January 17, 2023 in Library News

It's been 50 whole years since the release of The Princess Bride, believe it or not, so we're sharing some of our staff's other favorite cult classics.

Phantasm

Phantasm (2000)

by Bill Thornburry Michael Baldwin

Independently financed and filmed by a rag-tag group of amateurs, this went on to spawn four sequels and a ubiquitous fear of The Tall Man. It's beautiful in its amateurishness and youthful themes and strikes a chord of nostalgia in horror fans to this day. — Emily, Fiction, Movies & Music


Ghost World (1998)

by Daniel Clowes

Both the graphic novel and film are genius black comedies about two recent high school graduates and best friends who are low on ambition and high on snark. A source of comfort and joy for cynical social outcasts everywhere. — Emily, Fiction, Movies & Music


Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (2001)

by Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

"Into every generation, a slayer is born." From the original 1992 movie to the popular 1997-2003 TV show to the graphic novels and books still being published today, with its fierce female lead, Buffy the Vampire Slayer made a lasting impact on a generation of teens (including myself) and made television show history. — Allison, Youth Services


Heathers (2011)

by Image Entertainment

Hated by critics and movie-goers alike, Heathers did not find success right away. While its dark comedy and satire are certainly not for everyone, Veronica's homicidal journey is equal parts horrifying and hilarious, and stands the test of time. — Rachel, Access Services


The Big Lebowski (2003)

by Working Title Films

Well, you know, that's just like, uh, my opinion, man. — Beth, Access Services


Wet Hot American Summer (2002)

by Universal Studios Home Video

This is one of those who's who movies, but more like, "They were in that movie?!" Paul Rudd is a bratty camp counselor, Amy Poehler is an intense drama club instructor, and Christopher Meloni is a camp cook who finds a friend in a talking can of vegetables. Relationships play out as NASA's Skylab space station comes hurtling to earth, which can only be stopped by Professor Henry Newman (David Hyde Pierce), who's being pursued by camp counselor Beth (Janeane Garofalo). None of the plot is plausible or makes much sense, but that's part of the allure. — Sarah, Digital Services


The Return of the Living Dead (2007)

by Inc Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

The quintessential campy zombie movie. — Andrew, IT


Mists of Avalon

The Mists of Avalon (2000)

by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The legend of King Arthur as told by the women behind the tale. The female perspective is often skimmed over or omitted. To hear what these powerful legendary characters have to say is eye-opening. — Lauren, Hanover Park Branch


Troll 2 (2010)

by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Ltd

Oscar-worthy performances and dialogue. There are no trolls in this movie, of course. — Beth, Access Services

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