Your friend insists you watch a strange movie they just watched. They swear up and down it’s the greatest thing they’ve ever seen in their life. How could it possibly be that great if you’ve never heard of it? You decide to give it a chance regardless and it turns out to be really good.

This is often how cult classic films get shared. Word of mouth is essential since these movies are typically box office flops. Some simply don’t find the full extent of their target audience immediately. Here are my top ten picks for cult classic films everyone should watch.

“Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
I couldn’t make a top ten list about underrated movies without mentioning the best movie to ever feature my name. This movie has an amazing soundtrack, complete with fantastic characters as well as a super cool man-eating plant puppet.

“Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
This is a great movie for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Edward, played by Johnny Depp, is taken in by a very traditional suburban family and has to adapt to their lifestyle. As a man with scissors for hands, this is a struggle for him. Will he find his place in the neighborhood, or will he remain an outsider?

“Death Becomes Her” (1992)
You know a movie is iconic when it manages to get its own Broadway musical adaptation. However, before it came to Broadway, I’d honestly never heard of it before. Whether you watch the original or manage to make it all the way to New York to see the musical version, you’re sure to enjoy this movie’s over-the-top campy fun.

“Clue” (1985)
If you think a movie based around a family game night classic couldn’t possibly be good, think again. “Clue” ties together all the best elements of the iconic board game with humor and a great cast. Personally, my family loves quoting the line, “This is war, Peacock!”

“Beetlejuice” (1988)
In this movie, Winona Ryder plays Lydia, who discovers the house her family has moved into is haunted. With Michael Keaton playing the titular “ghost with the most”, this movie is full of dance numbers and goofy ghoulish fun. I highly recommend it to all appreciators of the strange and unusual.

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)
Whether you’ve seen this movie or not, chances are you’d heard it referenced. From iconic lines like, “Bring out yer dead!” and, “‘Tis just a flesh wound” to visual gags like the coconut shells used to create the sounds of a horse galloping, it’s certain to leave you in stitches.

“To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995)
While this is a personal favorite of mine, I rarely hear it mentioned in reference to great cult classic movies. I cannot recommend it enough. The story revolves around three drag queens played by Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo attempting to go on a cross-country road trip. However, their car breaks down in a small town. What could possibly go wrong?

“Spaceballs” (1987)
This movie is a parody of Star Wars. The list of cast and writers is full of familiar household names. Now is a great time to catch this movie, as it is scheduled to be getting a sequel in 2027.

“Napoleon Dynamite” (2004)
This movie follows the life of an awkward high school student Napoleon as he navigates his strange family dynamic, befriends a weird guy named Pedro, and attempts to romantically pursue his friend Deb. It’s honestly one of the strangest movies I have ever seen in my life, but it’s absolutely hilarious.

“The Princess Bride” (1987)
While this film was initially only a moderate box-office success, it quickly garnered success as a home media release. You’ve most definitely heard references to it whether you realize it or not. It’s full of hilarious characters, dialogue, and one-liners.