A Cult Classic

Since the release of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975, the film has garnered a ‘cult’ following that has allowed the film to continue to stay relevant over 40 years after its inception. In 1976, midnight showings of the film began, originating at The Waverly Theater in New York City. Other movie theaters began introducing midnight showings as the demand for them grew across the country. The midnight showings gave the film a new life, with audiences dressing up as characters from the film, bringing props to throw, and shouting lines back at the screen while watching.^[1]Paulzonkey. “Rocky Horror at the Varsity Theater Late 70s Michael Stipe & Vladimir Noskov.” Filmed [1978]. Youtube video, 4:17. Posted [April 23, … Continue reading The audience became part of the experience of seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at a midnight showing and created a community, bonded by their love for the film. Due to the great success of midnight showings, the film remains in circulation with theaters to this day, allowing new generations of fans to discover the film and become a part of its legacy.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has also been referenced numerous times in contemporary television shows and movies, further establishing the film’s decades-long legacy. In 2010 the popular musical television show Glee dedicated an entire episode to the characters putting on The Rocky Horror Show play.^[2]OnlyGlee RM. “GLEE “Sweet Transvestite” (Full Performance) | From “The Rocky Horror Glee Show”.” Filmed [2010]. Youtube video. Posted [January 14, … Continue reading The 2012 film The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on a book of the same name, features a scene where the characters partake in an interactive version of the film, where participants play the characters in front of a screening of the film. The audience participation that has become synonymous with the film is highlighted in the scene, with the characters constantly interacting with audience members, all of whom are interacting with the film being screened in the background.^[3]Petulante, Teatro. “Rocky Horror Show | The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Filmed [2012]. Youtube video. Posted [March 21, 2013].https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFP9_iwLbFw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFP9_iwLbFw

Most recently, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was adapted into a television movie for FOX in 2016. The new production kept the integrity of the 1975 production while adding modern elements that were sure to grab the attention of a new audience. One of the most important aspects of the 2016 television film is that the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter is played by Laverne Cox, a black transgender female actress.^[4]FOX. “Finding Frank N. Furter | The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Filmed [2016]. Youtube video. Posted [August 19, 2016]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH1a8zBWuaU Cox’s casting adds another dimension to the message of the film, further highlighting the film’s commentary on gender and sexuality and making that message even more inclusive for all people.