There are good movies. There are bad movies. Then there are criminally underrated movies that don't get as much credit as they deserve. Every year, Hollywood is inundated with hundreds of films—so many that we can miss the hidden gems overshadowed by blockbusters and films that get all of the love during awards season.
There are many excellent underrated movies, though—from smaller, indie films you may have missed to ones lost to history. We're giving the should-be sleeper hits the roses they deserve while we still can, from swoon-worthy romances to heartwarming coming-of-age movies to once-misunderstood horror films and beyond. Below, find some of the most underrated but most deserving films of all time.
'99 Homes' (2015)
From the first moments of the trailer, it's clear that this movie will wreck you emotionally. Maybe that's why it only made $1.8 million at the box office, despite the stellar performances from its main cast. Andrew Garfield stars as Dennis Nash, a recently unemployed single dad evicted from his Orlando, Florida home, leaving himself, his mom, and his 9-year-old son to stay in a motel. Dennis tries to get the family back on track by taking a job from the megalomaniac real-estate broker who evicted them (played by Michael Shannon) and the arrangement soon begins to spin out of control.
'The Assistant' (2020)
Julia Garner gives a sublime performance in this slow-burn drama that feels so insidiously cruel, that it nearly seeps into the horror genre. Garner plays Jane, an overworked assistant to a big-time film producer who uses his power and position to abuse women (the man is never seen nor named, but the comparisons to Harvey Weinstein are fairly overt). It's a movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
'A Vigilante' (2019)
While she's taken to being behind the camera in recent years, Olivia Wilde is a criminally underrated performer. And this is the latest example of just how great she can be. She stars as a young woman with abuse in her past who spends her time beating the crap out of evil men. Wilde lays it all out there, playing tough, abused, miserable, triggered, and empowered, sometimes all in the same scene. It's totally riveting.
'Better Off Dead' (1985)
Quotable lines abound ("I WANT MY TWO DOLLARS", "Gee, I'm real sorry your mom blew up, Ricky", etc.) in this dark comedy about a teen (John Cusack) who has everything going against him—parents who don't care, a girlfriend (ahem, ex) who dumps him, and a little brother who is way cooler than he is. He plans to die by suicide, but he keeps getting distracted by a scary 30-year-old-sounding paper boy and a skiing contest against the school bully.
'Beyond the Lights' (2014)
This moving love story about a singing ingenue on the edge of superstardom—and at the end of her rope—and the young cop who saves her did not get the attention it deserves. Think The Bodyguard but modern and dealing with mental health. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, and Danny Glover are a powerful cast who bring home this story of star-crossed lovers and make it incredibly memorable.
'Big Fan' (2009)
This moving and poignant film is one you have to see. Featuring Patton Oswalt as a superfan who gets brutally beaten when he approaches his favorite player to say hello, the story hinges on the idea of being so supportive of someone who did something terrible to you. Emotional, heart-wrenching, and a sleeper—it's just hard to watch and even harder to look away.
'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' (2019)
Based on the memoir of the same name, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is the true story of how a Malawian teenager named William Kamkwamba invented a wind-powered electric water pump to help his small village survive a severe drought. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor (Doctor Strange, The Lion King) and Maxwell Simba in his debut role, this film is a definite tearjerker that will inspire you to get off your couch and do something with the day.
'Cabaret' (1972)
Most musical theater fans know the genius of Cabaret, but film fans may know it better as the film that kept The Godfather from sweeping the Oscars. (Director Bob Fosse and stars Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli walked away with three of Cabaret's eight Academy Awards that year.) Today it's less well-known than its award-winning legacy, but everyone should know that without Cabaret, modern movie-musicals like Chicago and Moulin Rouge wouldn't exist. Everyone should also experience the harrowing sensation of the authoritarian regime on the edges of the film's story slowly beginning to take over the good times.
'Chef' (2014)
This film is about a chef who wants to cook, well, good food—and thus, opens a food truck. Everything about it is funny, heart-warming, and all things good. And the fact that it stars Jon Favreau, Bobby Cannavale, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., Amy Sedaris—you get the gist—is just marinade on the carne asada.
'The Count of Monte Cristo' (2002)
You may have read the revenge epic in high school, but Alexandre Dumas didn't exactly do his main character much justice in the 1844 original novel—Edmond Dantes is fine as hell! Played by Jim Caviezel, innocent sailor Dantes becomes the center of a complex government conspiracy and finds himself imprisoned in the Château d'If. Years later, he re-emerges in upper-crust French society as the Count of Monte Cristo, a mysterious billionaire with a serious chip on his soldier. Guy Pearce, James Frain, and a baby-faced Henry Cavill also star in the adaptation.
'Daredevil' (2003)
Allow us to direct your attention to a grade-A superhero movie that somehow slides through the superhero movie cracks: Daredevil. The titular role of the blind-and-badass masked vigilante goes to Ben Affleck; meanwhile, Jennifer Garner plays Elektra. The two team up to save their city from their foe, Kingpin, and avenge the murder of Daredevil's father. If that description has not convinced you, watch the very 2003 trailer.
'Disobedience' (2017)
Critically appreciated but barely breaking even on its budget, Disobedience tells the tale of a woman (Rachel Weisz) returning to the orthodox Jewish community that no longer accepts her for her father's funeral. While there, she connects with the woman (Rachel McAdams) she had an illicit relationship with—and their passion rekindles immediately. Not only is this "forbidden romance with a twist" done perfectly, but it's always undercutting your expectations. The characters never behave and react how you expect—and honestly, that's part of the film's charm.
'Empire Records' (1995)
This '90s movie opened to terrible reviews but has since become a cult classic, so if you haven't seen it, consider this your wake-up call. Centering around one epic day at a record store (#RexManningDay), each character brings something different to the table and storyline—including incredible catchphrases those who are cool still recite in everyday conversation.
'Fighting With My Family' (2019)
Before her breakout mainstream performance in Little Women, Florence Pugh starred in a handful of indies, like this sports movie. Fighting With My Family centers around a family of wrestling fans whose kids get the chance to audition for WWE. Pugh with a grunge makeover getting advice from The Rock? What more could you want!
'The Forty-Year-Old Version' (2020)
Written, directed by, and starring Radha Blank, this absolute gem—which is rated 99% on Rotten Tomatoes—follows a playwright and high school teacher (also named Radha) approaching the big 4-0 with little to show for it except for a 30 under 30 award she won nearly a decade ago. Everything changes when Radha is suddenly inspired to start rapping, and the subsequent journey is just as fun, hilarious, and surprisingly poignant as that sounds.
'I Am Not an Easy Man' (2018)
Ever thought about what the world would be like if the patriarchy wasn't a thing? Like, if women were the arbiters of power in society, and men were the ones facing discrimination and getting catcalled on their way to the train station? Well, in Netflix's I Am Not an Easy Man, that's the case. A confirmed bachelor and sleazeball gets the shock of his life when he awakens from a head injury to find that he's suddenly being oppressed by the women in his life. In this reality, misandry is real—and it's pretty hilarious.
'In a World...' (2013)
Written and starring Lake Bell, this true sleeper is one of those films you can watch over and never get sick of. Bell stars as a vocal coach who competes against her legendary voice actor father—the current biggest voice actor in the game—to get a huge gig voicing the trailer for a big-budget movie. Huge comedy hitters including Rob Corddry, Demetri Martin, Tig Notaro, Fred Melamed, Ken Marino, and Nick Offerman round out the cast, while a cameo by Eva Longoria is just the best. You'll adore it—we'd bet on it.
'Jennifer's Body' (2009)
A little bit campy, a whole lot amazing: Jennifer's Body (starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried) might have been a mainstream movie watcher miss, but it earned cult status thanks to its whip-smart script and clever casting. In the feminist horror movie, Jennifer (Fox), a popular high schooler, gets possessed by a demon and is out for the blood of boys.
'Just Wright' (2010)
There's one thing you need to know about Queen Latifah: If she's going to be falling in love onscreen, she's probably going to be doing so with a very, very attractive man (see Last Holiday with LL Cool J or the musical Star with Benjamin Bratt and Lance Gross). Just Wright is no exception. In the 2010 romantic comedy, our Queen plays a down-on-her-luck physical therapist who gets her big break when a famous NBA player (Common, looking like a snack) injures his PCL. The film is sweet and sexy all at once, and will probably spark your interest in basketball. At the very least, it will make you reconsider your hard stance against dating athletes. Go team!
'Locke' (2014)
Saying Tom Hardy is a great actor isn't the most original take ever. But this small movie (with a budget of $2 million and a profit of $5 million) showcases just how good he is. The premise is a cool one: His character Ivan Locke spends pretty much the whole movie in the car, driving somewhere and looking extremely stressed. On the way, he has several conversations with his kids, wife, boss, subordinate, and the imaginary ghost of his father in the backseat. During this momentous car ride, his life falls apart: He gets separated, is fired, and gets some urgent news about the one-night stand he had seven months ago. Oh yeah, and Hardy's in a car, driving, acting against voices on a telephone/an empty car/himself, giving the performance of a lifetime.
'Miss Granny' (2014)
This 2014 comedy didn’t stream stateside until director Hwang Dong-hyuk took over the world with Squid Game. While Hwang’s latter hit hewed to what most people know about Korean cinema (think very violent thrillers with societal themes, often with a touch of vengeance), Miss Granny is a delightful fantasy romp where an older woman is magically transformed into her 20-year-old self. Not only is she okay with the change, she immediately sets out to follow her dream of singing, while becoming the lead of her grandson’s band. If you want to watch a movie that leaves a big smile on your face, click play on this immediately.
'Mississippi Masala' (1991)
Denzel Washington has looked good on screen forever but was arguably at his hottest in the underrated romantic drama Mississippi Masala. The low-key film explores the connection between an interracial couple in the Deep South, from their steamy romantic getaways to the drama that unfolds when the news about their secret relationship becomes fodder for the local gossip mill. Released in 1991, Mississippi Masala was already lightyears ahead of the recent push for onscreen representation and diversity, starring a Black man and a brown woman as leads with legitimate character development.
'The Rules of Attraction' (2002)
This 2002 movie, based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel, is a dark satire of the college movie. It follows an extremely pretentious group of college kids at a liberal arts school where they fall in love, explain books to one another (often incorrectly), and have a lot of sex. The cast alone is a dream of an early 2000s who’s who: Jessica Biel, James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, Kate Bosworth, Jay Baruchel, and Shannon Sossamon. Fun fact: Van Der Beek’s character is named Sean Bateman, the brother of Patrick Bateman—you know, the lead character of another, more recognizable Bret Easton Ellis book-to-movie adaptation called American Psycho.
'Sleeping With Other People' (2015)
People complaining about a lack of great modern rom-coms missed this gem from 2015. Starring Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis as a pair of folks who had a one-night stand over a decade earlier and re-meet as they both try to come to terms with their issues around sex, it’s a charming, sexy, and riotously funny movie that is also swooningly romantic—as all great rom-coms should be.
'Smokin' Aces' (2007)
Smokin' Acet was billed as a "fun" violent comedy—like The Departed, for Vegas—but that's not really what it's about. There's humor, but the plot is much, much darker. Underneath all the fast-paced action, it's a fascinating fictional look at the world of professional killers. Plus, it's packed with famous actors, and then some of them get unceremoniously killed two minutes in.
'Speak' (2004)
Kristen Stewart gives an understated, emotional performance in Speak. In the drama, adapted from Laurie Halse Anderson's 1999 novel, Stewart plays Melinda, a teenage girl ostracized by her peers after she was raped. She ultimately finds some comfort in creating art. The movie is poignant and deserves praise for its thoughtful treatment of the impact of sexual assault.
'Stardust' (2007)
How did this film not make it big? It has all the makings of an iconic, early-aughts fantasy flick: a mysterious wall that separates the world from a magical land (which our protagonist, played by Charlie Cox, bravely crosses), murderous kings, an enchanting star that takes the form of a beautiful human (Claire Danes is the star), a trio of evil witches, wickedly and deliciously led by Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro. Seriously, how have people not seen this?
'Sunshine' (2007)
The sun is dying, and the earth will too, as a result. After a team of astronauts are sent to revive the sun and fail, a new team is sent seven years later as humankind's last hope.
'That Thing You Do' (1996)
Written, directed, and starring Tom Hanks, this fantastic film follows a band propelled to stardom in the '60s. It was critically acclaimed upon its release (holding a 93 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes) but fell by the wayside. However, it's thankfully gone down as a cult classic for its incredible original music and memorable dialogue.
'The Village' (2004)
Critics of M. Night Shyamalan movies like to say he fell off, quality-wise, after reaching incredible heights with The Sixth Sense and Signs. Those people are not giving enough credit to The Village, which follows an isolated religious community that tries to maintain an uneasy truce with the monsters that stalk their village. The twist is very Shyamalan, but this movie holds up much better than people might remember.
'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!' (2004)
It was a box office bomb, but we can't understand why. It's a rom-com recipe to a T, including but not limited to a conventionally attractive, small-town girl courted by a conventionally attractive rich movie star; cue the girl's "geeky" best friend, who realizes he's in love with her. Is it stereotypical and shallow? Yes. Is it also entertaining and underrated? Also, yes.
