Shocks! Thrills! Unintentional Laughter! These Cult Films are B for Brilliant.
While many films are crafted to be savored, discussed, and meticulously analyzed, others emerge from the depths, perfect for those moments when you’re inebriated and need something entertaining but low-effort.
Enter the B-movie: a delightful mix of bad acting, dubious special effects, and questionable scripts. Yet, sometimes, these flawed elements combine to create a movie that’s irresistibly enjoyable.
The B-movie holds a special place in cinema. Despite many of the following titles fading into obscurity on VHS, we believe they deserve a comeback.
Here’s a guide to the best B-movies of all time – those films so bad they’re fantastically good…
- Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)
- Plot: A small town is invaded by evil aliens who look like clowns. They use a variety of weapons, including killer shadow puppets and vicious balloon animals, to ensnare the locals.
- Trivia: The tagline for the film was “In space, no one can eat ice cream.”
- The Lair Of The White Worm (1988)
- Plot: Lady Sylvia steals a mysterious skull and uses it to erotically worship her pagan god, the white worm, a massive malevolent beast that starts murdering virgins.
- Trivia: Stars both Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi. Next time you see either one, mention this film.
- Chopping Mall (1986)
- Plot: Eight teenagers are trapped in a high-tech shopping mall and pursued by three murderous security robots.
- Trivia: Originally titled Killbots, it was rebranded as Chopping Mall after it flopped, though it still didn’t succeed.
- Frankenhooker (1990)
- Plot: After his fiancée is killed in a lawnmower accident, a med student decides to bring her back to life using body parts from various prostitutes.
- Trivia: Bill Murray famously said, “If you see one movie this year, it should be Frankenhooker.”
- Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988)
- Plot: After three frat boys get caught spying on sorority girls, they are ordered to steal a trophy from a bowling alley. When it breaks open, it unleashes an evil imp.
- Trivia: Due to the low budget, filming was only possible between 9 PM and 9 AM.
- Hell Comes To Frogtown (1988)
- Plot: After a nuclear war, women rule the world. Hell is one of their prisoners who must stop their mutant frog-like leader. The catch? Hell has a bomb attached to his genitals.
- Trivia: Followed by Frogtown II, Toad Warrior, and Max Hell Frog Warrior.
- Babes In Toyland (1986)
- Plot: During a blizzard, a young girl travels to Toyland and tries to stop a wedding. She gains help from the Toymaster only after believing in toys.
- Trivia: Star-studded with Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves, and Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi).
- Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964)
- Plot: Martian children, obsessed with Santa via Earth TV shows, kidnap him. However, the spirit of Christmas saves the day.
- Trivia: Rumors of a remake have circulated since 2000, with Jim Carrey potentially starring.
- Rubber (2011)
- Plot: A tire named Robert discovers he has telepathic powers and uses them to murderous effect, while becoming obsessed with a mysterious woman.
- Trivia: Directed by Mr. Oizo, who considers Rubber a serious art film.
- The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing (1973)
- Plot: Jay kidnaps Catherine while planning to rob a train. She discovers he is haunted by the death of his Indian wife, Cat Dancing.
- Trivia: Steven Spielberg wisely declined the opportunity to direct this film.
