12 Cult Classic Sci-Fis You Stupidly Ignored First Time
10. The City Of Lost Children
Co-directed by Oscar-nominated French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet before he made Amélie, The City Of Lost Children (La Cité Des Enfants Perdus) is a deliriously weird and visually spectacular French film you've probably never heard of.
Following the surreal premise of a prematurely ageing mad scientist named Krank (Daniel Emilfork) who kidnaps children to steal their dreams, this bonkers film sees Ron Perlman as circus strongman One on a mission to rescue his younger brother who's been kidnapped by Krank. Including menacing Santa Clauses, a brain in a vat, and a cyborg cult, this film is brimming with imagination that's equal parts grotesque and fantastical.
Complete with a soaring score by none other than Twin Peak's Angelo Badalamenti, this film was adored by critics upon its initial 1995 release. Despite this, however, it only managed to make back $1.7 million from its $18 million budget, bombing horribly internationally.
Over 25 years since, The City Of Lost Children's weirdness and creative visuals has managed to capture the hearts of a small cult following. But given the talent behind this production and just how absurd it is, this film deserves so much more attention than it's been given.