20 Cult Movies You Must Watch Right Now

Cult movies that you should watch as soon as possible without wasting any time are on this list! We have prepared a perfect list for you under the name of “the best cult movies”. However, before moving on to our list, let’s answer the question that everyone is curious about: “What is a cult movie?”

Cult movies are movies that have garnered a dedicated fan base despite not always achieving mainstream success. However, not every movie with a small fan base qualifies as a cult movie. There are notable exceptions, such as “Fight Club” and “Pulp Fiction”, which are popular cult movies with a very large audience. What defines a cult movie is the passion of the audience. To be classified as a cult movie, it is crucial that the audience knows many details about the movie and respects the production.

Now that we have cleared up the definition of cult movies, let’s move on to our list. Here are cult movie recommendations featuring some of the best productions in the genre.

1.La Pianiste

20 Cult Movies You Must Watch Right Now .La Pianiste

We start our list of cult movie recommendations with the 2001 movie The Pianist. Erika Kohut, in her early forties, is a respected and idealistic teacher. However, in addition to her respected character, Erika has a very different personality in her inner world, which is overflowing with sexual desires. Whenever she finds time, Erika secretly watches people having sex outside, goes to sexually explicit movies and tries to satisfy her own desires. One of her students is very interested in Erika. Her closed personality will come out thanks to her student’s interest in her. The cast of the movie includes names such as Annie Girardot, Benoît Magimel and Isabelle Huppert.

Movie Information: La Pianiste (2001)

Director: Michael Haneke
Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Benoît Magimel, Annie Girardot
Release Year: 2001
Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes
Country: Austria, France, Germany
Genre: Drama, Music, Psychological
Language: French
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Various (check local listings)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Similar Movies: The Piano Teacher (2001), All About My Mother (1999)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: La Pianiste on IMDb

2.The Shawshank Redemption

20 Cult Movies You Must Watch Right Now The Shawshank Redemption

Andy Dufresne is a successful banker who is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover, resulting in a life sentence at Shawshank Prison. Despite the harsh conditions and various difficulties within the prison, Andy remains optimistic and committed to life. His positive attitude has a transformative effect on those around him, instilling hope and a sense of freedom among the other prisoners. The movie, known for its high IMDb rating and status as one of the best cult movies, features an acclaimed cast including Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, and Clancy Brown.

Movie Information: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
Release Year: 1994
Duration: 2 hours 22 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Various (check local listings)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Similar Movies: The Green Mile (1999), Schindler’s List (1993)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Shawshank Redemption on IMDb

3.I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

20 Cult Movies You Must Watch Right Now I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

The movie, renowned as one of the best examples of the film noir genre, vividly portrays the harsh conditions of prisons in the American South. Featured on our cult movie recommendations list, this production integrates elements of Italian neorealism from the 1940s, reflecting a documentary atmosphere. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, the movie stars Paul Muni, Helen Vinson, Glenda Farrell, Noel Francis, Edward Ellis, and Allen Jenkins.

Movie Information: I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Cast: Paul Muni, Glenda Farrell, Helen Vinson
Release Year: 1932
Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Crime
Language: English
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Various (check local listings)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Similar Movies: The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Cool Hand Luke (1967)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang on IMDb

4.La Vita e Bella

In the movie, Guido, a lively man, falls in love with Dora, a beautiful teacher. Despite numerous obstacles, the couple’s love triumphs, and they marry. They are blessed with a child, but their happiness is shattered when war breaks out. Guido, who is Jewish, is taken to a concentration camp. To protect his son from the harsh realities of war, he tells him that the war is actually a game. He promises a toy tank as a reward if his son completes the game successfully. The movie stars Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, and Horst Buchholz.

Movie Information: La Vita è Bella (1997)

Director: Roberto Benigni
Cast: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini
Release Year: 1997
Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes
Country: Italy
Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
Language: Italian
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Various (check local listings)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Similar Movies: Life is Beautiful (1997), The Pianist (2002)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: La Vita è Bella on IMDb

5.Fight Club

Jack, an insurance officer, is trapped in the mundanity of life. Struggling with insomnia, he joins group therapy in hopes of finding a solution. There, he meets Marla and later encounters Tyler Durden, who will profoundly change his life. Tyler introduces Jack to an organization known as Fight Club, a secret society that Jack is sworn never to discuss. The movie features a notable cast including Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jared Leto.

**Information about Fight Club (1999)**

Director: David Fincher
Cast: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto
Release Year: 1999
Duration: 2 hours 19 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Similar Movies: Se7en (1995), American Psycho (2000), The Machinist (2004)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Fight Club on IMDb

6.Chung Hing sam lam

The movie on our cult movie recommendations list explores the parallel struggles of two individuals with broken hearts in a way that is both entertaining and emotional. The first half focuses on Cop 223, a police officer who is unable to cope with a breakup from his lover. The second half follows Cop 663, who faces a similar situation and struggles with the separation in a comparable manner. This production, among the most unforgettable movies of Far Eastern cinema, features a stellar cast including Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Brigitte Lin, Faye Wong, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Valerie Chow.

Movie Information: Chung Hing sam lam (1994)

Director: Wong Kar-wai
Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro
Release Year: 1994
Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
Country: Hong Kong
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller
Language: Cantonese
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Various (check local listings)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Similar Movies: In the Mood for Love (2000), Fallen Angels (1995)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Chung Hing sam lam on IMDb

7.Back to the Future

Dr. Brown, a slightly mad scientist, invents a car capable of time travel. Young Marty, the first to drive this time-traveling car, accidentally travels to the past instead of the future due to a minor timing error. Marty finds himself 30 years in the past and realizes that his actions in this time period could drastically alter his own destiny and even prevent his own birth. Now, Marty must correct this mistake to restore the timeline. This production, among the cult science fiction movies, has two popular sequels. The movie stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, and Thomas F. Wilson.

Movie Information: Back to the Future (1985)

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
Release Year: 1985
Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Various (check local listings)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Similar Movies: Back to the Future Part II (1989), The Goonies (1985)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Back to the Future on IMDb

8.Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump, featured on our cult movie recommendations list, follows the adventures of a man with a low IQ as he navigates through life, positively impacting those around him and ultimately finding love. The movie showcases the remarkable journey of Forrest, whose life experiences intersect with significant historical events. The leading role in this iconic movie is portrayed by the master actor Tom Hanks.

Information about Forrest Gump

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Release Year: 1994
Duration: 142 minutes
Country: USA
Genre: Drama, Romance
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, Netflix
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Forrest Gump on IMDb

9.The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic movie featured on our cult movie recommendations list. The movie follows the intertwined lives of three friends—Good, Bad, and Ugly—who converge by fate during the American Civil War. Using the war as a backdrop, Ugly is a wanted criminal whom Good captures to claim the reward, only to later rescue him. Their partnership becomes profitable until a hidden treasure is revealed, causing tension between the two friends. As they struggle over the treasure, a third treasure hunter, Bad, enters the scene, changing everything. The cast of this iconic movie includes Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef.

Movie Information: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Director: Sergio Leone
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
Release Year: 1966
Duration: 2 hours 41 minutes
Country: Italy, Spain
Genre: Western
Language: Italian, English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Similar Movies: A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on IMDb

10.The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects is a must-watch movie featured on our cult movie recommendations list. The story begins with the aftermath of a boat explosion in San Pedro, where the police discover $91 million in dirty money and 27 bodies. Among the few survivors are a hitman named Verbal Kint and a Hungarian terrorist. During police interrogation, Kint recounts the events that unfolded over the past six weeks. This iconic thriller stars Kevin Spacey, Benicio del Toro, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin, and Gabriel Byrne.

Movie Information: The Usual Suspects (1995)

Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro
Release Year: 1995
Duration: 1 hour 46 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Similar Movies: Se7en (1995), Fight Club (1999)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Usual Suspects on IMDb

11.Oldboy

Oldboy, one of the most striking productions of South Korean cinema, tells the gripping story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned in a room for 15 years. After his unexpected release, he embarks on a quest for revenge. The cast of this intense thriller includes Min-sik Choi, Yoon Jin-seo, Yoo Ji-tae, and Hye-jeong Kang.

Information about Oldboy

Title: Oldboy
Director: Park Chan-wook
Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
Release Year: 2003
Duration: 120 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
Language: Korean
Age Rating: R
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Similar Movies: The Man from Nowhere (2010), Memories of Murder (2003), The Chaser (2008)
IMDb Link: Oldboy on IMDb

12.Gladiator

Many viewers’ favorite movie, Gladiator, is an epic revenge story centered on Maximus, a general in Rome. After the emperor’s son, Commodus, kills his father, seizes the throne, and betrays Maximus, the general’s life is turned upside down. Not only is he betrayed, but his family is also killed on Commodus’s orders. Condemned to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and strives to rise in the arena to avenge his family. The cast of the movie includes Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen.

Movie Information: Gladiator (2000)

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
Release Year: 2000
Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
Country: United States, United Kingdom
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Similar Movies: Spartacus (1960), Braveheart (1995)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Gladiator on IMDb

13.12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men is a compelling courtroom drama centered on a juror’s attempt to convince the other eleven jurors that a young man accused of murder is innocent. The movie stars Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Joseph Sweeney, and Lee J. Cobb in this adaptation of Reginald Rose’s play.

Information about 12 Angry Men

Title: 12 Angry Men
Director: Sidney Lumet
Cast: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall
Release Year: 1957
Duration: 96 minutes
Country: USA
Genre: Drama, Courtroom
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 8.9/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: 12 Angry Men on IMDb

14.A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange portrays the horror unleashed by a gang of violent youth in a society where good and evil are indistinguishable, and moral values have collapsed. The gang leader, Alex, is caught by the police after an incident he caused. However, Alex’s punishment is not prison but becoming a guinea pig in an experiment on violence. Although this experiment aims to reveal the relationship between violence and humanity, it is contrary to human nature. The movie stars Patrick Magee and Malcolm McDowell.

Movie Information: A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates
Release Year: 1971
Duration: 2 hours 16 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Similar Movies: 1984 (1984), The Clockwork Girl (2021)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: A Clockwork Orange on IMDb

15.Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver, which is on our cult movie recommendations list, is about a soldier who cannot get over the traumatic effects of the Vietnam War. He intervenes in the unfair and dirty world he observes by working as a taxi driver at night. The leading role of the movie is taken by the master actor Robert De Niro.

Movie Information: Taxi Driver (1976)

Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd
Release Year: 1976
Duration: 1 hour 54 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Crime, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Similar Movies: Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Taxi Driver on IMDb

16.Pulp Fiction

Honey Bunny and Pumpkin, a couple in love with each other, rob to add excitement to their lives. Meanwhile, gangsters Vincent Vega and Jules are sent to shoot someone for not paying their boss. Vincent is assigned to look after his boss’s beautiful wife, while Jules decides to quit committing crimes. A daring boxer, offered money to throw a fight, decides to escape from the city. Fate brings these different characters together. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the movie stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, and Christopher Walken.

**Information about Pulp Fiction (1994)**

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Harvey Keitel
Release Year: 1994
Duration: 2 hours 34 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Crime, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Similar Movies: Reservoir Dogs (1992), Goodfellas (1990), The Big Lebowski (1998)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Pulp Fiction on IMDb

17.Ladri Di Biciclette

After the war, unemployment plagued the area for two years. When Antonio finally found a job, he was thrilled despite the difficulties. To afford a bike necessary for his new job, he sold his beds. However, his joy was short-lived when his bike was stolen on the very first day of work. Antonio was devastated, as he urgently needed the bike to solve his mounting problems. The cast of this classic movie, featured on our cult movie recommendations list, includes Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, and Lianella Carell.

Movie Information: Ladri Di Biciclette (1948)

Director: Vittorio De Sica
Cast: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Jean Oser
Release Year: 1948
Duration: 1 hour 33 minutes
Country: Italy
Genre: Drama
Language: Italian
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Similar Movies: Umberto D. (1952), The Bicycle Thief (1948)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Ladri Di Biciclette on IMDb

18.Memento

The Notebook tells the gripping story of a man struggling with short-term memory loss as he endeavors to uncover the truth behind the death of his wife. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this movie features a notable cast including Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Jorja Fox.

Information about Memento (2000)

Title: Memento
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior, Stephen Tobolowsky
Release Year: 2000
Duration: 113 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Neo-noir
Available Platforms: Various streaming services (availability may vary by region)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 Memento on IMDb
Language: English
Age Rating: R (for violence, language, and some sexual content)
Similar Movies:
Fight Club (1999), The Prestige (2006), The Usual Suspects (1995)
Trailer:Watch the Trailer on YouTube

19.Scarface

Tony Montana is a notorious criminal who immigrates from Cuba to America with high aspirations. After joining drug lord Frank Lopez, Montana quickly reveals his ambition to build his own mafia empire rather than work under anyone. The movie features a stellar cast including Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mark Margolis, and Steven Bauer.

Movie Information: Scarface (1983)

Director: Brian De Palma
Cast: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
Release Year: 1983
Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Similar Movies: The Godfather (1972), Goodfellas (1990)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Scarface on IMDb

20.Shichinin No Samurai

Seven Samurai, a classic black and white period movie with a runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes, tells the epic story of samurai working to protect a poor village from the threats of ruthless bandits. The movie features an acclaimed cast including Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Seiji Miyaguchi, and Daisuke Kato.

Movie Information: Shichinin No Samurai (1954)

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Akira Terao
Release Year: 1954
Duration: 3 hours 27 minutes
Country: Japan
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Language: Japanese
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Similar Movies: The Hidden Fortress (1958), Ran (1985)
Trailer: Watch on YouTube
IMDb Link: Shichinin No Samurai on IMDb