A cult film, also commonly referred to as a cult classic, is a film that has acquired a cult following. Cult films are known for their dedicated, passionate fanbase, an elaborate subculture that engage in repeated viewings, quoting dialogue, and audience participation. Inclusive definitions allow for major studio productions, especially box office bombs, while exclusive definitions focus more on obscure, transgressive films shunned by the mainstream. The difficulty in defining the term and subjectivity of what qualifies as a cult film mirror classificatory disputes about art. The term cult film itself was first used in the 1970s to describe the culture that surrounded underground films and  midnight movies, though cult was in common use in film analysis for decades prior to that. 

- Wikipedia

I tried to have a variety of genres instead of only horror cult films, I will be making another post with only horror films as well as others in the future. Enjoy!

2003 X ROB ZOMBIE X HORROR

House of 1000 corpses is the debut of Rob Zombie, know for his musical career prior to his career as a director. The film came out in April of 2003. Which left me a 12-13 year old when I first saw it. Two couples are in search for offbeat roadside attractions to write a book about. Spaulding leads them to the legend of Doctor Satan, a legend it seems. When their car breaks down, Baby, one of the siblings of the Firefly family brings them to their house in the middle of nowhere. (...) The Devil's Rejects starts of with the end of House of 1000 corpses. Momma Firefly gets arrested in the beginning of the film while the rest of the family either die or get away. (...) If you are easily upset by violence, deformation and gore these films aren't for you.

more of the plot can be found by clicking on the (...) 

I've always been a fan of the more wicked side of things. I'd choose the ugliest doll ever. I'd watch Tim Burton movies rather than Disney (which I also enjoyed don't get me wrong!). And I'd rather watch a gory horror movie than a love story. Especially films with an edge off like Rob Zombies. 

The thing that draws me to films like these is because it's a true cult. It's based on horror films of the '70s like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and such. Those are still the best imho. I'm not a big fan of the remakes, except for Rob Zombies Halloween, just because they butcher the hell out of the point of the first series. Horror films today are too much the same. Same plot. Same everything. They don't do anything to me any more. They're not scary even though they have way better effects now then 30, 40 years ago.

'Fun' facts: Baby Firefly is played by Sheri Moon Zombie, Rob Zombies wife. She has starred in about every film he ever made, most of the times one of the lead roles.

Tiny Firefly who was played by Matthew McGrory was actually 2.29m of 7'6" he was never diagnosed with gigantism. He suddenly passed away after filming The Devil's Rejects due to heart failure. He also starred in Tim Burtons Big Fish and Marilyn Mansons Coma White

1998 X TONY KAYE X CRIME DRAMA

"Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it." - Danny Vinyard

The film starts if with Danny Vinyard that had written a paper about Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf after getting a history assignment. He gets called to the principles office. Mr. Sweeney has know the Vinyard brothers for a while now and instead of suspending Danny he gives him a new assignment: to write a paper about his older brother, Derek. Derek has been in prison for killing a young black man for trying to steel his vehicle. Now because of his neo nazi beliefs this wasn't an act of self defence. In prison he starts to realise his beliefs aren't what he used to think and with the help of mr. Sweeney he gets his shit together and tries to help his little brother out of the club as well. (...)

I love this film for two reasons: it's controversial because of the neo nazi content which is still a touchy subject even now. And because of the reality about it; the possibility of realising it's bullshit and to get out. Now I've known a guy who is/was a neo nazi. This might sound really weird because I don't get involved with these kind of people at all. But even he showed interest of getting out, yet felt that it was impossible because of what the 'leader' would do to him. I don't have contact with him any more but I do hope he changed his life for the better.

2006 X GUILLERMO DEL TORO X FANTASY

This Spanish-Mexican produced film takes place 5 years after the Spanish Civil War. The entire film is spoken in Spanish; which defines Del Toros directing; the language will always be adjusted to the scenery of the film. Ofelia and her pregnant mother travel to meet captain Vidal, her stepfather. Ofelia meets some fairies who take her to meet The Faun. The Faun believes Ofelia is princess Moanna and gives her three tasks she needs to complete before full moon. (...)

This film takes place in two different settings: reality and Ofelias fantasy world, trying to cope with all the changes that took place prior to moving. I personally love the ending. It isn't a happy ending that we're all used to in big block busters, which speaks to me. It's not only about being a child in a time of/after war and chaos but also about being brave and growing up.

I'm not a big fan of films in other languages I have to admit, but this one needed that. It's meant to be.

1999 X CHUCK PALAHNIUK X DRAMA

 The film starts of with showing a nameless man (Edward Norton), the narrator, who's living an ordinary life but suffers from insomnia. He attempts to go to meetings and finds out that it gives him relief and helps him sleep afterwards. Though Marla Singer (played by Helena Bonham Carter) is also a frequent meeting visitor he gets really agitated by her presence. They make a deal so they won't be attempting the same meetings. After a business trip he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) on the plane. He introduces himself as a soap maker and hands him his card. After his arrival he finds out his flat has been burned down. Immediately he finds a place to stay; with Tyler. After a meeting they start fighting and thus Fight Club was founded. Tyler however isn't a friend but part of his personality, he suffers from dissociated personality disorder. (...)

I love how Norton displays his character, it starts of with a normal 9-5 business guy that evolves into a man with big dreams whether or not these dreams are questionable. It also shows so well how people with this condition feel, act, react. Norton chose to starve himself during the filming process were as Brad Pitt would lift and get more muscles to show how a sickness can destroy the person you were before. In the end he gets control over his own mind again.

What are your favourite cult films? Let me know in the comments below!

xo