What movie anymore can really be considered cult? The generic definition would be a smaller or underground film, possibly due to controversial subject matter, that has many devoted fans despite its limited release. Due to the instant hype ANY film can now receive via word of mouth due to the internet, this definition doesn't hold any relevance anymore. And usually, the stranger or more controversial themes end up making these films even more popular than the big budget Hollywood epics. Rocky Horror was considered the original if not the ultimate 'cult' film, but is so well known in our day and age, that even the popular FOX show GLEE devoted an entire episode to it. Are there any movies out there still considerable as cult? I would list NECROMANTIK as one. Because of its subject matter (fairly obvious from the title, I hope) it is still a widely known film in very limited circles, and even fewer have sat though it. Is it a good film? I never even thought about it. Its depictions are horrifying and it is a movie, that once viewed, will never leave you (8MM, anyone?). So, maybe then 'cult film' can have a 'reverse shelf life' or a period of time that it must remain very unacknowledged by the general public for whatever reason, but it's 'cult' tendencies are eventually overlooked as the film becomes more popular. I don't know, but food for thoughts on this thread (one I find interesting and am saddened by its lack of feedback).
and the addendum to help the OP on the film Fear and Loathing... I would find it near impossible to consider this a cult film, and would love a more in depth explanation from anyone who does into why they consider it cult. This film was huge and extremely anticipated by the public at large with a director who was more 'cult'ish 30 years ago (when he needed George Harrison to fund his movie) and two lead actors whose names usually mean box office gold. What aspect of that would one consider as 'cult'? If it because of its depiction of drug use, then how does this fit in with the definition of 'cult'? Thoughts anyone? Not looking for trolling bashfests, but I'm genuinely interested in this subject.
Fear and Loathing is absolutely a cult movie, it was released in 1998 or so, bombed in the box office, gets ripped on by pretty much every movie review I've ever read of it but still has a strong underground following.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was a box office failure, grossing US$10.6 million at the North American box office, well below its $18.5 million budget. It has since become a cult film due in large part to its release on DVD, including a Special Edition released by The Criterion Collection. I don't know where you are getting your info dragonchaser, also this post is 3 years old.
