Not every movie is fully appreciated in its time. For every blockbuster grossing $100 million or arthouse hit sweeping the Academy Awards, dozens more fade away. Bad marketing, poor release timing, or lack of buzz often doom them. Even films with good reviews, solid box office, and Oscar nods can end up overlooked by year’s end.
Most movies fade into obscurity over time, destined to be forgotten. However, a few endure, gaining esteem and a growing, passionate fanbase with each decade. These are cult classics. Each decade has its own, filling revival houses with fans who recite every line.
The 1990s were prime for cult hits, largely due to home video. Films that flopped in theaters found new life on VHS and DVD, with many thriving further through streaming. Choosing the best from so many is tough, but click below for the 10 top cult movies of the 1990s.