10 Strange Fan Rituals Keeping Cult Classics Alive

Some movies don’t just entertain; they spark entire subcultures of devoted fans who turn screenings into full-fledged events. Cult classics often inspire unique traditions, transforming the viewing experience into an interactive celebration of the film’s quirks. These rituals range from humorous and irreverent to outright bizarre, showcasing the creativity and passion of fans. Whether it’s throwing props, shouting lines, or dressing as favorite characters, these traditions breathe new life into films long after their initial release.

Here are ten cult classics whose fans have developed strange, unforgettable rituals that keep their legacies alive.

Related: 10 Things Famous Filmmakers Regret About Their Classic Movies

10 The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the definitive example of a film transcending its medium to become a cultural phenomenon. Since its release in 1975, midnight screenings have turned into interactive events where fans dress as characters like Frank-N-Furter and Magenta, hurl props at the screen, and recite lines with precision timing. Common traditions include throwing rice during the wedding scene, holding up newspapers during the rainstorm, and yelling comebacks to characters’ dialogue. The audience’s call-and-response format has even been compiled into unofficial “script books,” ensuring newcomers can join in on the fun.

Screenings often feature live “shadow casts,” with performers mimicking the on-screen action in elaborate costumes, enhancing the immersive experience. The audience’s participation extends to singing along with the musical numbers, especially the legendary “Time Warp,” which turns theaters into makeshift dance floors. Fans even bring themed props like toast, playing cards, and party hats timed to specific scenes in the movie. For many, attending Rocky Horror screenings has become a tradition passed through generations, solidifying its status as the quintessential cult classic.^[1]

9 The Big Lebowski

The Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski has spawned an entire movement of fans who celebrate the Dude’s laid-back ethos through an annual event called Lebowski Fest. These gatherings began in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2002 and have since expanded to cities across the globe. Fans arrive in bathrobes and sunglasses, sip on White Russians, and engage in costume contests featuring nihilists, Jesus Quintana, or even the Dude’s rug, which “really ties the room together.”

In addition to screenings of the film, Lebowski Fests include bowling tournaments and live music inspired by the movie’s eclectic soundtrack. Trivia contests test attendees’ knowledge of obscure lines and details, such as the number of times the Dude says “man.” The community aspect of these events mirrors the camaraderie in the film itself, drawing together fans who revel in its absurd humor and memorable characters. The enduring appeal of The Big Lebowski has turned these festivals into global celebrations of an unconventional philosophy.^[2]

8 Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Monty Python and the Holy Grail screenings are legendary for their interactive nature, where fans often arrive with coconuts to recreate the film’s iconic “horse galloping” sound effects. Audience members shout lines verbatim, such as the Black Knight’s “It’s just a flesh wound!” and the infamous debate about the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow. Many theaters hand out coconuts as props, encouraging newcomers to participate.

Beyond the screenings, fan gatherings often include costume contests featuring characters like King Arthur, the Knights of Ni, and the Killer Rabbit. Some events go further with live reenactments of the film’s most absurd moments, such as mock witch trials complete with arguments about ducks and scales. These rituals keep the spirit of Monty Python alive, blending comedy with fan creativity.^[3]

7 The Room

The Room has become the epitome of a so-bad-it’s-good cult classic, and its screenings are notorious for their chaotic, fan-driven rituals. Audiences bring plastic spoons to throw at the screen whenever the baffling framed spoon photo appears in the background. Fans also toss footballs around the theater during the awkward catch scenes, mimicking the inexplicable casual games in the movie.

Screenings thrive on interactive heckling, with fans shouting sarcastic remarks at the film’s hilariously awkward dialogue and absurd plot twists. Lines like Johnny’s infamous rooftop rant—”You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!”—are met with choreographed audience responses. This communal mocking creates an atmosphere unlike any other, turning Wiseau’s cinematic disaster into a cherished experience.^[4]

6 Evil Dead

Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead films have inspired a rabid fanbase that revels in the series’ over-the-top gore and humor. Screenings often encourage fans to dress as Ash, complete with chainsaw arms and blood-stained shirts. Fans chant along to Ash’s iconic one-liners like “Groovy!” and enthusiastically participate in reenactments of his battles with Deadites.

At live events, theaters frequently create “splatter zones,” where audiences are sprayed with fake blood during key moments of carnage. Some fans even bring foam chainsaws and stage mock fights in the aisles. The chaotic blend of horror and slapstick comedy ensures that every screening feels like a unique celebration of the series’ campy brilliance.^[5]

5 Heathers

The dark teen comedy Heathers has inspired fan traditions that reflect its biting wit and macabre humor. At screenings, fans shout iconic lines like “What’s your damage, Heather?” and “I love my dead gay son!” Audience members often dress as the Heathers, sporting bold 1980s blazers, scrunchies, and croquet mallets, channeling the film’s satirical take on high school hierarchies. Fans frequently bring croquet sets as props, referencing the Heathers’ symbolically violent games.

Some fan events include elaborate recreations of scenes, like the explosive cafeteria poll about teen suicide or Veronica’s showdown with J.D. These events occasionally feature live performances or karaoke versions of the film’s offbeat soundtrack. Fan conventions dedicated to Heathers have also popped up, where enthusiasts discuss the movie’s razor-sharp critique of social cliques and its surprisingly poignant moments of rebellion against conformity.^[6]

4 Pink Flamingos

John Waters’s Pink Flamingos takes midnight screenings to another level, embracing its shocking and grotesque humor with fan rituals as outrageous as the movie itself. Drag performances are a staple of these events, with fans dressing as Divine or other eccentric characters from the film. Rubber chickens, dog treats, and other props tied to the movie’s most infamous scenes make frequent appearances. Audiences often compete to see who can craft the most audacious costumes, paying homage to the film’s larger-than-life aesthetic.

In addition to screenings, some events feature live reenactments of scenes from the movie, celebrating its unapologetically transgressive spirit. Fans often engage in debates about Pink Flamingos’ role in pushing the boundaries of art and film, while others embrace it as an anarchic rejection of social norms. These midnight showings often feel more like underground art performances than traditional movie nights, ensuring the film remains a cultural lightning rod.^[7]

3 Donnie Darko

The enigmatic nature of Donnie Darko has made it a cult favorite, inspiring fan rituals that blend thoughtful analysis with surreal fun. Fans often attend screenings dressed as Frank the Rabbit, complete with eerie masks, or as Donnie himself, wearing hoodies and carrying headphones. The movie’s cryptic dialogue and haunting soundtrack spark intense discussions about its time travel paradoxes and philosophical undertones. Quotes like “Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?” are repeated with reverence, adding to the film’s mystique.

Screenings frequently feature reenactments of pivotal scenes, such as Donnie’s unsettling sleepwalking episodes or his fiery confrontation with Jim Cunningham. Fan events sometimes host debates dissecting the narrative’s layered symbolism, exploring its connections to existentialism, mental health, and the nature of fate. Some gatherings even include science-themed activities, referencing the film’s exploration of wormholes and parallel universes.^[8]

2 Clerks

Kevin Smith’s Clerks is a cult classic celebrated for its low-budget charm and relatable humor, inspiring fans to create rituals that honor its irreverent spirit. Screenings often feature fans dressed as Dante, Randal, or Jay and Silent Bob, reenacting scenes like the rooftop hockey game or Randal’s hilarious rants about customers. Fans frequently shout along to iconic lines like “I’m not even supposed to be here today!” and “Try not to suck any [expletive] on your way out!”

At fan conventions and themed events, trivia contests about the film’s obscure details attract die-hard enthusiasts. Some gatherings replicate the Quick Stop setting, complete with props like cartons of eggs for the “milkmaids” scene. Others host DIY screenings where fans shoot their own versions of favorite moments using smartphones, embracing the film’s do-it-yourself ethos. These traditions keep Clerks relevant for a new generation of indie film lovers.^[9]

1 The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project captivated audiences with its found-footage style and ambiguous narrative, sparking fan rituals that embrace its eerie realism. Outdoor screenings often take place in forested settings, with fans hanging stick-figure props and recreating the movie’s unsettling atmosphere. Flashlights, handheld cameras, and even staged “missing posters” of the film’s characters are common at these events, heightening the sense of immersion.

Some fans take their devotion a step further by hosting Blair Witch-inspired scavenger hunts, where participants search for “evidence” of the Blair Witch legend. Others organize camping trips that mimic the isolation and dread of the movie, complete with eerie sounds played through hidden speakers. Discussions about the film’s ambiguous ending remain a cornerstone of its cult following, with fans theorizing about the true nature of the witch and the characters’ fates.^[10]

fact checked by
Darci Heikkinen