100 Cult Films

100 Cult Films is a 2011 film criticism book by Ernest Mathijs and Xavier Mendik that examines a curated selection of cult cinema classics. The authors crafted detailed analyses of 100 films that have achieved dedicated followings outside mainstream cinema. The selection process involved extensive debate between the authors, who often disagreed on which films merited inclusion. Their final film choice, In Bruges, was determined through a public survey, and the book's release was accompanied by a mobile app featuring filmmakers Eli Roth and Joe Dante. Each entry provides production context, reception history, and analysis of the cultural impact that transformed these films into cult phenomena. The book covers diverse genres and eras, from underground horror to avant-garde art films, examining how these works gained their devoted audiences. The authors explore how cult films challenge conventional cinema boundaries and create unique viewing communities. Through their analysis, the book investigates the nature of cult followings and what distinguishes a cult film from mainstream cinema.

Readers report the book serves as a solid introduction to cult cinema while acknowledging its necessary limitations in covering only 100 films. Readers appreciated: - Clear organization and structure of entries - Equal attention to obvious and obscure cult selections - Historical context and production details - Discussion of what makes each film gain cult status Common criticisms: - Too much academic/theoretical language - Some major cult films excluded - Brief entries leave readers wanting more depth - UK-centric perspective on cult cinema Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (18 ratings) Several reviewers noted the book works better as a reference guide than a cover-to-cover read. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Perfect for dipping in and out of rather than reading straight through." Multiple readers mentioned using it to discover new films, with a Goodreads reviewer stating it "added at least 20 movies to my watch list."

Midnight Movies by J. Hoberman, Jonathan Rosenbaum A deep examination of six landmark cult films that defined the midnight movie phenomenon of the 1970s.

The Cult Film Reader by Ernest Mathijs A collection of academic essays analyzing the cultural impact and theoretical frameworks of cult cinema.

Shock Value by Jason Zinoman A chronicle of the directors and films that transformed horror cinema in the 1970s into a new breed of cult classics.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls by Jimmy McDonough An investigation of Russ Meyer's filmography and his influence on exploitation cinema and cult film culture.

Cult Movies by Danny Peary A comprehensive guide to 100 of the most notable cult films from the silent era through the 1980s.

🎬 The book's 100th film, "In Bruges," was chosen through democratic means via reader voting, making it a truly audience-influenced selection. 📱 The authors developed a companion mobile app that lets readers track their progress through all 100 films, complete with expert commentary. 🤝 The final list emerged from spirited debates between authors Ernest Mathijs and Xavier Mendik, whose differing views on cult cinema enriched the selection process. 🎯 Beyond obvious choices like "Rocky Horror Picture Show," the book spotlights lesser-known transgressive films that developed devoted followings outside mainstream cinema. 📚 Ernest Mathijs has extensively studied cult cinema, previously authoring "The Cult Film Reader" and serving as a professor of film studies at the University of British Columbia.