Not all movies are made to besmashing successes on release, whether this be by design and appealing to a smaller audience or failing to capture the intended broader audience. However, many movies find themselves sticking with the audience long after the release, cementing themselves in the culture with a dedicated following of fans.
These films, often out of the spotlight of pop culture, have become beloved favorites of a large enough group that the moviesenter cult status.
The comedy genre has no shortage of cult movies, with every era boasting dozens, if not hundreds, of films that may have failed to capture wide attention but have that rabid fanbase to back up their merits and sing their praises. These 15 underrated comedies became cult classics over the decades since their release, which comedy fans either rabidly love — or need to check out.
16Harold and Maude (1971)
Harold and Maude
Harold Chasen is a young teenager obsessed with death, and one of his favorite pastimes is going to funerals. His parents, desperate to see a change in him, introduce him to various girls, all of whom he scares off by faking his death on their first meeting. However, when he meets the much older woman Maude, who shares the same obsession with death but has a more lively outlook on life, the two become friends, and Harold slowly falls for Maude.
Related:20 Critically Acclaimed Cult Classics Everyone Needs to See
Bonding Over Death
Harold and Maudeis a dark comedy that appeases those looking for more troubledcoming-of-age storiesas much as it appeals to those who look for movies that explore complex relationships. The subject matter, combined with the age discrepancy between Harold and Maude (Bud Cort was 23 and Ruth Gordon was 75) would leave one under the false expectation that the movie is sensational or exploitative.
However,Harold and Maudeis rather heartwarming and tragic, complemented by comedic undertones, including the dark humor of Harold in creating various scenes of his demise to shock others.
Rent Harold and Maude on Apple TV
15Slap Shot (1977)
A failing ice hockey team decides to take a different approach to the sport by fully embracing the enforcer role and building a team of goons that use brute strength to dominate the game. However, as their games become more of a spectacle and less of a celebration of the sport, their coach and captain, Reggie (played by Paul Newman), begin to rethink their approach, and they start to long for glory through skill over brutality.
It’s Hockey Night Tonight!
Before there wasGoon: The Last Enforcer, this ’70s comedy embodied the era of ‘goonery’ on the rink, and did so with a clever script and a memorable cast of characters. Notably, the “Hanson Brothers” Jeff, Steve, and Jack would be a welcome parody of playersforged by the gameand tied entirely to the sport; they also happen to be very quotable despite their simple language use.
Slapshotcertainly brought in some over-the-top humor with its focus on sports violence on the ice, but its strong story of redemption to back it up is what has cemented it as a cult classic. The movie spawned two sequels, but neither one beat the original.
Rent Slapshot on Apple TV
14The Crazy Family (1984)
Finally moving into their dream home, a nuclear family headed by a dedicated father and salaryman embraces the new roles and responsibilities of leading the Japanese dream. However, the father notices slight issues with the home and his family’s behavior. He starts to believe that they are both unworthy of their new status and harboring an incurable illness. The family goes to war, and the romantic family life is destroyed in the chaos.
A Family Dream Turned Nightmare
There is a joyous absurdity in breaking down the family unit that also works as a commentary against the very system and idealized existence touted as the ultimate achievement. The movie’s decline into chaos, including the father excavating the floor in a desperate search for a bug’s nest and a child studying to the point of severe derangement, is a pretty glorious thing to behold.
Made bypunk-cinema provocateurSogo Ishii,The Crazy Familystill embraces that spirit of anti-establishment art. It has made this unorthodox comedy a cult hit among his fans and those who enjoy the unique type of absurdity that Japanese filmmakers excel at capturing.
The Crazy Familyis currently not available for stream or rent
13The Legend of the Stardust Brothers (1985)
The Legend of the Stardust Brothersfollows the rise and fall of two aspiring musicians, Kan and Shingo, who make it big after making a deal with a shady music mogul and donning the Stardust Brothers moniker. Troubles mark their quick rise as the two begin to engage in reckless behavior and slowly drift apart before ultimately realizing that the true strength of their talents rests in their friendship. The movie also follows the leader of their fan club, who has aspirations of being a singer.
Fame and Misfortune
The Legend of the Stardust Brothersis one of those movies that stayed buried in time for ages before seeing a re-release, including international showings that made it an instant re-discovered cult classic. This is because the musical wonderfully balances elements of comedy, surrealism, and drama, all under the charismatic performances of Shingo Kubota & Kan Takagi.
The soundtrack also boasted a unique range of talent from the music industry at the time, with the catchy musical numbers helping to feed the success. For fans of Japanese culture, it is of note that the film’s director, Macoto Tezuka, is the son of the godfather of manga, Osamu Tezuka.
Stream Legend of the Stardust Brothers on Tubi
12Withnail & I (1987)
Set in the late ’60s in London,Withnail and Ifollows two struggling actors living in poverty and desperate to get their fix of alcohol. The two decide to reach out to one of their uncles who owns a cottage in the countryside, with the idea of getting away from the dreariness of the city and their continued failure. However, the two struggle with life without the amenities they have grown accustomed to, and soon find themselves at odds with the locals.
We’ve Gone on Holiday by Mistake
Highly quotable mockery of the bourgeois and the social differences between city and rural life in the UK,Withnail and Iis less about the plot and more about getting caught up in the personas of its characters. Oddly charismatic, Withnail’s (Richard E. Grant) self-serving attitude and overconfidence gives him a wicked tongue and comedic cowardice that always places the blame elsewhere.
“I” (Paul McGann), more reserved and prone to paranoia, makes the perfect compatriot to the more outspoken and sinister Withnail. The movie has earned a rabid fanbase, with many being able to talk along with some of the most memorable scenes, of which there are many. The film is also prone to romanticizationfor those who enjoy indulging in drink.
Stream Withnail and I on the Criterion Channel
11Heathers (1988)
Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder), a high school student, has found herself in the most popular and feared clique at high school, which consists of three girls, all named Heather. Growing tired of their cruel antics, Veronica teams up with a rebellious newcomer, Jason Dean (Christian Slater), to challenge their dominance over the school. However, Dean’s antics prove to go too far for Veronica, and the two begin to clash.
Related:10 Movies That Scream Teenage Angst
Taking Things a Little Too Far
Michael Lehmann’sHeatherswill likely be the most recognizable title on this list, given its rise to cult status came with wider success, including a musical and TV series starring Grace Victoria Cox. However, nothing beats the original for its dry and dark humorwonderfully conveyed by Winona Ryder.
The movie, like many classic cult comedies, is also highly quotable, with one of the best lines in cinema for those who love stories of rebellious youth: “Dear diary, my teenage angst bulls*** now has a body count.”
Stream Heathers on Prime Video
10Rubin and Ed (1991)
Nervous and failing businessman Ed Tuttle thinks he has found his mark when he meets eccentric and antisocial Rubin Farr. However, their awkward meeting ends up getting the two on an unlikely journey as they head to the desert to bury Rubin’s cat. Constantly clashing against each other, they end up forming an odd friendship.
My Cat Can Eat a Whole Watermelon
Some know Crispin Glover as George McFly fromBack to the Future, with some extending their knowledge, including Mr World inAmerican Godsor the star of the 2003 remake ofWillard. Others may know him as one of the few actors to receive a ban from theLate Show with David Letterman(which happened during the promotion of Rubin and Ed).
However, Glover has garnered his cult success due partly to his unique persona outside the Hollywood system, which includes books, music, and movies, which can only be caught when he tours them.
Glover’s involvement in the project and one of his more eccentric characters is enough to draw one intoRubin and Edand cement its cult status. However, the movie, directed by Trent Harris, has much more going for it, thanks to its highly quotable script andbizarre character pairingof Glover and Howard Hesseman. There are also lovely moments of surrealism, including the “My cat can eat a whole watermelon” scene.
Rubin and Edis not currently available for stream or rent
9Serial Mom (1994)
Serial Momfollows the perfect suburban mom, Beverly Sutphin (played by Kathleen Turner), who harbors a dark secret from her family — that she is a serial killer. Priding herself as the ideal mother and follower of social etiquette, Beverly kills based on those she deems have broken the rules of civility. Once finally discovered, she becomes a peculiar celebrity for her upbeat persona and willingness to punish those who disrupt the laws of the picturesque suburban dream.
Mother Knows Best
One can easilypoint to any film by director John Waters for this list, though whether he is underrated given his accolades and renown is a gray area. Still, out of all of his films, the ones he made in the ’90s tend to get the least amount of love, which is a shame.
Serial Momhas all the absurd wit of a Waters project, and benefits from having that nostalgic edge decades after its release. Kathleen Turner is also a hoot in this one, with her weird set of rules on how to live, which push her desires to kill, having an odd redemptive edge: don’teversteal anyone’s parking spot. If you enjoy this, make sure to check out the other ’90s era Waters filmsCry-BabyandPecker.
Rent Serial Mom on Apple TV
8Citizen Ruth (1996)
Ruth Stoops is an irresponsible, drug-addicted woman who finds herself the focal point of the debate between pro-life and pro-choice advocates when she becomes pregnant. Both sides look to exploit her for gain, while an unapologetic Ruth finds her patience tested by both sides and wants to keep indulging in her favorite pastimes.
I Ain’t No Telegram
Despite exploring a highly politicized and socially important issue,Citizen Ruthtakes a peculiar stance by taking no stance at all. The focus here is on Ruth,played fantastically by the iconic Laura Dern, and her rebellion against everyone and everything.
As such, her interaction with both sides as an unwilling participant in their cause puts her at odds with everyone, in a very over-the-top and loud manner. Combined with her disruptive behavior, Ruth is one of the most caustic and unforgettable characters in the comedy genre, particularly for those who love crass attitudes.
Rent Citizen Ruth on Apple TV
7Nowhere (1997)
Following the daily exploits of a group of Los Angeles college students, Gregg Araki’sNowhereflows between various themes, including failed relationships, drugs, violence, and alien abduction. With a familiar surreal edge that Araki has mastered, the movie is an odd but intimate portrait of the era’s youth. It also boasts a recognizable cast of ’90s pop and cult actors.
The Kids Are Not Alright
Gregg Arakidefined queer cinemaof the ’90s with his unique, surreal and unapologetic look at various alternative lifestyles and personalities. While his most recognized work isDoom Generation(also worthy of inclusion here),Nowherecaptures a broad picture of the various talents of the filmmaker by flowing between multiple stories.
A cult figure in his own right, actor James Duval also steals the show and speaks about the actors' continued work with Araki and other creators of the 90s. The movie’s conclusion is also an excellent piece of dark absurdity that needs to be seen.
Nowhereis currently not available for stream or rent
