“Some of the greatest movies in the world are total masterpieces and the public keeps forgetting about them. Because of bad marketing, narrower audience interest or sheer being blown out of a massive blockbuster’s way, these underrated movies fall through the cracks. Yet while these films offer very different experiences, they also share striking aesthetic styles and provocative themes. These are 10 of the best underrated movies that you should definitely check out if you’re looking for some hidden gems.”
In Image: A Man Watching the Television
The Fall (2006)
“The Fall is a masterwork of visual storytelling that blends imagination with reality. Set in the 1920s, the story revolves around Alexandria, a small child convalescing in a hospital, and Roy, a bedridden stuntman. To fill the time, Roy tells Alexandria a story, of five mythological heroes on a mission. What stands out in this film is its magnificent scenery, lavish costumes and inventive locations that help bring each story to life.”
The Fall is among the greatest, most underappreciated movies, because it expertly mixes imagination and reality to provoke wonder and deep feeling. Few citizens were familiar with this movie, even despite the film’s stunning cinematography. Its audacious mixed cinematic experience, one part fairy tale, one part ominous is worthy of more eyes.
A Ghost Story (2017)
“If you’re in the mood to go gloomy and atmospheric, you’ll want to catch David Lowery’s film A Ghost Story. This indie film approaches concepts of love, time and loss playfully and poetically. The plot revolves around a ghost (Casey Affleck) who lingers in his old house and observes time and people come and go. Its funny but painfully vivid 4:3 aspect ratio and long, thoughtful takes amplify the uncanny sense of time passing through our fingers like sand, and it has a beautiful visual style.”
A Ghost Story is one of the most underrated movies because it imparts impressive sonic and visual ideas with staggering economy of narrative elements, even if it may not be for everyone with its plodding pace and limited dialogue. The pace could either leave audiences bored or allow them the time they need to appreciate — if they are ready — what its serene, meditative plot has to teach about existential ideas.
The Invitation (2015)
“The key ingredients of Karyn Kusama’s psychological thriller are suspense and anxiety. In The Invitation, a man named Will goes to a dinner party thrown by his ex-wife. As the night unfolds and the dynamics shift, viewers are left wondering if the guests are headed for a night of reconciliation or much darker deeds, thanks to a sense of dread that creeps throughout the atmosphere. Using a masterful series of delayed revelations, hints and mounting dread, the film builds suspense.
Underseen films like The Invitation can deliver solid, gut-wrenching thrills without relying on aheaving jump scare or ostentatious VFX. Psychological horror fans should see this one for its slow burn, whose payoff is a bone-chilling conclusion. This film, an under-appreciated gem within its genre, did not receive the widespread popularity that it earned due to the action and intrigue of the storyline.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” a delightful New Zealand adventure-comedy directed by Taika Waititi. That film follows the journey of a troubled orphan named Ricky Baker and his foster uncle, Hec, as they run away into New Zealand’s bush and become the object of a nationwide manhunt. Waititi’s unique, idiosyncratic style brings together this film’s curious moments, offbeat humor and beautiful landscapes.”
Waititi is already well known thanks to his roles in Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, but Hunt for the Wilderpeople remains one of his most underrated films. For audiences of all ages, its warmth and good humor made it a fun movie. Of feel-good movies, this one takes the cake for its zippy language, charming and funny plot and endearing characters.
Moon (2009)
“Moon is required viewing for science fiction fans. With direction from Duncan Jones, Sam Rockwell stars as astronaut Sam Bell during the tail end of a three-year trip to the Moon, nearly all by himself. Close to the end of his contract, Sam begins experiencing bizarre occurrences that lead him to question reality and the purpose of it all. “A film that explores topics such as identity, corporate oppression, and humanity is buoyed by its clever story and minimalist setting.”
Moon is a great example of how the most underrated movies can have more nuance and complexity than glitzy blockbusters. Even after good reviews and a few prizes, Moon remains underappreciated with general audiences. With its intricate plot and rich emotional heart, the film is a must-see for science fiction fans that enjoy stories that keep you thinking well after the credits are done rolling.
Take Shelter (2011)
Jeff Nichols — Take Shelter (2011) Jeff Nichols’ psychological thriller Take Shelter is a superb blend of drama and suspense. Michael Shannon stars as the movie’s Curtis, a man with ominous visions. Curtis begins building a shelter in his yard after he becomes convinced a catastrophic storm is on the way, which drives a wedge between him and his family and community. What makes the film compelling viewing is its portrayal of mental illness and the uncertainty of reality.”
Take Shelter is an emotionally charged and cerebral film, often considered one of the most interesting and underrated films of its generation. Michael Shannon does a career-defining performance, and the movie’s cerebral ending is sure to have viewers talking long after the credits roll. It is a raw slice of filmmaking that escaped notice because of its exploration of paranoia, dread and faith speaking to viewers on multiple levels.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
“An adventure-comedy-drama that is visually extravagant starring Ben Stiller, was kind of a hit when it was released. In the movie, a daydreaming photo editor at Life magazine named Walter Mitty embarks on a real-life worldwide quest for a missing shot. It has an encouraging message of living life to the fullest and, taking every day, and, has beautiful scenery and motivating moments.”
Though the film’s feel good attitude rubbed a few reviewers the wrong way upon initial release, it has since matured into one of the most beloved and underseen movies for anybody that enjoys an uplifting and visually arresting story. A heart-warming adventure film that is also a comedy at its core, the film is a fun watch and perfect for those who need a bit of motivation.
Predestination (2014)
“Time travel movies tend to get away with logic defiance, but the Spierig Brothers’ Predestination fully flesh out this concept to the point of existence. With a plot based on Robert A. Heinlein’s short story All You Zombies, Ethan Hawke stars in this movie as a temporal agent on his final mission to capture a criminal who has slipped through his fingers in numerous universes. The film’s surprise story-line twists and complex narrative structure hold audiences’ attention all the way through to the very end.”
When it comes to underrated movies, Predestination deserves mention for the manner in which it addresses the moral dilemmas and contradictions inherent in time-travel plots. For fans of surreal sci-fi, this movie is an absolute must-watch with its brilliant narrative and its engaging exploration of destiny and identity. That said, despite its fantastic story, Predestination is still somewhat of a hidden gem in the genre.
The Florida Project (2017)
“Sean Baker’s The Florida Project is a realistic portrayal of a life lived on the fringes of civilization. The film follows six-year-old Moonee, who lives at a low-rent motel a few doors from Disney World with her young, struggling mother. The film presents a bright and colorful world viewed through the lens of Moonee, at once able to capture the purity and pleasure of youth in the face of life and death circumstance. The performances are charming and heartbreaking, Brooklynn Prince’s most of all, though hers is a new arrival.
There are those underappreciated movies that so often fly over most people’s heads but are distinguished by their emotional subtlety and authenticity: enter The Florida Project. The way in which the film uses the joy of a child’s fantasies against the harsh reality of then-presence in poverty creates an exceptional and impactful narrative. It didn’t receive the wider audience it warranted, despite critical acclaim; but for moviegoers with a cause, it’s a must-see.
Locke (2013)
Steven Knight’s minimalist drama Locke, in which Tom Hardy stars, is a one-man act set entirely within a car. Ivan Locke’s life crumbles over phone conversations, as the movie tracks Locke making his way from Birmingham to London.“
The combination of Hardy’s masterclass in character work and suspense is what ultimately carries the story of these Underrated Movies. Locke is an ideal example of how unheralded films can become classics by not overcomplicating: This unique concept and deep character exploration makes the film a pleasure to watch. It’s a testament to what great storytelling can do with just a good plot and thrilling performances, rather than a gigantic setting or massive special effects.
In Summary
“These 10 underrated movies span genres, artistic philosophies and storylines, but they all do share at least one thing in common: All of them are some of the best underrated movies around, for whatever reason went unrecognized at the time. There’s something to offer every moviegoer among these underrated movie treasures, whether you’re into cerebral sci-fi, emotionally charged dramas or visually stunning fantasy. “Give these underrated movies a watch the next time you’re looking for something outside the box; you may just discover your next favorite.”