Buzz
Cult films are unique in that they gain a loyal following and are often rewatched by fans, even if they didn't achieve box office success initially. These movies build their audience gradually, and many people never get the chance to experience them. If you haven't seen these 10 iconic cult films from the 20th century, they are a must-watch.
10. What’s Up, Tiger Lily? (1966)
Woody Allen acquired a low-quality Japanese film titled International Secret Police: Key of Keys and completely revoiced it. For those who aren’t fans of Woody Allen, rest assured—he only appears briefly in the introduction.
The plot isn’t the main focus here, as the film essentially functions as a full-length parody of bad lipreading. The writing doesn’t align much with Allen’s other works, making this movie a standalone piece in many respects.
The real enjoyment comes when the dialogue is rewritten to completely transform the subtext of a scene. This film is among the pioneers of its kind, sparking a new genre where humorous lines are dubbed over silent or foreign films.
9. Closet Land (1991)
Picture a movie that runs for 90 minutes, features just two actors, and is confined to a single room. That’s exactly what this film is, and it’s absolutely brilliant!
This psychological thriller follows a children’s book author who is taken captive by an unidentified government agency and subjected to intense questioning about the content of her book. Is it a covert critique of the government, or simply an innocent children’s story?
Alan Rickman’s portrayal of psychological manipulation is both incredibly nuanced and disturbingly authentic. While the film’s pacing is deliberate, it’s one of those thought-provoking movies that leaves you pondering: What would you do in her shoes? Could you ever find yourself at the mercy of those in power?
8. Play It Again, Sam (1972)
Play It Again, Sam is famously associated with a line that doesn’t actually appear in any movie, yet it cleverly ties this film to Casablanca. Woody Allen stars as a man who is utterly captivated by Casablanca and its legendary actor, Humphrey Bogart.
While this could have been a straightforward romantic tale, Allen’s character imagines Bogart’s persona offering him guidance on relationships throughout the movie. At times, Bogart advises Allen to be assertive and straightforward with women. Fans of Casablanca may either adore or despise Play It Again, Sam, as its core themes and storyline closely echo those of the classic film.
The climax of Play It Again, Sam mirrors the iconic ending of Casablanca. Allen even delivers the line, “If that plane leaves the ground and you’re not on it, you’ll regret it; maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life.”
This line is impeccably timed and serves as a fitting conclusion to the film.
7. The Flight of Dragons (1982)
This captivating fantasy film remains accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences. The plot follows a man who is transported back in time to an era of magic and dragons, where he must assist in thwarting an evil wizard’s plans for domination.
To achieve this, he relies on science and logic as his primary tools. However, due to an unfortunate accident, his consciousness is transferred into the body of a young dragon, which he must guide on a perilous journey to confront the malevolent sorcerer.
The movie explores the idea that fantasy and reality, while incompatible, can coexist harmoniously to offer a balanced perspective on life. It stands as a stunning example of American animation at its finest.
6. American Pop (1981)
American Pop delves into the evolution of American music from the early 20th century to the 1980s. The film traces the journey of a family, starting with a Russian immigrant boy and spanning three generations as they immerse themselves in the world of American music.
The narrative intertwines themes of organized crime, war, economic hardship, and drug addiction, yet it all converges into a cohesive and impactful story. The soundtrack, carefully selected for each era, seamlessly transitions from one musical period to the next.
The film concludes with a powerful montage featuring iconic songs. It opens with a piano rendition of Bob Seger’s “Night Moves,” which is mesmerizing. Like many of Bakshi’s works, the animation primarily uses rotoscoping (tracing over live-action footage), making it a standout piece in American animation history.
5. The Last Starfighter (1984)
This film brings to life the ultimate childhood fantasy of the 1980s. Imagine being so skilled at an arcade game that extraterrestrials visit Earth to enlist you in an actual interstellar battle.
The arcade game was actually a sophisticated training tool designed to identify the best candidates to join an intergalactic battle for peace. While the protagonist is off in space, a robotic replica is left on Earth to ensure his absence goes unnoticed.
However, things don’t go as smoothly as planned, injecting a dose of humor into this otherwise action-packed sci-fi adventure. The movie is notable for featuring some of the earliest examples of computer-generated imagery. While these effects may seem dated now, they were groundbreaking for their time in 1984.
4. Naked Lunch (1991)
If you enjoy being overwhelmed by surreal visuals, metaphors, and sheer madness, you’re likely a fan of William S. Burroughs. In that case, Naked Lunch is a must-watch.
Adapted from the novel of the same name, Naked Lunch explores the dark realities of drug addiction in a manner reminiscent of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. The protagonist, a writer, experiences hallucinations of a giant insect emerging from his typewriter, which then commands him to murder his wife.
Determined to resist, the protagonist ultimately “kills” the insect by smashing his typewriter. Later, he unintentionally causes his wife’s death—or does he? Hallucinations and paranoia persist as he is haunted by this traumatic event. The line between reality and imagination becomes increasingly blurred.
3. The Last Unicorn (1982)
Many mistakenly label this film as a children’s movie, but they overlook its depth. The Last Unicorn is a fantasy tale that tackles mature themes like loss, survival, isolation, and fear.
The animation is exquisitely crafted and a visual delight. The story follows the world’s last unicorn as she ventures beyond her magical forest in search of others like her.
She journeys through a world where magic and mythical beings have faded into obscurity. Along the way, she encounters both foes and friends, eventually transforming into a human girl and nearly losing her true identity.
This captivating tale is perfect for family viewing or solo enjoyment. The Last Unicorn boasts one of the most memorable soundtracks in animated cinema, featuring original songs by the band America.
2. Dark City (1998)
Dark City stands as one of the most remarkable sci-fi films of the late 1990s. Blending neo-noir and mystery, the story follows an amnesiac protagonist named John, who finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation.
As he tries to uncover his true identity and his connection to the crime, he grapples with the question of whether he is inherently evil. The film delves into profound themes about human nature, questioning whether evil is innate or a result of external influences.
The movie’s setting is a stunning, ever-shifting dark cityscape. The antagonists, known as “The Strangers,” include peculiar characters like Mr. Book and Mr. Hand, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
The film features standout performances by Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jennifer Connelly. While the pacing begins slowly, it quickly gains momentum, leading to a stunning conclusion enhanced by remarkable special effects.
1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
This is the kind of film that could bring even Chuck Norris to tears. It chronicles the harrowing journey of a brother and sister struggling to survive after the firebombing of Tokyo in March 1945. Following their mother’s death, the siblings are left to navigate a world of devastation on their own.
The narrative focuses on their fight for survival and their tragic destiny. Though deeply sorrowful, the film is a must-watch, offering a poignant look at the horrors of war from the perspective of the innocent, particularly from the viewpoint of “the other side” in the context of American/Allied history.
The firebombing of Tokyo and other Japanese cities was designed to destabilize and instill fear in the population—and it succeeded. This movie masterfully captures that reality. Prepare to be moved to tears.
