The Rocky Horror Picture Show

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975), directed by Jim Sharman, emerged as a paradigm-shifting cult phenomenon that, despite initial critical dismissal, evolved into a globally celebrated musical comedy-horror film, renowned for its transgressive exploration of sexuality, gender fluidity, and nonconformity in popular culture.

Based on Richard O'Brien’s 1973 musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show, it stars O'Brien, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick, and centers on a young couple seeking help at a remote castle after their car breaks down. They find the castle occupied by extravagantly dressed people celebrating an annual convention led by Dr. Frank N. Furter, an eccentric scientist, and visiting alien, who creates a man named Rocky Horror in his laboratory.  

Embracing the show’s affirmation of gender expression, audiences began participating with the film at the Waverly Theater in New York City in 1976, and audience interaction has become an essential part of the Rocky Horror experience. In 2016, a television remake was made starring Laverne Cox as Dr. Frank N. Furter.  

Still in limited release in 2023, Rocky Horror is the longest-running theatrical release in film history. The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2005.