Films like "Gone with the Wind" and "The Godfather" series are hailed as masterpieces from almost the moment the first audiences see them, and their critical and box office success reflects that. But there are other movies that manage to win crowds over a longer period of time, slowly gaining fans and admiration via word-of-mouth spread by those who feel passionate about the movie.

 

The term “cult film” (and later “cult classic” as the film ages) is used to describe a movie that has developed a small, but significant and thoroughly dedicated fan base that grows over time.

 

While hugely successful blockbuster franchises like "Star Wars" and "Harry Potter" or even the Godfather films have such enthusiastic fans that the movies seem to have cult-like influence, the term “cult film” specifically refers to movies that despite not being financially successful, still manage to have ardent fans.

 

While there are several movies that bomb or underperform at the box office nearly every weekend, there are a few of these films that inspire such deep devotion that they develop a dedicated following. The “cults” devoted to these particular films only grow as those passionate fans spread the word about this little-known, but (in their opinion) must-see gem of cinema.