 A film can become the object of a cult following within a particular region or culture if it has unusual significance . For example , Norman Wisdom 's films , friendly to Marxist interpretation , amassed a cult following in Albania , as they were among the few Western films allowed by the country 's Communist rulers . The Wizard of Oz ( 1939 ) and its star , Judy Garland , hold special significance to American and British gay culture , although it is a widely viewed and historically important film in greater American culture . Similarly , James Dean and his brief film career have become icons of alienated youth . Cult films can have such niche appeal that they are only popular within certain subcultures , such as Reefer Madness ( 1936 ) and Hemp for Victory ( 1942 ) among stoner subculture . Beach party musicals , popular among American surfers , failed to find an equivalent audience when imported to the United Kingdom . When films target subcultures like this , they may seem unintelligible without the proper cultural capital . Films which appeal to teenagers may offer subcultural identities that are easily recognized and differentiate various subcultural groups . Films which appeal to stereotypical male activities , such as sports , can easily gain strong male cult followings . Sports metaphors are often used in the marketing of cult films to males , such as emphasizing the " extreme " nature of the film , which increases the appeal to youth subcultures fond of extreme sports . 
