What makes a film a cult classic?

What makes a film a cult classic?

You can probably name a few cult classic movies. Rocky Horror Picture Show, Planet 9 from Outer Space, and The Big Lebowski are just a few examples. But what makes a film a cult classic?

A cult film is a film that has a cult following. You may notice that this definition is vague or applies to many films, and that is correct. Some definitions–though not all–exclude films with a big budget, specifically attempt to become cult classics, are released by a major studio, or have mainstream acceptance by audiences or critics. This definition helps us narrow down some factors that make a movie a cult classic, including:

• A low budget
• Created and released by a smaller production company
• Not widely accepted by critics and audiences at the time of its release

However, what ultimately defines a cult classic is audience reaction and participation. Let’s go back to the example of Rocky Horror Picture Show. This movie was created on a relatively small budget by an indie production company and was initially very poorly received. Critic Roger Ebert said that the film was panned by everyone, “including the future fanatics” who would go on to see the movie countless times. However, what sets it apart from other films, making it perhaps the most famous cult classic movie in history, is the audience participation. During screenings of Rocky Horror Picture Show, fans dress up, recite lines, and even bring props to do things like throw rice, cover their heads with newspaper, and squirt other audience members with water guns.

Critics and academics have argued that the term “cult classic” has become watered down, creating a catchall for anything audiences find strange. As I noted, this term is vague and wide-reaching, which is the issue these people point to.

Some academics and film theorists define cult classics as being inherently transgressive or in opposition to mainstream films. Others call out a strong community aspect. Still others noted that cult classics can only become cult classics on accident. 

Films can become cult classics for many reasons. An early example is Nosferatu, the 1922 film that was destroyed due to a lawsuit, causing bootleg copies to be circulated in secret. Others, like Planet 9 from Outer Space are considered “so bad it’s good.” Others might be nostalgic, campy, or a genre film that wasn’t well received.

What’s your favorite cult classic? Let us know in the comments!