Movie enthusiasts around the world are always in search of more movies to watch, and underrated films can quench that thirst. Let’s find some of the best underrated movies of all time.
There are countless movies all around the world, and it is not possible to watch all of them, even for a movie buff. But what is unfortunate is that people do not explore all kinds of movies and try to stay fixated on the commercially popular ones. Any movie that is able to make a huge box office profit is more likely to gain more attention. Similarly, popular cast, big budget, and festival winners get more attention from people than the offbeat, low-budget movies that do not have a star cast. However, such movies can be considered hidden gems of cinema that most people are still not aware of. If you are looking for such underrated gems, here are a handful of suggestions.
- 99 Homes
This is a deeply underrated movie that was released in 2015, and the cast includes your very favorite Andrew Garfield, who is mostly popular as Spider-Man but has acted in many great movies, such as ’99 Homes’. The movie only made $1.8 million at the box office, and therefore, people considered it a flop without considering its context or the stellar performance by Andrew. He played the character of Dennis, an unemployed dad with his son and mother, who gets evicted and has to stay in a motel. He gets back in the chain to destroy the real estate broker, and the mystery begins. It is inspired by a true story.
- The Assistant
‘The Assistant’ is one of the most sublime movies in which Julia Garner offered a great performance and showcased her acting. This slow-burning drama is highly captivating, which can also be considered horror. She played the character of Jane, an overworked assistant to a producer who is unseen but still offers stereotypes of a woman abuser and a man in power. The movie offers a deep impact on the mind.
- A Vigilante
This movie was released in 2019 and did not receive as much attention as it deserved. Olivia Wilde offered a spectacular performance in this movie, and her performance proved how talented she can be. She plays the character of a woman who went through trauma in the past, and now, she is beating the sh** out of the evil men. Wilde lays it all out there, playing tough, abused, miserable, triggered, and empowered, sometimes all in the same scene. It is truly satisfying to watch.
- Better Off Dead
The title of the movie is the motto of many of us, and this movie speaks for many. It was released in 1985, and the dark comedy level shown in this movie is truly enjoyable for everyone. The lead protagonist for the story finds everything going against him. His parents do not love him, neither does his partner or ex, and his little brother is always cooler than him. He wants to commit suicide and escape the situation, but he is unsuccessful with the attempt as he keeps getting distracted by a mature paper boy and a skiing contest where he has to compete against a bully. This movie will make you feel lively again.
- Big Fan
Big Fan is one of those movies that can make you happy and cry at the same time, as poignancy and optimism reside side by side in this movie. In the central character, you can find Patton Oswalt as a superfan who approaches his favorite player as a glorious moment of his life, but he gets brutally beaten when he reaches out to say hello. This is a terribly heartbreaking story that showcases the idea of supporting someone who beat you up, but can a stan understand that? Emotionally and deeply engaging, this movie is hard to watch, and it questions the idea of becoming a ‘Big Fan’.
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
This is the most revolutionary movie of the 21st century that was released in 2019. The movie is based on a memoir with the same name, ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,’ where a Malawian teenager is the protagonist of the story. His name is William Kamkwamba, and he created a revolution by inventing a wind-powered electric water pump to help his small village survive a severe drought. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Maxwell Simba offered magnificent acting and will make you feel like a part of their struggle and overcoming the adversities. It is a highly inspirational movie that can influence you to do something!
- Cabaret
‘Cabaret’ was released in 1972, and the movie is still quite relevant with its progressive and modern story. It is a genius musical theater that gave tough competition to The Godfather at the Oscars. 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
Chef is an awesome and feel-good movie that you can watch and enjoy alone or with family or friends; anyway you want. This movie is about a chef who wants to cook good food for people, and he 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, and others, it is a high cast movie with a simple story. Maybe, more than heroes, we just need good food to enjoy our lives.
- The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo is a highly underrated movie that was released in 2002. The movie followed the 1844 original novel, but there are some twists that make it even more captivating for everyone. 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 shoulder. You will definitely love baby-faced Henry Cavill in this movie.
- Disobedience
Disobedience is an indie movie creation that is LGBTQ+ friendly and showcases the story of a woman who returns to an orthodox Jewish community that no longer accepts her for her father’s funeral. Shackled in judgment and conservative ideas, the protagonist finds another woman with whom she had an illicit relationship, and their passion rekindles immediately. Not only is this “forbidden romance with a twist” done perfectly, but it’s always undercutting your expectations. The best part of this movie is its honest approach that showcases reality.
- Empire Records
This movie was released back in 1995, and it is still one of the most enjoyable movies for all kinds of audiences. 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, each character brings something different to the table and storyline, including incredible catchphrases that those who are cool still recite in everyday conversation. You should definitely watch this movie at least once!
- Fighting With My Family
There is something very appealing about Florence Pugh’s acting skills that she can easily adapt to any kind of role. Fighting With My Family offers the perfect depiction of her early career acting skills and how talented she is from the beginning. The main story revolves 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? It is highly recommended for everyone who is looking for a fun movie!
- The Forty-Year-Old Version
This incredible movie by Radha Blank, ‘The Forty-Year-Old Version,’ was released in 2020, and it set a benchmark in the industry with its beautiful storytelling. The movie is written, directed, and acted by Radha herself, who played the character of a playwright and high school teacher who is approaching her 40s. She has nothing for herself except the 30 under 30 award that she won a decade ago. Suddenly, at a fleeting age, the woman finds herself inspired by rapping, and she cultivates her passion to become a rapper. Her hip-hop journey is showcased in this movie that is fun, inspiring, and poignant at the same time.
- I Am Not an Easy Man
In a world of Patriarchy, ‘I Am Not an Easy Man’ plays the Uno Reverse Card with its satirical representation of matriarchy where women are at the top of the power and society. In this 2018 play, a reverse psychology where men are facing discrimination, and getting catcalled by women. This satirical movie showcases an idea of ‘What If, ” and that is quite enjoyable for everyone. But if you are a man with a high ego, do not watch this. In the story, a bachelor and sleazy man gets a head injury, and when he wakes up, he finds the world changed, with women acting like sleazy men. The movie is fun and showcases a strong message.
- In a World…
This is an amazing movie that is made by the very talented Lake Bell, and you can consider it a sleeper movie that not everybody knows of. Lake Bell has also appeared as a vocal coach in this movie, who is against her legendary voice actor father, and the rivalry in the family is evident. It is definitely not a big-budget movie that gained much box office success, but it is surely an engaging and inspiring movie that audiences of all ages can enjoy. It is an absolutely adorable movie from the prime days of Hollywood, when everything was not dependent on CGI.
- Jennifer’s Body
Before Mega Fox got her botox beauty, she was one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood, and Jennifer’s Body is the prime example of that. This horror movie has all the elements that could make it a big hit in modern days. The movie earned its cult status with the witchy presentation, sexuality, and body horror that might scare you. But you will still be hooked to find out what happens at the end. In short, it can be considered a feminist horror type movie where a girl possessed by a demon is out for the blood of boys.
- Joy Ride
No, this is not the movie where you will get to see gruesome deaths on the highway. The 2023 Joy Ride is a road trip comedy that has no horror elements in it, but surely has many raunchy and comedic elements that will hook you. You will definitely enjoy the story where four girls are out on a China trip, and the vacation quickly derails with some awkward situations of a horny basketball team, drug dealing, and an NSFW livestream. Think about Hangover in a female version, and everyone has their memory intact of the awkward things they run into. It is definitely a fun watch for all.
- Just Wright
You will never get bored with movies with Queen Latifah, as she presents her roles pretty well, and there is a wholesome essence to them. Like every other movie, she falls in love with an attractive man in this movie as well, and just like the other stories, it never gets in the right way. This rom-com movie got released in 2010, and you will feel the essence in the story, the cast, and the ambiance. Latifa plays the role of a physiotherapist who recovers the career of an NBA player. The rest of the spice can be found when you watch the movies. It is a sweet and sexy movie, and you will love it!
- Lisa Frankenstein
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ is a recent movie that was released in 2024 and offered an unusual concept, and obviously, it received a ‘cult status’ with Diablo Cody’s writing skills. In the story, you can find Kathryn Newton as a dramatic and moody teenager who becomes a little too obsessed with a dead man buried near her home and wants to see him alive, and that happens with a lightning strike. No, there is no necrophilia or logic in this movie, but it definitely has many elements of drama and comedy that make it a fan favorite for everyone. Somehow, this movie offers the ‘80s sensibility that is missing in most modern movies.
- Locke
Tom Hardy is a genius actor with his theatrical background, and he has proved that with every role he has played. Instead of his mafia and action roles, Hardy also played some intriguing characters, and obviously, those did not receive much attention. ‘Locke’ is an intense conversational movie that was released in 2014, and Hardy is the only character here. The protagonist is driving at night through the whole movie and talking with people on the phone on various topics. Sometimes he sees the imaginary ghost of his dead dad, and the emotional turmoil is quite high. This is a one-of-a-kind movie that Hollywood might not be able to create again. The movie was made with a budget of $2 million, and it made a profit of $5 million, thanks to Hardy’s method acting skills.
- Miss Granny
This comedy movie from 2014 was made by director Hwang Dong-hyuk, but it did not gain much attention until the director did a mainstream show like ‘Squid Game’ for Netflix. ‘Miss Granny’ is a beautiful story where a granny or an old woman turns into her 20-year self, which is well represented through this fantasy drama. She is not just surprised by the change but also enjoys going back to her youth, and she immediately embarks on the dreams of her youth, like singing, and becomes the frontwoman and lead singer for her grandson’s band. This is a feel-good movie that can bring a smile to your face.
- Mississippi Masala
The mother of Mamdani, Mira Nair, is a progressive woman director who has always made movies that go beyond the stereotype and break it. In this movie, you will find a beautiful romance with a slice of life through a couple where the man is African American, and the woman is of Indian roots. This movie was released in 1991, and it is still hard to find a wholesome movie like this. The interracial couple from the South faces a lot of challenges, but that could not stop them from being together. This movie is much ahead of its time and showcases the relevant society and struggles of love!
- Omni Loop
Not many people are aware of this genius indie movie that was released in 2024. The central story revolves around two partners working on the popular topic of time-travelling, and the chemistry between Ayo Edebiri and Mary-Louise Parker is quite amusing. Just like the name suggests, this movie is full of twists and turns, and the loop will keep your mind spinning for a while. It is a story about never-ending time loops that is brilliantly represented with a layer of intelligence to it. The aspect of time traveling is quite fascinating in this movie, and it can easily grab your attention and keep you hooked.
- Problemista
This is an intelligent movie that was released in 2024, but it did not get any attention as it did not win the Oscars in 2025. The story is written by former Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres, who also directed and starred in this movie. He has represented a signature style of surrealist humor that is both enjoyable and engaging. The cast for the movie also includes Tilda Swinton, RZA, Greta Lee, and Isabella Rossellini, who make it even better. It is a smart portrayal of a young man’s exhaustive efforts to secure his dream job as a toy designer before his work visa expires.
- Sleeping with Other People
Well, people often complain about the fact that there are not enough modern rom-com movies, and surely they have missed out on this gem of a movie that was released in 2015. Just like its name suggests, this movie offers a rebellious take on modern romance where sexual exploration becomes a big part. 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, this movie surely has a modern view of relationships and how they work. Although the pair desperately tries not to fall in love, they do, and they do it hard!
- Smokin’ Aces
People seem to have forgotten the idea of action comedy and how fun it can be. This movie from 2007 is a complete blast from the past that is violently good and quite enjoyable to watch. While there are elements of humor, the plot of the movie is quite dark and gets darker as it progresses. With fast-paced action and high carnage count in the world of professional killers, this movie is definitely a must-watch for all. The cast is also pretty good, but you don’t know who is going to die in the next moment. There are many thrilling and satisfying gore moments to satisfy you.
- Speak
‘Speak’ is a highly emotional movie that was released in 2004, and young Kristen Stewart will make you cry with her stellar performance. The movie is adapted from Laurie Halse Anderson’s 1999 novel, in which a teenage girl named Melinda gets ostracized by her peers after she is raped. Kristen’s performance as Melinda is brutally good, and her pure expressions will make you feel deeply for her. Melinda finally finds comfort in art that allows her to heal from trauma. The movie is deeply poignant and deserves more attention, as modern Hollywood would never make such gripping and real stories. The thoughtful treatment of the impact of sexual assault is well handled in this movie, and everyone should watch it.
