Cult Movies: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

Cult movies are a fascinating phenomenon in the world of cinema. They’re films that, whether loved or hated upon release, somehow find their way into the hearts of devoted fans over time. With their quirky charm, memorable quotes, and unique style, they create communities, inspire traditions, and often transcend their original intent. As someone who has a deep appreciation for these films, let’s dive into some iconic cult classics and explore what makes them so enduringly beloved. Spoiler alert: I’m team *love them*.

SPOILER ALERT

The Big Lebowski: The Dude Abides

What makes The Big Lebowski such a cult classic? For starters, it’s hard to resist the charm of Jeff Bridges’ iconic “The Dude” — a character so laid-back and unbothered, he turned White Russians into his signature drink and, yes, my go-to cocktail (Less so these days). The Coen Brothers’ 1998 masterpiece takes something as simple as a mistaken identity and spins it into a quirky and hilarious story involving bowling, kidnappings, and nihilists.

One of the funniest moments in the film is Walter’s unforgettable “Shomer Fucking Shabbos” scene, where bowling becomes a sacred ritual and Walter says he can’t play because it’s Shabbat. Speaking of bowling, who else but the Coen Brothers could make such an ordinary activity a central and serious concept in a movie? The entire vibe of the film — from its oddball characters to its endlessly quotable lines — feels effortlessly cool, yet deeply human. It’s a film that’s easy to rewatch and even easier to quote, making it a cornerstone of cult cinema.

Fargo: Quirky and Chilling

The Coen Brothers strike again with Fargo, a perfect blend of dark humor and crime drama. From the unforgettable Minnesota accents (“Oh, ya betcha!”) to the snow-covered landscapes, every detail of Fargo feels meticulously crafted. The brilliant acting by Frances McDormand (as the iconic Marge Gunderson) and the supporting cast elevates the film into a masterpiece.

What’s even more impressive is how this 1996 movie inspired an equally fantastic TV series that continues to explore its quirky, violent world. The small-town charm mixed with gruesome storytelling has cemented Fargo as a cult favorite that’s endlessly fascinating. An interesting aspect of Fargo is that both the film and the series start by asserting they are based on a true story, which is not true and is merely a strategy to engage the audience in the narrative.

Pulp Fiction: A Stylish, Chaotic Ride

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction redefined cinema in 1994, and its cult status is undeniable. From the electrifying opening scene (with the legendary song Miserlou) to the unforgettable dance sequence between Uma Thurman and John Travolta, every moment in this movie is a masterclass in style and storytelling.

The dialogue is razor-sharp and endlessly quotable: the tomato joke, the foot massage debate, and Samuel L. Jackson’s epic burger scene ( Taking a bite of Brett’s Big Kahuna burger and sipping his sprite- must say looks like a good burger!) are just a few highlights. Tarantino’s nonlinear storytelling and eclectic soundtrack make the film an exhilarating experience. And let’s not forget the iconic outfits — people still dress up as Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace for Halloween, proving that Pulp Fiction has left an indelible mark on pop culture.

The Breakfast Club: A Teen Time Capsule

Few films encapsulate the angst and intricacies of teenage life as effectively as The Breakfast Club. This 1985 John Hughes classic unites five high school stereotypes, revealing their underlying commonalities. The film's sincere performances, enduring soundtrack, and genuine honesty continue to resonate with audiences even decades later.

It’s a movie that sparks conversations about identity, self-expression, and the labels society places on us. Plus, who can resist that triumphant fist-pump ending set to Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”? One of my all time favorite songs- all because of that scene and this movie!!

Clueless: Fashion, Fun, and Cher’s Wit

If you’ve ever said, “As if!” then you’ve felt the influence of Clueless.

This 1995 contemporary version of Emma offers an entertaining journey through high school life in Beverly Hills, featuring memorable outfits and Cher's endearingly self-centered character.

It’s a movie that’s both endlessly quotable and visually pleasing, with its bold fashion choices still inspiring trends today. Beyond the humor and style, Clueless has a big heart, showing Cher’s journey from superficiality to genuine kindness.

10 Thing I Hate About You: Teen rom-com with Shakespearean flair

Another similar classic that feels like a cult movie to me is 10 Things I hate About You- a story based on the Shakespeare play The Taming of the Shrew. It’s funny, charming and very romantic. The classic poem read by Julia Style’s character Kat at the end of the movie never fails to move me to tears . The last line of the poem- “But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all”. (if you know, you know)

Of course, I’ll never forget the famous scene where Heath Ledger crashes a soccer game and sings to Kat the song “Can’t take my Eyes off Of You” whilst dancing and being goofy on the bleachers. This musical sequence got nominated in 1999 at the MTV movie awards! ( And yes, it was actually him singing)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again

When it comes to cult classics, few are as interactive and enduring as The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Dressing up as your favorite character, shouting along with the dialogue, and dancing to “The Time Warp” in a theater filled with fellow fans is an experience like no other. I’ve done this several times, and it never gets old.

The shadow casts, costumes, and energy of these screenings make Rocky Horror more than just a movie — it’s a full-blown event. It’s a celebration of individuality and community that continues to bring people together.

500 Days Of Summer: People don't realize this, but loneliness is underrated

I’m going to end with a more recently released indie cult classic which has stuck in my heart and that is - 500 Days of Summer. This 2009 movie that is not a love story, but rather a story about love is beautiful in many ways. It has also sparked a lot of conversations about the characters and relationships in general. I love the soundtrack, the raw acting and the way the film is shot. One particular sequence that is done brilliantly is the expectations versus reality part of the movie. I think we’ve all been there before no? this movie nailed it. Both Joseph Gorden Levit and Zoey Dechanel bring such life and realness to their roles and it really shows on screen. And let’s not forget the famous IKEA scene!!

Those are a few of my favorite cult classics. Why do I love cult movies? Excellent question.

Cult movies aren’t just films; they’re experiences. They bring people together, inspire creativity, and offer something unique in a world of formulaic blockbusters. Whether it’s quoting Pulp Fiction, dressing up for Rocky Horror, or sipping a White Russian in honor of The Dude, these movies become a part of our lives. They’re rewatchable, relatable, and timeless. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, cult movies have a way of sticking with you—and for me, it’s definitely love.

I realize there are many other classic films, such as E.T., Back to the Future, and Fight Club, to name a few, but these are just a sample. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share in the comments below!