Few filmmakers have courted controversy, challenged good taste, or redefined the word “cult” quite like John Waters.

In this Cinema Shock series, we dive headfirst into Waters’ gloriously grotesque filmography — from his early guerrilla filmmaking in Baltimore to his unlikely evolution into a beloved pop culture icon. Along the way, we explore how Waters and his Dreamlanders helped ignite the Midnight Movie phenomenon, and how his blend of transgression, satire, and sincerity carved out a lane entirely his own.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor to the world of Waters, this series traces the full journey — from raw underground provocations like MULTIPLE MANIACS and PINK FLAMINGOS, through his ascent to cult stardom with POLYESTER and HAIRSPRAY, and ending with a look at the glossy Broadway-fueled remake that brought his vision to the mainstream.