It's Just a Jump to the Left

What exactly makes a film a cult classic? Probably one of the first movies that comes to mind when you hear the term is Rocky Horror Picture Show. It definitely has a cult following, but it doesn't really fit the typical definition of a cult classic.

To quote Urban Dictionary (Oh yes, a reliable source.) a cult classi is "a popular piece of work, generally a movie, which has gained a large following. This following has most likely been around for at least a few years..." RHPS would not fit this description since it's following was immediate. Cult classics usually don't do well initially. The definition continues though to say "...except for cases of an 'instant cult classic,' in which a movie gains instant fame which remains for decades to come."

I do believe that RHPS is probably the most well known cult classic, but it's success was when it was released. It did well in the theaters, and to me, that doesn't really scream "cult" classic. Cult following, yes, but a movie that's just classic, despite being a bit different than Gone with the Wind. (Which, by the way, did so well in theaters it was the biggest money maker for fifty years.)

To me, a cult classic would be something more like Donnie Darko. It was barely a blip on the rader when it was released in theaters. About a year later, however, teenagers across the country found themselves drawn to the movie. Many identified with young Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) and the movie became a huge hit. It has since made more money on DVD sales then it did in theaters, and it spawned a sequel ten years later entitled S. Darko.

I think that "cult classic" is a term that is going to die off soon. Most movies, even independently made ones, are shown at so many theaters, it's not hard to have minor success at the box office. Years ago, it was easy for a film to barely get any press while it was showing, but then become well known after it was released to video. Cult followings of movies will continue to thrive, but they will be bigger and you'll probably have actually heard of the movie.