Cult Film refers to films that are loved and promoted by supporters within small circles, and can also be called non-mainstream films, experimental films, or alternative films. These films usually find it difficult to achieve large-scale box office success outside of their small circles. It is not a strict genre of film, nor is it a style of film.
Most films referred to as cult films perform poorly during their initial theatrical releases and fail to gain widespread acclaim. However, they often see a resurgence in popularity through subsequent video rentals and sales, generating more substantial revenue compared to their theatrical releases. In most cases (but not all), cult films struggle to leave a deep impression on the general public, and critics often show little interest. Nevertheless, a small group of viewers who admire a particular cult film often express great appreciation for it. They may be film enthusiasts or students of film.