If there’s one thing about being a movie buff, it’s not just about keeping up with the latest and greatest (though, yes, I did see Barbenheimer on opening weekend, obviously). It’s about digging into the archives, finding the weird, the wonderful, and the films that live rent-free in people’s heads decades after their release. Today, we’re talking cult classics. These are the movies that have carved out a permanent spot in the cultural canon—not because they were massive box-office hits, but because they’re bold, iconic, sometimes bizarre, and always unforgettable. This is your ultimate guide to some must-watch cult classics, each with their own flavor of genius and eccentricity. Get your popcorn ready.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is the godfather of cult classics. From the nonlinear storytelling to the endlessly quotable dialogue, this movie didn’t just redefine independent filmmaking in the ‘90s—it made being cool look... cooler.

You’ve got hitmen (played to perfection by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta), a mob boss and his one-of-a-kind wife (Uma Thurman in the most memorable bob in cinematic history), a boxer on the run (Bruce Willis doing his thing), and a whole web of interconnected chaos that works brilliantly.

But what really moved Pulp Fiction into legendary territory is its style. The way Tarantino balances humor, violence, and pop-culture nods feels like a cinematic mixtape. You can’t help but appreciate the endless references, from the Elvis-inspired diner scene to the instant-iconic "Royale with Cheese" conversation. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen it; this movie slaps every single watch.

Oh, and that surf-rock opening theme? Still unmatched.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

If the words “Time Warp” mean nothing to you, fix that immediately. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the ultimate midnight movie experience, complete with quirky characters, campy songs, and a storyline that’s pure chaotic weirdness.

Whether you’re watching Tim Curry strut in pearls and heels as Dr. Frank-N-Furter or discovering the cosmic oddity of Brad and Janet’s misadventure, this film is pure energy. For over 40 years, it’s been a mainstay in late-night cinemas, complete with audience participation, costumes, and props.

(Yes, people literally throw rice at the screen during the wedding scene. Don’t ask questions; just go with it.)

This one’s more than a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Watch it at least once with a rowdy crowd for the full experience.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Ah, Donnie Darko. Equal parts mind-bending sci-fi, coming-of-age drama, and psychological thriller, this cult darling refuses to fit neatly into any single genre. Starring a young Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie, a troubled teen plagued by visions of a glitched-out bunny named Frank, this movie takes you on a surreal trip through time travel, existential dread, and ‘80s suburbia.

It doesn’t spoon-feed you answers, and that’s exactly why people love it—or love debating it. The dreamy soundtrack (featuring “Mad World,” obviously) and vague, open-to-interpretation ending make it the perfect film for late-night “What does it mean?” discussions.

Fair warning though, it’s not a light watch. But if you enjoy walking away from a film with more questions than answers, it’s a must-see.

Clerks (1994)

Sometimes cult classics are massive spectacles. Other times, they’re black-and-white comedies about two slacker best friends manning a convenience store, cracking crude jokes, and stumbling through their miserable day.

Kevin Smith’s Clerks is the latter, and it’s absolutely genius. Made on a shoestring budget of $27,000 (chump change by Hollywood standards), it’s all about the dialogue. Every quippy, inappropriate, razor-sharp line lands perfectly.

The beauty of Clerks lies in its simplicity. It’s a slice of life—but with wit so clever it feels larger than life. Oh, and Jay and Silent Bob? Absolutely iconic.

Eraserhead (1977)

Alright, if we’re talking about true cult classics, we have to throw some David Lynch into the mix. Eraserhead is one of those films that defies explanation. Seriously, just try describing it to someone without sounding deranged.

On the surface, it’s about a man living in a dystopian industrial world dealing with fatherhood and existential terror. But really, it’s Lynch’s black-and-white fever dream filled with strange visuals, haunting imagery, and vibes that are just... deeply unsettling. It’s weird. It’s uncomfortable. It’s unforgettable. If you’ve got the patience for a slow-burn psychological horror masterpiece, Eraserhead is an absolute rite of passage for cult film fans.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Dude abides, and so should you. The Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski is peak quirky, offbeat comedy, with Jeff Bridges turning in possibly the chillest performance of all time as The Dude, a robe-wearing, bowling-obsessed slacker who unwittingly gets caught up in a ridiculous crime caper.

The beauty of this movie is that it’s simultaneously absurd and brilliant. On the surface, it’s a stoned, aimless tale of mistaken identity and rug theft. But dig a little deeper (or don’t) and there’s something subtly profound about its enduring charm.

Also, John Goodman as Walter Sobchak screaming, “Am I the only one around here who gives a sh*t about the rules?!” will live forever as one of the funniest moments in movie history.

Heathers (1988)

Heathers walked so Mean Girls could run. This dark teen comedy takes high school politics to violent, twisted, and totally hilarious extremes. It’s ‘80s perfection, with Winona Ryder serving peak goth-energy as Veronica and Christian Slater as the ultimate bad boy, JD.

The dialogue? An endless highlight reel of savage one-liners. The plot? A satirical take on cliques, popularity, and just how far people will go to fit in. It’s sharp, outlandish, and unapologetically edgy, which is why it remains a beloved gem decades later.

Withnail & I (1987)

If you want something a little more niche, Withnail & I is the hidden treasure of British cult cinema. It’s a bittersweet, darkly comedic tale of two out-of-work actors living in squalor in 1969 London who decide they “need a holiday” and head to the countryside. Spoiler alert: chaos ensues.

On the surface, it’s hilarious, but there’s a deeper melancholy at play here about the passage of time and the loss of youth. It’s sharp, endlessly quotable, and the type of movie you’ll randomly reference to see if anyone else “gets it.”