Hey movie lovers! Do you ever feel like you’ve watched everything, yet still crave something genuinely original and brilliant that somehow flew under the radar? We totally get it; sometimes the most amazing films aren’t the ones everyone talks about, but the hidden gems that critics adored, even if audiences didn’t quite connect with them at first.
Well, get ready to expand your watchlist, because we’re about to dive deep into a treasure trove of movies that are, in our humble (but totally correct!) opinion, highly underrated. These aren’t just good movies; they’re *mind-blowing*, *heart-stopping*, and *laugh-out-loud* masterpieces that deserve way more love than they’ve received. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to discover your next favorite film!
In this first section of our epic cinematic journey, we’re spotlighting seven incredible films that dared to be different, delivering unforgettable stories and performances that, for various reasons, didn’t quite get the mainstream recognition they deserved. From quirky crime capers to existential sci-fi, these movies are about to prove that ‘underrated’ often just means ‘ahead of its time’ or ‘too brilliant for the masses (at first!).’ Let’s roll the credits on our first pick!
1. Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Next up, prepare for a genre-bending ride that is so exhilarating in its originality, it’s a wonder it’s not discussed in every film class. ‘Sorry to Bother You’ from 2018 was a success at the box office relative to its budget, but let’s be real, this movie still deserves way more fanfare. It’s a film that truly challenges what you think a movie can be.
Some folks might point to its audacious tone or its bonkers third act as reasons why it hasn’t become a ‘classic’ in the most conventional sense. But honestly? It’s those exact qualities that make it so utterly excellent. Boots Riley’s debut feature isn’t just a movie; it’s a singular vision with a searing social commentary trying to bother the status quo. It pushes boundaries in the best possible way, leaving you thinking long after the credits roll.
LaKeith Stanfield is the perfect leading man for his character’s (literal) transformations. As Cash Green, he guides us through a story of class consciousness and some good ol’ body horror. And fear not, this isn’t a one-trick pony! The film’s supporting cast is also superb, led by the phenomenal Tessa Thompson and Steven Yeun. Their performances elevate an already wild and thought-provoking narrative into something truly special and unforgettable.
2. Buried (2010)
Alright, here’s a film that will literally have you holding your breath! In 2010, ‘Buried’ showed us a side of Ryan Reynolds we didn’t know we needed. Who knew he could be such a fantastic dramatic actor? Not many apparently, because this intensely claustrophobic thriller never fell on enough eyes, which is a real shame because it’s a masterclass in tension and performance.
Granted, its $19 million box office take easily made a profit on a $2 million budget, proving its financial viability. Yet, it’s still largely absent from discussions of great thrillers, and that’s a cinematic injustice we need to rectify! Reynolds’ excellent performance is heart-stopping as he tries to escape being buried alive. He carries the entire film, making you feel every ounce of his character’s desperation and terror.
The film’s shot with an intense claustrophobic feel, thanks to director Rodrigo Cortés’ eye for darkly lit camera angles. Every frame screams urgency and confinement, pulling you right into the coffin with Reynolds. It’s a gripping thriller that’s absolutely bound to become a cult classic. If you’re looking for a nail-biting experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, look no further!
3. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Prepare to have your imagination absolutely captured with our next pick: 1988’s ‘The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.’ The boundless and unstoppable creativity of Terry Gilliam was set on full display in this film. This maverick director crafted an indescribable fantasy adventure that, sadly, bombed at the box office. But don’t let that fool you, because it truly soared on home video, finding its passionate audience there.
The tall tales of the Baron’s exploits are truly something to behold. They feature everything from a young Uma Thurman as Venus to an uncredited Robin Williams as the King of the Moon. Just thinking about that star power in such a unique setting makes us giddy! Gilliam’s signature visual flair is everywhere, creating a world that feels both fantastical and oddly tangible.
This film’s enchanting creatures and dynamic action sequences combine to create one of the most artistically ambitious and imaginative stories ever brought to the screen, offering a visually stunning and narratively marvelous experience that showcases the boundless power of unchecked imagination for anyone who loves epic fantasy with a fresh twist.
4. One Hour Photo (2004)
Now for something completely different, and perhaps a little chilling. In ‘One Hour Photo’ from 2004, Robin Williams trades in his trademark off-beat warmth for a new brand of silent intensity. It is easily one of the creepiest performances of his career, showcasing a depth and darkness that was truly unexpected from the beloved comedian. This film will stick with you.
Williams plays Sy Parrish, a lonely photo technician who becomes dangerously obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. The premise alone sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it? The film unfolds as a slow-burn psychological thriller, meticulously exploring themes of isolation, voyeurism, and the dark underbelly of everyday life. It’s a masterclass in building unsettling tension.
Robin Williams delivers a performance as Sy that is both chilling and profoundly human, revealing a rarely seen depth to the beloved actor through his nuanced portrayal of quiet desperation and underlying menace, making ‘One Hour Photo’ a must-see for its intense psychological impact and Williams’ unforgettable, disturbing performance, despite its lack of mainstream success.
5. The Nice Guys (2016)
Let’s lighten the mood a bit, but keep the incredible acting! ‘The Nice Guys’ from 2016 saw Ryan Gosling continue a nearly annual streak of top-shelf work in the 2010s. It wasn’t just his stoic, brooding type that shone through; he also became a comedy mainstay thanks to projects like this buddy noir. It’s pure cinematic gold that, criminally, didn’t get the box office love it deserved.
Despite a warm reception all around from critics and those lucky enough to see it, ‘The Nice Guys’ unfortunately underwhelmed at the box office. That means some unlucky folks missed out on its dry wit, hilarious physical comedy, and period hijinks. Seriously, the humor in this film is next level, blending perfectly with its crime narrative. It’s a riot from start to finish.
Gosling shows off some next-level chemistry with Russell Crowe, making their unlikely detective duo an absolute joy to watch. Meanwhile, the rest of the film is bolstered by the brilliant Margaret Qualley and a sturdy ensemble. Its central mystery is engaging, with some sneakily thoughtful and purposeful meat on its bones. Simply put, it’s just the ultimate comfort watch and undoubtedly a highlight of the decade that demands your attention!
6. Sunshine (2007)
Prepare for a thrilling and thought-provoking journey with Danny Boyle’s 2007 sci-fi gem, ‘Sunshine,’ a film that masterfully blends awe-inspiring visuals with heart-pounding suspense, making it an essential watch for anyone who enjoys science fiction that stimulates the mind while keeping them on the absolute edge of their seat.
Set in the not-too-distant future, the film plunges us into the desperate mission of a crew of astronauts, tasked with the monumental challenge of reigniting our solar system’s dying sun. Talk about high stakes! The narrative expertly oscillates between moments of almost poetic beauty, showing the vastness and wonder of space, and white-knuckled terror as things inevitably go wrong.
Alex Garland’s screenplay is a masterclass in balancing high-concept science with raw human struggle, giving us characters we genuinely care about amidst the cosmic peril. The stellar ensemble cast—pun totally intended—delivers intense and shockingly grounded performances that make you feel every ounce of their desperation and resolve.
Now, a heads-up: the third act takes a notable shift into psychological horror, and we get it, that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. For some, it feels a little off-putting, but trust us, it’s a bold choice that adds another layer to an already complex film. Regardless of that shift, “Sunshine” remains a visually and emotionally powerful film that deserves so much more love than it typically gets. Don’t let this one stay in the dark!
7. Innerspace (1987)
Never, ever underestimate the enduring power of home video, folks! If that doesn’t sound like an ’80s-focused sentence, then we don’t know what does. Yet, it also perfectly describes the incredible groundswell of support that Joe Dante’s “Innerspace” earned after its initial release in 1987. This movie is a true testament to films finding their audience eventually.
Dante’s brilliant mish-mash of comedy, action, and science fiction initially bombed at the box office. But guess what? It found a whole new, vibrant life at the video store, becoming a beloved staple for anyone with a VCR. It flourished there, warming up VCRs around the globe with its absolutely wild and endlessly entertaining tale.
Imagine this: a tiny Dennis Quaid, miniaturized and injected into the body of a hilariously neurotic Martin Short, leading to all kinds of unimaginable adventure! Dante’s distinctively likable style is evident throughout “Innerspace,” blending genres seamlessly and keeping the energy high.
And let’s not forget the rest of the cast! Meg Ryan, Kevin McCarthy, and John Hora all do absolutely great work here, making this fantastical premise feel surprisingly grounded and utterly engaging. If you’re looking for a dose of classic ’80s movie magic that’s got laughs, thrills, and a truly unique concept, “Innerspace” is your ticket.
8. Good Time (2017)
Get ready for a pulse-pounding, anxiety-filled experience with the 2017 crime thriller ‘Good Time.’ This intense film, one of Robert Pattinson’s standout performances away from his blockbuster roles, truly deserves your attention despite its modest box office performance and lack of major award recognition.
But let us tell you, the Safdie brothers—who directed this cinematic adrenaline shot—capture anxiety in a bottle like no one else. The film is packed with barely-structured chaos and constant jolts of adrenaline, making for an experience that’s both thrilling and relentlessly intense. It practically hums with an unreal momentum, thanks to its blistering editing and incredibly sharp music choices that perfectly underscore every moment of tension.
Beneath all the bluster and heart-pounding action, there’s a real brain at work here. “Good Time” isn’t just a simple heist flick; it’s an incisive portrait of several intersections of social tension, delving into the raw realities of urban life and desperation. It’s a hard-nosed character study that uses Pattinson’s character, Connie, to shade and contour the world around him, making every interaction and every desperate decision feel utterly vital.
Seriously, if you’re a fan of gritty, immersive thrillers that don’t let up, and you want to see a side of Robert Pattinson that might surprise you, then clear your schedule for “Good Time.” It’s a relentless, unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you breathless.
9. I’m Not There (2007)
For those who crave biographical films that challenge conventions, the 2007 movie ‘I’m Not There’ offers a captivating experience. Inspired by the legendary Bob Dylan, this film utilizes wonderfully unconventional storytelling techniques to create its distinctive and utterly unique atmosphere, setting it apart as a brilliant departure from the typical biopic.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is how it casts many famous actors to portray the different, often conflicting, facets of Dylan’s complex personality and career. You’ll see stellar performances from the likes of Heath Ledger and Christian Bale, each embodying a piece of the legend. But let’s be honest, it’s Cate Blanchett who truly steals the show, delivering a transformative performance that earned her a well-deserved Academy Award nomination.
Admittedly, it’s a weird and, at times, intimidating film, demanding a lot from its audience. However, every bold choice is made for the sake of artistic merit, and in that sense, the film is absolutely flawless. It’s a daring exploration of identity and artistry that pushes boundaries in the most rewarding ways.
And if you needed any more convincing, even Dylan himself praised the movie and its actors in a Rolling Stone article, calling their performances “incredible.” So, at least it wasn’t overlooked by its subject! If you’re ready for a biopic that’s as unconventional and poetic as the man it celebrates, “I’m Not There” is an absolute must-see.
10. Dark City (1998)
Here’s a movie that, as far as we’re concerned, is a bonafide science fiction classic, despite being destined for failure from its very beginning. We’re talking about 1998’s “Dark City,” a film that had to fight for its identity even before audiences got a chance to see it.
For the theatrical release, New Line Cinema was genuinely concerned that audiences wouldn’t understand the story of an amnesiac accused of murder. So, what did they do? They asked the director to integrate voiceover narration into the beginning of the movie. And really, that explains *everything* about why this movie didn’t get the love it deserved upfront.
This neo-noir masterpiece, despite being refreshingly original and an absolute visual marvel, simply did not sit well with initial audiences and, unfortunately, bombed at the box office. It was ahead of its time, presenting a labyrinthine mystery and a uniquely stylized world that perhaps bewildered viewers used to more straightforward narratives.
We can assure you that uncovering the enigmatic layers of ‘Dark City’ is not only a worthwhile endeavor but an incredibly rewarding one. This film promises to challenge your perceptions and make you question everything, all while immersing you in stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, making it a must-see for fans of mind-bending sci-fi and noir.
11. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
Whether you know them from their hilarious sketches on “Saturday Night Live” or their incredibly catchy tunes in “The Lego Movie,” the Lonely Island guys are true comedy veterans. In 2016, the iconic music trio assembled this absolutely brilliant mockumentary about the fictional pop sensation Conner4Real and his former group, the Style Boyz.
While “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” has since amassed a well-deserved cult fanbase, it’s an absolute tragedy that it flopped at the box office upon its release. What a shame that is for all the viewers who missed out on this comedic goldmine! This romp can be enjoyed on so many levels, whether you just want a straight-up, silly hangout watch or a clever, biting farce of vapid pop culture and celebrity worship.
Either way, it’s an absolute delight, loaded with incredible celebrity cameos that add another layer of hilarity, and a soundtrack that’s so ridiculously catchy you’ll find yourself singing along for days. The Lonely Island truly brought their A-game here, delivering hit after hit of comedic genius.
All in all, “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” is the rare broad comedy that lands far more often than it misses, proving itself to be an incredibly smart and endlessly rewatchable film. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on some seriously good times and some of the sharpest satire of the decade. Go watch it, you won’t regret it!
So, fellow movie addicts, our exploration of 14 criminally underrated films concludes here, but your quest for amazing cinema is just getting started! We hope this list has ignited your passion, expanded your watchlist, and introduced you to unforgettable cinematic gems that truly deserve more recognition, proving that the greatest films often whisper their brilliance, waiting for you to discover their magic.
