How is a cult film defined?
Quick Answer
A cult film is a movie that has acquired a dedicated, passionate fanbase that engages in repeated viewings, dialogue‑quoting, and audience participation, forming an elaborate subculture around the film.
Full Explanation
A cult film, also commonly referred to as a cult classic, is defined by the presence of a cult following—a group of fans whose enthusiasm goes beyond casual enjoyment. These fans often watch the film multiple times, quote its dialogue, and take part in organized audience participation events, creating a distinct subculture that surrounds the movie.
Definitions of what qualifies as a cult film can be inclusive or exclusive. Inclusive definitions allow even major studio productions, especially those that were box‑office bombs, to be considered cult films if they develop such a following. Exclusive definitions tend to focus on obscure, transgressive works that have been shunned by the mainstream.
Because the term relies on subjective fan reactions, there is inherent difficulty in pinning down a precise definition, and debates about what counts as a cult film mirror broader classificatory disputes about what constitutes art. This subjectivity means that different critics and audiences may draw the line in different places.
The phrase "cult film" itself first appeared in the 1970s to describe the culture that grew around underground films and midnight movies, although the word "cult" had been used in film analysis for decades prior. This origin highlights how the concept arose from specific exhibition practices and fan communities that existed outside of conventional theatrical distribution.