5 Great Cult Movies to Watch on Netflix This Weekend

“Cult-Hit Movies” is the term that we give to movies that may not be instantly popular (or profitable) when initially released, but go on to earn dedicated followings and word-of-mouth acclaim. It’s hard to believe that there are so many films we now hold dear (Blade Runner, Fight Club, The Prestige), which hardly made an impact when they were actually in theaters!

Of course, the greatest challenge for a movie is standing the test of time. In this new era of digital streaming and “Netflix and Chill” leisure, what was old and overlooked (or only had an underground following) can find second life and a new chance at popularity with a new generation. In the spirit of discovery – and offering you the best home entertainment a Netflix subscription can buy – we’ve dug up some cult-hit films you need to watch ASAP if you haven’t seen them – or would enjoy rediscovering all over again.

This week, movie theaters are going to be once again packed for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Taking the spirit (and cast) of James Gunn’s intergalactic oddball superhero action/comedy into account, here are the 5 Best Cult Movies to Watch on Netflix This Weekend.

Big Trouble in Little China

This fantastical martial arts action comedy film is part of the reason that Kurt Russell is the icon we are still celebrating today (see: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2). 

If you’ve never checked it out, grab a beer, some popcorn, and get streaming! 

…Just try to remember that the ’80s were a very different (read: much more racist) time. 

Escape From New York

If Kurt Russell is your guy, but Big Trouble isn’t your type of flick, then this John Carpenter action movie cult-classic may be more your speed. 

In the long line of crazy, cocaine-fueled ideas to come out of the ’80s, this is one of the craziest. You can almost hear the pitch (in between long nasally sniffs), “What if Manhattan became a prison colony in the future?” 

This is pure, unadulterated, Kurt Russell badassery at its best. The hunky actor plays a snarling gruff anti-hero better than most, and this is definitely a film you want to see soon… before the Robert Rodriguez remake replaces it. 

Superbad

Before Seth Rogen was someone for movie viewers to hate on; before Evan Goldberg’s life story was a regular part of the national fabric (The Goldbergs), there was Superbad. 

This raunchy coming-of-age tale didn’t just make stars out of Rogen and Goldberg – it made stars out of an entire crop of new stars, including Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and some girl no one remembers named Emma Stone.

Superbad is one of those classic teen comedies that seems to age like fine wine. It was the millennial generation’s American Pie, and still remains one of the best works “Camp Apatow” has put out. 

The Shining

Before Stephen King’s IT blows into theaters, it’s time to go back and check out one of the more controversial (and infamous) adaptations of King’s work: Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. 

Some call it one of the (if not the) greatest horror movies of all time – with good reason. From bloody elevator floods, to those creepy twin girls, to the now famous quote, “All work and no play…” – there is so much iconic horror in this film that it’s hard to keep track. 

Whether Kubrick made a really great horror film – or actually used the film’s production to fake the moon landing (kidding, conspiracy theorists, kidding…), it’s still one of the better viewing experiences you can have. 

NEXT: New details revealed about The Shining‘s mysterious ending

Gremlins

Another one of those crazy, coke-filled ideas to come out of the ’80s, Gremlins is a one of a kind film that is the epitome of a “cult film.” 

A holiday season horror/comedy that is punctuated by extreme moments of fright and gore? Looking back, it’s clear to see why a film like Gremlins broke the entire MPAA system, requiring the organization to create an entire new rating category (PG-13); it’s actually stranger to imagine a world where movies jumped right from PG to R with no middleground. 

In any event, Gremlins is a one of a kind experience, so if you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and take this weird ride. 

 Photo Credit: Warner Brothers