Animals were harmed in these films
Now with one of the largest cult followings of all time, not to mention its own religion and festival, 'The Big Lebowski' only brought in US$5.5 million on opening weekend.
The humorous take on an adorable children's book, 'Matilda' came in under budget despite critical praise. Now it's become a musical, and has gained cult status.
See also: Movies you didn't know were based on books.
You can't get much more cult than a film about an independent record store. The film took home a small fraction of its budget when it was originally released, but became so adored that special editions were released in 2003 and 2015.
A unique film, 'Scott Pilgrim' got back a little more than half of its budget at the box office. However once it came out on DVD, audiences started to fall for the graphic-novel influenced film with the killer soundtrack.
You might be shocked to see such a classic on this list, but 'The Wizard of Oz' barely made enough money to cover its budget. However after its re-release, it started to gain traction. Now it's considered a classic piece of cinema!
This movie has passed from box-office bomb, to cult favorite, to Christmas classic. The only reason it hit the mainstream was because the copyright had ended, so TV networks used it for free during the holiday season. Now it's a staple!
Given the title "worst movie ever," ‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ is the epitome of so-bad-it's-good cinema. A mix of sci-fi and horror, the film was remastered in the 2000s, to audiences' delight.
Despite positive critical reviews, 'Dazed and Confused' did not do well at the box office. But with time, audiences started to root for this underdog movie, and it's now seen as a '90s classic.
Yet another film that went from a flop, to having a cult following, to being considered one of the greatest films of all time. At the box office it barely cleared its budget of US$25 million, but over the years viewers have recognized its greatness.
After the success of 'Clerks,' many thought that this film fell flat in comparison. However this Kevin Smith movie can still credit its cult following to the director's legion of fans.
A young Jane Fonda starred in this mix of sci-fi, adventure, and comedy. At the time it was panned by critics, though articles today largely discuss its impact as it relates to sexual empowerment and utopian goodness.
Many would agree that the 1971 'Willy Wonka' film is a bit trippy. Gene Wilder's eccentric character, the saturated scenery, and the unique take on the Oompa Loompas were a bust at the box office, leading Paramount to let the rights expire. But Warner Bros. scooped it up, and now it's gone from a cult film to a family favorite.
This unconventional film was a lot for viewers to take in, and critics panning the film didn't help. However, years later it became yet another film to achieve cult status due to midnight screenings.
This movie was a cult film long before it became the basis of the Hollywood success 'The Disaster Artist.' A bust when it came out, it has become one of the quintessential so-bad-it's-good films.
This Disney film didn't benefit from a whole lot of ticket sales. Instead, audiences became hooked after seeing it replayed on TV networks every Halloween, and eventually invested in VHS and DVD copies. Now the film is a campy Halloween classic.
You likely haven't even heard of this movie. This low-rung sci-fi film earned less than a million dollars from the box office, potentially due to its competition, such as 'Ghostbusters.' However with performances from John Lithgow and Jeff Goldblum, is it any wonder this film became a cult classic?
Nothing describes this movie better than its rating juxtaposition on Rotten Tomatoes: 25% from critics, and over 90% from audiences. With a very limited release, the film really hit its stride with DVD sales.
Starring Robin Williams and Edward Norton, this dark comedy bombed in every sense when it came out. However, it was later discovered by those with a penchant for bleak comedic storytelling, and they have since made the movie a cult hit.
Despite the star power from Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro, this movie only made US$10.6 million of an $18.5 million budget. But its low critical rating and high rate of audience appreciation have granted it cult status.
Terry Gilliam strikes again! In addition to 'Fear and Loathing,' Gilliam also directed this cult classic. The anti-establishment motif helps it to blend right into its cult-film peers.
This film may have brought the board game to life, but it certainly didn't bring people to the theater. However, the interesting caveat of three different endings and the over-the-top acting and dialogue have endeared to fans just the same.
While this Hitchcock film might not have been as well appreciated when it came out, likely due to audience's comparing it to 'Psycho,' it has certainly gained traction with a cult (and now mainstream) following.
Ripped apart by critics, the film made back less than half of its US$45 million budget. However its campy nature thrust it into the so-bad-it's-good genre, where it now sits happily as a cult film.
Even the presence of Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall couldn't save the box-office earnings of this film. However, the over-the-top martial arts and gun fights have brought this flick to indie screens again and again.
Despite the star protagonists, including Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter, this movie did very poorly when it first hit theaters. However after it was released on DVD, the audience praise (and money) came rolling in.
'Donnie Darko' had little marketing before its release, due to scenes of plane crashes right after September 11. However, much like 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' it gained a midnight show, and then eventually a cult following.
Films these days often have their success measured by their box-office earnings. If they flop, whether due to poor marketing, stiff competition, or bad critical reception, they're unlikely to have a future. However, every now and again, you have a film that absolutely bombs at the box office, only to rise up years later with a dedicated fan base. We deem these films cult classics.
Over the years, there have been numerous cult films that have started out from nothing. Some of these films have even gone on to exceed their highest hopes, achieving international recognition that they never would have had if not for the boost in popularity that comes from cult status.
Click through the following gallery to find out which of these film flops became cult classics. You're sure to be shocked!
These film flops became cult classics
From box-office bombs to fan favorites
MOVIES Cinema
Films these days often have their success measured by their box-office earnings. If they flop, whether due to poor marketing, stiff competition, or bad critical reception, they're unlikely to have a future. However, every now and again, you have a film that absolutely bombs at the box office, only to rise up years later with a dedicated fan base. We deem these films cult classics.
Over the years, there have been numerous cult films that have started out from nothing. Some of these films have even gone on to exceed their highest hopes, achieving international recognition that they never would have had if not for the boost in popularity that comes from cult status.
Click through the following gallery to find out which of these film flops became cult classics. You're sure to be shocked!