some films, despite their brilliance, don’t receive the recognition they deserve. These underrated movie masterpieces offer unique narratives, outstanding performances, and memorable cinematic experiences. Here’s a closer look at some hidden gems that merit more appreciation:
Movies That Are Totally Underrated
Good Time (2017)
Robert Pattinson stars in this intense thriller as a bank robber who enlists his developmentally disabled brother for criminal activities. When his brother is arrested, he faces the daunting task of freeing him from jail.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Good Time |
Release Year | 2017 |
Director | Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie |
Cast | Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Jennifer Jason Leigh |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
Rating | 7.4/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A bank robber tries to free his arrested brother, leading to a night of chaos and danger. |
The Rules of Attraction (2002)
This dark satire, adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, explores the lives of pretentious college students at a liberal arts school. The talented cast includes Jessica Biel, James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, and Kate Bosworth.
Profile | Details |
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Title | The Rules of Attraction |
Release Year | 2002 |
Director | Roger Avary |
Cast | James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon, Jessica Biel |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Rating | 6.6/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | Follows the intertwining lives of a group of college students involved in a love triangle. |
Disobedience (2017)
Starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, this film tells the story of a woman who returns to her Orthodox Jewish community for her father’s funeral and reconnects with a past lover.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Disobedience |
Release Year | 2017 |
Director | Sebastián Lelio |
Cast | Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, Alessandro Nivola |
Genre | Drama, Romance |
Rating | 6.6/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A woman returns to her conservative community and rekindles a forbidden romance. |
Stardust (2007)
This fantasy film features kings with murderous intentions, a celestial being in human form, and wicked witches led by Michelle Pfeiffer.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Stardust |
Release Year | 2007 |
Director | Matthew Vaughn |
Cast | Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer |
Genre | Adventure, Family, Fantasy |
Rating | 7.6/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A young man ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star. |
99 Homes (2014)
Starring Andrew Garfield, Laura Dern, and Michael Shannon, this film depicts the struggle of a single father trying to reclaim his foreclosed home by working for a ruthless real estate broker.
Profile | Details |
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Title | 99 Homes |
Release Year | 2014 |
Director | Ramin Bahrani |
Cast | Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Laura Dern |
Genre | Drama |
Rating | 7.1/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A father works for a real estate broker who evicted his family, to earn back his home. |
Chloe (2009)
Featuring Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, and Amanda Seyfried, this thriller revolves around a doctor who hires an escort to test her husband’s fidelity.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Chloe |
Release Year | 2009 |
Director | Atom Egoyan |
Cast | Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
Rating | 6.3/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A woman hires an escort to seduce her husband, uncovering unexpected secrets. |
Empire Records (1995)
This cult classic follows a day in the lives of record store employees, each bringing their unique flair to the plot.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Empire Records |
Release Year | 1995 |
Director | Allan Moyle |
Cast | Anthony LaPaglia, Renée Zellweger, Liv Tyler |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Music |
Rating | 6.7/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A group of record store employees faces challenges on one eventful day. |
The Village (2004)
Despite mixed reviews, M. Night Shyamalan’s film is noteworthy for its atmosphere and plot twist, depicting a secluded community’s efforts to coexist with menacing creatures.
Profile | Details |
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Title | The Village |
Release Year | 2004 |
Director | M. Night Shyamalan |
Cast | Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
Rating | 6.6/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A secluded community lives in fear of mysterious creatures in the surrounding woods. |
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
Steve Carell and Keira Knightley star in this apocalyptic comedy-drama about two strangers who connect while seeking closure before an asteroid hits Earth.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Seeking a Friend for the End of the World |
Release Year | 2012 |
Director | Lorene Scafaria |
Cast | Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Melanie Lynskey |
Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Drama |
Rating | 6.7/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | Two strangers form an unexpected bond as they seek closure before an asteroid impacts Earth. |
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
This comedy-horror film stars Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. Though not initially successful, it gained a cult following for its clever screenplay and casting.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Jennifer’s Body |
Release Year | 2009 |
Director | Karyn Kusama |
Cast | Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody |
Genre | Comedy, Horror |
Rating | 5.3/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A possessed cheerleader turns into a killer, targeting her male classmates. |
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Tilda Swinton stars as the mother of a psychopathic son in this intense drama, grappling with her son’s horrific behavior.
Profile | Details |
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Title | We Need to Talk About Kevin |
Release Year | 2011 |
Director | Lynne Ramsay |
Cast | Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller |
Genre | Drama, Thriller |
Rating | 7.5/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A mother struggles to come to terms with her son’s violent actions. |
Annihilation (2018)
Directed by Alex Garland, this sci-fi thriller features a team of biologists investigating an anomalous zone. The impressive cast includes Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Annihilation |
Release Year | 2018 |
Director | Alex Garland |
Cast | Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, Horror |
Rating | 6.8/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A team of scientists |
explores a mysterious, evolving zone with strange occurrences. |
The Fountain (2006)
Darren Aronofsky’s film, featuring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, explores three interconnected stories about immortality and loss.
Profile | Details |
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Title | The Fountain |
Release Year | 2006 |
Director | Darren Aronofsky |
Cast | Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Sean Patrick Thomas |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Romance |
Rating | 7.2/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | Three stories intertwine to explore themes of immortality and love. |
Mississippi Masala (1991)
Starring Denzel Washington, this film explores the romantic and dramatic challenges faced by a biracial couple in the Deep South.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Mississippi Masala |
Release Year | 1991 |
Director | Mira Nair |
Cast | Denzel Washington, Sarita Choudhury, Roshan Seth |
Genre | Drama, Romance |
Rating | 6.7/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A biracial couple navigates their relationship in the Deep South amidst cultural tensions. |
Owning Mahowny (2003)
Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as a bank assistant manager with a severe gambling addiction who gains access to a multimillion-dollar account, leading to chaos.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Owning Mahowny |
Release Year | 2003 |
Director | Richard Kwietniowski |
Cast | Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver, John Hurt |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
Rating | 7.1/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A bank manager’s gambling addiction spirals out of control when he gains access to millions. |
Chef (2014)
This heartwarming comedy, featuring an all-star cast, follows a chef who starts a food truck business. The cast includes Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Downey Jr.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Chef |
Release Year | 2014 |
Director | Jon Favreau |
Cast | Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson |
Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Drama |
Rating | 7.3/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A chef starts a food truck to reclaim his passion for cooking and reconnect with his family. |
Two for the Money (2005)
Matthew McConaughey and Al Pacino star in this film about the dark world of sports gambling, offering a thrilling blend of sports and crime.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Two for the Money |
Release Year | 2005 |
Director | D.J. Caruso |
Cast | Matthew McConaughey, Al Pacino, Rene Russo |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Sport |
Rating | 6.3/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A former college football star partners with a sports gambling advisor. |
Near Dark (1987)
This ’80s flick tells the story of a farmer’s son who embarks on a journey with a pack of vampires, blending the horror and western genres.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Near Dark |
Release Year | 1987 |
Director | Kathryn Bigelow |
Cast | Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Lance Henriksen |
Genre | Horror, Thriller, Western |
Rating | 7.0/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A young farmer becomes involved with a group of modern-day vampires. |
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
Based on Patrick Süskind’s acclaimed 1985 novel, “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” was brought to the big screen in 2006. The film tells the haunting tale of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with capturing the perfect scent, leading him down a dark path of murder.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Perfume: The Story of a Murderer |
Release Year | 2006 |
Director | Tom Tykwer |
Cast | Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman |
Genre | Crime, Drama, Fantasy |
Rating | 7.5/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | Follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an exceptional sense of smell, as he becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent, leading to a series of murders. |
“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” delves into the mind of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, exploring his journey from an unloved orphan to a perfumer whose obsession with capturing the ultimate scent drives him to commit heinous crimes. The film’s atmospheric storytelling, combined with strong performances and a compelling narrative, makes it a standout adaptation of Süskind’s novel. This dark and mesmerizing tale captivates viewers with its unique exploration of the power of scent and the lengths one might go to achieve perfection.
That Thing You Do! (1996)
“That Thing You Do!” is a remarkable film that chronicles the meteoric rise of a fictional 1960s band, The Wonders, as they navigate the music industry’s highs and lows. Written and directed by Tom Hanks, who also stars in the film, it captures the spirit and excitement of the era with charm and nostalgia. This highly recommended film is a delightful journey through the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
Profile | Details |
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Title | That Thing You Do! |
Release Year | 1996 |
Director | Tom Hanks |
Cast | Tom Hanks, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, Tom Everett Scott |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Music |
Rating | 6.9/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | Follows the rise of a small-town band, The Wonders, as they achieve sudden fame with their hit song in the 1960s. |
“That Thing You Do!” captures the exhilarating journey of The Wonders, a small-town band that achieves overnight success with their catchy hit song. The film not only showcases the trials and triumphs of their rapid ascent to fame but also highlights the era’s vibrant music scene. Tom Hanks’ direction and performance, alongside a talented ensemble cast, bring this nostalgic tale to life, making it a must-watch for music lovers and fans of feel-good cinema alike.
Sleeping with Other People (2015)
“Sleeping with Other People” is a delightful contemporary romantic comedy that exudes charm, humor, and romance. Starring Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis, the film follows the story of two individuals who reconnect after a brief encounter ten years prior. Their unexpected reunion leads to a complicated yet endearing friendship as they navigate their feelings and relationships.
Profile | Details |
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Title | Sleeping with Other People |
Release Year | 2015 |
Director | Leslye Headland |
Cast | Alison Brie, Jason Sudeikis, Natasha Lyonne, Adam Scott |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Rating | 6.5/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | Two people who had a brief encounter in the past reconnect after ten years, developing a complicated friendship while navigating their romantic entanglements. |
“Sleeping with Other People” captures the essence of modern romance with its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heartfelt moments. Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis deliver standout performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, making it a refreshing and engaging watch for fans of romantic comedies.
The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004)
“The Assassination of Richard Nixon” is a gripping drama based on true events, set in 1974. The film follows the story of a disillusioned businessman who becomes increasingly desperate to achieve his American dream, ultimately leading him to a drastic and dangerous plan.
Profile | Details |
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Title | The Assassination of Richard Nixon |
Release Year | 2004 |
Director | Niels Mueller |
Cast | Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Don Cheadle, Jack Thompson |
Genre | Drama, Thriller |
Rating | 6.9/10 (IMDb) |
Plot Summary | A disillusioned businessman in 1974 becomes desperate to achieve his American dream, leading him to devise a dangerous plan targeting President Richard Nixon. |
“The Assassination of Richard Nixon” delves into the mind of Samuel Bicke, portrayed by Sean Penn, a man whose frustration with the political and social climate of the time drives him to extreme measures. The film offers a compelling look at the lengths to which one man will go in pursuit of his ideals, reflecting broader themes of disillusionment and desperation. With powerful performances and a thought-provoking narrative, it remains a poignant and relevant film.