It’s pretty easy to watch all the latest blockbuster movies on TV, as they end up showing on virtually every premium channel after one run on Pay Per View, before hitting the networks eventually and then endlessly repeating on TBS on Saturday nights. late. But finding your favorites can be a bit more difficult. After all, certain movies that end up flops in theaters, like “A Christmas Story,” end up making it big on TV. Today, if the time of the Christmas spirit approaches, “A Christmas Story” will end up on TV for at least 24 hours straight on a single satellite TV station. It’s just a matter of how things work.

So it’s possible to watch your favorite cult classics on TV without having to try too hard, although in the past it was surprisingly even easier. Channels like IFC used to give acclaimed directors free rein to show their favorites from obscurity or further afield, including the absolutely phenomenal series from hilarious cult director John Waters. Known for his own films as a source of inspiration for weirdos and film students around the world, Waters was able to showcase everything from 1950s horror movies to Chroenberg’s famed film “Crash” at his show. weekly of movies designed to shock and amaze.

While satellite TV and IFC may be a little less focused on this type of cutting-edge programming these days, there are still plenty of other opportunities to watch the best cult classics on TV without even having to subscribe to premium channels. On Comedy Central, you can expect to catch the stoner comedy “Dazed and Confused” at least a few times a year, while Halloween promises to see Tim Curry in heels and a young Susan Sarandon, from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” . ” will be on. And no matter what channel you’re tuned to on satellite TV, once summer rolls around and people go to the beach, “Jaws” in all its various guises will end up on TV for a while.

But the difference between these classic movies and the great cult classics in general is that unlike the other fare that abounds on satellite TV, these movies manage to retain the wonder and sparkle from the moment viewers first notice. realize how cool they were in the first place. Whether it’s cheesy, serious, or just plain inspiring, opting to watch a cult classic or underground more acclaimed movie instead of the latest blockbuster is a statement of intent. That is to say that you respect those pieces of movies that are made outside of the big studios, that you understand that a movie doesn’t have to have a cast of stars to be great, and that sometimes it’s more worth recognizing one. particularly special or great moment instead of expecting something to be great just because it’s new and fancy. It’s a look back at cinema from a different era, and it’s definitely a great way to spend a Saturday night at home.