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What would summer be without at least one trip to the beach? Truthfully, for me one trip is about enough. I have way too many childhood memories of sandy sandwiches and horrific sunburns. And from a swimming perspective, ever since I first saw “Jaws,” I’m strictly a pool man.

Film scholars may differ on the top Bogart-Bacall outing, but for me it’s their second film, “The Big Sleep” (1946), directed by the inimitable Howard Hawks. It is, first and foremost, the quintessential private eye picture, along with the earlier Bogart classic, “The Maltese Falcon” (1941). The film succeeds in spite of the fact that its dense, twisty plot leaves most viewers slightly bewildered at the closing credits.

Here we go. The holiday parties are over, and once again those of us in northern climes heave an inward sigh and steel ourselves for four months of cold, snow and ice.

Cult films encompass a range of quality, genres, and periods, but share one thing: a devoted fan base that returns to them again and again. Many cult fans know the scripts of the movies they worship by heart. Good or bad, cult films also tend to be offbeat or even over-the-top. With so many cookie-cutter, formulaic movies out there, that “quirk” factor is an essential part of what keeps those viewers coming back.

“There's a lot to be said for making people laugh. Did you know that that's all some people have? It isn't much, but it's better than nothing in this cockeyed caravan.”

For those younger movie fans who only know veteran player Albert Finney from his more recent work in movies like “The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007) and “Skyfall” (2012), this piece should take you on a voyage of discovery. In truth, you can be forgiven for not knowing just how accompished he is, because though Finney is extremely dedicated to his craft, he cares very little about publicity.

The movies go where we can’t, which makes them particularly suited for stories of discovery. But first, there is a search, which is pure adventure. Setting out to solve a mystery, or simply to see for oneself what lies beyond, is always the stuff of great entertainment. Whether one seeks or finds, the thirst for knowledge is the key driver of the human story.

We decided to look at a few of the past winners (and losers) to try to discern what might have contributed to some of the more head-scratching wins.