17 Horror Movies That Became Cult Classics Over Time

Not all good horror movies instantly become classics. Some take decades to gain the cult status they deserve. Here are 17 originally dismissed or underappreciated films that are now considered iconic for originality, bold storylines, and terrifying atmospheres. From psychological shocks to out-and-out thrilling genre-benders these are some of the most loved movies. They may not have been overnight sensations, but they've carved out a place within the horror genre and proved that true classics often need time to be discovered.

1. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter's The Thing, a sci-fi horror masterpiece, was a box office failure back then but is today one of the most respected sci-fi horror films ever made. This film's special effects were fully realized in practical animatronics and gore, which were very ahead of its time. The paranoia and isolation themes work well against the backdrop of a research station in Antarctica.

2. Videodrome (1983)

Videodrome is a disturbing exploration by David Cronenberg of media consumption and the interaction of the human body with technology. Essentially, it unveils the influence of the growing power of television. Despite being relatively ignored when initially released, the film gained cult status because of its unnerving exploration, ahead of its time, into body horror and the digital age. "Long live the new flesh" has become a slogan because of the film.

3. Titane (2021)

Julia Ducournau's Titane, a film that's shockingly surreal in its delivery of a body horror like no other, won the coveted Palme d'Or at Cannes 2021. It remains very incendiary with its bold and brazen display of identity, trauma, and desire. Although polarizing, it is bold enough in its explorations of gender identity, the limits of the body, and the human-machine relationship to have secured a place within the modern horror canon.

4. X (2022)

X is the newest addition to Slasher, one that returns to its roots while adding a twist with a splash of nostalgia coupled with dark commentary on fame, aging, and exploitation. In the film, a group of filmmakers make an adult film in rural Texas before being met with a pair of violent, elderly antagonists. What makes X stand out, however, is its eerie feeling of dread paired with 1970s exploitation aesthetics. It is visually striking and intense.

5. Event Horizon (1997)

Event Horizon is a sci-fi horror movie that has become a cult classic thanks to its gloomy, otherworldly visuals and disturbing plot. The story revolves around a rescue crew that investigates a lost spaceship, only to discover it has visited a dimension of pure chaos, bringing back something horrifying. It stands out as one of the best in its genre as it blends cosmic horror, psychological terror, and body horror with a chilling atmosphere. While it was polarizing at first, Event Horizon has since gained some die-hard fans who praise its dark and intense style.

6. Session 9 (2001)

Session 9 by Brad Anderson, is a psychological horror film that takes place in a deserted mental asylum, known for its haunting atmosphere. Even though this was a failure at the box office, it has earned cult status over time, especially considering its eerie settings and complex and layered storytelling. Such is the chilling exploration of guilt, mental illness, and the supernatural, the unsettling atmosphere and ambiguous ending have helped bring critical re-evaluation and devoted fans to the film.

7. The Wicker Man (1973)

Robin Hardy's The Wicker Man was ignored when it was first released but is now considered one of the folk horror classics. The movie is set on a remote Scottish island, where a police officer arrives to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. He finds himself drawn into an odd pagan cult. This chilling atmosphere and performance by Christopher Lee made this film a classic piece of horror. Its disturbing ending, unsettling visuals as well as the theme behind religious extremism, have catapulted it to fame and even turned it into a quintessential cult horror movie.

8. The Evil Dead (1981)

The Evil Dead is a horror phenomenon shot by Sam Raimi. It is the film that gave Bruce Campbell a career launch into the spotlight and became a cult classic of horror pop culture. Shot on a shoestring budget, it follows the tale of a group of friends who, in an isolated cabin, release a demonic force. Although it received mixed reviews at the time of its release, The Evil Dead gained popularity on VHS and evolved into a franchise with sequels, a remake, and an ardent fan base.

9. Re-Animator (1985)

Stuart Gordon's Re-Animator is a campy cult classic that's funny and gross, based on H.P. Lovecraft's novella. This film is a mix of black comedy and grisly horror as it follows a medical student who creates a serum that can bring the dead back to life. Re-Animator stands out with its outrageous gore, witty dialogue, and outrageous characters, especially Jeffrey Combs's iconic performance as the offbeat Dr. Herbert West. Initially controversial for its shocking visuals and dark humor, the film has since become a beloved cult classic, especially among fans of 1980s horror.

10. Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko is a psychological horror-sci-fi cult that defies any definition. A teenager (Jake Gyllenhaal) struggling with his "issues" throughout the 1980s starts seeing apparitions of a strange man in a rabbit suit. Things only get worse from there. The movie deals with time travel, fate, mental illness, and existentialism. At first, it flopped at the box office but gained cult status because of the thought-provoking storyline and eerie atmosphere it had, especially with the unforgettable performance by Gyllenhaal.

11. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Rob Zombie's first film, House of 1000 Corpses gained cult status for its very unnerving blend of horror, gore, and dark humor. It is about a group of friends who become trapped in this strange, nightmarish house of horrors belonging to the sadistic Firefly family. The 70s exploitation films served as an inspiration for Zombie's bold, chaotic style and relentless terror. Its over-the-top approach to horror was unique and, in a way, made House of 1000 Corpses a must-watch for fans of dark, unconventional horror.

12. Trick ’r Treat (2007)

Trick 'r Treat is a Halloween favorite, gaining a cult status because of its storylines that were interwoven and had a visually distinct style. The film tells a collection of tales; each involving a mythical figure by the name of Sam, who will ensure that traditions of Halloween are observed. With an initial restricted release, word of mouth increased its popularity in the end as it became a cult classic horror anthology. Its smart, nostalgic nods to Halloween lore, with its eerie atmosphere, make it a unique and essential part of the horror genre.

13. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

Killer Klowns from Outer Space is a surreal yet highly entertaining cult classic. A mix of science fiction and horror, the movie is campy. It informs the audience about aliens that invade Earth using their circus-themed arsenal to capture and kill several unsuspecting townspeople. Though the subject matter is ridiculous, the low budget, effects, surreal humor, imaginative creatures, and hazy 80s feel made this something to watch.

14. Heathers (1989)

In Heathers, Veronica, played by Winona Ryder is a popular girl who becomes tied up with the troubled new kid, Jason- Christian Slater. Initially controversial because of its dark humor and violence, Heathers went on to create a cult following, for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and biting critique of life in the high school scene.

15. Cube (1997)

Cube is a cult classic that represents a claustrophobic and high-stakes narration. Strangers wake up to find themselves confined in some kind of mysterious cube-shaped structure. Each room of the cube contains deadly traps set up for each stranger to try and escape. It goes on to explore the human psyche regarding trust, survival instincts, and morality under extreme pressure. A minimalist approach, and thought-provoking themes, make Cube a chilling and intellectually engaging horror film.

16. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Though criticized for its premise, Jennifer's Body has since gained a cult status as a feminist horror-comedy. The film portrays a high school cheerleader-turned-flesh-eating demon named Jennifer (Megan Fox) and her best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried), who tries to stop her. The sharp script by Diablo Cody, dark humor, and counter-culture view on female friendships grew to be much appreciated by the audience over time.

17. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is perhaps the most iconic cult classic of all time. It is an absurd and campy musical that combines horror, sci-fi, and rock 'n' roll. It tells the story of two newly engaged people who encounter a peculiar mansion that belongs to the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Although the movie was a box office flop early on, it gained a following due to its weird characters.