Reddit reviews The cult film reader

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0335219233/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

This is a good book that catalogues a number of films but also tries to get to root of what makes cult cinema and delves into its roots. It is primarily written in an academic sense, and has articles by a number of well recognized film critics and theorists. Interesting take if you are into that sort of thing.

My cult cinema professor would disagree. He would argue that any film, regardless of budget, critical reception, or initial popularity could be a cult film as long as the film is celebrated and the fandom thrives well after it's release.

Examples: Star Wars, Harry Potter, virtually any film made prior to 5 years ago that still has an active fanbase has a stronge case of being a "cult" film.

Sure, traditionally cult films have had strange to non-existent box office runs, delayed recognition, poor marketing, unprofitable, etc. (ie, Donnie Darko, The Room, and more recently, Dredd). But that shouldn't be the limit.

The most common definition of "cult" is "excessive admiration of a person or thing." That, to me, leaves "cult cinema" open to even mainstream films as long as the fandom lasts.

For further reading, check out my professor (Ernest Mathijs) and his books: The Cult Film Reader, 100 Cult Films, and Cult Cinema.