In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a box office flop, but it quickly found redemption with a loyal fanbase and consistent popularity 47 years later. The sci-fi comedy horror musical is obscure and quite weird, but it’s loved by many. Understanding the movie’s unshakeable popularity isn’t easy, so breaking down the reason for Rocky Horror Picture Show's longevity is necessary.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at a superficial level, is a musical about a fashionable mad scientist, a stranded newly-engaged couple, a blonde creation, and a bunch of aliens. The story follows Brad Majors and Janet Weiss the night after they get engaged as their tire goes flat. Considering cell phones didn’t exist yet, they’re forced to find a phone to use. They stumble to the mysterious mansion nearby and this is when they encounter the castle’s staff and guests performing "The Time Warp." Soon into their stay, they meet the androgynous master of the house, Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his creation, Rocky. After this, there’s a strange journey of musical numbers, sexual tension, and an interesting story.
Clearly, it’s an unusual film, but that's exactly why it's a beloved and timeless classic. For starters, the cast is brilliant, with names like Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon, and the late legend, Meat Loaf, as Rocky Horror's Eddie. The fashion and style of the film are extremely campy and out-there, adding visual intrigue. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the songs throughout the movie are extremely catchy. But there are even more meaningful reasons The Rocky Horror Picture Show has earned itself a large and loyal fanbase over the years.
Why Rocky Horror Picture Show's Cult Following Won't End Anytime Soon
People found comfort and something to relate to in the 1975 cult classic. Not only is this due to the themes of ambition and confidence, but the aspects of fluid sexuality, queerness, and diversity struck cords in many. Considering Tim Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite” and creator Richard O’Brien is an outspoken member of the trans community, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is revered as an LGBTQ+ masterpiece. But even beyond the openly queer characters and subversive themes of sex and sexuality, others simply relate to the cast of misfits in general. To a lot of people, RHPS is more than a movie; it’s a community and a safe place for people who feel like outcasts and weirdos to be themselves.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is so beloved, it's created its own culture. The greatest tradition throughout the fandom is the midnight showings with props. Theaters started doing midnight screenings of the camp classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show around the time of its initial release and this took off. It’s customary during these after-dark showings for fans to dress up like their favorite characters and sing along, as well as bringing props for certain points of the movie. Considering there’s enough audience for theaters to continue Rocky Horror showings for decades, it’s clear that the cult following is multi-generational and isn't going anywhere.
