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WeirdThe 20 Best Cult Movies On Netflix
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
April 18, 2017, 8:00 p.m. ET
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They may not have killed it at the box office, but boy do these flicks hold up. These are the 20 best cult movies on Netflix.
Photos: Everett Collection, Photo Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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Oldboy
IMDb Rating: 8.4
This 2003 South Korean neo-noir tells the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years without explanation, and is suddenly released with money, nice clothes, and a cell phone. He soon finds out that he must find his captor within five days and uncover the motive of his unknown tormentor. This shocking, visually stunning flick will leave you reeling.
[Stream Oldboy]
IMDb Rating: 8.4
This 2003 South Korean neo-noir tells the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years without explanation, and is suddenly released with money, nice clothes, and a cell phone. He soon finds out that he must find his captor within five days and uncover the motive of his unknown tormentor. This shocking, visually stunning flick will leave you reeling.
[Stream Oldboy]
Everett Collection
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The Shining
iMDB Rating: 8.1
Stanley Kubrick's chilling tale of a family torn apart by the evil presence at their winter hotel is equal parts cult and horror classic. Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, the film is full of truly unsettling sequences (and a career-best performance from Nicholson). So what are you waiting for? Heeeeere's Johnny!
[Stream The Shining ]
iMDB Rating: 8.1
Stanley Kubrick's chilling tale of a family torn apart by the evil presence at their winter hotel is equal parts cult and horror classic. Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, the film is full of truly unsettling sequences (and a career-best performance from Nicholson). So what are you waiting for? Heeeeere's Johnny!
[Stream The Shining ]
Everett Collection
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Paris is Burning
IMDb Rating: 8.1
This acclaimed documentary chronicles the 1980s New York City drag scene and focuses on the tight knit communities of their "house" culture, and the balls attended by the groups from each house that feature cues from the world of fashion. This intimate, dazzling portrait of the time, the controversial Paris Is Burning holds up as a true cult classic decades later.
[Stream Paris is Burning ]
IMDb Rating: 8.1
This acclaimed documentary chronicles the 1980s New York City drag scene and focuses on the tight knit communities of their "house" culture, and the balls attended by the groups from each house that feature cues from the world of fashion. This intimate, dazzling portrait of the time, the controversial Paris Is Burning holds up as a true cult classic decades later.
[Stream Paris is Burning ]
Everett Collection
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Mulholland Drive
IMDb Rating: 8
This David Lynch-helmed mystery starring Naomi Watts and Justin Theroux depicts a young actress who moves to Hollywood and encounters a woman who has narrowly escaped murder and is now suffering from amnesia after a car crash. Sexy, surprising, and completely weird, this modern classic is a must-see.
[Stream Mulholland Drive]
IMDb Rating: 8
This David Lynch-helmed mystery starring Naomi Watts and Justin Theroux depicts a young actress who moves to Hollywood and encounters a woman who has narrowly escaped murder and is now suffering from amnesia after a car crash. Sexy, surprising, and completely weird, this modern classic is a must-see.
[Stream Mulholland Drive]
Everett Collection
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The Iron Giant
IMDb Rating: 8
Set during The Cold War, this animated adventure follows a young boy who befriends a giant, kind-hearted robot from outer space that the hyper-paranoid government is determined to destroy. Heartwarming, sad, and thrilling, this gorgeous film will touch you in unexpected ways.
[Stream The Iron Giant]
IMDb Rating: 8
Set during The Cold War, this animated adventure follows a young boy who befriends a giant, kind-hearted robot from outer space that the hyper-paranoid government is determined to destroy. Heartwarming, sad, and thrilling, this gorgeous film will touch you in unexpected ways.
[Stream The Iron Giant]
Everett Collection
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This Is Spinal Tap
IMDb Rating: 8
Spinal Tap, a "legendary" British heavy metal band, is the subject of this 1984 rock music mockumentary. The band attempts to embark on an American comeback tour and enlists a filmmaker/fan to accompany them on the tour. Inevitably, complete hilarity ensues. This is a huge argument for what makes the mockumentary genre so worthwhile.
[Stream This Is Spinal Tap]
IMDb Rating: 8
Spinal Tap, a "legendary" British heavy metal band, is the subject of this 1984 rock music mockumentary. The band attempts to embark on an American comeback tour and enlists a filmmaker/fan to accompany them on the tour. Inevitably, complete hilarity ensues. This is a huge argument for what makes the mockumentary genre so worthwhile.
[Stream This Is Spinal Tap]
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The Day the Earth Stood Still
IMDb Rating: 7.8
This 1951 sci-fi classic finds an alien named Klaatu and his robot in a Cold War-stricken Earth with an important message - the people must live peacefully and stop using atomic bombs or be destroyed, as they are a danger to other planets. Things go awry, however, when a nervous soldier shoots the messenger and he is imprisoned in a hospital room. Eerily relevant today, this portrait of humanity should be necessary viewing.
[Stream The Day the Earth Stood Still]
IMDb Rating: 7.8
This 1951 sci-fi classic finds an alien named Klaatu and his robot in a Cold War-stricken Earth with an important message - the people must live peacefully and stop using atomic bombs or be destroyed, as they are a danger to other planets. Things go awry, however, when a nervous soldier shoots the messenger and he is imprisoned in a hospital room. Eerily relevant today, this portrait of humanity should be necessary viewing.
[Stream The Day the Earth Stood Still]
Everett Collection
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An American Werewolf in London
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Two American college students on a walking tour of England are attacked by a werewolf and the survivor of the incident returns to London. He soon realizes that he's taken on the attributes of his supernatural assailant, and he unwittingly goes on rampages around the city. This bonkers 1980s horror comedy is a must-see.
[Stream An American Werewolf in London ]
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Two American college students on a walking tour of England are attacked by a werewolf and the survivor of the incident returns to London. He soon realizes that he's taken on the attributes of his supernatural assailant, and he unwittingly goes on rampages around the city. This bonkers 1980s horror comedy is a must-see.
[Stream An American Werewolf in London ]
Everett Collection
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A Nightmare on Elm Street
IMDb Rating: 7.5
A deranged, disfigured serial killer stalks people in their dreams and evidently kills them in real life in this 1984 horror classic that introduced us to Freddy Krueger. Our maniacal villain continues to kill those indulging in sweet slumbers while these victims frantically try to find out why they are the targets of Krueger's murderous tendencies.
[Stream A Nightmare on Elm Street]
IMDb Rating: 7.5
A deranged, disfigured serial killer stalks people in their dreams and evidently kills them in real life in this 1984 horror classic that introduced us to Freddy Krueger. Our maniacal villain continues to kill those indulging in sweet slumbers while these victims frantically try to find out why they are the targets of Krueger's murderous tendencies.
[Stream A Nightmare on Elm Street]
Everett Collection
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Heathers
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater as masochistic teenagers, this off-beat, twisted dark comedy became a true cult classic after its 1988 release. The teaming up of a reluctant good girl and straight-up sociopath is one that is way more fun to watch than it should be.
[Stream Heathers]
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater as masochistic teenagers, this off-beat, twisted dark comedy became a true cult classic after its 1988 release. The teaming up of a reluctant good girl and straight-up sociopath is one that is way more fun to watch than it should be.
[Stream Heathers]
Everett Collection
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Big Trouble in Little China
IMDb Rating: 7.3
While on a mission to help his friend save his fiancee, a truck driver gets sucked into the mystical underworld beneath Chinatown after helping his friend save his fiancee. Rife with uproarious dialogue and thrilling martial arts sequences, this John Carpenter cult classic starring Kurt Russell is one-of-a-kind.
[Stream Big Trouble in Little China]
IMDb Rating: 7.3
While on a mission to help his friend save his fiancee, a truck driver gets sucked into the mystical underworld beneath Chinatown after helping his friend save his fiancee. Rife with uproarious dialogue and thrilling martial arts sequences, this John Carpenter cult classic starring Kurt Russell is one-of-a-kind.
[Stream Big Trouble in Little China]
Everett Collection
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Gremlins
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Set against a Christmastime backdrop, this classic horror comedy kicks off when a man brings his teen son an unusual pet called a mogwai. Though he's been warned not to expose the mogwai to water and light and not to feet it after midnight, the rules are broken, and complete chaos ensues. Unexpectedly violent and bizarrely hilarious, there's a reason Gremlins remains a favorite after all these years.
[Stream Gremlins]
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Set against a Christmastime backdrop, this classic horror comedy kicks off when a man brings his teen son an unusual pet called a mogwai. Though he's been warned not to expose the mogwai to water and light and not to feet it after midnight, the rules are broken, and complete chaos ensues. Unexpectedly violent and bizarrely hilarious, there's a reason Gremlins remains a favorite after all these years.
[Stream Gremlins]
Everett Collection
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Escape from New York
IMDb Rating: 7.2
This John Carpenter dystopian-sci-fi classic starring Kurt Russell is set in the future (now the past - 1997) where a major war between the United States and the Soviet Union is coming to an end, and all of Manhattan now exists as a maximum-security prison. When the president's plane crashes into the island and he's taken hostage by the inmates, a former Special Forces soldier/now criminal (Russell) is sent into rescue the president in exchange for his own release.
[Stream Escape from New York]
IMDb Rating: 7.2
This John Carpenter dystopian-sci-fi classic starring Kurt Russell is set in the future (now the past - 1997) where a major war between the United States and the Soviet Union is coming to an end, and all of Manhattan now exists as a maximum-security prison. When the president's plane crashes into the island and he's taken hostage by the inmates, a former Special Forces soldier/now criminal (Russell) is sent into rescue the president in exchange for his own release.
[Stream Escape from New York]
Everett Collection
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Ravenous
IMDb Rating: 7
This occasionally darkly funny horror flick is set during the Mexican-American War and follows a Captain and his regiment on a rescue mission. Their endeavor is averted, however, when an unhinged, sadistic cannibal unexpectedly ambushes them. This savage, grisly film is completely unsettling and powerful in a wild way.
[Stream Ravenous]
IMDb Rating: 7
This occasionally darkly funny horror flick is set during the Mexican-American War and follows a Captain and his regiment on a rescue mission. Their endeavor is averted, however, when an unhinged, sadistic cannibal unexpectedly ambushes them. This savage, grisly film is completely unsettling and powerful in a wild way.
[Stream Ravenous]
Everett Collection
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What About Bob?
IMDb Rating: 7
Bob (Bill Murray) is a neurotic, hypochondriac New Yorker who develops an unhealthy need for his egotistical psychiatrist Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) and follows him to his family's vacation home, where (inevitably), things do not go as smoothly as Leo was hoping. Full of hilariously funny moments of physical comedy and ample one-liners, Murray and Dreyfuss are the ultimate odd couple in this 1991 black comedy.
[Stream What About Bob?]
IMDb Rating: 7
Bob (Bill Murray) is a neurotic, hypochondriac New Yorker who develops an unhealthy need for his egotistical psychiatrist Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) and follows him to his family's vacation home, where (inevitably), things do not go as smoothly as Leo was hoping. Full of hilariously funny moments of physical comedy and ample one-liners, Murray and Dreyfuss are the ultimate odd couple in this 1991 black comedy.
[Stream What About Bob?]
Everett Collection
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Pee-wee's Big Adventure
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Paul Reubens' classic character is at the helm of Tim Burton's first feature-length film, a comedy following an eccentric, prankster man-child who embarks on a cross-country journey to retrieve his treasured bike from the thieves who took it. Don't sleep on this irreverent comedy - you'll come out armed with the pop culture references of the decade.
[Stream Pee-wee's Big Adventure]
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Paul Reubens' classic character is at the helm of Tim Burton's first feature-length film, a comedy following an eccentric, prankster man-child who embarks on a cross-country journey to retrieve his treasured bike from the thieves who took it. Don't sleep on this irreverent comedy - you'll come out armed with the pop culture references of the decade.
[Stream Pee-wee's Big Adventure]
Everett Collection
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The Host
IMDb Rating: 7
A snack bar owner whose daughter is suddenly snatched from him by a death-bringing monster that has emerged from the Han River is the focus of this masterful monster film from South Korea. While the family initially mourns and agonizes over the loss, when they discover she is still alive, they resolve to do whatever they can to take on the monster and save her. Armed with genuine jump-out-of-your-seat moments, this is an outstanding entry into the monster movie genre.
[Stream The Host]
IMDb Rating: 7
A snack bar owner whose daughter is suddenly snatched from him by a death-bringing monster that has emerged from the Han River is the focus of this masterful monster film from South Korea. While the family initially mourns and agonizes over the loss, when they discover she is still alive, they resolve to do whatever they can to take on the monster and save her. Armed with genuine jump-out-of-your-seat moments, this is an outstanding entry into the monster movie genre.
[Stream The Host]
Everett Collection
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Adventures in Babysitting
IMDb Rating: 6.9
After Chris' dream date stands her up, she agrees to babysit three kids and settles in for a quiet suburban night. When she receives a call from her frantic friend stranded at a Chicago bus station, however, she's forced to take the kids with her into the big city and embark on an adventure they never could have anticipated. Funny, sweet, and endearing, this Christopher Columbus-helmed comedy is rightfully a cult classic.
[Stream Adventures in Babysitting]
IMDb Rating: 6.9
After Chris' dream date stands her up, she agrees to babysit three kids and settles in for a quiet suburban night. When she receives a call from her frantic friend stranded at a Chicago bus station, however, she's forced to take the kids with her into the big city and embark on an adventure they never could have anticipated. Funny, sweet, and endearing, this Christopher Columbus-helmed comedy is rightfully a cult classic.
[Stream Adventures in Babysitting]
Everett Collection
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Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Jack Black and Kyle Gass star as wannabe-rockers on a mission to steal a legendary pick that makes its holders amazing at guitar in this ridiculous comedy. Packed with action, laughs, music, and fun, this bizarre flick also features a slew of huge stars in hilarious cameo roles.
[Stream Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny]
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Jack Black and Kyle Gass star as wannabe-rockers on a mission to steal a legendary pick that makes its holders amazing at guitar in this ridiculous comedy. Packed with action, laughs, music, and fun, this bizarre flick also features a slew of huge stars in hilarious cameo roles.
[Stream Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny]
Everett Collection
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Wet Hot American Summer
IMDb Rating: 6.7
It's the last day of camp in the summer of 1981 and the counselors are determined to wrap up their unfinished business before their time at Camp Firewood is up. Armed with an absolutely uproarious cast featuring the likes of Janeane Garofalo, Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Ian Black, Christopher Meloni, and more, this completely bizarre, nonsensical, occasionally filthy comedy will leave you in serious stitches.
[Stream Wet Hot American Summer]
IMDb Rating: 6.7
It's the last day of camp in the summer of 1981 and the counselors are determined to wrap up their unfinished business before their time at Camp Firewood is up. Armed with an absolutely uproarious cast featuring the likes of Janeane Garofalo, Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Ian Black, Christopher Meloni, and more, this completely bizarre, nonsensical, occasionally filthy comedy will leave you in serious stitches.
[Stream Wet Hot American Summer]
Everett Collection
