It is unclear exactly how a movie achieves a cult following, but there is most definitely not a scarcity of such films. In no particular order, here are eight movies with cult followings that everyone should watch at some point in their lifetime:

1. “Dazed and Confused”

Set on the last day of school in 1976, the 1993 film directed by Richard Linklater has garnered a considerable cult following due to its relatable nature. The Texas teens of this coming-of-age film cope with everything from hazing to taking issue in obeying authority figures. Intense feelings of nostalgia may result from watching this film—even for individuals who never experienced 70’s culture firsthand. “Dazed and Confused” never won any significant awards, but it does feature the first official on-screen appearance of now-legendary actor, Matthew McConaughey. Take an hour and 42 minutes out of your day to watch this rated-R flick and you will come to agree that the film is more than, “alright, alright, alright.”

2. “Pulp Fiction”

Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 crime-drama features a star-studded cast including Bruce Willis, John Travolta, and Samuel L. Jackson. The stories and tribulations of a robber couple, two hit-men, the wife of a gangster, and a professional fighter intermingle in the most intriguing and mind-blowing fashions throughout the Oscar-winning film. Violence, action, honor, and redemption are among the common themes. Despite being a rather long film, there is never a dull moment. If you are looking for a thrilling and intellectually-stimulating way to pass three hours or want to know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in France, add this film to your list on Netflix.

3. “Good Will Hunting”

What happens when you put Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Robin Williams together in a movie? You get a brilliant storyline centered around a genius who happens to be facing an identity crisis acted out to perfection. The 1997 film, “Good Will Hunting,” chronicles the story of a mathematically-gifted janitor at MIT whose life is permanently altered for the better by the advice of a therapist. Rated ‘R’ for strong language, the film shows the most realistic side of life in South Boston. It is no surprise, with such a moving story-line, that the drama has earned itself such a dedicated following over the years.

4. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Matthew Broderick plays Ferris Bueller—the poster child of high school wise guys around the country—in this classic 1986 comedy. It’s safe to say that just about any teenager has dreamed of having a day off like Bueller. His antics are hilarious and his sophisticated plans to have the most outrageous “sick day” in the city of Chicago most definitely do not fall short. Bueller always seems one step ahead of the game, and more importantly, one step ahead of his principal. Nominated for a Golden Globe, this movie has indubitably achieved cult-following status and is available on Netflix.

5. “Menace II Society”

Told from the perspective of Caine, an 18-year-old street hustler, this 1993 drama received high critical acclaim. After graduating, Caine shows little to no interest in anything but drug dealing, stealing cars, and hanging out with his friends. These poor decisions force his religious grandparents to kick him out. The rest of the movie chronicles Caine’s harrowing quest for life-improvement juxtaposed by the perils and violence associated with the streets of the Los Angeles ghetto. Romance, action, and adventure run rampant throughout the R-rated urban crime drama, making it appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

6. “The Blair Witch Project”

Those who enjoy compiled-footage horror and mystery movies have none other to thank than the creators of the 1999 “The Blair Witch Project,” as it was the first of its kind. It follows three film students who travel to Massachusetts in an attempt to film a documentary about a local Blair Witch legend. The students vanish prior to the completion of the project and leave only the footage behind. Using the tagline “the scariest movie of all time is a true story,” the film altered the approach to horror movies for years to come and gained a significant following because of its innovation.

7. “Easy Rider”

“Easy Rider” is the tale of Wyatt and Billy, young “hippy” bikers from Southern California, who set off on a cross-country motorcycle expedition to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. On the way, they face harsh prejudice and hatred by closed-minded individuals for their alternate lifestyles. The 1969 R-rated film exposes the counter culture of bikers during the era and is responsible for inspiring many young men and women to partake in or idolize biker culture. Strong political statements made by this movie make it an overwhelmingly worth-while watch. It seems necessary however, that a warning is included that this movie features one of the most confusing and enraging endings to any movie, ever.

8. “Dead Man”

Deemed an “acid western,” this 1996 black-and-white indie flick depicts young Johnny Depp as an accountant who finds himself in the town of Machine on the western frontier. Depp’s character shares his name—William Blake—with a famous romantic poet. After committing murder, he decides to get out of town. On the way, he receives help from Nobody. “Nobody,” a Native American who has been ostracized by his tribe, takes a liking to the young accountant—due to his namesake being shared with his favorite poet—and aids him in his time of need. Blake goes through a series of significant changes throughout his odyssey and ultimately, his entire perspective on the world is altered. This dreamlike-fantasy-western combo provides an interesting, albeit strange outlook on life and loneliness, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

18lgregory@usd489.com