7. The Peanut Butter Solution (1985)
Plot: A young boy is visited by two ghosts after he loses his hair from a bad fright. The two ghosts give the boy a recipe for re-growing hair; but things soon get out of hands for the young boy and everyone around him.
What makes it a cult film: It’s a completely bizarre kids’ film and feels like a fever dream, while also having the logic of a fever dream. This is one of many Canadian kids film made by the French Canadian production company known as Tales for All (or: Contes pour tous).
Despite the fact that this is a kids film there are some parts that make you question whether or not it was entirely for kids. The Peanut Butter Solution is a completely bizarre film due to its strange premise and even stranger execution. As far as kids’ movies go this is an underrated gem; and that largely has to do with its bizarre plot and utterly whimsical charm.
If you like this you’ll love: Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang, and the 5000 Fingers of Dr. T.
8. Deranged (1974)
Plot: Ezra is a bit of a bizarre man and hasn’t been right since the death of his mother, which is why he digs her back up from the grave and brings her back home. This soon leads Ezra down a path of grave robbery and murder.
What makes it a cult film: It’s easily one of the closest depictions of America’s most infamous serial killers, Ed Gein. Even though Deranged takes a few liberties to the story of Gein, it’s still a pretty accurate portrayal, more accurate that other films inspired by Gein, like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Psycho.
However, the thing that really makes this movie stand out is the terrifying performance by actor Robert Blossom, who has these really creepy crazy eyes; his performance is just fantastic because you can just tell he’s a bit out there. A very noteworthy Canuxploitation film that’s worth a watch.
If you like this you’ll love: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Psycho, Silence of the Lambs, and Motel Hell.
9. Pinball Summer aka Pick-Up Summer (1980)
Plot: It’s the start of summer vacation and a group of teenagers are making the most of it; mostly by getting into hijinks and goofing off.
What makes it a cult film: It’s an underrated sex comedy that evokes the joy of being a teenager during the summer. The humor in this might be a bit lowbrow and somewhat immature, and so are some of the characters, but there is a great sense of fun while watching it. Pinball Summer is a pretty good representation of teenage hijinks, and you can tell that the cast looked like they were having fun while making this movie.
Even though main characters are a bit immature, they’re at least entertaining to watch. Pinball Summer is a totally underrated summer film that’s a completely entertaining to watch, especially during the summer.
If you like this you’ll love: Porky’s, Wet Hot American Summer, and Meatball.
10. Class of 1984 (1982)
Plot: A new high school teacher is targeted by a gang of punk kids.
What makes it a cult film: The Canadian representation of punk! This movie is a great representation of the early 80s Canadian punk scene, and even features a performance by the legendary Canadian punk band Teenage Head; which is a major highlight in this movie. (Rest in peace Frankie Venom)
However, the best part about Class of 1984 is that it has a completely sleazy atmosphere to it, like how the school is just a total mess from top to bottom, and really adds to the sleazy inner city vibe, and then there are the kids. These violent youths, especially their leader, played amazingly by Timothy Van Patten, are completely crazy; athey perform acts of ultra-violence and listen to punk rock. Either way, this movie is a total blast and worth watching for the skuzzy atmosphere and great performances.
If you like this you’ll love: A Clockwork Orange, Class of Nuke ‘em High, and The Last Pogo.
11. Hardcore Logo (1996)
Plot: Hardcore Logo follows the Canadian punk band of the same name during a reunion tour. Meanwhile, Bruce McDonald, the director of the film, documents the highs and lows of this band.
What makes it a cult movie: It’s like a punk rock version of Spinal Tap, however, unlike Spinal Tap, this movie is much more dramatic. Hardcore Logo is a mockumentary that captures this fake band’s high and lows while on the road, and you see all the different sides of the band, from goofing off to seeing them play; which are probably the best parts.
Once more the Canadian punk scene is proudly on display, so if you’re a fan of the Canadian punk scene, or a fan of punk in general, then this movie is for you, because Hardcore Logo is an essential punk film.
If you like this you’ll love: This is Spinal Tap, Fubar, and A Mighty Wind.
12. Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang (1978)
Plot: Six year old Jacob Two-Two is a boy who constantly repeats everything he says. Because of this he is sent to jail on a mysterious island. It’s up to Jacob, with a little help from his friends, to get off the island and escape from jail.
What makes it a cult film: Because it’s one of the most bizarre kids films ever made! This movie feels like a fever dream because of how it’s firmly rooted in kid logic. The movie takes place in a child’s dream and so it makes sense for the logic to be nonsensical, because when have dreams ever made sense?
This movie is such a bizarre film that it’s actually pretty entertaining to watch, especially if you want something that resembles a dream. For another example of bizarre kids’ films, Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang is certainly worth a watch.
If you like this you’ll love: The 5000 fingers of Dr. T, Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveler, and Jacob Two-Two (The TV series).
13. Goon (2011)
Plot: Doug is a bouncer who has the opportunity to join a hockey team, which is, of course, made up of a group of misfits.
What makes it a cult film: It’s the new Slap Shots! Goon is exactly the type of comedy that Slap Shots was; a vulgar and somewhat crude comedy. Even though Goon has a lot of factors that shouldn’t make it work, it surprisingly does. Which largely has to do with the character of Doug, who isn’t that smart but is extremely likable without being obnoxious or annoying, he just seems like a nice guy.
When it comes to cult sports films there are not that many, however, Goon can certainly rank up there as one of the more notable cult sports comedy; standing beside films like Caddyshack and Bad News Bears.
If you like this you’ll love: Slap Shots, Bad News Bears, and Happy Gilmour.