For years now, cult classics have been one of the most beloved types of films by the film community. A cult classic is a film that generally was not popular during its initial release but grew in popularity over the years. A cult classic usually constitutes failure at the box office upon initial release or a film that was relatively obscure at the time. Cult classics typically garner a passionate fan base well after the film's release, ready and willing to come to the defense when their favorite film is publicly criticized.

Updated June 22, 2023: If you enjoy watching underrated cinematic masterpieces from the glorious '90s, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content by Darren Gigool.

The 1990s have become a notorious decade for cult classics. Films from the '90s have become famous examples of cult classics, such as The Big Lebowski and Office Space, that have grown such a dedicated following over the years that it has become part of the mainstream. So many cult classics were unknowingly born in the '90s, but not all of them get the recognition they deserve even now. There are still plenty of films that, while they have acquired cult status over the years, still fly under the radar even as cult classics. Below are ten '90s cult classics that still do not get enough credit:

14 Run Lola Run (1998)

Franka Potente in Run Lola Run
Prokino Filmverleih

Innovative and compelling, Run Lola Run left a strong mark on the cinema landscape with its unconventional storytelling format. The German thriller, crafted by director Tom Tykwer, unfolds a trio of potential outcomes, each one hinging on Lola's instantaneous decisions. A network of intertwined timelines unfolds, transforming storytelling into a sort of sliding doors concept and highlighting the profound impact a mere alteration in events can have on outcomes.

Often overlooked due to its inventive approach, the movie struggles to break into mainstream cinema. Its deviation from traditional storytelling norms is more appealing to a particular set of audiences, resulting in a lack of wider acknowledgment. Still, the film's unique narrative technique offers a refreshing perspective and deserves applause for its daring and creative approach.

13 Empire Records (1995)

Liv Tyler, Dianna Miranda, Coyote Shivers, and Johnny Whitworth in Empire Records (1995)
Warner Bros.

Vibrant and heartfelt, Empire Records is a delightful snapshot of everyday life, showcasing a day in the life of an independent record store's staff. Directed by Allan Moyle, the comedy-drama delves deep into the lives, dreams, and struggles of its young workforce. Major themes like rebellion, individuality, and resistance against corporate domination are brought forth during the movie.

Encapsulating the raw essence of '90s youth culture, the movie paints a sincere picture of the times. The film portrays an era marked by grunge fashion, Gen-X angst, and a standout rock soundtrack. Reflecting the generation's battle between individuality and corporatism is the characters' fight to prevent their cherished store from being swallowed by a corporate chain.

Empire Records has evolved into a symbol of '90s nostalgia, a fond tribute to a period marked by mixed tapes and mainstream rebellion. Although initially perceived as a lackluster teen film, its status as a cult classic has grown over time thanks to its authentic portrayal of the '90s spirit. Nevertheless, this film is frequently underrated and overlooked, but it's a '90s diamond in the rough deserving of wider recognition.

12 Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)

Forest Whitaker in Ghost Dog The Way of the Samurai (1999)
Artisan Entertainment

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, directed by Jim Jarmusch, crafts an intriguing cinematic narrative, ingeniously combining elements of mafia and samurai films. The film's hero, Ghost Dog, adheres to the venerable samurai code whilst acting as a mob hitman. This unique blend of Eastern ethos and Western gangster aesthetic creates an unforgettable cinematic experience that continues to captivate audiences. Jarmusch's distinctive storytelling flair is front and center in Ghost Dog. A slow-paced narrative melds with introspective, symbolic moments, inviting audiences to delve into Ghost Dog's universe.

Related: '90s Movies That Are Way Better Than People Remember

However, amidst the cinematic rush of the late '90s, the movie often goes unnoticed despite its innovative fusion of genres and unique narrative style. Its subtle exploration of the intersection of contrasting cultures and traditions sets it apart, meriting greater acknowledgment of this genuine cinematic gem.

11 Dark City (1998)

Richard O'Brien as Mr. hand in Dark City at the council of Strangers
New Line Cinema

A mesmerizing amalgamation of suspense and intrigue, Dark City, directed by Alex Proyas, offers a unique sci-fi noir narrative. The film follows John Murdoch, an amnesiac man, navigating a dystopian cityscape. With themes of identity, memory, and free will at its core, the movie's complex plot also delves into existential questions that compel viewers to question the nature of reality and humanity.

In the movie, noir and science fiction elements seamlessly meld together to create an alluring genre fusion. The city's stark light and shadow contrasts and morally ambiguous characters evoke classic noir. Overlaying this with advanced alien technology, existential dilemmas, and dystopian settings lends the narrative a unique sci-fi twist. Despite its pioneering role in the sci-fi noir genre, Dark City often gets eclipsed by the era's more commercially successful films. The film's groundbreaking use of miniature effects and its philosophical underpinnings have influenced future filmmakers and must watch for sci-fi fans.

10 Drop Dead Fred (1991)

Phoebe Cates as Elizabeth Cronin and Rik Mayall as Drop Dead Fred in Drop Dead Fred (1991)
New Line Cinema

If you have seen Drop Dead Fred, then you deserve an award because it truly feels like this film is never talked about. When a woman moves back home with her mother after leaving her womanizing husband, her world is turned upside down when she is revisited by her rambunctious childhood imaginary friend, Fred.

This movie is genuinely so charming and heartfelt. Fred may be imaginary and ultra-chaotic, but he is the only person in the world who truly understands Elizabeth. He helps her to regain confidence in herself and put her needs first. No one else in her life was able to help her the way that Fred was able to.

9 Election (1999)

Reese Witherspoon in Election
Paramount Pictures

Reese Witherspoon plays an over-achieving student politician named Tracy Flick, while Matthew Broderick plays a high school teacher named Jim McCallister, who is over his job in Election. Jim is irrationally irritated by Tracy's eagerness to excel in school and persistence in winning the class president election. In fact, he is so bothered by her determination that he convinces one of the jocks to run for class president instead. Watching Matthew Broderick at his wit's end and going back and forth with Reese Witherspoon is endlessly entertaining. It has all the classic high school tropes but ramped up to over-the-top measures.

8 To Die For (1995)

Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix in To Die For (1995)
Sony Pictures

Gus Van Sant's To Die For follows a determined but naive aspiring television news anchor who decides to film a documentary about teenagers but with an ulterior motive. Nicole Kidman plays the aspiring news anchor, Suzanne Stone, and she is willing to do quite literally anything to achieve her goal, no matter the consequences or the means necessary. To Die For is full of scandals, crimes, and lies, but even manages to incorporate subtle humor into it. It is similar to films like Promising Young Woman and Gone Girl, but perhaps even more entertaining despite the lack of attention it gets.

7 Dead Man (1995)

Johnny Depp in Dead Man
Miramax Films

Jim Jarmusch's Dead Man stars Johnny Depp as accountant William Blake, a man on the run after committing murder who meets a spiritual Native American man named Nobody, who helps prepare William for his journey into the spiritual world.

Nobody believes that William is the reincarnation of the famous literary poet William Blake, which sets them off on their surreal journey to find the spirit world. It's a thought-provoking, puzzling film that does not get brought up nearly enough. The journey that Nobody and William embark on is one of existential dread and brings up questions of life and death.

6 Living In Oblivion (1995)

Living in Oblivion
Sony Pictures Classics

Living In Oblivion was released in 1995, tapped into the emerging indie-film scene, and crafts one of the funniest and underrated comedies of the decade, with an all-star cast that includes Steve Buschemi, Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney, Kevin Corrigan, and the cinematic debut for Peter Dinklage. The movie chronicles one hectic day on a film set from three different perspectives and blurs the line between dreams and movie-making. Living in Oblivion is a great showcase from many of the actors involved and a laugh-out-loud comedy.

5 Practical Magic (1998)

A scene from Practical Magic
Warner Bros. 

Two witch sisters, Sally and Gillian, who were raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town on the coast of Massachusetts, face the prejudices of the close-minded townspeople and a curse that any man they fall in love with is ultimately doomed. Gillian (Nicole Kidman) decides to leave their coastal town and live life to the fullest, but in the process falls for a man named Jimmy.

Related: 8 Modern Sci-Fi Movies That Will Someday Become Cult Classics

Sally (Sandra Bullock) decides to stay and swears to only use magic in the most practical senses, yet still falls in love with and marries a man named Michael and even has two daughters with him. One of the criticisms that Practical Magic faced when it was released was that it tried to blend too many genres. There are elements of dark comedy, fantasy, romance, and drama in the film, but it works for the characters and story the movie is trying to tell.

4 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

Sheryl Lee screaming in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
New Line Cinema

The film follow-up to the cult classic television show Twin Peaks, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, delves into the last week of Laura Palmer's life through her perspective. While the TV show started with her being dead and revolved around the mystery of how she died, the movie shows the last few frightening days of her life and how she even became involved with the strange entities of the Red Room to begin with.

It wasn't until the release of the 2017 continuation of the series Twin Peaks: The Return that many fans started to change their opinions of the film. The original show, while still strange and a bit creepy, had a warm color palette and a lighter sense of humor. FWWM had none of that. It was dark, depressing, and scary. Angelo Badalamenti's soft score was replaced with a more sinister score that left a feeling of unease.

3 Natural Born Killers (1994)

Harrelson and Lewis in Natural Born Killers
Warner Bros.

Juliette Lewis and Woody Harrelson both give outstanding performances in Natural Born Killers. A man and a woman, both victims of traumatized childhoods, become lovers and psychopathic serial killers who become recklessly glorified by the media. Released almost 30 years ago, the depiction of America is still relevant today. Mallory (Lewis) and Mickey (Harrelson) are picked up by the tabloids as sweethearts and are pushed into the spotlight, despite being actual murderers.

Of course, there is also Wayne Gale, played perfectly by Robert Downey Jr, who is an over-the-top caricature of TV hosts who are hungry for any view-worthy content. Americans are drawn to things that perhaps should scare us, hence the popularity of true-crime documentaries and shows.

2 Buffalo '66 (1998)

A scene from buffalo '66
Lions Gate Films

Buffalo '66 centers around a man named Billy recently let out of prison and is set to visit his parents with his soon-to-be wife, whom he does not actually have. To remedy this, Billy kidnaps a young woman at a dance studio and forces her to be his future bride for the occasion. However, Billy's main goal is to go after the man who is responsible for his jail stint in the first place.

He just needs to bid farewell to his family before he does so, and his parents were under the impression he had a fiancé. Billy is ultimately left with a decision to kill the man he hates or replace his hatred with the love he has needed his entire life. Buffalo '66 is funny, depressing, and a little bit unnerving, but definitely worth a watch.

1 True Romance (1993)

Patricia Arquette and Christian Slater in True Romance
Warner Bros.

A pop-culture-obsessed nerd marries a call girl in Detroit, steals cocaine from her pimp, and then tries to sell it in Los Angeles. However, the mob happens to be the owners of the cocaine, so they track the two of them down to reclaim it. True Romance is best described as a rom-com, crime drama, and road-trip movie all rolled into one.

Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette) have magnetic chemistry as they travel across the country and dodge the mob. Clarence and Alabama are destructive and chaotic, but it's impossible not to root for them. With a script from Quentin Tarantino, it is both unhinged and a good time.