Since Niulai became widely discussed, many film watchers have asked whether it can be called a cult film. A cult film usually develops an enthusiastic following through word of mouth, often alongside mixed mainstream response and an unusual viewing experience.
Several traits overlap. Niulai began with limited commercial visibility and then attracted attention through online sharing. Curious visitors sometimes approached screenings as part of a collective online conversation, creating a distinctive group-viewing context.
One important difference is that Niulai's cult-like status was not necessarily designed as a genre strategy. Its public attention appears to have emerged from later circulation and audience interpretation.
It is more accurate to treat the cult-film label as a useful discussion frame than a settled classification. The label helps explain the audience behavior without reducing the film to a single category.
SOURCE NOTE
Editorial note: this English explainer summarizes public discussion and is not an official statement from the film's rights holders.