What Were The Best Cult Films of 2018?

Cult films. While not always liked by average moviegoers, they resonate strongly with their small, obsessive fanbases. In 2005 I torrented my first cult movie, Boondock Saints. If you’ve seen it, you won’t feel bad either. Most cult films don’t do well in the theatre. Here is an overview of the top 10 cult movies of 2018.

10. Suspiria

Suspiria Official Trailer

Suspiria is the well-anticipated remake of the original 1977 Dario Argento film. Dakota Johnson plays the leading role while Thom Yorke from Radiohead provides the music. This psychedelic horror centers around a dance studio with mysterious darkness.

What makes Suspiria a cult film?

• The original film had a cult following due to its confusing plot and horror visuals

• The casting of Dakota Johnson and music of Thom Yorke draw both their fan bases

• Polarizing horror type movie with ballet elements that draw a small niche crowd

Yes, this movie is about ballet

9. Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Official Trailer

Leave No Trace is a film set in the Pacific Northwest that could not exist without this setting. Starring Ben Foster, this movie makes you think about environmental and social issues, and focuses on a single question: Should people be allowed to live in the woods if they want to and aren’t harming anyone?

What makes Leave No Trace a cult film?

• Small niche audience

• Subject matter leans in a liberal direction

• Filmed locally in the Pacific Northwest

This is the golden rule of camping.

8. Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Ballad of Buster Scruggs Official Trailer

Ballad of Buster Scruggs was released on Netflix and stars Tim Blake Nelson. The film depicts reality in the old west through six short stories. Directed by the Coen Brothers, this film draws similarities to O Brother Where Art Thou.

What makes the Ballad of Buster Scruggs a cult film?

• Coen Brothers

• Signature Coen Brother style using quirky comedy

• Well developed plot with relatable characters and filming 

I am not a man of constant sorrow. 

7. Halloween

Halloween Official Trailer

The most recent Halloween, directed by David Gordon Green, is the 11th in the series. John Carpenter was the producer of the film and helps maintain the original aspects of Jason. This version doesn’t suck like the recent Rob Zombies adaptation.

What makes Halloween a cult film?

• Iconic horror movie

• Multiple sequels that ignore one another’s plot

• Return of Jamie Lee Curtis as an adult

Jason is back…for the eleventh time 

6. Ready Player One

Ready Player One Official Trailer

Ready Player One is a film depicting a virtual reality world. This film is considered a unique Spielberg straying from his traditional films. Ready Player One had a romance between Tye Sheridan and Olivia Cooke. 

What makes Ready Player One a cult film?

• Based on a novel by Ernest Cline

• The movie is a gigantic reference to other nerd culture

• Heavy gamer influence

I haven't been outside in years.

5. Hereditary

Hereditary Official Trailer

Hereditary is an A24 horror movie directed and written by Ari Aster. This is not a typical horror movie relying on jump scares. Hereditary, like its predecessor The Witch, remains creepy through the use of suspense.

What makes Hereditary a cult film?

• A24 cult following

• Controversial ending

• Similar to The Witch, this movie is polarizing

Will it really go there?

4. Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade Official Trailer

Comedian Bo Burnham debuts as the writer and director of Eighth Grade. Up and coming actress Elsie Fisher stars as an introverted teenage girl in middle school. This film shows the brutality of middle school in an uncomfortable way.

What makes Eighth Grade a cult film?

• Comedian Bo Burnham following

• Correctly portrayed middle school awkwardness

• A24 cult following

Is Hollister still in style?

3. Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot

Don't Worry He Won't Get Far on Foot Official Trailer

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot follows an alcoholic cartoonist from Portland. The movie depicts a tough road to sobriety following the main characters paralyzing car crash. This film is directed by Gus Van Sant a local Portland native.

What makes Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot a cult film?

• Gus Van Sant is a cult director

• Director enjoys using hometown (Portland) for filming

• Joaquin Phoenix has gained a sizable following 

But he can get around really quick on wheels.

2. Annihilation

Annihilation Official Trailer

Annihilation is a psychedelic horror directed by Alex Garland. The film is based on the best-selling novel written by Jeff VanderMeer. Annihilation stars Natalie Portman as a biologist chosen for a dangerous expedition. This film is famous for a vivid bear scene.

What makes Annihilation a cult film?

• Original fan base from Annihilation book

• Themes outside the mainstream

• Director has a following from previous film Ex Machina

Is that a bear?

1. Mandy

Mandy Official Trailer

Mandy, set in the Pacific Northwest, stars Nicolas Cage in a typically manic role. This is a revenge movie with Tarantinoesque style. The movie depicts Nicolas Cage seeking vengeance after the death of his girlfriend Mandy played by Andrea Riseborough.

What makes Mandy a cult film?

•  Nicolas Cage in an insane role

•  Panos Cosmatos has a cult following from his previous work Beyond the Black Rainbow

•  Features psychedelic violence that is over the top

Cage at his bloodiest

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