Are you looking for some of the best cult classic books to enjoy the art of classic literature? Then you are in the right place. In the blog post, I will list some of the best cult classic books of all time for classic lovers with great literature taste.
Cult classics are always my favorite. These books are the hidden gems of the world of literature. Their mind-blowing storylines, plots, and characters, as well as the art of writing of the great authors, will amaze your heart.
There are many cult classic books to read, but here I will give you a list of those I read and find worth reading. My list will help you find some of the best books in the ocean of classic literature. OK, then, let’s dive into the deep!
What is a cult classic book?
A cult classic book is a piece of literature with an unconventional theme and a unique writing style that always remains ahead of time. These books always have a devoted fanbase for their unique writing style and challenging & unique plots.
What makes a book a cult classic?
It’s always on the author who makes a book cult classic with their magical writing skills. But some such features and qualities make a book a cult classic. Here, we point out the major attributes that make a book a cult classic.
- Unconventional Theme: A cult classic’s significant quality is its plot. These books are often based on challenging and unconventional themes which break cultural and societal boundaries. And show something dark and unconventional about life and society, challenging mainstream society.
- Unique Writing Style: The exceptional storytelling methods make it different from the other books. The author’s unique writing style, based on the plots, makes it a timeless piece of literature.
- Initial Rejection: Many cult classics don’t find success initially. A cult classic book might be critically panned or commercially unsuccessful when released. But find an audience later with time and end up with a huge fanbase.
- Timelessness: The plot’s timelessness makes it an unforgettable cult classic in the ocean of literature. The plot’s unique theme and strong presentation make it an all-time favorite of passionate readers.
- Cultural Impact: Some books have the quality to create a strong cultural image in mainstream society and can influence many fiction authors and readers from generation to generation.
- Devoted Fanbase: These books generally create a loyal and dedicated fan base. Fans admire the writing and storyline and discuss them over the Internet, in book clubs, and with friends.
![best cult classic books](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-best-cult-classic-books-of-all-time-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C539&ssl=1)
How to read cult classic books?
There are no special ways to read cult classics; it depends on you. If you love to read books, you know how to read classic cult books. If you are new and need clarification, then you can follow me. There are various types of books, so when I decide to read a classic cult book, I make a list and follow them orderly. And you can make the list depending on your mood and taste. Like me, make a list of books, and you can also follow my list below.
Follow the steps:
- Take suggestions and reviews
- Make a book list according to your choice
- List them in order
- Follow the order serially
Which cult classic books to read at the beginning?
It is difficult to suggest which book you should read first because there are so many. But you can decide according to your mood and reading taste. There are various types of cult classic books, such as cult classic fiction books, comic books, fantasy books, and horror books. There are also books on American cult classics and British and Russian cult classics. Now, you think about which category you should start reading.
I suggest reading many book names from each category initially, but it’s always up to you. If you still need clarification, follow my suggestion. Below, I will write about some must-read cult classic books of all time. Follow my cult classic book list.
Top 10 cult classic books list for young adults
If you are a young adult between the ages of 13 and 20, follow this list to find the best classic book to read from the many amazing books available.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
>> By Harriet Beecher Stowe
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is about a faithful enslaved person who is sold away from his family and spends his life as a sale from one owner to another. He starts loving the owner’s family and how they treat him as an object and sell him to others.
This novel shows the tragic life of Uncle Tom as an enslaved person and expresses the cruelty of slavery. Harriet Beecher wrote this cult classic in 1852, and it became an anti-slavery novel then.
![Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Uncle-Toms-Cabin.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Pride & Prejudice
>> By Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is a timeless novel by Jane Austine based on love, societal customs, and the emotional importance of two people.
An independent country girl, Elizabeth Bennet, and a rich and proud landlord, Mr. Darcy, come closer, start liking each other, and face many misunderstandings and social pokes. But alongside everything, they are coming closer; no obstacle and customs can’t stop them from loving each other. It’s a beautiful novel about two young people and the British society of the 19th century.
![Pride & Prejudice](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pride-Prejudice.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
The Outsiders
>> By S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders is about two groups of teenagers who live in a town. They’re very different. The groups are the Greasers and Socs. Greasers are poor and have a tough life, while Socs are rich and have an easy life. They are often involved in clashes. The central character is Ponyboy, who belongs to the group Geasers. He is involved in a pointless clash and learns the most important lessons of his life.
The story shows how these groups clash, how life turns, and how friendships can form even when people seem very different. It’s a story about friendship, loyalty, and understanding each other.
![The Outsiders](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Outsiders-e1715445052409.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Frankenstein
>> By Mary Shelley
Frankenstein is about a scientist who is obsessed with creating life. Finally, he succeeds but ends up with a monster. He is scared of his creation and runs away.
The monster starts learning about life and society from the window and asks his creator for a partner. But the scientist denied it and locked him. The beast finds that he is constantly rejected because of his ugly face, and the scientist makes him look like this. He starts taking revenge by harming the scientist love one’s.
![Frankenstein book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Frankenstein-book-e1715445346769.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Romeo & Juliet
>> By Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet is a love story about two teenagers from rival families who instantly meet at a party and fall in love. Forgetting their family issues, they get married secretly.
Things become difficult when Rome kills Juliet’s cousin and runs away from the city. Juliet’s family forces her to marry off, but she makes a plan and fakes her death by drinking potion. After hearing the death news of Juliet, Romeo commits suicide before the tomb of Juliet. When Juliet wakes up, she finds that Romeo is dead, then she kills herself too.
![Romeo & Juliet](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Romeo-Juliet.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Ender’s Game
>> By Orson Scott Card
The story is about a boy named Ender who lives in a future world where Earth is preparing for a war against aliens. Ender is super smart and was chosen by the government for battle training against aliens. He wins every training fight and becomes the ultimate commander. Finally, the day comes, and Ender is involved in a real battle against the aliens, showing the ultimate courage and leadership in the war. Earth wins the fight, and Ender becomes one of the greatest warriors on Earth.
This cult classic novel makes you think about war and gives you great lessons about leadership, friendship, and the moral complexities of war.
![Ender's Game book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Enders-Game-book.webp?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
The Catcher in the Rye
>> By J. D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is about a teenager named Holden Caulfield. He’s just gotten kicked out of another boarding school because he’s failing all his classes. Holden feels like everyone around him is fake and phony. He finds the difficulties and fack face of the world and starts to feel lonely and depressed.
For the struggle of his life, Holden dreams of becoming a “catcher in the rye” – someone who saves kids from falling off a cliff.
![the catcher in the rye book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the-catcher-in-the-rye-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Gulliver’s Travels
>> By Jonathan Swift
Gulliver’s Travels is a story about a curious explorer named Lemuel Gulliver who takes several ship voyages and ends up in strange lands. He first reaches a place where everything is very small, then another where everything is tremendous. He faces different troubles and situations in each place.
Each adventure teaches Gulliver something new about the world and its people. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes serious, but it’s always interesting!
![Gulliver’s Travels book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gullivers-Travels-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Animal Farm
>> By George Orwell
Animal Farm is about a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmers for freedom and equality. They chase Mr. Jones, the farm owner, away and create a society where all the animals are equal.
At first, things are great! The animals work together happily and share everything. But by the time everything changes, two pigs on the farm, Snowball and Napoleon, start controlling everything. They start creating new rules and impose them on the other animals on the farm. Everything became like before the farm under humans. Napoleon makes himself like Mr. Jones and starts ruling on all the farm animals.
![Animal Farm book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Animal-Farm-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
The Princess Bride
>> William Goldman
The Princess Bride is a story about a beautiful farm girl, Buttercup, who is in love with a farmhand named Westley. But Buttercup is forced to marry a mean Prince Humperdinck. Meanwhile, Westley becomes a Pirate Roberts.
One day, he disguises himself and goes on a rescue mission to Buttercup with some new friends. Together, they face many dangers to save Buttercup. There are sword fights, chases, and even a fire swamp! In the end, Westley’s true love conquers all, and they escape with their happily ever after.
![The Princess Bride book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Princess-Bride-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Top 10 cult classic books list for mature readers
If you are a regular reader and belong to the age group of 20+ people, then you are a mature reader. I have a different list of classic cult books for people like you to read now. Check my list here,
Slaughterhouse-Five
>> By Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse-Five is about Billy Pilgrim, an American soldier in World War II. Who takes part in World War II and becomes a German prisoner. The book also discusses how Billy meets with aliens who teach him time travel.
On one side of the story, we can experience his misery as a prisoner; on the other, we can experience the jumping of his life in his past, present, and future. The book is both funny and sad and allows us to explore the terrible effects of war on people’s minds.
![](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Slaughterhouse-Five-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
1984
>> By George Orwell
1984 is a novel about a man named Winston living in a world where a suppressive government controls everything. The government uses technology to monitor people’s every move and even their thoughts.
Winston hates these all, and he secretly rebels against this oppressive regime by starting a love affair with a woman, which is forbidden there. And they are looking for other people like them. The book warns about what could happen if governments become too powerful and remove people’s freedoms.
![book 1984](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/book-1984.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Invisible Man
>> By Ralph Ellison
Invisible Man is a novel about a Black man who lives in a racist society in America. He feels invisible because people don’t see him for who he is. He faces racism and struggles to find his identity in society.
The story follows his journey from the South to the North of America and his encounters with different people and situations. He gets involved in a political group fighting for Black rights, but things go wrong.
![Invisible Man](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Invisible-Man.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
On the Road
>> By Jack Kerouac
On the Road is about Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty. They both ditch their boring lives and start traveling. They travel across America together, meeting exciting people and having adventures.
Sal likes Dean’s free spirit but also sees the sadness in their lifestyle. It’s a book about freedom, friendship, and searching for something more in life.
![](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/book-On-the-Road.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
>> Ken Kesey
In a mental hospital, a big rebellious guy named McMurphy fakes being crazy to get himself out of prison work duty. The ward is run by a super strict Nurse, Ratched, who likes things her way.
McMurphy shakes things up with his wild personality and inspires the patients to challenge the rules. McMurphy tries to free them from the Nurse’s grip on the ward. It’s a battle between individuality and control.
![One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
House of Leaves
>> By Mark Z. Danielewski
Imagine a house. But this isn’t any ordinary house. It is more significant from the inside than the outside! One day, a family moves in and discovers strange hallways, hidden rooms, and creepy sounds coming from deep within.
A documentary filmmaker explores the house and documents the whole thing with his family and friends. This novel is a mind-blowing story about a creepy house with a mystery to unravel and a unique way of telling the story.
![house of leaves book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/house-of-leaves-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Fight Club
>> By Chuck Palahniuk
Fight Club is about a tired, insomniac office worker who stumbles upon a strange way to deal with his problems. He meets Tyler, and together, they start an underground fight club.
People can beat each other up to feel alive and escape their dull lives. The club gets popular, and Tyler turns it into something bigger. The club becomes a group fighting against society’s rules.
![Fight Club book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fight-Club-book.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
American Psycho
>> Bret Easton Ellis
American Psycho is a dark story about a man named Patrick Bateman who seems perfect on the outside. He has a good job, nice clothes, and seems to fit in with his friends.
But secretly, Patrick has violent thoughts and urges. He is a psychopath who enjoys hurting and even killing people. There is a movie based on it named after American Psycho, and you can watch the film growing.
![american psycho book](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/american-psycho-book.jpg?resize=241%2C338&ssl=1)
The Master and Margarita
>> Mikhail Bulgakov
The Master and Margarita” is a book about a mysterious stranger named Woland who visits Moscow and causes chaos. He’s the Devil in disguise.
Woland’s antics make people question their beliefs, while Margarita’s love for the Master leads her on a wild adventure. In the end, both the Master and Margarita find a kind of peace, not in Heaven or Hell, but together
![The Master and Margarita](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Master-and-Margarita.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
A Confederacy of Dunces
>> By John Kennedy Toole
A Confederacy of Dunces is about a man named Ignatius. He is odd and lazy, spending most of his time at home with his eccentric mother. He believes that he is brilliant and should be in charge of everything.
The book follows Ignatius’ adventures as he interacts with various colorful characters in New Orleans and gets into hilarious and ridiculous situations. It’s a funny short story about a unique character and the chaos he causes wherever he goes.
![A Confederacy of Dunces](https://i0.wp.com/allclassicbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-Confederacy-of-Dunces.jpg?resize=241%2C384&ssl=1)
Closing Words
These are my all-time favorite cult classic books. When I read them, I can feel the difference between their theme and storytelling. These books are the best among the thousands of cult classic books. It will be worth spending time reading these books.
I hope my list will help you find the best cult classic book to read on your reading time. It is the gem of cult classic literature. I also hope you will fall in love with the books.
FAQs
What is a cult classic example?
Many books can be considered cult classics, but here is one of my favorites: Pride and Prejudice.
What is the genre of a cult book?
Cult books aren’t from any specific genre, such as mystery or sci-fi. They can be any story with a unique theme and devoted fan base.
Can books be cult classics?
Absolutely! A book can be both a classic and a cult classic and not only movies but books can also be cult classics.
What is the best cult classic?
It is very difficult to say which book is the best cult classic because there are so many good books. I can tell you some of the best books, such as Animal Farm, Romeo & Juliet, Fight Club, and many more.
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