Cult films are movies that have a dedicated, passionate following. Originally, the term was coined to describe the following of midnight movies, such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in the 1970's. Since then the term has grown and now cult film is its own established sub-genre. They are often marketed as cult objects - occasionally films are made with the idea that they will become cult hits in the future. This sort of film can be kept alive after failing at the box-office thanks to its fans and their efforts to ensure that it does not get forgotten by quoting it, holding special screenings and engaging in other types of audience participation including things like cosplay. A film can be labelled a cult movie for many reasons. The aforementioned box-office failure is one, along with the presence of a certain actor, themes or stylistic devices. They are often transgressive and push the boundaries of what is acceptable to show on film at the time. Everybody likes something a bit weird, don't they? If a film is a little strange or goes against the grain then it will inevitably pique the interest of whoever is watching it. Hollywood blockbusters rarely do this and so audiences instead turn to marginalised films for that experience. Cult films are more than happy to help in this regard and some, like the films on this list, are very weird indeed.
Honourable Mention - Holy Motors
Leo Carax's Holy Motors is one of the strangest films of recent years. It was an art-house hit when it came out in 2012 and a lot of praise was given to the performances and the film's lush visual style. Narratively, the film is bizarre, to say the least. It is ostensibly about a man named Oscar who's something akin to an actor who inhabits many different roles. Except there are no cameras to capture his performances. Holy Motors is very experimental and doesn't give away it's meaning to the audience willingly and certain scenes (like the accordion interlude) come completely out of nowhere (yet never seem out of place). With appearances from talking limousines, chimpanzees and Eva Mendes the film is certainly never dull. Although its cult status so soon after release is uncertain - check back in a couple of years.