What makes The Rocky Horror Picture Show a cult classic?

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the biggest cult films of all time. But how did that come to be?

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[thehunterator]

In phineas and ferb, the dad is watching a horror movie and confused why there are no musical numbers, he is played by Richard O'brien, which makes it obvious that it is a reference.

[ThRuhl]

For me, Tim Curry is why Rocky Horror is a cult classic

[pamelafarmer]

Tim Curry is amazing in this movie. They definitely cast the right people. The actors are amazing. Everyone should see this at least once. It's timeless fun.

[oceanpettigrew]

theres truly nothing like the feeling you get when it gets to "I'm Going Home" and everyone sings along just a little louder and emotionally than they were before

[mybraineatseverything]

I think Rocky Horror is the very definition of a cult film, in and of itself. The cult film by which all other cult films are judged.

[sgtmayhem]

I saw Rocky Horror for the first time at a midnight show in 1978 when I was 16 and a lot of people had newspapers, rice, squirt guns and some were dressed up. I can’t think of another movie that’s getting more popular the older it gets.

[scooty]

I think everyone male, female, child, grown up...doesn't matter...EVERYONE should see this in a theater with all the theatrics and all the food throwing...it's probably one of the best experiences I've had and there's nothing like it

[siobhantaylor]

It's not just the US either. I live in New Zealand and the local theatre has a Rocky Horror Midnight screening every 3 months, with a dedicated shadow cast that is fully rehearsed and staged, and prop kits available for sale at the door. There is even a costume contest that I am proud to say I have won on 3 occasions and sometimes they even get local Drag artists to do an opening act.

[LilyGrace]

Fun fact: rice is no longer allowed in touring productions of Rocky Horror. Paper by all means, but if you take rice, the staff are instructed to take it from you.

[brandonsutton]

Q: What makes The Rocky Horror Picture Show a cult classic?

A: The songs, IMO. Absolutely amazing.

[JetScreamer_YT]

Since 1986, Rocky Horror has been a major friend to me. I still see it once a month. I have been over 200 times. As a teen, I was coming to terms with my sexuality. I had to do so in a time where gays were public enemy one, with the AIDS crisis. People were okay with deaths in my community. Some even with glee...Ronald Reagon (Ronald Reagan also lol).

I was at home with the RHPS crowd. Not all the fans are gays, and yet accepted me. I think that's why my dad took me when I was almost sixteen. To give me a place where I felt safe being me.

I had PTSD then, and serious depression. I tried to take my life. I spent much time in the hospital. I knew keeping secrets would kill me, so I started opening up. Swing Out Sister deserves some credit for my "Breakout", but so does Rocky Horror. By that time, I had the album of the full movie. I had been like a dozen times at that point. At that time, I know the movie by heart. But one only needs to take on line "Don't dream it, Be it". Richard got it from a sexy undie ad, but it is truth.

I'm over 50 now, and I have finally found peace. I owe myself credit for the years of work to overcome my stuff. But RHPS saved my life. That's not an exaggeration. When my mood is as "dark as pitch", RHPS causes me sing and dance to it.

Every day one can utter a line from the movie to express how they feel, sometimes sarcastically. We can quote as an affirmation.

I know it all sounds crazy, but Richard O'Brian's creation for self soothing has soothed the world. I love her for it.

[pillmuncher]

At Museum Lichtspiele in Munich, Germany, The Rocky Horror Picture Show runs weekly since June 24th 1977. Sparklers aren't allowed anymore because they're a fire hazard.

[XxxZeexxX]

I'll always remember the halloween night I first seen this movie. My mum noticed it on TV late at night and told me I needed to see it. She and her best friend went to see it in their teens multiple times when it came out at the drive in theatre.

I ended up taking her and her best friend to see a showing at that exact drive in a few years ago.


It will be forever one of my favourite movies with my mum.

[BabySmurf]

Just the fact that this movie promotes audience participation and makes us the fans part of it like we're co stars and accepts all of us no matter of our races creeds colors and sexualities and has props and yelling and allows this plus the music and acting makes it a necessary and much needed cult movie

[DibIrken]

Jennifer's Body didn't do well? That was such a hit in the Philippines. I remember that Panic! at the Disco song in circulation for months.

[TallSilentGuy]

Because never before or since have we seen such a dazzliing cocktail of music, comedy, adventure and sexual titillation.

[ButchBirdie]

This gay ass show saved my life. I'll never forget being in the shadow cast for the first time. These songs sound like freedom to me. Watching Frank float in that pool singing "don't dream it, be it" finally gave me the courage to decide to cut my hair and embrace myself fully. I've been laughed at before for the depth of the feeling I have towards Rocky Horror Picture Show but I don't care, it made me feel seen

[christadawnwheeler]

My sister took me to see a showing when i was 18. The cosplayer of Dr. Frankenfurter was spot on! Only later i realized why he looked familiar, he was my neighbor (a very quiet, serious, security guard)!!! Never forget that night.

[CestialBunny]

I’m on a Rocky Horror cast that performs at an Alamo Drafthouse in Denton, Texas!

The theater has a huge “Denton, Home of Happiness” sign in the lobby.

If you’re in the area, come see Los Bastardos!

[Michka]

My grandmother originally got me into Rocky Horror by giving me a copy on VHS when I was about 3 or 4, then bought me a collectors edition VHS for my 6th birthday but got it early. Safe to say my parents weren't impressed when it quickly became my favourite movie 😅 Nana still has her Magenta costume, her and her friends used to go and see the midnight screening in George St in Sydney every week back in the day