My Top 25 Cult Classics

ahh Donnie Darko, one of my favorite movies of all time. Brilliant acting and a plot line that makes you think. Its one of those movies you have to watch a few times to get the full aspect of it. I love the moments where you get to "peek behind the curtains" of other characters lives and see what it is that makes them. All the characters in this movie seem complete, like they already existed and someone just came in and started filming. Also the sequel S. Darko is a must see for any Darko fan. Not nearly as good as the original but its good to see at least once. I like that they got Daveigh Chase to play Samantha again. Again its like someone just picked the camera back up and started filming.

Now this IS my favorite movie of all time. I love the beautiful simplicity of it all. Stepping in on the lives of Irish twin brothers Connor and Murphy as they set forth on their "mission from god" to obliterate the crime mobs in Boston. I think everyone has wanted to take matters into their own hands and watching the brothers do just that is like watching a symphony of Truth and Justice. My sister and I love this movie so much that we even have matching Veritas and Aequitas tattoos. We felt the same connection and closeness that the brothers had and saw it quite fitting.

2 words....Quentin Tarantino. Undoubtably one of the greatest directors of all time and certainly my personal favorite. Basically all of his movies deserve to be on this list but to give some other movies a chance, I refrained. His non linear story telling and love for Japanese pop culture and martial arts gives Tarantino a special place in the cult classic hall of fame. His look at the gritty underbelly of society all set to a brilliant sound track makes Pulp Fiction another of my all time favorites.

*Spoiler Alert* This movie shows schizophrenia at its cinematic best. Self-Destruction and the impending collapse of society helps distract the viewer from externally internal fight between a characters own self. Just remember the first the first rule of Fight Club...WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB!

A deeply disturbing look at addiction and the lengths someone will go to just to get their fix. (as I am still haunted by the disturbing final images of the film). As hard as it is to watch sometimes I appreciate Aronofsky's visually cinematic masterpiece. I think instead of PSA's and Anti Drug commercials, they should make kids watch this movie and I guarantee none of them will ever want to try drugs in their life.

Growing up watching this movie all the time it still amazes me how few people have seen it let alone heard of it. If you can get past David Bowie in a spandex jump suit the whole movie (but then again its David Bowie, we should have known) then its easy to fall in love with almost every character. (my personal being Ludo) The creative mind of Jim Henson never ceases to amaze and entertain me. Still catching myself singing along at work to Jump Magic Jump I know I will never out grow this movie.

Guy Ritchie (with his Tarantino-esque movie stylings) is another of my favorite directiors. Whats not to love about this movie?...Boxing, Diamond heists, british accents, and bad ass guns...enough said! The all star cast line up compiles many of my favorite actors all in one.

The story of the gentle monster, Edward and his transition from solitude to the very pastel and cookie cutter neighborhood where people (suprisingly) take to him pretty quickly. Its almost beauty and the beast like fairy tale moments make me a believer in true love all over again.

Stanley Kubrick's (another director that I admire) Clockwork Orange gives a beautifly dark look at the futures Ultra-violent youth. The symphony of Classical music sets the erie back drop for young Alex's journey through an experimental rehabilitation program devised to make him physically ill at even the thought of the things that he once loved so much. On a side note I think that this is Malcom McDowell's finest performance to date.

No Cult Classic list is complete with out the very campy and over the top Rocky Horror Picture Show. The story of Brad and Janets trip into the freaky world of transvestite scientist, Dr. Frankenfurter's mansion. After 35 years this movie has influenced generation after generation creating some of the most devoted fans in cinema.

Set in NYC this movie follows the street gang "The Warriors" as they try to make their way back to Coney Island (Alive) after being framed for killing another gang leader. Their merciless trek from the bronx to Coney Islant takes them through several other gang territories where they must fight their way through. Great one liners and gratuitious violence puts this on my list. *clank, clank, clank* "Warriors...Come out to plaaaaaaaaaay!"

Ahh the Lost Boys...80's cinematic glory! I file this under Awesomely Bad Movies. I love Keifer Sutherlands role in this movie. Bad ass vampire biker gang leader...*sigh*. And what 80's movie isnt complete without the corey's, this time donning the roles of a know-it-all vamp slayer and the younger brother of main character, Michael. This movie also expresses the bonds of brotherhood knowing that Sam will fight for his brother Michael even if he is a Vampire! Best part of the movie however is the Grandpa at the end with his famous line: "One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach, all the damn vampires".

Though much controversy with the church circled around this movie upon its release, it survived through to give us a new take on the christianity faith. An all star cast sets out the story of 2 fallen angels trying to get back into heaven throgh a loop hole in the system. Assigned to stop them are an abortion clinic worker named Bethany and Kevin Smith's Dynamic Duo, Jay and Silent Bob (played by Smith himself). I love this movie because of it interesting spin on religion that sets the catholic church on its head. Funny and full of satire, this movie earns its spot on the list.

200 Cigarettes is one of my favorite under-rated movies of all time. It's set on New Years Eve 1981 in NYC. Following the lives of twentysomethings all over town and their quests for life, love or just sex. All of their paths cross getting them into funny blunders and mishaps but eventually leading them all to the same party where the host (who thought no one was coming and gets pass out drunk) misses her own killer new years eve party. Choc full of 80's style and slang, this movie is a must see.

If youve been looking for that perfect goth rock opera movie then look no further. Repo is a story set in the future where organ failure has run rampid but lucky enought there is a company called GeneCo who is willing to finance organs. Take heed though because if you fail to pay then they send out Repo Men to reposess their property. (Basically creating legal assasination) The story line is brilliant and if you can get past the fact that it is a musical (but a really rock-esque kick ass musical) then you wont be disappointed. The basic plot line was actually stolen for the 2010 Repo Men with Jude Law. I prefer this version more.

Once again, Kevin Smith is making his way onto my countdown. Ive always heard mixed emotions about this movie but to me it is brilliant in its simplicity...right down to the black and white. I was actually upset that the second one was in color. I think it took a little something away from it. Following the lives of store clerks Dante and Randall through a day in the life, however this particular day they are getting more than they expected. As always our beloved duo Jay and Silent Bob take their throne hanging out in front of the Quick Stop giving us hilarious comedic antics.

Im not sure that this movie would technically be concidered a cult classic but every person I have turned onto this movie has loved it so I am single handedly creating a cult of fans for this movie so thats why it lands here. I dont want to give too much of this movie away because if you havent seen it YOU MUST! Ellen Page gives a brilliant performance showing that she has wisdom far beyond her years.

Another by Guy Ritchie, Lock Stock tells the story of 4 guys of the british working class who have a seemingly fool proof way to get money in a high stakes poker game. Well not all goes to plan and they wind up owing more money that they have. This follows them as they try to scrounge up the money before the deadline. Jason Stathman and Vinnie Jones give stellar performances.

If you have ever worked out of a cubical then this movie really rings home. Peter Gibbons is a regular run of the mill white collar worker who, after a hypnosis therapy session, is re evaluating his outlook on his job and life in general. After he and a few buddies devise a plan to secretly and slowly embezzle money from the company, all does not go according to plan and hilarity ensues.

No, Not the musical with Zac Efron (though I do love that one as well). Im refering to the John Waters version. I just love John Waters and his Campy over the top style. I love that he centers around Baltimore (being from Maryland myself) and really brings out the flavor of a movie. His perverse sense of humor and style is like a breath of fresh air (or dirty air, however you wanna look at it) over hollywood.

The Fairy Tale to end all fairy tales. Princes and sword fights, magic and humor, this movie transcends the generations. Its heart felt love story and almost monty python type humor makes this movie an instant classic that we can pass on for many years to come.

Tim Burton combines my 2 favorite holidays...Halloween and Christmas. The first of its kind, the realistic animation brings you into the dark yet enchanting world of Halloweentown and its residents. The leader of the town is Jack Skellington and this year he wants to do Christmas! This movie is great for all ages. Im currently trying to get my 1 year old nephew into this movie. Just doing my part to expand the audience =)

Though this movie bombed in the theater, its home sales sky rocketed...most attribute that fact that you couldnt bring your bong into the theater. Though not condoning it, this movie is exponentially better when viewed through hazy eyes. The last day of school 1976 begins the hazing process between up coming Seniors and Freshman. The glory days of the 70's set to a kick ass soundtrack.

Benicio Del Toro + Johnny Depp + Psychadellic Drugs = AWESOME! It will make you feel high even if your not.

Veronica half wants to be part of the cool crowd and the other half wants to murder them. When she starts dating the rebel J.D. it leans more towards the murder half. A funny look at the social ladder that lives in every high school.