History Main / CultClassic

On Wiki/TheOtherWiki, "something of a cult classic" (exact words, always; see for yourself) is a well-worn Administrivia/JustifyingEdit.

A standard guide in the cult film genre is DannyPearyCultMoviesList.

The word "classic" may also be seen as an intensifier of sorts, implying works that have become seen as cult over the years, similar to a SleeperHit -- due to factors such as AudienceParticipation, NotableQuotables, or other engrossing aspects that attract a select audience who [[WatchItForTheMeme proselytize fervently]] and disdain non-believers.

%% Need a much better reason to replace this image than a few people not getting it. This is _about_ being obscure.

[[quoteright:320:[[Film/{{Zardoz}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/zardoz_worship_1689.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:320:[-[[PublicServiceAnnouncement Zardoz explains:]]-] ''[-"The cult is good. [[ItsPopularNowItSucks The popular is evil]]. Go forth...and kill!"-]'']]

->''[[YouKeepUsingThatWord "Cult" is a word]] that people were saying...a cult is popular as well, of course. You can't have a show that's just weird, that no-one watches. That's not cult, that's just...maybe a bad show that no-one wants to watch.''

On Wiki/TheOtherWiki, "something of a cult classic" (exact words, always; see for yourself) is a well-worn JustifyingEdit.

NoExamplesPlease. The subjectivity of the phrase makes an example list impractical to maintain.

On TheOtherWiki, "something of a cult classic" (exact words, always; see for yourself) is a well-worn JustifyingEdit.

Often the term [[YouKeepUsingThatWord "cult"]] is (perhaps) [[EvolvingTrope inaccurately]] applied to anything that is both old and has a devoted fan following, even if it was popular ''at the time''. If the devoted fan following is rooted in it being both old and critically-acclaimed, and thus popular with fans of classic works in general (e.g. TheMarxBrothers), it probably doesn't count.

%% Need a much better reason to replace this image than a few people not getting it. This is _about_ being obscure.

NoExamplesPlease. The subjectivity of the phrase makes an example list impractical to maintain.

Note that most of these cult classics have their own pages already. [[MostTropersAreYoungNerds Yes, we are collectively that geeky]].

[-''When listing works by the same author, please don't list, say, the '''entire filmography''' of a director with a cult reputation. A cult classic should have a '''small but devout following in the absence of widespread current popular acclaim,''' in addition to the work itself meeting the definition of the trope. Only list those works by a given author for which the label is justified.''-]

----
!!Examples

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/{{Akira}}'', a.k.a. ''the'' definitive cult anime in the English-speaking world. Released in Japan to relatively little fanfare in 1988, it gradually began to pick up popularity in the US and UK during the 90s as the dubbed VHS tapes were circulated among schoolboys, students, sci-fi and animation fans, until by 2001 it was such an underground phenomenon that the US distributor reportedly spent over $1 million on a film restoration and new dub for its DVD release, and recent months have seen large portions of the Internet (even outside the anime fan community) in an uproar over a controversial proposed Hollywood adaptation. It is often credited with single-handedly creating the overseas market for [[{{Seinen}} adult-targeted]] anime and paving the way for other international hits like ''GhostInTheShell''.
** Anime movies as a whole tend to be this. ''ArashiNoYoruNi'', ''FiveCentimetersPerSecond'', ''TekkonKinkreet''...
* Early Anime:
** ''Anime/AstroBoy''
** ''BattleOfThePlanets''
** ''Anime/SpeedRacer''
** ''{{Starblazers}}''
* The works of SatoshiKon
** ''PerfectBlue''
** ''Anime/MillenniumActress''
** ''Literature/{{Paprika}}''
* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' (about as mainstream as anime can get in Japan, but a cult phenomenon in the West, even among anime fans)
* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' Is very well known in the manga and anime fandom for its high quality, but it still defines this trope because of its ultra violent, semi pornographic and all out grimdark nature that keeps it from ever becoming mainstream.
* The Canadians and a fair amount of Americans love ''Anime/SpiderRiders''.
* In the United States, practically every well-respected anime that aired on Creator/AdultSwim last decade has developed a cult following as a result. Many of these have eventually become mainstream, as have many of Toonami's (see below) anime programs.
** ''Anime/CowboyBebop''
** ''Anime/SamuraiChamploo''
** ''Manga/{{Trigun}}''
** ''Manga/WolfsRain''
** ''Anime/{{FLCL}}''
** ''CrayonShinChan''
** ''Anime/TheBigO''
** ''OutlawStar''
** ''Manga/InuYasha''
** ''GhostInTheShellStandAloneComplex''
** ''EurekaSeven''
** ''Franchise/LupinIII''
** ''Anime/ParanoiaAgent''
** ''Manga/DetectiveConan'' (AKA Case Closed)
** ''BlueGender''
** ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''
** ''Anime/CodeGeass''
** ''Manga/DeathNote''
** ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'', already a cult phenomenon since the 90s, experienced a [[NewbieBoom resurgence in popularity]] after being aired on the network.
* Before Adult Swim, there was {{Toonami}}, which (aside from mainstream hits like ''Manga/DragonBall'' and ''Manga/{{Naruto}}''; the latter is [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff an inversion]]) also created a devoted cult following for the likes of:
** ''TenchiMuyo''
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam''
** ''Manga/YuYuHakusho''
** ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''
* ''{{Afganisu-tan}}''
* ''Anime/TheAnimatrix'', an anime AdaptationExpansion of ''Film/TheMatrix'' series, is fairly little-known in most circles but has a devoted following of sci-fi and animation fans, many of whom consider it to be better than the film that inspired it (or at least [[ContestedSequel its sequels]]).
* ''AxisPowersHetalia'' is shaping up to become one similarly to ''{{Afganisu-tan}}.'' Although its popularity has exploded considerably since its origins as a webcomic, it does have cult followings in different parts of the world, including Poland, Russia and the Philippines.
* ''LightNovel/{{Baccano}}''
* ''Manga/{{Bokurano}}'' never quite became as popular as similar deconstructions like ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' or ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'', or even its sister series ''Manga/{{Narutaru}}'', but has a cult following within the anime community.
* ''[[ChirinNoSuzu The Ringing Bell Of Chirin]]'' (a dark film about a {{Chibi}} [[MoodWhiplash little lamb]])
* ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dash!_Yonkuro Dash! Yonkuro!]]'' and ''Manga/BakusouKyoudaiLetsAndGo'' didn't get exported to America, and they were forgotten after the shows ended, though there are still groups of people in Europe and Asia who read/watch these anime and play their mini-4wds, which is what these series encouraged them to do in the first place.
* ''{{Digimon}}''
* ''Manga/ExcelSaga''
* ''FistOfTheNorthStar'' has become a cult favorite among aficionados for "[[RatedMForManly manly]]" [[AfterTheEnd post-apocalyptic]] action. It also has a rather persistent fandom in ''France'' of all places, where it's called ''Ken le Survivant'' (literally "Ken the Survivor").
* ''Anime/GhostInTheShell'' (anime films)
* ''GiantRobo''
* ''GingaNagareboshiGin'' and ''GingaDensetsuWeed''
* ''GunslingerGirl'', a cult series even within anime fandom.
* ''{{Guyver}}''
* ''Manga/{{Hyakko}}''
* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure''
* ''Manga/NoMatterHowILookAtItItsYouGuysFaultImNotPopular'', virtually unknown in most places. Hugely popular on [[ImageBoards /a/]], out of empathy to the main character, who is possibly the biggest dork in fiction.
* ''Anime/KurauPhantomMemory''
* ''LegendOfTheGalacticHeroes'', a.k.a. "the greatest anime that will [[NoExportForYou never leave Japan]]".
* ''Anime/{{Mai-HiME}}''
* ''Anime/MonsterRancher'', an underrated gem among {{Mons}} series.
* ''Anime/TheMysteriousCitiesOfGold'' was popular in France and the UK, but it has a cult following around the world, primarily in the US and Japan (the latter of which it was made in ''and bombed'' with audiences, preventing the creation of later seasons).
* ''NekojiruSou'', being also a WidgetSeries.
* ''Manga/OnePiece'' for America. After 4Kids' CutAndPasteTranslation drew away most of its potential audience, Funimation's significantly more faithful dub has been working to gradually win them back. A rare case in that it's not as lesser known in most other countries (''especially'' [[CashCowFranchise not Japan]]).
:::The {{Bowdlerized}} 4Kids dub itself is probably more of your standard Camp Classic since [[SoBadItsGood its compellingly awful quality]] [[BileFascination makes for good entertainment]]. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNDTFtS1GuE See the comparison.]]
* {{Macross}}: mostly due to ''Robotech''
* ''Manga/{{Pokemon}}'' manga as a whole, even ''Manga/PokemonSpecial''.
* The ''Anime/PrettyCure'' franchise, due to its extensive PeripheryDemographic. '''[[NewbieBoom Especially]]''' after ''Anime/HeartcatchPrettyCure''.
* ''RahXephon''
* ''RevolutionaryGirlUtena''
** Utena's professed spiritual successor ''StarDriver'' is shaping up to be this as well.
* ''{{Robotech}}'' is commonly considered the crest of the first wave of widespread anime fandom outside Japan.
* ''SDGundamForce''
* ''{{Slayers}}'' was once very, very popular when it was released in America in the late 90's, namely for its [[ActionGirl female protagonist]], appeal to both genders, and it was one of the few dubs made at the time that ''wasn't'' {{Macekre}}d.) Due to its [[SequelGap fourth and fifth seasons]] [[UnCancelled being held off for an unGodly long time]], the fanbase shrunk, and now it's more or less this trope, but fans old and new still ''love'' it.
* ''Anime/SoRaNoWoTo'': still popular on [[ImageBoards /a/]] years after its sub-only release in the U.S., but much less well-known than [[Manga/KOn that highschool band show with a similar character ensemble]].
* Among American audiences, ''Teknoman'' (the English adaptation of ''Anime/TekkamanBlade''). Despite its [[{{Macekre}} questionable quality]], fans loved it to the point that ''Tekkaman Blade II'' was frowned on despite staying more faithful to the source material.
* ''WanderingSon''. Even despite the anime and its [[AudienceAlienatingPremise intentional reaction]], it has changed little in popularity.
* ''WildKnightsGulkeeva''
* The ''Toei'' season of ''Anime/{{Yu Gi Oh|First Anime Series}}'', erroneously referred to by fans as "Season/Series Zero."

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comics]]
* ''ComicBook/AmericanSplendor''
* The works of PeterBagge
** ''ComicBook/{{Hate}}''
%% There has been disagreement about whether Isaac Baranoff's works belong here. Please read this article's definition of "cult". Thanks.
* The works of Creator/IsaacBaranoff
** ''ComicBook/{{Horndog}}''
** ''SoftDesire''
** ''ComicBook/WolfComix''
* ''BlackHole''
* ''TheBookOfJim''
* ''ComicBook/TheBooksOfMagic''
* ''TheBoondocks''
* ''{{Cerebus}}''
* ''CherryComics''
* ''TheChucklingWhatsit''
* The works of DanielClowes
** ''{{Eightball}}''
** ''GhostWorld''
** ''ComicBook/LikeAVelvetGloveCastInIron''
** ''DavidBoring''
** ''IceHaven''
* The works of RobertCrumb
** ''ComicBook/FritzTheCat''
** ''MrNatural''
* ''Comicbook/TheCrow''
* ''DykesToWatchOutFor''
* ''Comicbook/{{Fables}}''
* ''ComicBook/{{Hitman}}''
* ''JimmyCorriganTheSmartestKidOnEarth''
* ''LibertyMeadows''
* ''LifeInHell''
* ''ComicBook/LoveAndRockets''
* ''[[Magazine/{{MAD}} MAD Magazine]]''
* ''Comicbook/{{Madman}}''
* The works of FrankMiller
** ''ComicBook/{{Ronin}}''
** ''SinCity''
* The works of Creator/AlanMoore
** ''Comicbook/SwampThing'' (reboot)
** ''ComicBook/VForVendetta''
** ''{{Promethea}}''
** ''Comicbook/FromHell''
** ''TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryGentlemen''
* ''ComicBook/OmahaTheCatDancer''
* ''{{Persepolis}}''
* ''{{Preacher}}''
* ''ComicBook/TheSandman''
* ''SavageDragon''
* ''ComicBook/ScottPilgrim''
* ''SerenityRose''
* ''StrangersInParadise''
* ''{{Transmetropolitan}}''
* ''ValiantComics''
* The works of JhonenVasquez
** ''JohnnyTheHomicidalManiac''
** ''IFeelSick''
** ''ComicBook/{{Squee}}''
* ''ZippyThePinhead''
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Fics]]
* Since MostFanficWritersAreFans, fanfiction in general falls under this. Even the most-well known fanfics are usually intended for and read by a subset of an existing fandom.
* The ''FanFic/TamersForeverSeries'' could be seen as a CultClassic among ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'' fan fiction circles. It's not as well known as some other Digifics out there, But it is absolutely adored by those who have read it. (Just look at the reviews ''Silent Sorrow'' recieved)
* The ''{{Glee}}'' fanfiction ''{{Dalton}}'' is so popular it's even garnered a fanbase apart from that of the source material.
[[/folder]]


[[folder:Film]]
* ''TheRockyHorrorPictureShow'' is the definitive example, without a doubt. Even though the movie only sold well at a single theater upon its release, it then opened for a weekly midnight run in 1978...and it's ''still'' running.
* ''Film/NineteenFortyOne''
* ''TheAdventuresOfBuckarooBanzaiAcrossTheEighthDimension''
* ''TheAdventuresOfPriscillaQueenOfTheDesert''
* ''Film/AfterHours''
* ''Film/AguirreTheWrathOfGod''
* ''Film/AloneInTheDark2005''
* ''Film/AmericanPsycho''
* ''Film/AnAmericanWerewolfInLondon''
* ''Film/AnchormanTheLegendOfRonBurgundy''
* WesAnderson
** ''BottleRocket''
** ''{{Rushmore}}''
** ''TheRoyalTenenbaums''
** ''Film/TheLifeAquaticWithSteveZissou''
** ''TheDarjeelingLimited''
** ''TheFantasticMrFox''
* ''Film/TheApple''
* Creator/DarrenAronofsky
** ''{{Pi}}''
** ''RequiemForADream''
** ''TheFountain''
* ''Film/AttackOfThe50FootWoman''
* ''FilmAttackOfTheKillerTomatoes''
* ''Film/{{Audition}}''
* ''BagdadCafe''
* ''Film/{{Barbarella}}''
* ''Film/BatmanTheMovie''
* ''Film/BattleRoyale''
* ''Film/TheBeastmaster''
* ''TheBeaverTrilogy''
* ''TheBestOfEverything''
* ''BetterOffDead''
* ''BettyBlue''
* ''Film/TheBeyond''
* ''Film/BeyondTheValleyOfTheDolls''
* KathrynBigelow
** ''TheLoveless''
** ''Film/NearDark''
** ''PointBreak''
** ''StrangeDays''
* ''[[Film/BillAndTed Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure]]''
* ''BillyJack''
* ''[[{{Birdemic}} Birdemic: Shock And Terror]]''
* ''Film/BitchSlap''
* ''Disney/TheBlackCauldron''
* ''Film/BlackChristmas1974''
* ''Film/BlackDynamite''
* ''TheBlackHole'' -- Disney's 1st PG-rated movie[[note]]At least two live-action films from the 1950s were rated PG on video release.[[/note]]
* ''Film/{{Blacula}}''
* ''Film/BladeRunner''
* ''Film/BloodFeast''
* ''Film/BloodFreak''
* ''Film/TheBluesBrothers''
* ''Film/TheBoondockSaints''
* ''Film/ABoyAndHisDog''
* ''BrainDonors''
* ''Film/{{Brazil}}''
* ''{{Brick}}''
* ''BrotherBear'' -- Partially because of the DVDCommentary.
* ''[[Film/BubbaHoTep Bubba Ho-Tep]]''
* ''Film/BuffaloSixtySix''
* TimBurton
** ''Film/PeeWeesBigAdventure''
** ''Film/{{Beetlejuice}}''
** ''Film/EdwardScissorhands''
** ''TheNightmareBeforeChristmas''
** ''Film/EdWood''
** ''Film/MarsAttacks''
** ''Film/SleepyHollow''
** ''Film/BigFish''
** ''WesternAnimation/CorpseBride''
** ''Film/SweeneyToddTheDemonBarberOfFleetStreet''
* ''CabinBoy''
* ''Film/CarnivalOfSouls''
* ''Film/CatWoman''
* Creator/JohnCarpenter's films tend to get this reputation:
** ''Film/DarkStar''
** ''Film/AssaultOnPrecinct131976''
** ''Film/{{Halloween 1978}}''
** ''Film/TheFog''
** ''Film/EscapeFromNewYork''
** ''Film/TheThing1982''
** ''Film/BigTroubleInLittleChina''
** ''Film/PrinceOfDarkness''
** ''Film/TheyLive''
** ''Film/InTheMouthOfMadness''
* ''Film/AChristmasStory''
* ''Franchise/TheChroniclesOfRiddick'' films
* ''ChuckAndBuck''
* ''Film/{{Clue}}''
* Creator/TheCoenBrothers
** ''BloodSimple''
** ''Film/RaisingArizona''
** ''MillersCrossing''
** ''Film/BartonFink''
** ''Film/TheHudsuckerProxy''
** ''Film/{{Fargo}}''
** ''Film/TheBigLebowski'' (to the point that there are at ''least'' two Lebowskifest conventions a year. The first cult film of the internet era.)
** ''OBrotherWhereArtThou?''
** ''TheManWhoWasntThere''
** ''NoCountryForOldMen''
** ''Film/ASeriousMan''
* ''{{Coffy}}''
* ''Film/{{Commando}}''
* RogerCorman
** ''ABucketOfBlood''
** ''Film/TheLittleShopOfHorrors'' (1960, but [[Film/LittleShopOfHorrors the 1986 film]] could also be considered one as well)
** ''TheFallOfTheHouseOfUsher''
** ''TheMasqueOfTheRedDeath'' (which, along with the above, are actually based on stories by EdgarAllanPoe)
* WesCraven
** ''Film/TheLastHouseOnTheLeft''
** ''Film/TheHillsHaveEyes''
** ''Film/SwampThing''
** ''Film/ANightmareOnElmStreet1984''
** ''Film/TheSerpentAndTheRainbow''
** ''Film/{{Shocker}}''
** ''Film/ThePeopleUnderTheStairs''
** ''Film/{{Scream 1996}}''
* DavidCronenberg
** ''Film/{{Shivers}}''
** ''Film/TheBrood''
** ''Film/{{Scanners}}''
** ''Film/{{Videodrome}}''
** ''Film/TheDeadZone''
** ''Film/TheFly''
** ''Film/DeadRingers''
** ''Film/NakedLunch''
** ''Film/EXistenZ''
** ''Film/{{Spider}}''
** ''AHistoryOfViolence''
** ''EasternPromises''
* ''{{Cube}}''
* Creator/JoeDante
** ''Film/{{Piranha}}''
** ''Film/TheHowling''
** ''Film/{{Gremlins}}'' (and the sequel to an even greater extent)
** ''InnerSpace''
** ''Film/{{Matinee}}''
** ''TheBurbs''
* ''Film/TheDarkCrystal''
* ''Film/TheDayTheEarthStoodStill1951'' (the original - see KlaatuBaradaNikto).
* BrianDePalma
** ''{{Sisters}}''
** ''PhantomOfTheParadise''
** ''{{Carrie}}''
** ''Film/TheFury''
** ''Film/DressedToKill''
** ''Film/BlowOut''
** ''Film/{{Scarface}}''
** ''Film/BodyDouble''
** ''Film/RaisingCain''
** ''CarlitosWay''
** ''Film/FemmeFatale''
* ''Film/DeathRace2000''
* ''Film/DeathToSmoochy''
* ''DeathWish3''
* ''TheDeclineOfWesternCivilization'' (and Part II even moreso)
* JonathanDemme
** ''CagedHeat''
** ''CrazyMama''
** ''MelvinAndHoward''
** ''Film/StopMakingSense''
** ''SwingShift''
** ''SomethingWild''
** ''MarriedToTheMob''
* ''{{Demonlover}}''
* ''Film/TheDescent''
* ''Film/TheDevilsRejects''
* ''DirtyWork''
* ''DiscoGodfather''
* ''{{Disorderlies}}''
* ''Film/DogSoldiers''
* ''{{Dolemite}}''
* ''Film/DonnieDarko'' (the first film of [[TurnOfTheMillennium the 2000's]] to inspire ongoing midnight screenings a la ''Rocky Horror'')
* ''{{Doomsday}}''
* ''Film/{{Drive}}''
* ''DropDeadFred''
* ''DuckSoup''
* ''EarthGirlsAreEasy''
* ''Film/EasyRider'' (1969 - big on release, cult later)
* ''Film/EatingRaoul''
* ''EmpireRecords''
* ''EnterTheDragon''
* ''Film/EnterTheVoid''
* ''{{Equilibrium}}''
* ''Film/{{Equinox}}''
* ''Film/EventHorizon''
* ''EvilAlienConquerors''
* ''Film/{{Excalibur}}''
* ''FacesOfDeath''
* ''FallingDown''
* ''FantasticPlanet'' (1973, [[DerangedAnimation animated]])
* ''Film/FasterPussycatKillKill!''
* ''{{Felidae}}'' (1994, animated)
* ''FearOfABlackHat'': Basically ''This Is Spinal Tap'' for the HipHop generation of TheNineties.
* ''Film/TheFifthElement''
* ''Film/FightClub''
* ''WesternAnimation/FireAndIce''
* ''FiveDeadlyVenoms''
* ''The5000FingersOfDrT'' (live-action Dr. Seuss, 1953)
* ''Film/FlashGordon''
* ''Film/TheFoodOfTheGods''
* ''ForbiddenPlanet''
* ''Film/ForbiddenZone''
* ''{{Freaked}}''
* ''Film/{{Freaks}}''
* ''FreddyGotFingered''
* ''Film/{{Friday}}''
* ''Film/FrightNight'' (the original 1985 film, though the remake might be heading this way)
* ''GhostWorld''
* ''Film/{{Ghoulies}}''
* Creator/TerryGilliam
** ''Film/{{Jabberwocky}}''
** ''Film/TimeBandits''
** ''Film/{{Brazil}}''
** ''Film/TheAdventuresOfBaronMunchausen''
** ''Film/TheFisherKing''
** ''Film/TwelveMonkeys''
** ''Film/FearAndLoathingInLasVegas''
** ''Film/{{Tideland}}''
** ''Film/TheImaginariumOfDoctorParnassus''
** And ''The Man Who Shot Don Quixote'', in all likelihood.
* ''Film/GingerSnaps''
* ''TheGirlAndTheEcho'' - especially y general fans of Zherbjunas.
* ''GiveMyRegardsToBroadStreet'' (the cult is small, but still measurable)
* ''GlenOrGlenda''
* ''GMenFromHell''
* ''TheGodsMustBeCrazy''
* ''GoodBurger''
* ''Film/TheGoonies''
* ''TheGreatRace'' (a small cult again, but still here)
* ''GregorysGirl''
* ''GreyGardens''
* ''Film/GuestFromTheFuture'' (mainstream in former USSR, cult elsewhere)
* ''Film/{{Gymkata}}''
* ''{{Hackers}}''
* ''{{Hair}}'' (1979)
* ''HalfBaked''
* ''TheHappinessOfTheKatakuris''
* ''[[HardBoiled Hard-Boiled]]''
* ''TheHarderTheyCome''
* ''Film/{{Hardware}}''
* ''HaroldAndMaude''
* Creator/RayHarryhausen
** ''[[TheBeastFromTwentyThousandFathoms The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms]]''
** ''EarthVsTheFlyingSaucers''
** ''Film/The7thVoyageOfSinbad''
** ''JasonAndTheArgonauts''
** ''OneMillionYearsBC''
** ''TheGoldenVoyageOfSinbad''
** ''ClashOfTheTitans'' (1981)
* ''Film/{{Hausu}}''
* ''HawkTheSlayer''
* ToddHaynes
** ''SuperstarTheKarenCarpenterStory''
** ''{{Poison}}''
** ''{{Safe}}''
** ''VelvetGoldmine''
** ''FarFromHeaven''
** ''ImNotThere''
* ''Film/{{Head}}''
* ''Film/{{Heathers}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/HeavyMetal''
* A lot of films by Harmony Korine, particularly ''Film/{{Gummo}}''
* ''HeavyMetalParkingLot''
* ''HedwigAndTheAngryInch''
* ''{{Hellzapoppin}}''
* ''HeroicTrio''
* ''Film/{{Highlander}}''
* ''HocusPocus''
* ''TheHolyMountain''
* ''HotRodsToHell''
* ''Film/HouseOf1000Corpses''
* ''Film/TheHouseOfTheDevil''
* ''TheHouseOfYes''
* ''Film/HowardTheDuck''
* ''TheHumanCentipede''
* ''TheHunger''
* ''IAmCuba''
* ''IHeartHuckabees''
* ''Film/{{Inferno}}''
* ''InvasionOfTheBodySnatchers''
* ''IrmaVep''
* ''TheIronGiant''
* ''Film/{{Irreversible}}''
* ''Film/{{Ishtar}}''
* Creator/PeterJackson
** ''Film/BadTaste''
** ''Film/MeetTheFeebles''
** ''Film/{{Braindead}}''
** ''Film/HeavenlyCreatures''
** ''ForgottenSilver''
** ''TheFrighteners''
* JimJarmusch
** ''PermanentVacation''
** ''StrangerThanParadise''
** ''DownByLaw''
** ''MysteryTrain''
** ''Film/NightOnEarth''
** ''Film/DeadMan''
** ''GhostDogTheWayOfTheSamurai''
** ''CoffeeAndCigarettes''
* ''JesusChristSuperstar''
* JeanPierreJeunet
** ''Film/{{Delicatessen}}''
** ''Film/TheCityOfLostChildren''
** ''Film/{{Amelie}}''
** ''Film/AVeryLongEngagement''
** ''Film/{{Micmacs}}''
* ''JoeVersusTheVolcano''
* ''Film/JohnnyEnglish''
* MikeJudge
** ''[[BeavisAndButthead Beavis And Butt-head Do America]]''
** ''OfficeSpace''
** ''Film/{{Idiocracy}}''
** ''{{Extract}}''
* ''Film/JustBeforeDawn''
* LloydKaufman
** ''Film/TheToxicAvenger''
** ''Film/ClassOfNukeEmHigh''
** ''Film/TromasWar''
** ''Film/SgtKabukimanNYPD''
** ''Film/TromeoAndJuliet''
** ''Film/TerrorFirmer''
** ''Film/PoultrygeistNightOfTheChickenDead''
* ''Film/KickboxingAcademy''
* ''Film/KillerKlownsFromOuterSpace''
* ''TheKillingOfSatan''
* ''KillingZoe''
* ''[[Film/KinDzaDza Kin-Dza-Dza]]''
* ''Film/{{Krull}}''
* StanleyKubrick
** ''Film/TheKilling''
** ''Film/PathsOfGlory''
** ''{{Lolita}}''
** ''Film/DrStrangelove''
** ''[[Film/TwoThousandAndOneASpaceOdyssey 2001: A Space Odyssey]]''
** ''Film/AClockworkOrange''
** ''Film/BarryLyndon''
** ''Film/TheShining''
** ''Film/FullMetalJacket''
** ''EyesWideShut''
* ''Film/KungFuHustle''
* ''Film/{{Labyrinth}}''
* ''LadiesAndGentlemenTheFabulousStains''
* ''LadySnowblood''
* ''Film/TheLairOfTheWhiteWorm''
* ''TheLastDragon''
* ''TheLastSeduction''
* ''Film/{{Legend}}''
* ''TheLimey''
* RichardLinklater
** ''{{Slacker}}''
** ''DazedAndConfused''
** ''BeforeSunrise''
** ''TheNewtonBoys''
** ''WakingLife''
** ''Film/AScannerDarkly''
* ''Anime/LittleNemoAdventuresInSlumberland''
* ''Film/LittleNicky''
* ''Film/TheLostBoys''
* ''Film/TheLostSkeletonOfCadavra''
* ''LoveAndBasketball''
* ''LoveExposure''
* ''LoveStreams''
* DavidLynch
** ''Film/{{Eraserhead}}''
** ''Film/TheElephantMan''
** ''Film/{{Dune}}''
** ''Film/BlueVelvet''
** ''Film/WildAtHeart''
** ''TwinPeaks: [[TheMovie Fire Walk With Me]]''
** ''Film/LostHighway''
** ''Film/MulhollandDrive''
** ''Film/InlandEmpire''
* ''TheMack''
* ''Film/{{Madman}}''
* ''MadMaxBeyondThunderdome''
* ''Film/ManBitesDog'' ("C'est arrivé près de chez vous")
* ''Film/ManosTheHandsOfFate''
* ''TheManWhoFellToEarth''
* ''TheManWhoSavesTheWorld''
* ''MasterOfTheFlyingGuillotine''
* ''Film/MaximumOverdrive''
* ''Film/McBain'' (not the [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Rainier Wolfcastle]] films)
* ''Film/MediumCool''
* ''Film/{{Metropolis}}''
* ''MidnightMadness'' -- Disney's 2nd PG-rated movie[[note]]At least two live-action films from the 1950s were rated PG on video release.[[/note]]
* ''TheMillenniumTrilogy''
** ''The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo''
** ''The Girl Who Played With Fire''
** ''The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest''
* ''Film/MomAndDadSaveTheWorld''
* ''MommieDearest''
* Creator/MontyPython
** ''Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail''
** ''Film/MontyPythonsLifeOfBrian''
** ''Film/MontyPythonsTheMeaningOfLife''
* ''Film/{{Moon}}''
* ''MorvernCallar''
* ''TheMostDangerousGame''
* ''Film/{{Ms 45}}''
* ''Film/MysteryMen''
* ''Film/NapoleonDynamite''
* ''{{Newsies}}''
* ''Film/NightOfTheComet''
* ''Film/NightOfTheCreeps''
* ''Film/NightOfTheLepus''
* ''Film/{{Oldboy}}''
* ''Disney/OliverAndCompany''
* ''OLuckyMan''
* TreyParkerAndMattStone
** ''{{Baseketball}}''
** ''{{Orgazmo}}''
** ''CannibalTheMusical''
** ''[[WesternAnimation/SouthPark South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut]]''
** ''TeamAmericaWorldPolice''
* ''{{Performance}}''
* ''{{Film/Petes Dragon}}''
* ''Film/{{Phantasm}}''
* ''Film/PhantomOfTheParadise''
* ''Film/Plan9FromOuterSpace''
* ''PlanetOfTheApes''
* ''Film/PootieTang''
* AlexProyas:
** ''Film/TheCrow''
** ''Film/DarkCity''
** ''{{Knowing}}''
* ''Film/{{Popeye}}'' (the [[LiveActionAdaptation live action]] film)
* ''Film/{{Primer}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/ThePrinceOfEgypt'' was popular upon release being the highest grossing traditionally animated non-Disney film of all time, until WesternAnimation/TheSimpsonsMovie came along, but as a result of WesternAnimation/{{Shrek}} becoming more prominent in DreamworksAnimation, their other [[WesternAnimation/TheRoadToElDorado traditionally]] [[WesternAnimation/SpiritStallionOfTheCimarron animated]] [[SinbadLegendOfTheSevenSeas efforts]] not doing as well and CG overtaking the market, it has become this in recent years.
* ''Film/ThePrincessBride''
* ''Film/TheProfessional''
* ''{{Pulse}}''
* ''PutneySwope''
* Creator/SamRaimi
** ''Franchise/EvilDead'' (and sequels, ''especially'' number II)
** ''Film/{{Crimewave}}''
** ''Film/{{Darkman}}''
** ''Film/TheQuickAndTheDead''
** ''Film/ASimplePlan''
** ''Film/DragMeToHell''
* ''Film/RealGenius''
* ''[[ReAnimator Re-Animator]]''
* ''WesternAnimation/RecessSchoolsOut''
* ''Film/ReeferMadness''
* ''Film/RemoWilliamsTheAdventureBegins''
* ''Film/RepoMan''
* ''Film/RepoTheGeneticOpera''
* ''RiversEdge''
* ''Film/RoadHouse''
* ''Film/ReturnToOz''
* RobertRodriguez
** ''ElMariachi'' trilogy
*** ''Film/ElMariachi''
*** ''Film/{{Desperado}}''
*** ''Film/OnceUponATimeInMexico''
** ''Film/FromDuskTillDawn''
** ''Film/TheFaculty''
** ''Film/SinCity''
** ''Film/PlanetTerror''
** ''Film/{{Machete}}''
* GeorgeARomero
** ''NightOfTheLivingDead''
** ''Film/TheCrazies''
** ''Film/DawnOfTheDead''
** ''Film/{{Martin}}''
** ''Film/{{Creepshow}}''
** ''Film/DayOfTheDead''
** ''Film/LandOfTheDead''
* ''Film/TheRoom'' - almost exclusively shown at midnight screenings where people throw spoons at the screen.
* ''Film/SantaClaus''
* ''SantaClausConquersTheMartians''
* ''Film/TheSecretOfKells'' (Cartoon Saloon in general is beginning to have this)
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretOfNIMH''
* ''{{Secretary}}''
* ''Film/{{Serenity}}''
* ''{{Shaft}}'' (original film)
* ''ShakesTheClown''
* ''Film/TheShawshankRedemption''
* ''Film/{{Sherrybaby}}''
* ''Film/ShockTreatment'' (a "sequel" to ''Rocky Horror'')
* ''Film/ShockWaves''
* ''Film/{{Showgirls}}''
* ''Film/SilentNightDeadlyNight'' and ''Film/SilentNightDeadlyNightPart2''
* ''{{Singles}}''
* ''Film/SixStringSamurai''
* ''Film/SlapShot''
* ''Film/SleepawayCamp''
* Creator/KevinSmith
** ''Film/{{Clerks}}''
** ''Film/{{Mallrats}}''
** ''Film/ChasingAmy''
** ''Film/{{Dogma}}''
** ''Film/JayAndSilentBobStrikeBack''
** ''Film/ClerksII''
** ''Film/ZackAndMiriMakeAPorno''
* ''Film/{{Soldier}}''
* ''Film/SouthlandTales''
* ''Film/{{Spaceballs}}''
* ''Film/SpaceJam''
* ''Film/SpaceMutiny''
* ''Film/TheSpecials''
* ''Film/SpiderBabyOrTheMaddestStoryEverTold''
* ''Film/StageFrightAquarius''
* ''Film/{{Starcrash}}''
* ''Film/StarshipTroopers''
* ''StepBrothers''
* ''[[StraitJacket Strait-Jacket]]''
* ''StayTuned''
* ''Film/StreetFighter''
* ''Film/StreetsOfFire''
* ''Film/StreetTrash''
* ''Film/StudentBodies''
* ''TheStuntMan''
* ''Film/SuckerPunch''
* ''SuicideClub''
* ''Film/SuperFuzz''
* ''Film/TheSuperInframan''
* ''Film/SuperMarioBros''
* ''Film/SurfNazisMustDie''
* ''Film/{{Suspiria}}''
* ''{{Swingers}}''
* ''SwitchbladeSisters''
* ''Film/TalesFromTheCrypt''
* QuentinTarantino
** ''Film/ReservoirDogs''
** ''Film/PulpFiction''
** ''Film/JackieBrown''
** ''Film/KillBill I and II''
** ''DeathProof''
** ''Film/InglouriousBasterds''
* ''Film/TenaciousDInThePickOfDestiny''
* ''TetsuoTheIronMan''
* ''Film/TheTexasChainSawMassacre1974''
* ''Film/TheatreOfBlood''
* ''{{Themroc}}''
* ''Film/{{Thirst}}''
* ''Film/The36thChamberofShaolin''
* ''The13thWarrior'': Although it was panned by critics and one of the biggest box office bombs of all time, this movie nonetheless has a sizable fan following.
* ''Film/ThisIslandEarth''
* ''Film/ThisIsSpinalTap''
* ''ThreeWomen''
* ''Film/ThrillerACruelPicture''
* ''TitanAE''
* ''Film/ElTopo''
* ''Film/{{Torso}}''
* ''Literature/{{Trainspotting}}''
* ''TransformersTheMovie'' (1986)
* ''TreasurePlanet''
* ''Film/TrilogyOfTerror''
* ''TheTripletsOfBelleville''
* ''Film/{{Troll 2}}''
* ''Film/{{Tron}}''
* ''Film/TrueRomance''
* ''TwiceUponATime''
* ''Film/TwoHundredMotels''
* ''[[TwoLaneBlacktop Two-Lane Blacktop]]''
* ''TwoThousandManiacs''
* ''Film/{{UHF}}''
* ''Film/UnChienAndalou''
* UniversalHorror
* ''TheUntoldStory''
* ''Film/ValerieAndHerWeekOfWonders''
* ''Film/ValleyOfTheDolls''
* ''VampiresInHavana''
* ''VampiresKiss''
* ''VampyrosLesbos''
* GusVanSant
** ''DrugstoreCowboy''
** ''Film/MyOwnPrivateIdaho''
** ''Film/ToDieFor''
** ''Film/{{Gerry}}''
** ''{{Elephant}}''
** ''LastDays''
** ''ParanoidPark''
* ''VanishingPoint''
* ''VaseDeNoces''
* ''{{Volunteers}}''
* ''Music/TheWall''
* ''Film/TheWarriors''
* Creator/JohnWaters
** ''Film/PinkFlamingos''
** ''FemaleTrouble''
** ''DesperateLiving''
** ''Film/{{Polyester}}''
** ''{{Hairspray}}''
** ''Film/{{Cry-Baby}}''
** ''SerialMom''
** ''Film/{{Pecker}}''
** ''CecilBDemented''
** ''ADirtyShame''
* ''Film/{{Waxwork}}''
* ''Film/WelcomeToTheDollhouse''
* ''WetHotAmericanSummer''
* ''TheWickerMan'' (both versions, for very different reasons)
* ''WildInTheStreets''
* ''Film/WildThings''
* ''Film/{{Willow}}''
* ''Film/WillyWonkaAndTheChocolateFactory'' (1971)
* ''Film/WithnailAndI''
* ''TheWiz''
* ''Film/TheWizardOfSpeedAndTime''
* EdgarWright
** ''Film/ShaunOfTheDead''
** ''Film/HotFuzz''
** ''Film/ScottPilgrimVsTheWorld''
* ''Film/{{Xanadu}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/YellowSubmarine''
* ''YorTheHunterFromTheFuture'': Primarily thanks to [[WebVideo/TheSpoonyExperiment Spoony]].
* ''{{Zardoz}}''
* ''ZeroEffect''
* ''{{Zoolander}}''
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]
* The works of Creator/PhilipKDick
* The works of Creator/HPLovecraft
* The works of ChuckPalahniuk
* The works of KurtVonnegut
* The works of Creator/RichardBrautigan
* The works of Creator/JRRTolkien for many years (but not since the 70s).
** ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'' arguably counts, since it never caught on with the reading public.
* GeneWolfe's work, especially
** ''BookOfTheNewSun'' and ''The Wizard Knight''.
* Creator/RobertEHoward
** The chronicles of ''[[ConanTheBarbarian Conan]]''
* ''Franchise/TheDarkTower'' series
* ''Literature/AmericanGods''
* ''{{Ulysses}}'' - a rare example of a cult classic that is also considered part of the western canon. Fans convene every [[FanNickname Bloomsday]].
* OlderThanSteam: Similarly with the Scottish poet Creator/RobertBurns, who has [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper his own annual supper]].
-->Burns suppers may be either formal or informal. Informal suppers typically include [[ForeignQueasine haggis]] (a traditional Scottish dish), Scotch whisky and the recitation of Burns' poetry. Formal dinners are hosted by organisations such as Burns clubs... and occasionally end with dancing when ladies are present. However whether they are single sex or not, the formal suppers follow a standard format.
* ''AmericanTabloid''
* ''TheAreasOfMyExpertise''
* ''Literature/AtlasShrugged''
* ''Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me''
* ''Literature/BloodMeridian'' by CormacMcCarthy
* ''Literature/BridgeOfBirds''
* ''Literature/TheCatcherInTheRye''
* ''Literature/AClockworkOrange'' - an example where both the original book and the movie are cult classics.
* ''Literature/AConfederacyOfDunces''
* ''Literature/DirkGentlysHolisticDetectiveAgency''
* ''Literature/{{Dune}}''
* ''Literature/EndersGame''
* ''Literature/{{Factotum}}''
* ''FearAndLoathingInLasVegas'': [-[[LongTitle A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream]],-] another case where both the original book and the movie are cult in their own right.
* ''Literature/TheFountainhead''
* ''Literature/FrannyAndZooey''
* ''Literature/GoodOmens''
* ''Literature/{{Gor}}'' has a serious philosophical movement which includes both men and women.
* ''Literature/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy''
* ''Literature/HouseOfLeaves'' ([[http://www.houseofleaves.com/ Just look at its forum.]])
* ''Literature/{{Illuminatus}}''
* ''TheMenWhoStareAtGoats''
* ''Literature/NakedLunch''
* ''Literature/{{Neuromancer}}''
* ''Literature/{{Neverwhere}}''
* ''NoLogo''
* ''Literature/OnStrangerTides''
* ''Literature/OnTheRoad''
* ''Literature/PaleFire''
* ''Literature/ThePerksOfBeingAWallflower''
* ''Literature/ThePrincessBride''
* ''[[http://roadsideamerica.com Roadside America]]''
* ''Film/TheRumDiary''
* ''Literature/TheStand''
* ''Literature/TimeAndAgain'' by Jack Finney
* ''Literature/TristramShandy''
* ''TheWindUpBirdChronicle''
* ''YouthInRevolt''
* ''ZenAndTheArtOfMotorcycleMaintenance''
* The works of Creator/RogerZelazny.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* ''Series/{{Action}}''
* ''TheAdventuresOfBriscoCountyJr''
* ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment''
* ''Series/BabylonFive''
* ''Series/{{Batman}}'' and ''BatmanTheMovie'' (with Creator/AdamWest)
* ''[[Series/BattlestarGalacticaClassic Battlestar]] [[Series/BattlestarGalacticaReimagined Galactica]]''
* ''Series/BeyondBeliefFactOrFiction''
* ''BlackBooks''
* ''Series/BlakesSeven''
* ''{{Bottom}}''
* ''Series/BreakingBad'' - Notably, despite being critically acclaimed, it never sat the ratings on fire. However, this changed in its final season, where it became one of the most watched shows on cable television.
* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' and ''Series/{{Angel}}''
* ''{{Carnivale}}''
* ''Series/{{Charmed}}''
* ''Series/{{Chuck}}''
* ''Series/{{Community}}''
* ''CurbYourEnthusiasm''
* ''DeadLikeMe''
* ''{{Deadwood}}''
* ''Series/DoctorWho'' (in the US -- mainstream in the UK)
** The Classic series in particular, except for those who grew up with it.
** Its spinoffs too, especially ''Series/{{Torchwood}}''.
* ''TheEqualizer'' ''was'' popular at the time of its original airings, but became this over the years.
* ''Series/{{Farscape}}''
* ''TheFastShow''
* ''FawltyTowers''
* ''Series/{{Firefly}}''
* ''FlightOfTheConchords''
* ''FranksPlace''
* ''FreaksAndGeeks''
* ''Series/{{Fringe}}''
* ''GarthMarenghisDarkPlace''
* ''HomicideLifeOnTheStreet'' - spawned JustForFun/JohnMunch's [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Munch Career]]
* ''Series/{{Human Target}}''
* ''{{Interceptor}}''- a GameShow oddly enough.
* ''IronChef''
* ''Series/ItsAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphia''
* ''Jackass''
* ''KolchakTheNightStalker''
* ''TheLeagueOfGentlemen''
* ''Series/MastersOfHorror''
* ''Series/TheMole''
* ''Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus''
* ''Series/MrShow''
* ''Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000'' (and by extension, most of the movies it showcased)
* ''NewsRadio''
* ''NoahsArc'': The show continues to have a highly dedicated fanbase of gay men of color.
* ''NorthernExposure''
* ''NowhereMan''
* ''Series/TheOuterLimits''
* ''PenniesFromHeaven''
* ''PoliceSquad!''
* ''PowerRangers.'' Aside from a small fanbase, the rest of the general public never knew the show was [[LongRunner still around]].
* ''Series/ThePrisoner''
* ''{{Profit}}''
* ''PushingDaisies'' is already showing signs.
* ''Series/QuantumLeap''
* ''QueerAsFolk''
* ''Series/RedDwarf''
* ''Series/{{Sanctuary}}''
* ''TheSarahConnorChronicles''
* ''TheSingingDetective''
* ''Series/SledgeHammer''
* ''Series/{{Smallville}}'': The show actually enjoyed widespread mainstream popularity from Seasons 1-3, but began losing viewers during Season 4 and then maintained cult status for the rest of its run ([[{{GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff}} except in Latin America, where the show maintained mainstream popularity from beginning to end]]).
* ''{{Spaced}}''
* ''SpittingImage''
* ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries''
* ''TheState''
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' (the show's even gone so far as to [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall lean on the fourth wall]] to lampshade its cult status)
* ''Series/{{Survivor}}'': The few few seasons were extremely popular and ushered in the rise of RealityTV, but Survivor has become this over time. There was an article from a few years ago(I can't recall what site it came from) that proclaimed that it has one of the most devoted fandom's in American television.
* ''TakeshisCastle''
* ''TalesFromTheCrypt''
* ''TimAndEricAwesomeShowGreatJob''
* ''{{Titus}}''
* ''Series/TheTwilightZone''
* ''TodaysSpecial''
* ''The TomGreen Show''
* ''TwinPeaks''
* ''{{Undeclared}}''
* ''Series/{{V}}'' - The original.
* ''VeronicaMars''
* ''WhoseLineIsItAnyway''
* ''TheWire''
* ''{{Wonderfalls}}''
* ''Series/TheXFiles'': Voted number 2 in TV Guide's list of the "25 Top Cult Shows Ever!"
* ''XenaWarriorPrincess''
* ''TheYoungOnes''
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music]]
* Music/GGAllin
* Music/TheArtOfNoise
* Music/TheAvalanches: ''Since I Left You'' (2000)
* [[Music/PinkFloyd Syd Barrett]]: ''The Madcap Laughs'' (1970)
* Music/TheBeachBoys: ''Pet Sounds'' (1966)
** Brian Wilson: ''[=SMiLE=]'' (unreleased until 2004)
* Music/BlindGuardian: ''Nightfall In Middle Earth'' (1998), etc.
* Music/BoneThugsNHarmony: Became a cult favorite after their initial popularity.
* Music/BoogieDownProductions: ''Criminal Minded'' (1987)
* Music/BrothaLynchHung: ''Season of The Siccness'' (1992)
* Music/{{Buckethead}}
* Music/KateBush: ''The Dreaming'' (1982)
* Music/ButtholeSurfers
** ''[[SelfTitledAlbum Butthole Surfers]]'' (1983)
** ''Locust Abortion Technician'' (1987)
* Music/{{Cage}}: ''Movies for the Blind'' (2002)
* Music/{{Can}}
** ''TagoMago'' (1970)
** ''EgeBamyasi'' (1972)
* Music/CaptainBeefheart
** ''TroutMaskReplica'' (1969)
* Music/LeonardCohen
** ''Songs of Leonard Cohen'' (1967)
** ''Songs from a Room'' (1969)
* Music/CompanyFlow: ''Funcrusher Plus'' (1997)
* Music/TheCramps
* Music/{{Devo}}:
** ''Q: Are We Not Men? A: We are Devo!'' (1978)
** ''Duty Now for the Future'' (1979)
** ''Freedom of Choice'' (1980)
* NickDrake
** ''Five Leaves Left'' (1969)
** ''Bryter Layter'' (1970)
** ''Pink Moon'' (1971)
* The Durutti Column
* Music/TheFall
* Wild Man Fischer
* Music/FreestyleFellowship: ''To Whom It May Concern'' (1991)
* Music/{{Fugazi}}: ''13 Songs'' (1989)
* Music/TheFugs
* Music/TheGratefulDead
* Music/{{Hawkwind}}
* Music/JeffWaynesMusicalVersionOfTheWarOfTheWorlds
* Music/JethroTull
* Music/KoolKeith
* Music/{{Kyuss}}: ''Welcome to Sky Valley'' (1994)
* TheLegendaryStardustCowboy
* Music/MC5: ''Kick Out The Jams'' (1969)
* Music/NeutralMilkHotel: ''[[MagnumOpus In the Aeroplane Over the Sea]]'' (1998)
* Music/{{Pavement}}
* Creator/PsychopathicRecords:
** Music/AnybodyKilla
** Music/BlazeYaDeadHomie
** Music/{{Boondox}}
** Music/InsaneClownPosse:
*** ''Riddle Box'' (1995)
*** ''The Great Milenko'' (1997)
*** ''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers'' (1999)
** Music/{{Twiztid}}: ''Mostasteless'' (1997)
* Creator/ReelLifeProductions
** Music/{{Esham}}
** Music/{{Natas}}
* Lee "Scratch" Perry
* Music/{{Radiohead}}: ''Kid A.''
* Music/TheResidents:
** ''ThirdReichNRoll'' (1976)
** ''Commercial Album'' (1980)
* [[Music/TheModernLovers Jonathan Richman]]
* Music/{{Rush}}
* Music/TheShaggs: ''Philosophy Of The World'' (1969)
* Harry Smith's ''An Anthology Of American FolkMusic'' (1952)
* Skip Spence: ''Oar'' (1969)
* Music/TalkTalk: ''Spirit of Eden'' (1988)
* Music/TenaciousD
* Music/TheyMightBeGiants
* Music/ThreeSixMafia: was a cult favorite before they hit pay dirt with ''When The Smoke Clears'' album.
* Music/VanDerGraafGenerator
* Music/VelvetUnderground
** ''Music/TheVelvetUndergroundAndNico'' (1967)
** ''White Light/White Heat'' (1968)
** ''[[SelfTitledAlbum The Velvet Underground]]'' (1969)
** ''Loaded'' (1970)
* Music/{{Ween}}: ''The Mollusk'' (1997)
* Music/{{Weezer}}: ''Pinkerton'' (1996)
* Music/{{XTC}}: ''Drums and Wires'' (1979)
* Music/WeirdAlYankovic
* Music/FrankZappa
** ''FreakOut'' (1966)
** ''Music/AbsolutelyFree'' (1967)
** ''LumpyGravy''(1967)
** ''Music/WereOnlyInItForTheMoney'' (1968)
** ''UncleMeat'' (1969)
** ''HotRats'' (1969)
** ''WeaselsRippedMyFlesh'' (1970)
** ''200Motels'' (1971)
** ''Over-Nite Sensation'' (1973)
** ''{{Apostrophe}}'' (1974)
** ''OneSizeFitsAll'' (1968)
** ''SheikYerbouti'' (1979)
** ''Joe's Garage'' (1979)
* Arvid Tuba
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Pinball]]
* ''Pinball/BlackRose'' (1992) - didn't sell well, as it was released around the same time as ''Pinball/TheAddamsFamily'', but people like it today.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Radio]]
* Radio/BobAndRay
* Creator/DrDemento
* TheGoonShow
* Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy
* HowardStern
* Radio/ImSorryIllReadThatAgain
* RoundTheHorne
* KnowingMeKnowingYouWithAlanPartridge
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
Many tabletop {{RPG}}s are a cult within a cult following, including;
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' has been the go-to RPG for decades, and has served as the TropeCodifier for most modern Fantasy and RPG games and media ever since.
** Some of the 2nd edition AD&D campaign settings (such as ''{{Spelljammer}}'', ''{{Planescape}}'' and ''DarkSun'') have their own cult followings despite being largely out of print since before 3rd edition.
* ''BunniesAndBurrows''
* ''TabletopGame/CallOfCthulhu''
* ''{{Deadlands}}''
* ''{{Exalted}}''
* ''FadingSuns''
* ''{{GURPS}}''
* ''TabletopGame/VampireTheMasquerade''
** All of the oWoD and the nWoD, really.
* ''TabletopGame/InNomine''
* {{Pinball}} in general.
* ''{{Space1889}}''
* ''TabletopGame/{{Torg}}''
* ''{{Traveller}}''
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theatre]]
* ''Theatre/{{Thirteen}}''
* ''GreaterTuna''
* ''JesusChristSuperstar''
* ''{{Hair}}''
* ''Theatre/LittleShopOfHorrors'' (the off-Broadway production)
* Despite Andrew Lloyd Webber's attempts to disown ''StarlightExpress'', the musical has attracted a small but extremely dedicated fanbase, many members of which dress up as the characters a la ''TheRockyHorrorPictureShow'', interact with the actors backstage, and travel throughout cities and overseas to attend as many productions as possible.
* ''The Revels'' productions
* ''Theatre/SweeneyToddTheDemonBarberOfFleetStreet''
* ''RepoTheGeneticOpera''
* ''{{Rent}}'' You know. Rent-heads, and all.
* ''SpringAwakening'' has a following who call themselves "The Guilty Ones".
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theme Parks]]
* The ''[[DisneyLand Pirates of the Caribbean]]'' ride on which the [[PiratesOfTheCaribbean film franchise]] [[TheMovie is based]] is so cult, it attracted a fandom backlash before the movie was released over JohnnyDepp and his gold teeth. The resulting kerfuffle only helped sell the film, of course.
* TheHauntedMansion's following is even larger then that of Pirates. The vague story open to interpretation is the perfect fodder for fanfiction and spin-off works alike, the incredible details in the atraction offer a lot of things to discuss, with an [[http://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com/ entire blog]] and series of Mice Chat threads dedicated to dissecting the attraction.
* Although it was closed after eight years of operation for scaring the pants off of too many little children, the ''Extraterrorestrial Alien Encounter'' at [[DisneyLand Walt Disney World]] has a loyal following who admire the attraction for its dark humor and rich atmosphere.
* ''MrToadsWildRide'' is a bit cult, to the point where Disney made a film based on the ride instead of the book (''The Wind In The Willows''). There are [[http://www.math.miami.edu/~jam/toad/ shrines to the attraction]] years after it closed down.
** ''Disney's'' film ''TheWindInTheWillows'' was based on...the book. It came out in 1949, while the ride (and Disneyland itself) are from six years later. The 1996 adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's book was then titled ''Mr. Toad's Wild Ride'' in the US, presumably so people would make a connection [[AdaptationDisplacement to the Disney ride]].
* ''The Great Movie Ride''.
* ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drachen_Fire Drachen Fire]]'' was a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The ride was infamous for being very rough and encountered many problems during its lifetime. It opened in 1992 and closed in 1998, the park attempted to re-open the coaster in 2002 but failed and ended up demolishing it. Despite the ride's many problems, it had/still has a cult following by coaster enthusiasts and fans of the park.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
!!Games and franchises
* ''VideoGame/ThreeDDotGameHeroes''
* ''VideoGame/ABoyAndHisBlob'' (NES version)
* The ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'' series
** ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney''
** ''VisualNovel/ApolloJusticeAceAttorney''
** ''VisualNovel/AceAttorneyInvestigationsMilesEdgeworth''
* ''[[ARecklessDisregardForGravity AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! – A Reckless Disregard for Gravity]]'' (or simply ''Aaaaaa'')
* ''VideoGame/AlienVsPredatorCapcom'' (the ArcadeGame; the following games by Rebellion and Monolith Productions are too popular for CultClassic status)
* ''VideoGame/{{Allegiance}}'' (the Microsoft-developed space combat game/RealTimeStrategy hybrid that is now legal freeware)
* ''VideoGame/AlphaProtocol'' (a classic case of a game panned by critics but which picked up a devoted following)
** Games by Obsidian tend to attract this, see also ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic 2'' and the ''[[VideoGame/NeverWinterNights2 NWN2]]'' expansion ''Mask of the Betrayer''.
* ''VideoGame/AmericanMcGeesAlice''
* ''[[Videogame/AnotherWorld Another World, a.k.a. Out of This World]]''
* ''ArcanumOfSteamworksAndMagickObscura''
* ''ArmJoe!'' (a Beat-Em-Up based on ''[[http://lesmisgame.com/arm_joe.html Les Miserables]]'')
* ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath''
* ''AzraelsTear''
* ''VideoGame/BatenKaitos'', the SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/ChronoCross''
* ''VideoGame/{{Battlezone|1998}}'' (the {{Activision}} FPS/RTS hybrid PC games)
* ''VideoGame/BetrayalAtKrondor''
* ''VideoGame/BeyondGoodAndEvil''
* ''VideoGame/BillyHatcherAndTheGiantEgg''
* ''VideoGame/BlasterMaster''
* ''Film/BladeRunner'' the [[http://fromearth.net/LetsPlay/BladeRunner/ 2½-D adventure game]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Blood}}''
* ''VideoGame/BrutalLegend''
* The first two ''VideoGame/{{Bubsy}}'' games. [[FranchiseKiller Bubsy 3D, on the other hand...]]
* ''VideoGame/BunnyMustDie''
* ''BurnCycle''
* ''VideoGame/BurningRangers''
* ''[[VideoGame/CapcomVsSNK2MarkOfTheMillennium Capcom vs. SNK 2]]'' (among a certain number of ''[[CapcomVsWhatever Vs.]]'' series fans, ''[=CvS2=]'' is seen more as an underrated gem in contrast to ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom2 Marvel vs. Capcom 2]]''[='s=] more mainstream--if not somewhat overrated--popularity; a similar case could arguably be made for ''[[VideoGame/TatsunokoVsCapcom Tatsunoko vs. Capcom]]'')
* ''VideoGame/{{Catherine}}''
* ''VideoGame/CastleOfTheWinds''
* ''VideoGame/CastleWolfenstein''
* ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaRondoOfBlood''
* ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaSymphonyOfTheNight''
* ''VideoGame/CaveStory''
* ''Franchise/TheChroniclesOfRiddick'' games
* The ''[[VideoGame/ChronoTrigger Chrono]]'' [[VideoGame/ChronoCross series]] in general, but ''VisualNovel/RadicalDreamers'' in particular is very obscure.
* ''VideoGame/ConkersBadFurDay''
* ''VideoGame/DarkChronicle''
* ''VideoGame/{{Darklands}}''
* ''VideoGame/TheDarkness''
* ''DeadlyRoomsOfDeath''
* ''VideoGame/DeadlyPremonition''
* ''VideoGame/DeathRally''
* The ''VideoGame/DeptHeaven'' series
** ''KnightsInTheNightmare''
** ''RivieraThePromisedLand''
** ''YggdraUnion''
* ''VideoGame/DeusEx'' (first one)
* ''DigimonWorld'' according to its page here.
* ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' in the U.S. (though it's mainstream in Japan)
* ''{{Driver}}''
** ''Driver 2''
* ''VideoGame/DuneII'' (which still has DOSBox versions and fan-mods)
* ''VideoGame/DwarfFortress''
* ''VideoGame/{{Einhander}}''. Suffice to say, Creator/{{Square|Enix}} showed their chops ''outside'' of the JRPG genre.
* ''{{Elite}}''
* ''VideoGame/EnslavedOdysseyToTheWest''
* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness''
* ''VideoGame/EuroTruckSimulator 2'', which sits in a weird position between FunForSome and CultClassic. Its popularity outside of SimulationGame circles stems largely from the sheer number of people (especially [[SomethingAwful Goons]]) who picked up the game because they found the premise hilariously mundane, only to actually play it and find themselves enjoying it unironically.
* ''VideoGame/EVOSearchForEden''
* ''VideoGame/{{F-Zero}}'' on both sides of the pond.
* ''VideoGame/FightersHistory''
** [[FollowTheLeader In the same vein]], Visco's ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakers_%28arcade_game%29 Breakers.]]'' Ironically, while ''Fighter's History'' was known as '''the''' ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterII SFII]]'' copycat ([[SerialNumbersFiledOff to the point that Capcom filled a lawsuit against them]]), it was ''Breakers'' that had a larger number of {{Captain Ersatz}}es [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvMjjKS5Csk on the roster.]] Regardless, both titles were good enough to receive sequels (''Fighter's History Dynamite'' and ''Breakers Revenge'') and possess dedicated followings despite having fallen into obscurity.
* The ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' games from ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyI I]]'' to ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI VI]]'', since the series only had a cult following up until achieving mainstream popularity with ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII VII]]'' and subsequent games.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFight'', and to a lesser degree, its SNES sequels.
* Any ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' game in America [[NoExportForYou that has not been localized.]] Even the localized ones could be considered to fall under this, small as the broader ''Fire Emblem'' fanbase is.
* ''Videogame/{{Flashback}}''
* ''{{Freelancer}}''
* ''{{Freespace}}'', [[EvenBetterSequel especially]] ''Freespace 2''.
* ''FurFighters''
* ''VideoGame/GabrielKnight'' series of {{adventure game}}s
* ''[[VideoGame/FatalFury Garou: Mark of the Wolves]]'': {{SNK}}'s answer to ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIII'', [[MagnumOpus it is widely praised as the last great SNK game]] (even those who don't normally touch SNK fighters love ''[=MotW=]''). Sadly, SNKP is [[{{Vaporware}} taking forever with the sequel]]...
* ''GodHand''
* ''VideoGame/GotchaForce''
* ''VideoGame/{{Gothic}}'' (Also, the first sequel and expansion)
* ''VideoGame/GrandPrixLegends''
* ''VideoGame/TheGreatGianaSisters'' and its NintendoDS remake.
* ''VideoGame/GrimFandango''
* ''VideoGame/TheGuardianLegend''
* ''VideoGame/GunstarHeroes''
* ''VideoGame/HalfMinuteHero''
* ''VideoGame/HeartOfDarkness''
* ''VideoGame/HeavenlySword''
* ''VideoGame/{{Hellsinker}}''
* ''VideoGame/{{Homeworld}}'' series, but [[EvenBetterSequel especially]] ''Homeworld 2''.
* ''VideoGame/{{ICO}}''
* ''VideoGame/IHaveNoMouthAndIMustScream''
* ''IllusionOfGaia'' as well as its SpiritualSuccessor ''{{Terranigma}}''
** Both are technically regarded as successors to ''SoulBlazer''.
* ''IndependenceWar''
* ''VideoGame/IndianaJonesAndTheFateOfAtlantis'' known as "[[FanonDiscontinuity Indy 4]]" by its fans
* ''VideoGame/IndigoProphecy''
* ''VideoGame/IWannaBeTheGuy''
* ''VideoGame/IzunaLegendOfTheUnemployedNinja'' and its sequel
* ''VideoGame/JetForceGemini''
* ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio''
* ''VideoGame/{{Jumper}}''
* ''VideoGame/KatamariDamacy''
* ''VideoGame/KidIcarus''
* ''[[VideoGame/{{Kirby}} Kirby Air Ride]]''
* ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}}''
* ''Koala Lumpur Journey to the Edge''
* ''VideoGame/KyaDarkLineage''
* ''VideoGame/TheLastBlade''
* ''TheLastExpress''
* ''LegacyOfKain''
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfDragoon''
* A few ''Zelda'' games which didn't accrue quite the fame and acclaim of the likes of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Ocarina of Time]]'' have a dedicated following:
** ''VideoGame/ZeldaIITheAdventureOfLink''
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening''
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask''
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker''
* ''VideoGame/TheLongestJourney''
** ''VideoGame/DreamfallTheLongestJourney''
* ''VideoGame/LiveALive''
* ''VideoGame/{{Loom}}''
* ''VideoGame/LostKingdoms''
* ''VideoGame/LufiaIIRiseOfTheSinistrals''
* ''{{Lunar}}''
* ''MadWorld''
* ''TheMagicOfScheherazade''
* ''ManiacMansion''
* ''VideoGame/{{Marathon}}''
* ''MasterOfMagic''
* ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends''
** Also ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManZX''
* ''VideoGame/MetalGearAcid''
* ''MetamorphicForce''
* ''MissileCommand'' (classic arcade game)
* ''VideoGame/MonkeyIsland'' series (so much so that it survived the AdventureGame crash of '95)
* ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'' (in the U.S.; it's hugely popular in its home country of Japan)
* ''MonsterParty''
* ''VideoGame/MonsterRancher''
* ''Moraff's {{Roguelike}}s'': ''Moraff's Revenge'', ''Moraff's World'', and ''Dungeons of the Unforgiven'', with ''World'' probably being the most famous of the three.
* The ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER}}'' trilogy.
** ''VideoGame/MOTHER1''[=/=]''[=EarthBound=] Zero''
** ''[[VideoGame/EarthBound MOTHER 2]]''[=/=]''[=EarthBound=]''
** ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER 3}}''
* ''Nail 'n Scale'' (With a cult of one, but still...)
* The ''{{Neptunia}}'' series as a whole.
* ''TheNeverhood'' didn't exactly blow the bank at its time of release, thanks to the adventure game genre's slow descent to obscurity that had begun a few years prior, but the game still manages to uphold a considerable cult following thanks to its charming art style, quirky sense of humour and TerryScottTaylor's fantastic soundtrack. [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff Especially in Japan and Poland.]]
* ''VideoGame/{{NieR}}''
* ''VideoGame/NiGHTSIntoDreams''
* ''NightTrap''
* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes''
* ''VideoGame/{{Oddworld}}''
** ''VideoGame/OddworldStrangersWrath''
* ''OgreBattle''/''TacticsOgre''
* ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}''
* ''OperationFlashpoint''
** ''VideoGame/{{ARMA}}''
* ''VideoGame/TheOregonTrail''
* ''{{Outcast}}''
* ''VideoGame/{{Pac-Man}}'' (an example of something once [[QualityByPopularVote hugely popular]] that is now cult)
* ''VideoGame/PanzerDragoon''
* ''VideoGame/PaRappaTheRapper'' and ''Um Jammer Lammy''
* ''{{Pathologic}}''
* ''PlanescapeTorment''
* ''VideoGame/{{Postal}}'' (first two games and their expansions only)
* ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}''
* ''VideoGame/QBert''
* ''Videogame/{{Quarantine}}''
* ''VideoGame/QuestForGlory''
* ''RBIBaseball''
* ''RallyTrophy''
* ''VideoGame/{{Rayman}}''
* ''Revelations: The Demon Slayer''
** Most of the other old ''Franchise/ShinMegamiTensei'' games would fall under this as well.
** And most {{Atlus}} games in general.
* ''RiseOfTheTriad''
* ''RiverCityRansom''
* ''VideoGame/RocketJockey''
* ''VideoGame/{{The Room|TheGame}} [[http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/547307 the Game]]'' (not to be confused with ''SilentHill4'' or those "[[YouWakeUpInARoom trapped in a room]]" games)
* ''[[VideoGame/SamAndMaxFreelancePolice Sam and Max Hit the Road]]'' (too soon to say for the Telltale games?)
* ''VideoGame/TheSettlers''
* ''VideoGame/ShadowHearts''
* ''VideoGame/{{Shantae}}''
* ''VideoGame/{{Shenmue}}''
* ''Franchise/ShinMegamiTensei'' series and spinoffs in the U.S. In Japan it's up there with ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' and ''Franchise/DragonQuest''.
* ''SidMeiersAlphaCentauri''
** As well as both versions of ''{{Pirates}}''.
* ''VideoGame/SkiesOfArcadia''
* ''VideoGame/SlyCooper'' (though well-received, it's nowhere near as popular as fellow PS2 platforming franchises ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'' and ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'')
* ''VideoGame/SpaceChannel5''
* ''VideoGame/SpaceInvaders'' (classic arcade game, got its own ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' parody)
* ''VideoGame/StarControl''
** ''VideoGame/StarControlII''
* ''VideoGame/StarFox1''
* ''VideoGame/StarOcean''
* ''VideoGame/StarTropics''
* ''[[{{VideoGame/Tribes}} Starsiege: Tribes]]''
** And ''{{VideoGame/Starsiege}}'' itself is already ''[=EarthSiege=]'' [[TimeSkip in the future!]]
* ''SteelBattalion''
* ''VideoGame/StreetFighterEX'', as opposed to the mainstream success enjoyed by ''VideoGame/StreetFighterII'' (the ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Alpha]]'' series and ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV IV]]'' as well to lesser extents, although still widely favored overall) and ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIII'' being VindicatedByHistory years after its release. Although the ''EX'' series received a bad rep in its day for varying reasons, a lot of it has folded in more recent days, with supporters firmly standing their ground. The fact that [[AwesomeMusic/StreetFighter the soundtracks for all three games were phenomenal]], the new character designs were quirky but still fit into the ''SF'' 'verse, and the gameplay itself [[OlderThanTheyThink was a cornerstone of sorts for]] ''Street Fighter IV'' about a decade later probably had something to do with it.
* ''VideoGame/{{Strider}}'' (both the NES and Arcade/Genesis versions, as well as ''Strider 2'')
** ''[[VideoGame/CannonDancer Osman]]'', its SpiritualSuccessor, is on its way to attaining this status.
* ''VideoGame/SuikodenII''
* ''VideoGame/{{Syndicate}}''
* ''VideoGame/SystemShock'' and [[SoCoolItsAwesome especially]] [[EvenBetterSequel its sequel.]]
* ''OgreBattle'' and ''TacticsOgre''
* ''TheTaleOfAlltynex'' trilogy.
* The ''Franchise/TalesSeries'' has had a couple commercially successful installments in America, to varying extents, but the series overall outside Japan is very much a dedicated niche. Not helped by how many of the games [[NoExportForYou don't leave Japan to begin with.]]
** ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia''
** ''VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss''
** ''VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia''
* ''TecmoBowl'' (NES) and ''TecmoSuperBowl''
* ''TerraNovaStrikeForceCentauri''
* ''VideoGame/{{The Bouncer}}''
* ''VideoGame/{{Thief}}''
* ''VideoGame/TimeSplitters'' (It did sell pretty good, but it was never a huge hit. Nevertheless, it still has a very devoted fan base to this day.)
* ''VideoGame/TokyoJungle''
* ''{{Tomba}}''
* ''{{Toonstruck}}''
* ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}''
* ''TransportTycoon''
* ''VideoGame/TumblePop''
* ''Franchise/{{Ultima}}'' (also a LongRunner)
* ''AnUntitledStory''
* ''VideoGame/VagrantStory''
* ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles''
* ''VideoGame/ValkyrieProfile''
* ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe''
* ''VideoGame/WildArms''
* ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou''
* ''VideoGame/{{X-COM}}''
* ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles''
* ''VideoGame/{{Xenogears}}''
** ''VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}}''
* ''{{Xexex}}'', obscure, but well loved by those who have played it.
* ''{{XIII}}'', the video game adaptation at least
* ''VideoGame/YumeNikki''; a strange, little freeware game by an unheard of Japanese creator, too large to be browser-based, and only distributed by the fans, yet it has generated no less than ''two'' dozen fangames (all of which can be seen [[http://dic.nicovideo.jp/a/%E3%82%86%E3%82%81%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A3%E3%81%8D%E6%B4%BE%E7%94%9F here]]), massive amounts of WildMassGuessing, and an incredible amount of MemeticMutation. And the game's only been released ''as Version 0.1''.
* ''ZakMcKrackenAndTheAlienMindbenders''
* ''VideoGame/ZoneOfTheEnders''
* ''VideoGame/{{Zork}}''

!!Genres
* InteractiveFiction in general is a cult ''genre'' comparable to CB radio.
* Same with {{Multi User Dungeon}}s.
* Japanese [[VisualNovel Visual Novels]] in general, i.e, the good ones.
** Then there are the cult classics ''among'' this already niche genre, namely ''BrassRestoration'', ''{{Narcissu}}'', ''TrueRemembrance''...mostly doujin stuff.
* [[ShootEmUp Shmups]] in general, at least in modern gaming (back in the [[TheGoldenAgeOfVideoGames Golden Age]], they enjoyed mainstream popularity).
* PlatformHell/Kaizo games. Have a following within the SMW ROM hacking community and among some extremely dedicated fan game players, but are just too damn hard to catch on with a wider audience outside of Youtube videos. Within this small audience you've then got the IWannaBeTheGuy fans (and those who are fans of the fan games based on it) and the players of 'Pit SMW hacks (ones only playable with tool assistance on a frame by frame level involving glitch abuse)..

!!Game Companies and creators
* {{Cave}}
* CloverStudios and, by proxy, PlatinumGames
* Creators/{{cactus}}
* Humongous Entertainment.
* NipponIchi, though ''Franchise/{{Disgaea}}'' is the company's most famous work.
** By extension, Gust and the ''Franchise/{{Atelier}}'' series.
* {{Suda51}} (''VideoGame/{{Killer7}}'', ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'', ''VideoGame/LollipopChainsaw'', etc.)
* Creator/{{Treasure}}
* Creator/{{Vanillaware}}, whose ranks are comprised of the same former {{Atlus}} members that worked on the aforementioned ''PrincessCrown'' (in fact, ''VideoGame/OdinSphere'' and ''MuramasaTheDemonBlade'' are {{Spiritual Successor}}s to ''PrincessCrown'').
* All of the titles made by Ukrainian developer Deep Shadows count.
** ''VideoGame/BoilingPointRoadToHell''
** ''White Gold: War in Paradise'' and
** ''VideoGame/ThePrecursors'' (The last two [[NoExportForYou only released in Eastern Europe]], though [[FanTranslation fan translations are available]])
* Most games translated by WorkingDesigns
* Every console by Creator/{{Sega}} not named the [[SegaGenesis Genesis]] (the only one to achieve mainstream popularity), especially the [[SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]].
* XseedGames
* Anything made by Creator/TimSchafer.
* Hudson Soft and NEC's ''TurboGrafx16'' (at least overseas; it was a mainstream success in its homeland of Japan)
* Osamu Sato (''VideoGame/LSDDreamEmulator'', ''VideoGame/EasternMindTheLostSoulsOfTongNou'', and the elusive ''Chu-Teng'')
* Jeff Vogel, maker of whole cult classic series: {{Exile}}/{{Avernum}}, {{Geneforge}} and now {{Avadon}}.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]
* ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner''
* ''[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic My Little Pony:]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR9qtgIi3Rw#t=2m10s Fighting Is Magic]]''
* ''SonicTheHedgehog2SpecialEdition''
* ''TheTerribleSecretOfAnimalCrossing''
* ''MarioPaint''
* ''SugarWiki/RobotUnicornAttack'' made {{unicorn}}s [[RealMenWearPink cool again]].
* Website/ThatGuyWithTheGlasses
** WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic
** WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall
** WebVideo/TheNostalgiaChick
** WebVideo/TheSpoonyExperiment
** WebVideo/TheCinemaSnob
** {{Phelous}}
** ObscurusLupaPresents
* WebVideo/TheAngryVideoGameNerd
* {{Radio/True Capitalist}}
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* Lots of cartoons on ''Creator/AdultSwim'', thanks to its timeslot. Examples that have retained a cult following include:
** ''WesternAnimation/AquaTeenHungerForce'' and ''[[StonerFlick Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters]]''
** ''ComicStrip/TheBoondocks''
** ''HarveyBirdmanAttorneyAtLaw''
** ''{{Metalocalypse}}''
** ''{{MoralOrel}}''
** ''SpaceGhostCoastToCoast''
** ''{{Squidbillies}}''
** ''WesternAnimation/SuperJail''
** ''FriskyDingo''
** ''WesternAnimation/TwelveOunceMouse''
** ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBrothers''
* ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'' was the cult phenomenon of 2010 before ''My Little Pony'' came out. [[note]](and is even somewhat competitive with fans of the latter, the two shows having [[http://denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw3324-1330560319780.gif very little in common)]][[/note]]
* ''TheAdventuresOfMarkTwain''
* ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers''
* ''AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog''
* ''WesternAnimation/TheAdventuresOfSuperMarioBros3''
* ''WesternAnimation/AeonFlux''
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}''
* The cartoons of TexAvery
* Creator/RalphBakshi
** ''WesternAnimation/FritzTheCat''
** ''HeavyTraffic''
** ''WesternAnimation/{{Coonskin}}''
** ''WesternAnimation/{{Wizards}}''
** ''WesternAnimation/TheLordOfTheRings''
** ''WesternAnimation/AmericanPop''
** ''WesternAnimation/HeyGoodLookin''
** ''WesternAnimation/FireAndIce''
** ''Film/CoolWorld''
* ''WesternAnimation/BeavisAndButthead''
* ''WesternAnimation/TheBraveLittleToaster''
* ''WesternAnimation/ChalkZone''
* ''[[TheCharlieBrownAndSnoopyShow Charlie Brown...]]'' Saturday morning cartoon and the animated specials:
** ''ACharlieBrownChristmas''
** ''ItsTheGreatPumpkinCharlieBrown''
** ''YoureAGoodManCharlieBrown'' (1985)
** ''ThisIsAmericaCharlieBrown'' (miniseries) and feature films:
** ''ABoyNamedCharlieBrown''
** ''RaceForYourLifeCharlieBrown''
** ''BonVoyageCharlieBrown''
* The cartoons of BobClampett
* ''ClerksTheAnimatedSeries''
* ''CloneHigh''
* ''WesternAnimation/TheCritic''
* ''{{Daria}}''
* DiC had a few series considered this, some of which can be found elsewhere on this page.
* The ''WesternAnimation/{{Dilbert}}'' cartoon.
* ''{{Doug}}'' (While the Disney version was considered more successful, {{Nickelodeon}}'s are still considered this)
* ''WesternAnimation/DrawnTogether''
* ''{{Duckman}}''
* ''{{Exosquad}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/DungeonsAndDragons''
* ''Animation/FantasticPlanet'' ("La Planète Sauvage")
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Felidae}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Freakazoid}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/FreakShow''
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' (Not as popular in the mainstream as ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'', but still has an obsessive cult following)
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}''. It only lasted two seasons [[note]] Plus one non-canonical one made after Disney fired [[Creator/GregWeisman the original creator]] [[/note]] and it's been off the air since 1997, but a small, devoted group of fans was organizing conventions up until 2009. Fan demand even managed to get the show briefly resurrected as a comic book series about nine years after it was cancelled.
* ''WesternAnimation/GravedaleHigh''
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Gumby}}''
* ''WebAnimation/HappyTreeFriends'' (premiered in the Festival of Sick and Twisted Animation)
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHauntedWorldOfElSuperbeasto''
* ''WesternAnimation/HeyArnold'' (Turning into this; even eight years after the last episode aired, devoted followers are trying to convince Nickelodeon let the show have a proper finale)
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHobbit''
* ''WesternAnimation/HomeMovies''
* ''WesternAnimation/InvaderZim''
* The cartoons of ChuckJones
* ''WesternAnimation/KaBlam''
* ''WesternAnimation/KirikouAndTheSorceress'' (French film, based on African folk tale)
* ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes''
* ''MissionHill''
* ''WesternAnimation/MisterT'' (animated)
* ''MonkeyDust''
* ''{{WesternAnimation/Motorcity}}''
* ''TheMouseAndHisChild''
* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' ascended to the upper echelons of cult status in little more than a year.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheNineLivesOfFritzTheCat''
* ''[[GarfieldHis9Lives Garfield: His Nine Lives]]''
* ''SnoopyComeHome''. Usually remembered for being ridiculously depressing.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheOblongs''
* ''Series/PJKatiesFarm''
* ''Literature/ThePlagueDogs'' [-("[[CoversAlwaysLie a special kind]] of movie magic from the makers of ''WatershipDown"'')-]
* ''{{Popeye}}'' (original shorts)
* ''PiratesOfDarkWater''
* ''WesternAnimation/QuasiAtTheQuackadero''
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Recess}}''
* ''[[WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow Ren And Stimpy]]''
** Creator/JohnKricfalusi also did the music video ''[[Music/TenaciousD Tenacious D: ---- Her Gently]]''.
*** And the video for {{Bjork}}'s ''I Miss You''.
*** And the video for WeirdAlYankovic's "Close but No Cigar".
* ''TheRippingFriends''
* ''RockAndRule''
* ''WesternAnimation/RockosModernLife''
* ''RockyAndBullwinkle'' and its spinoff, ''DudleyDoRight''.
* ''[[RankinBassProductions Rankin-Bass]]'' films in general, in part thanks to NostalgiaFilter.
** ''WesternAnimation/TheHobbit'' (1977)
** ''WesternAnimation/TheReturnOfTheKing'' (1980) Where there's a whip...
** ''RudolphTheRedNosedReindeer[=:=] TheMovie''
* ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack''
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretOfNIMH''
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons''
* ''Disney/SongOfTheSouth''
* ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark''
* ''WesternAnimation/SonicSatAM''
* ''Todd [=MacFarlane's=] {{Spawn}}''
* The ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheatricalCartoons'' by Creator/FleischerStudios
* ''WesternAnimation/SuperMarioWorld''
* ''WesternAnimation/SWATKats''
* ''WesternAnimation/SymBionicTitan''
* ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'' was one of the more popular shows on Creator/CartoonNetwork for a while, but was widely bashed by a lot of comic and superhero fans for its more unusual style, and turned into the ButtMonkey of the network in online circles. However, the {{Hatedom}} has largely disappeared, and even years after its cancellation, it still has a fiercely loyal fanbase.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheThiefAndTheCobbler''
* ''WesternAnimation/ThunderCats'', both the 1985 series and [[WesternAnimation/ThunderCats2011 the 2011 reboot]], the latter of which was considered TooGoodToLast for many.
* ''{{Undergrads}}''
* ''WatershipDown'' (US-only. It was quite popular in its native UK.)
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Entire Media]]
* TabletopGames are extremely niche, escially Wargames and RPG's.
* {{Toku}}satsu
* VideoGames used to fall under this, being seen as the exclusive domain of children and nerds. In the last decade, however, the success of products like the NintendoWii and iPhone App Store, as well as franchises like ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'', ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAuto'', ''VideoGame/MaddenNFL'', ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty'' and ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'', have made video games a much more commonplace and socially acceptable pastime. Still, most games apart from big-name franchises remain relatively obscure in mainstream popular culture.
* {{Gamebooks}} have a small, but incredibly devoted following of readers, authors, bloggers, and programmers who kept the medium alive and thriving to this day.
[[/folder]]

* ''NieR''

* ''{{Blood}}''

* ''UnChienAndalou''

* ''TheLongestJourney''
** ''Dreamfall: The Longest Journey''

* ''TheBooksOfMagic''

* ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad''

* ''SledgeHammer''
* ''{{Smallville}}'': The show actually enjoyed widespread mainstream popularity from Seasons 1-3, but began losing viewers during Season 4 and then maintained cult status for the rest of its run ([[{{GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff}} except in Latin America, where the show maintained mainstream popularity from beginning to end]]).

* ''Series/BreakingBad'' - Notably, despite being critically acclaimed, it never sat the ratings on fire.

* UniversalMonsters

* ''{{V}}'' - The original.

* ''{{The X-Files}}'': Voted number 2 in TV Guide's list of the "25 Top Cult Shows Ever!"

* ''JojosBizarreAdventure''

Though some movie studios have intentionally tried to position releases as Cult-Classics-To-Be (like ''MirrorMask'' and ''SnakesOnAPlane''), perhaps hiring a bunch of cult actors and [[CultSoundtrack funky music]], it is not usually successful. A true Cult Classic is as rare as capturing lightning in a bottle.

Also note that "cult classic" is an affectionate English expression for a work of this type, and does not mean that it's a "classic" in the same sense of, say, a "classic novel" or "essential work". Unless the fandom are surrounded by a sea of indifference, such usage is too broad to be meaningful, so works such as ''StarWars'' don't count. Otherwise, the phrase would be meaningless, as RogerEbert has noted in lamenting [[YouKeepUsingThatWord its misuse]], since it does carry certain genre-specific connotations.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Thundercats}}'', both the 1985 series and the 2011 reboot, the latter of which was considered TooGoodToLast for many