Do you have big plans for winter break? I can’t wait to go home, even if all I do is binge on Netflix. Want to be part of a cultural phenomenon? Try these cult classics on for size.
The Room (2003)
The writing is horrible, and the acting is worse, but it has regular late night showings that are fun to go to. If you don’t feel like braving the cold to get to a theater, you can watch a highlights reel on YouTube and get the gist of why everyone’s hooked to something that is just so bad it’s really, really good.
Fight Club (1999)
Sorry, can’t talk about it.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Dude Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire and suddenly caught up in thug trouble with a great who-dunnit snowball effect. Bowling shoes required. Who knows? You could find yourself at the Lebowski Fest, a two-day celebration, drinking a White Russian with the best of them. Don’t forget your big toe.
Bottle Rocket (1996)
Wes Anderson’s debut stars the Olsen brothers. It follows a trio of guys trying to pull off a robbery. It has all of Anderson’s brilliance and is a must see. After watching, check out littlebanana.com. You can thank me later.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Tim Burton directs this movie in which Pee-Wee gets his bike stolen and sets out to get it back. For the truly obsessed, the America on Wheels Museum (which is in Pennsylvania ermagerd!) has a replica of Pee-Wee’s bike.
Repo Man (1984)
They redid Repo Man in 2010, and even though I love Jude Law, I’m still very eye-roll about the whole situation. Punk Otto quits his job and then, while wandering the streets, is recruited to help steal a car for a repo-man. This sets forward a series of events and introduces so many interesting characters. Worth the watch.
Love Story (1970)
I’ll warn you right now, prepare the tissues. Considered to be the original chick flick, Love Story is, well, a love story in which the handsome rich jock falls in love with the witty poor piano player. But their story spans beyond college and into their adult lives. “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” is the famous line from this film.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
In futuristic Britain, Alex is a violent youth that eventually gets convicted of murder and rape. In prison, Alex hears of an experimental program that teaches people to hate violence. But when he gets out of jail, the story is just beginning when Alex is released to the streets.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
When a young couple must enlist the help of Dr. Frank-n-Furter, they stay at his castle. Expect music, craziness, and a very good time. Check out a midnight screening, it’s not the same watching it in your room.
Harold and Maude (1971)
When I tell you the plot to this movie you are going to cringe, but trust me when I say you get over the ickiness. Harold, a compulsive suicide faker, develops a profound and moving relationship with Maude, a 79 year old free spirit. Get ready for morbid humor, love, and an incredible ending.
“But what about Office Space, Blade Runner, or Killer Clowns from Outerspace?”… I know, I know. There are definitely so many out there, it was hard to narrow it down to ten. Think I left some out? Let me hear it in the comments.