5 cult Mexican films that captivated audiences and are unforgettable

In recent years, Mexican films have become a favorite of the public, especially in what the streaming platforms represent. But, if we go back decades, there is an extensive filmography that has remained in the collective memory not only of Mexicans, but of the whole world, productions that have led to the success enjoyed by other titles today.

Among the first Mexican films produced in the country, many achieved international attention eventually becoming cult films that almost exclusively featured uncommon or conventional characters. Rather, the characters in Mexican cult films expose what, for the time, was quite a spectacle.

Cult film in Mexico began to appear in the 50swhen genre films like horror and wrestling were produced, they quickly became audience favorites. These films often featured outlandish characters., unconventional storylines and a focus on violence and spectacle that made them different from typical Hollywood productions. Here is a list of my favorites.

The Mole (1970)

“El Topo” is considered a cult film masterpiece and was acclaimed for its originality, its ability to challenge cinematic conventions and its unique and revolutionary vision of the world. The film influenced many other directors and has been seen as a seminal work in the evolution of cult cinema and independent cinema in general.

We are facing a surreal and symbolic film directed by the Chilean-Mexican director Alejandro Jodorowsky. The film was released in 1970 and quickly became a cult film, acquiring a large and loyal fan base around the world.

The plot follows the main character, played by Jodorowsky, who calls himself “El Topo”, who travels across the Mexican desert in a spiritual search and encounters a series of strange and often grotesque characters. The film is full of surreal imagery and dark symbolism and is known for its visually stunning and bold style.

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Chrono (1993)

The film tells the story of an elderly Mexican antique dealer named Jesús Gris, played by Federico Luppi, who discovers an ancient mechanical device hidden in a statue. The device turns out to be a magical artifact that can grant eternal life, but in return produces a strong bloodlust.

Is it a fantasy horror movie orDark Mexican directed by Guillermo del Toro and released in 1993, which has become a cult work thanks to its unconventional approach to the horror genre, its emotionally rich narrative and its dazzling visual style. “Cronos” was acclaimed for its originality, its ability to create an eerie atmosphere, and its exploration of themes such as mortality, family, and the struggle between good and evil.

The Saint vs. The Vampire Women (1962)

“The saint against female vampires” is a 1962 wrestling and horror film directed by Alfonso Corona Blake and starring the famous Mexican wrestler “El Santo”. The film tells the story of El Santo, who faces a group of female vampires who are terrorizing the city.

Its unconventional approach to the horror genre, its often comedic narrative, and its combination of wrestling elements with the vampire storyline, made it a cult film. Furthermore, the film is recognized for presenting “El Santo” as a charismatic and courageous hero who fights against evil.

The Forgotten (1950)

“The forgotten ones” tells the story of a group of young people who live on the streets of Mexico City and struggle to survive in the midst of poverty, crime and violence. It is the work of acclaimed director Luis Buñuel and released in 1950, which was recognized for the his ability to portray in an authentic and raw way the life of marginalized youth in Mexico City and for his social critique of inequality and violence in society.

Even the Wind Is Afraid (1968)

We can’t go on without mentioning”Even the wind is afraid”, is a Mexican psychological horror film directed by Carlos Enrique Taboada and released in 1968. The film tells the story of a group of girls’ boarding school students who are haunted by the ghost of a former student who committed suicide years earlier. It was truly acclaimed for its dark atmosphere, skillful direction and ability to create a sense of tension and mystery.

Considered one of the most important and emblematic films of Mexican horror cinema and has been cited and awarded in several films and television programs.

But… What are cult movies?

THE Cult films are films that have acquired a large, loyal and devoted fan base. who love them for their uniqueness, style, aesthetics, thematic content, performance or a combination of all these elements. These films were often ignored by critics upon their release, but have managed to endure through their ability to generate a passionate following of fans who identify with their style or message.

Often these films are known to be weird, experimental, or niche, and may have a smaller but loyal fan base rather than mass audiences. Cult films are prized for their originality, their ability to challenge the norms of cinema, and their ability to touch on topics that more popular films cannot.

As for Mexican cinema, it underwent a shift towards a more realistic and socially conscious style in the 1960s, with films such as Luis Buñuel’s “Los olvidados” dealing with themes such as poverty and marginalization. However, as the 1970s approached, a new wave of genre cinema was on the way, with films like Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ‘El Topo’ challenging the conventions of mainstream cinema with their surrealism, symbolism and experimental storytelling.

While, in the 1980s, films such as Jodorowsky’s “Santa Sangre” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Cronos” continued to challenge the conventions of Mexican cinema, gaining a loyal following that sought something different from what commercial productions offered.

Since then, the cult cinema in Mexico has continued to grow, with films ranging from horror and sci-fi to black comedy and social drama, while always maintaining an alternative sensibility and loyalty to his fan base.