How is a "cult film" typically characterized?

A "cult film" is characterized by its dedicated fan base and its status within specific subcultures. These films often have unique themes, unconventional storytelling, or distinctive aesthetics that resonate strongly with a smaller audience rather than the mass market. Cult films frequently encourage intense loyalty and often generate shared experiences among fans, including midnight screenings, fan conventions, and online discussions. They can provoke strong emotional responses and foster community among viewers who share an appreciation for the film's particular qualities, often becoming part of a cultural phenomenon.

In contrast, films that achieve widespread mainstream popularity typically enjoy broad appeal and are designed to attract a wide range of viewers, thus differing significantly from the niche focus of cult films. Films that receive critical acclaim and numerous awards usually garner recognition from the mainstream film industry, often being produced by major studios and targeting a general audience. Similarly, films aimed primarily at a youth audience are designed to market specifically to younger demographics, rather than fostering the intense and often niche following characteristic of cult films.