive. The film has become a cult classic, and its themes and imagery have been widely discussed and analyzed.

From Alejandro Jodorowsky, starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, Juan Ferrara
Rated R

The Holy Mountain is a 1973 surrealist film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky. Set in a fantasy world, the film follows a nameless thief, who is plucked from the streets and initiated into a spiritual quest. He is joined by a group of eight wealthy and powerful people from around the world, all seeking enlightenment. Together, they ascend the mythical Holy Mountain, where immortality and spiritual transformation await them. Through a series of bizarre and outlandish set pieces, the group is presented with a series of metaphysical tests and trials, all leading to the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. Along the way, the group is forced to confront their own materialism and vanity, with some ultimately failing in their quest.