Let me start by saying I love B-films. Every week, I find myself diving into films that are either forgotten or celebrated in cult fashion. There’s something fascinating about how these filmmakers saw the world—whether constrained by limited budgets or driven by a desire to leave their mark on their time period. Many of these films have been largely forgotten over time, but that’s part of what intrigues me. Everyone has a story to tell, and I believe we can learn—even if just a little—about the past by watching the films that didn’t make it into the mainstream.
Some of these movies feature incredible ’80s synth scores, while others showcase impressive practical effects. But at the heart of B-films lies the passion of people who loved movies so much they were determined to make one, no matter the circumstances.
Thankfully, Kanopy offers such a vast collection that it’s easy to get lost in exploring these hidden gems. Here are some of my favorites:
Chopping Mall (1986)
1hr 16min
This is a true cult classic B-film. It features an incredible score and a delightfully absurd plot: teenagers decide to stay overnight in a mall to party on the same day the mall unveils its new, radical security robots. Naturally, things take a turn for the worse, and the teens are soon fighting for their lives, struggling to survive the night and make it to daybreak.
As a bonus for cult film fans, the movie opens with a fantastic cameo from Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov, two icons of the genre, perfectly setting the tone for what’s to come.
Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls (2023)
1hr 50min
This is another personal favorite. Andrew Bowser brings his long-time character Onyx (from the viral “I don’t know, Satan’s pretty cool” YouTube video) to life on the big—or small—screen. You can stream it on Kanopy without ads or subscriptions!
This funny, heartwarming, and musical film is packed with practical effects, great chemistry between the actors, and an outlandish story to boot. What makes it especially enjoyable is how it grounds its quirky main character in an extraordinary set of circumstances, resulting in an entertaining watch.
Timecop (1994)
1hr 37min
The only true action film on this list, Timecop is a wild ride where our classic action hero, the “Muscles from Brussels” himself, Jean-Claude Van Damme (JVCD), travels back in time to save the future—and maybe his wife. It’s pure fun, plain and simple. JVCD films are never overly complex, always over-the-top, and you can almost always count on a creative excuse to explain his accent as an American.
Unlike the more polished action blockbusters of the ’90s—and I’m using that term loosely—JVCD’s films often have lower budgets and similar plots. But Timecop stands out because it’s the perfect blend of Jean-Claude’s signature absurdity and a nostalgic, retro ’90s vibe that makes it a joy to watch.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
1hr 35min
Night of the Living Dead may not be the very first B-film, but it’s certainly the first of the modern era. This groundbreaking movie kickstarted the zombie genre and launched George A. Romero’s legendary career, terrifying audiences for decades to come.
It’s the ultimate Halloween film—moody in black and white, genuinely scary, and surprisingly profound for its time. Beyond the horror, it offers sharp commentary on race and explores what it means to be human in the midst of a crisis.
The Toxic Avenger (1984)
1hr 22min
This is the ultimate B-film. Honestly, I’m not even sure how much I like this movie, but it’s so outrageously over-the-top—along with its three sequels (also on Kanopy, though fair warning, they haven’t aged well culturally)—that I had to include it.
Part body horror, part screwball comedy, and fully loaded with gross-out moments, Toxie has become an iconic fan-favorite hero in the cult film world.
Grab your popcorn and let the magic begin! Stream ad-free on Kanopy through your public library.
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Published Jan 23, 2025