Help me out with Dr. Strangelove...

[SoloAJ]

I just watched this movie for the first time after hearing how awesome it was for the past few years. I, as with the Matrix, think that the hype may be part of why I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. (Note: I went on to enjoy the Matrix after later viewings)...

What is it that makes this movie the icon that it is today? It is 19th on IMDb and I am not understanding why.

Here is what I know:
I liked the acting in it a lot.
I liked the writing in a subtle giggling sort of way. Only the bullriding the bomb got me to actually laugh out loud. It was good humor, and perhaps even very very sharp humor, but I don't know if I would consider it the funniest I've ever come across....

I'm guessing that part of the reason that I didn't like it THAT much, is the cultural context. Being that I'm 21 and have little knowledge of the culture/society of that time period, I think lacking that knowledge really hinders my ability to appreciate this movie.
(I realize nukes and war were a threat and everything, but it seems that I just can't appreciate this movie without having "been through it" or something)...

Is it the lack of cultural intelligence for that time period that makes me think this movie is just a plain good movie? Or is there something else I am missing that people love so much about it?