Nobody can predict which movies are going to be hits. While there are always factors that help a film's chances (such as being part of a pre-established franchise such as the MCU), other successes seemingly come out of nowhere, such as the recent massive financial and award-winning haul for Oppenheimer. Studios try their best to green-light movies they think provide the best chance of positive box office results, but sometimes it does not go to plan.

While films may fail at the box office, that does not stop them from being successful. There are countless tales of movies flopping in theaters before finding an adoring fan base in the years that follow. Cult classic movies tend to attract some of the most hardcore fans, especially in the horror genre, and they regularly shout about their favorite film's qualities online. It can be just as impossible to predict which films will attract this kind of audience, but the following films seem ripe to become modern cult classic movies that will still be discussed decades from now.

25 'Cocaine Bear' (2023)

Director: Elizabeth Banks

When a black bear in the wilderness stumbles upon a massive amount of cocaine and indulges in the drug, it goes on a bad trip filled with mayhem and murder. As an assortment of characters descends into the forest, from wandering schoolkids to criminals trying to retrieve the drugs, they all find themselves at the mercy of the rampaging bear. The film clearly finds inspiration from the classic absurd exploitation horror movies from decades prior, yet instead with a genuine budget to hold up its absurd premise.

Already achieving cult status courtesy of its title, Cocaine Bear lives up to its ridiculous premise courtesy of a commitment to the silliness that such material provides. Those attuned to cult film news will most likely have already seen Cocaine Bear, but it looks set to become a favorite of the midnight crowd for years to come. The film features the perfect mixture of violence, silly characters, and absurd premise to make it the perfect cult classic movie.

24 'Gunpowder Milkshake' (2021)

Director: Navot Papushado

Presented as a gender-swapped take on John Wick, Gunpowder Milkshake stars Karen Gillan as Sam, an assassin who finds herself caring for an eight-year-old girl after a job gone wrong. She now finds herself protecting this child from her former employers who want her dead. Reuniting with her mother Scarlet (Lena Headey) and a trio of experienced killers (Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, and Carla Gugino) the women prepare to fight an army of goons to protect the child.

While Gunpowder Milkshake delivers the thrilling action fans expect, its main appeal is to see its stacked cast of leading ladies kick butt. Bassett and Yeoh recently delivered Oscar-worthy performances in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Everything Everywhere All At Once, and it is a delight to see them both savagely take down bad guys. Even with a premise that is far from original, the action is genuinely top-notch enough to make it an exceptional and thrilling watch for action fans.

23 'Bodies Bodies' Bodies' (2022)

Director: Halina Reijn

With a hurricane headed their way, a group of wealthy teens decide to take refuge in one of their mansions, where they plan to throw a party while the storm rages outside. As hidden secrets come to light and threaten to tear apart the friends, dead bodies begin piling up, causing the group to suspect that a killer lurks among them. It doesn't take long before they are at each other's throats, accusing one another of the murders as the tensions only continue to rise throughout the night.

Pitched as a takedown of Gen-Z culture in a horror-comedy setting, Bodies Bodies Bodies works due to a committed cast and a clever screenplay. While the group of mostly unlikable characters can be grating due to their selfish nature, that is the point, as the film aims its blood-covered knife at topics such as privilege, class, and our reliance on technology. It's easily one of the most unique and hilarious takes on a modern slasher/whodunit, one that is sure to gain a large following in the years to come.

22 'Malignant' (2021)

Director: James Wan

James Wan is the modern king of horror, thanks to iconic franchises such as Saw and The Conjuring. His 2021 film, Malignant, follows Madison (Annabelle Wallis), who begins to be plagued by nightmares that show her murders as they are being committed. As Madison sets out to unmask the culprit, she discovers the killer is closer than she thinks. The beauty of Malignant comes from its premise and twist, setting itself up to be a played-straight horror akin to Wan's other work, before completely going off the deep end in its final act.

Malignant is a throwback to the horror movies of the '70s and '80s, where subtlety was thrown out the window and larger-than-life villains sliced through their victims like paper. It plays against the perceived notions of modern horror in being able to create a goofy and fun experience that is completely aware of just how wild it is. It is a perfect midnight movie and is destined to join the leagues of new cult classic movies courtesy of its insane final act.

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21 'The Forest of Love' (2019)

Director: Sion Sono

When a group of young men decide to make an amateur movie together, they cross paths with charismatic conman Joe Murata (Kippei Shiina) and are drawn into his web of deceit and abuse. As Joe takes control of their lives and their movie, a pair of women are also pulled into their destructive orbit, while a serial killer lurks in the background. The film doesn't shy away from deeply disturbing themes and plot points, making for an experience that is as engaging as it is emotionally painful.

Created by cult filmmaker Sion Sono, The Forest of Love is a captivating and twisty tale anchored by Shiina's delightfully slimy performance as the evil Murata. Each movie Sono directs becomes a cult film, and The Forest of Love seems destined to become another future cult classic in his library. For those seeking a more expansive experience, The Forest of Love: Deep Cut is an extended limited series that stretches the already hefty original story out for an additional 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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20 'Little Monsters' (2019)

Director: Abe Forsythe

Falling on hard times, slacker Dave (Alexander England) spends his days taking his nephew to and from school. Upon meeting his nephew's kind teacher, Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong'o), Dave quickly jumps at the chance to be a chaperone on the class trip as a way to get close to her. His plans for romance are interrupted, however, as a horde of zombies invades the school excursion. With the class now trapped inside of a gift shop, they are forced to find a way to escape the zombie outbreak, while at the same time making sure all the children are safe.

The zombie comedy is perhaps the most crowded sub-genre in horror, but Little Monsters sets itself apart thanks to its grade school setting and surprisingly wholesome story beats. Nyong'o is delightful as Miss Caroline, and creates a heroine worthy of a place among the best zombie slayers in cinema. The film also features a surprisingly effective supporting performance from Josh Gad, playing an alcoholic children's entertainer who crumbles under the pressure in what is easily one of his best roles.

19 'Mandy' (2018)

Director: Panos Cosmatos

Lumberjack Red's (Nicolas Cage) peaceful life in the wilderness is destroyed after a strange group of cultists arrive and murder his beloved wife, Mandy (Andrea Riseborough). Swearing revenge, Red arms himself with an assortment of deadly weapons as he hunts down those responsible in this dark revenge tale that feels ripped from an '80s acid trip. It takes a lot to shock and mystify audiences in the modern era where most people have been desensitized to violence in movies, but Mandy finds a way to go above and beyond in a gripping and powerful way.

Cage is the king of cult cinema, with a range of film classics under his belt. Mandy serves as one of the best movies in his latter years, as he showcases real vulnerability in the scenes where he grieves the death of Mandy. There are sequences present in Mandy that easily leave a near-permanent impact on the audience with just how jaw-dropping and masterfully crafted they are. Already beloved by the cult crowd, Mandy's hypnotic visuals and Nicolas Cage's committed performance ensure the film will be talked about for decades to come.

18 'Spontaneous' (2020)

Director: Brian Duffield

When students in their high school begin to spontaneously combust in a shower of gore, teenagers Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer) realize every moment could be their last. Not wanting to die with regrets, the pair begin a blossoming romance as their classmates continue to die around them. With such a nonsensical premise, it would be remiss to think that the film wouldn't be able to have genuinely heartfelt and emotional moments, yet the film shocks and surprises with just how effective it can get.

Spontaneous is a mishmash of genres, combining elements of black comedy, coming-of-age, horror, and romance. Langford and Plummer are delightful as the lovebirds and share great chemistry in this highly underrated teen movie that deserves a place among the classics in the genre. Hopefully, future audiences will recognize and fall in love with this confronting yet charming tale, as it deserves to blow up like a combusting teenager.

17 'Good Boys' (2019)

Director: Gene Stupnitsky

Pitched as an elementary school version of Superbad, Good Boys follows a trio of 12-year-olds as they prepare for their first-ever "kissing party." Of course, things get hilariously out of hand as the boys find themselves on a wild journey full of stolen drones, sex dolls, and drugs. Especially for those who are looking for a return to form when it comes to raunchy, R-rated coming-of-age films, Good Boys is certainly able to scratch that niche itch that was seemingly everywhere in the 2000s.

Infamous even before its release due to its subject matter and young cast, Good Boys seemingly came and went with little fanfare. Despite solid reviews, the film has rarely been discussed since release, but Good Boys is too entertaining to stay forgotten for long and is sure to join the ranks of new cult classic movies in the near future.

16 'Suspiria' (2018)

Director: Luca Guadagnino

A remake of Dario Argento's horror classic, Suspiria takes the story in a different direction as it becomes an epic saga set in 1970s Germany. When American Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson) travels to Berlin to study at a prestigious dancing academy, she discovers the all-girls school is run by a coven of witches. Suspiria was always going to be facing an uphill battle as a remake of one of the most legendary and influential horror films of all time, yet the remake was able to create something new and enticing out of the original premise.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All), Suspiria was a failure at the box office and polarized both fans and critics. However, the best horror movies of recent memory have seemingly always found themselves to be divided and polarizing, with Suspiria's high points being some of the highest of horror movies in recent memory. No one can argue the harsh beauty of the film, however, and its status as one of the most beautiful-looking horror movies in years has helped it find an audience since its release.

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15 'Polite Society' (2023)

Director: Nida Manzoor

Ria Khan (Priya Kansara) is a teenager living in London who dreams of becoming a stuntwoman, creating her own homemade martial arts films with her beloved older sister, Lena (Ritu Arya). When Lena agrees to marry her boyfriend and move away with him after a short courtship, Ria finds herself in her own hero's journey as she combats to defeat her new arch-rival: her sister's domineering mother-in-law. While initially coming from a place of jealousy, things take a turn when Ria ends up uncovering a dastardly plot that puts Lena's life at risk.

A combination of both family comedy and martial arts action, Polite Society is one of the standout indie movies of 2023, easily garnering a reputation with its exceptional choreographed action and its wild coming-of-age story. Ria makes for a great, incredibly charming, and charismatic modern-day hero and her plight feels relatable even as she roundhouse kicks goons in the face. It is also a welcome step for representation, as it shines a light on the Pakistani community.

14 'Annihilation' (2018)

Director: Alex Garland

Written and directed by science-fiction wizard Alex Garland, Annihilation revolves around a mysterious anomaly named "The Shimmer." Determined to discover what the area contains, a team of explorers is sent into the zone, where they discover something that threatens both their lives and their sanity. The film's exceptional filmmaking and powerful thematic resonance have already made it amass a notable cult following.

Annihilation is hard science fiction at its best, more committed to exploring questions surrounding grief and existence than creating mainstream appeal. Bolstered by a great cast that includes Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, and Tessa Thompson, Annihilation is destined for cult status among the science-fiction community. The film also features what could easily be considered one of the best horror scores in recent memory, with the haunting music leaving a massive impact on the audience.

13 'Pig' (2021)

Director: Michael Sarnoski

Nicolas Cage is the king of cult movies, often elevating lackluster projects thanks to his unhinged performances. Pig sees Cage at his most nuanced and vulnerable, playing Robin, a truffle hunter living in the woods who must venture into the city he left behind after his beloved pig is kidnapped. His search for his swine companion will lead him across the city into a number of dark and mysterious locales, as he is accompanied by Amir, the young boy to whom he sells his truffles.

While the synopsis brings John Wick to mind, Pig is a slow-moving drama concerned with exploring its complicated characters, a decision that has made the film less appealing to masses, but is much higher quality as a result. Despite receiving critical acclaim, Pig was one of 2021's most overlooked movies, but this powerful story featuring one of the beloved actor's best performances should be remembered for a long time.

12 'Sorry to Bother You' (2018)

Director: Boots Riley

Sorry to Bother You follows Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield), a young Black man working as a telemarketer. After an experienced co-worker teaches Cassius that he will find more success by adopting a "white voice" when talking to customers, he quickly becomes a top earner, before falling into a corporate conspiracy. The film is a wild and unpredictable visionary piece of work from director Boots Riley, combining takedowns of capitalistic societal structures with wild twists that are as unpredictable as they are absurd.

One of the more unique comedies out there, Sorry to Bother You is as committed to highlighting social issues as it is to providing laughs. Even though the film ventures more into fantasy the longer it goes on, it is one of the best satire movies of the past decade and will stay with you long after the credits roll, either to chuckle at one of its many jokes or to ponder its messaging.

11 'Pearl' (2022)

Director: Ti West

The prequel to their slasher movie X, Pearl sees director Ti West and star Mia Goth reunite to explore the background of that film's villain. Pearl (Goth) is a farm girl in 1918, stuck living with her overbearing mother while her husband is away at war, growing more and more tired of the same old barn and her same old uneventful life. She spends her days dreaming of becoming a star and leaving her mundane life behind and will kill anyone who gets in the way of that dream.

One could argue that both Pearl and X have already become modern cult movies, as the new franchise has already drawn a passionate fanbase. What makes both films work so well, and especially Pearl, is the committed and mesmerizing performance from Goth, who switches from charming to terrifying effortlessly in one of the best cult movies 2022 has to offer. The film will only continue to grow its following with the release of the massively anticipated third film in the trilogy, MaXXXine.

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10 'Heavy Trip' (2018)

Directors: Jukka Vidgren, Juuso Laatio

Heavy Trip follows four metalheads in a small town in Finland as they spend their days jamming as an amateur heavy metal band. Having not played a single gig in 12 years, the guys decide enough is enough and set out to crash the stage at a metal festival in Norway in the heavy metal movie. Along the way, they find love, death, and the true meaning of metal as the trip proves to bring their bonds and friendships even closer together.

Metal fans owe it to themselves to check out Heavy Trip, which perfectly captures the feeling of being an outcast in your hometown because of how you dress and what music you like. The characters are memorable, and the laughs are constant, making this one of the most charming and funny comedies in years, with enough appeal to entertain anyone regardless of their taste in music.

Watch on Tubi

9 'Theater Camp' (2023)

Directors: Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman

After the beloved owner of a children's theater camp falls into a coma, her clueless son takes over and proceeds to run the institution into the ground. Not willing to see their cherished safe space ripped away from them, the staff and students of the camp come together to put on a great show despite all of their worries. Things continue to get difficult as the funds continue to dwindle, leading the new cap counselor, the original owner's clueless son, to make some unorthodox changes to attempt to keep the camp afloat.

Packed full of great characters, Theater Camp's eccentric cast helps turn AdirondACTS into a place you want to visit. The film makes perfect use of the mockumentary style in order to create the perfect comedic love letter to amateur theater and the joys of youth camp. Featuring plenty of laughs and a final theater performance that is genuinely entertaining, Theater Camp is one of the best comedies of 2023 and is sure to attract more fanfare over the years.

8 'Bad Times at the El Royale' (2018)

Director: Drew Goddard

Resembling the kind of character-hopping action-thrillers that Quentin Tarantino cut his teeth on, Bad Times at the El Royale revolves around a cast of strangers who all arrive at a remote hotel on the same fateful night. Each with something to hide, it is not long before the characters begin to turn on each other with fatal consequences. The film takes a simple, timeless premise and runs wild with it, creating a high-stakes thriller that never lets up from the gas pedal.

Bolstered by a fantastic cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, and Chris Hemsworth, Bad Times at the El Royale's mystery keeps audiences guessing until the end. It possesses one of the sharpest screenplays in recent years and is the kind of movie that warrants repeated viewings to pick up on every little detail. It's very easy for a movie of this style to lose track of its energy or go off the rails, yet Bad Times at the El Royale keeps it contained and creates a highly engaging and satisfying experience.

7 'The Death of Stalin' (2017)

Director: Armando Iannucci

Based on the passing of former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1953, The Death of Stalin is a political satire that revolves around the handful of contenders scrambling to replace the ruler. The ensemble cast of bumbling characters includes the likes of Steve Buscemi, Andrea Riseborough, and Jason Isaacs, as they all attempt to do what they can to climb to the top of a crumbling empire.

Upon release, The Death of Stalin was hailed as one of the funniest overlooked comedies in recent years and is regularly cited for its lampooning of real-world politics. It has a distinctly dark comedic edge that helps its satire and comedic caricatures of real-world figures shine through that much more. Despite being praised by all who have seen it, its political setting has held it back from achieving mainstream appeal, making it a perfect candidate to become a new cult movie in the future.

Watch on Tubi

6 'Cats' (2019)

Director: Tom Hooper

Cult classic status does not always necessarily equate to high quality in a film, with some of the biggest cult classic movies of all time being so-bad-it's-good disasters like The Room and Troll 2. In terms of modern so-bad-they're-good movies, none have reached the level and scale of Cats, the infamous nightmare adaptation of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Directly taking the story of the musical, the film follows a tribe of Jellicle cats as they perform musical numbers to decide who among them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer.

Cats was already a polarizing musical when it was on Broadway for being strange and offputting with its usage of humans dressed as felines, but this cinematic adaptation infinitely ramps up this offputting nature. The CGI designs used for the entire cast are easily some of the most uncomfortable and offputting designs that have been seen from such a high-budget Hollywood production. It creates a wild and unnerving viewing experience that goes beyond being terrible and eventually becomes hilarious, as it never lets up on its insanity for its nearly 2 hour runtime. While it certainly isn't for everyone, Cats is a one-of-a-kind so-bad-it's-good experience that will only continue to grow in infamy. - Robert Lee

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