Throwing its hat in the ring alongside the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, 2019 saw the release of Disney+. Featuring a variety of exclusive content from Disney’s top brands along with a veritable slate of fan-favorite offerings, the service has quickly grown into a streaming giant capable of competing with its more established competitors. With over 150 million subscribers worldwide as of March 2024, Disney+ offers some of the best movies and TV shows.
In addition to a vast library of exclusive Disney content, such as Wonder, Star Wars, and National Geography, Disney+ also hosts many criminally underrated films. Ranging from critically acclaimed blockbusters that failed to break through to the mainstream to films that have achieved fan-favorite status despite mixed reviews, Disney+ is home to some of cinema’s most underrated films. From epic tales of survival and battles of the human spirit to rollicking romantic comedies, there’s something for every type of film fan.
15
Predators (2010)
Directed by Nimród Antal
The third film in Predator series, Predators took the franchise off-world for the first time, chronicling the trials and tribulations of an elite group who find themselves marooned on a mysterious alien planet to serve as target practice for the titular extraterrestrial hunters. While Predators received mixed reviews from critics, Nimród Antal’s portrayal is controversially the series’ best offering since the iconic original debuted in 1987.
In addition to the talents of a diverse cast, Predators offers a fresh take on the franchise that crackles with intensity. The film is decidedly not perfect, but it is a return to much of what made the original a success, emphasizing action sequences full of adrenaline and psychological tension.
14
Togo (2019)
Directed by Ericson Core
Togo is a Disney+ original film starring Willem Dafoe as musher Leonhard Seppala, the owner of Togo, who is a sled dog considered too weak to perform in the 1925 serum run to Nome. The film is directed by Ericson Core, who previously directed the films Invincible and Point Break.
- Director
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Ericson Core
- Release date
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December 20, 2019
- Cast
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Michael Greyeyes, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Julianne Nicholson, Michael McElhatton, Michael Gaston, Willem Dafoe
- Execution time
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114 minutes
Given Willem Dafoe’s vast acclaimed body of work, it is not surprising that Go remains one of his most underrated outputs. When critics typically point to things like Platoon, The Lighthouseor At Eternity’s Gate as examples of Willem Dafoe’s best films, his impressive arc in Go flies below the radar in terms of mainstream appreciation. While Ericson Core’s film is easy to dismiss as just another dog movie, Go transcends the usual standards associated with such titles, producing a moving story of loyalty and love that never fails to tug at the heartstrings.
13
King Arthur (2004)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Arthur is a reluctant leader who wants to return to Rome and live in peace. However, he goes on a rescue mission alongside the Knights of the Round Table when the Saxon army is about to attack.
- Director
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Antonio Fuqua
- Release date
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July 7, 2004
- Execution time
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126 minutes
A heavily embellished version of the legend, King Arthur reimagines the titular character as a Roman cavalry officer during the fall of the Empire, as opposed to the traditional mold of a medieval knight typically used in King Arthur films. Despite being criticized as little more than a clumsy action film by critics, there is an enjoyable viewing experience in King Arthur, if viewers are willing to overlook its weaknesses. The film’s thrilling battle sequences and unconventional depictions of the Knights of the Round Table serve to elevate King Arthur above contemporaries of similar genre in terms of pure entertainment.
12
Sunshine (2007)
Directed by Danny Boyle
Sunshine, directed by Danny Boyle, follows a team of astronauts on a mission to reignite a dying sun with a massive nuclear bomb. Set in 2057, the film stars Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans and Michelle Yeoh, encapsulating their struggle with physical and psychological challenges. As the crew ventures into the depths of space, they face unexpected dangers that threaten the mission and their survival.
- Director
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Danny Boyle
- Release date
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July 27, 2007
- Execution time
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107 minutes
Sunshine carries the unenviable prize of being one of the greatest science fiction films in recent memory that practically no one remembers. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Cillian Murphy, the film chronicles a dangerous mission through space to reignite the setting sun using a star bomb. A box office disaster, the 2007 film fell into almost complete obscurity before discovering new life as one of Disney+’s most underrated attractions. Utilizing an uncanny sense of realism and visually stunning cinematography, Danny Boyle’s film effortlessly combines the science fiction and horror genres to jaw-dropping effect.
11
Holes (2003)
Directed by Andrew Davis
A teenager finds himself in a juvenile detention camp after being falsely accused of robbery. Every day, he and the other boys are forced to dig holes in the desert, supposedly to build character. As the protagonist delves deeper into the camp’s secrets, he discovers a mysterious connection to his own family’s history, leading to the revelation of hidden treasure and the resolution of an ancient curse.
- Director
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Andrew Davis
- Release date
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April 18, 2003
- Execution time
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117 minutes
A dramatic comedy based on the novel of the same name by Louis Sachar, Holes is often overlooked in conversations about major book adaptations, due to the film’s relatively small budget and promotional fanfare compared to some of its contemporaries. Holes is a vastly underrated offering that deftly juggles dark subject matter and uplifting sentiment in a family-friendly way that makes the film accessible to audiences of all ages. A surprisingly layered story that invites introspective reflection on themes along the lines of authority, justice and redemption, Holes it still manages to maintain the ironic aura of any classic coming-of-age story.
10
Ready or Not (2019)
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Starring scream queen Samara Weaving in the lead role Ready or Not is a glorious piece of horror-comedy that stands as one of the subgenre’s biggest hits. The film chronicles the tribulations of a young bride who finds herself hunted by her new husband’s family as part of a twisted ritual. A delightful mix of dark humor and thrilling horror, Ready or Not It’s an extremely fun watch.
Weaving’s excellent main arc is complemented by a series of excellent supporting performances from the likes of Adam Brody and Andie MacDowell, deftly leading the film to its electrifying conclusion. A first-rate genre subversion, Ready or Not is one of the most underrated horror films of the 2010s.
9
Remember the Titans (2000)
Directed by Boaz Yakin
Remember The Titans is a 2000 sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington. The film is based on the true story of a newly integrated American football team in Virginia. Under the leadership of coach Herman Boone, the team faces racial tensions and seeks success on and off the field.
- Director
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Boaz Yakin
- Release date
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September 29, 2000
- Execution time
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113 minutes
Loosely based on the true story of Herman Boone and his attempt to make a high school football team Remember the Titans is contentiously the best football movie ever made. Led by Denzel Washington, the film balances social commentary with a series of motivational sequences. Given the film’s positive reviews, it’s difficult to pinpoint why Remember the Titans It’s such an underrated offering. It could be argued that the film doesn’t have the same appeal to audiences outside of the traditional demographic associated with American football. Whatever the case, Remember the Titans maintains its status as a top-notch inspirational sports drama.
8
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Directed by Henry Selick
An orphan living with his two cruel aunts befriends anthropomorphic insects living inside a giant peach and embarks on a journey to New York City.
- Director
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Henry Selick
- Release date
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April 12, 1996
- Cast
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Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Pete Postlethwaite, Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Miriam Margolyes, Susan Sarandon
- Execution time
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79 minutes
James and the Giant Peach tells the story of a boy who embarks on a fantastic adventure with a series of talking insects in a huge magical peach. One of Roald Dahl’s most celebrated and inherently joyful stories, It’s notable that the film has status as an underrated film. Although the excellent voiceover performances delivered by James and the Giant Peach The supporting cast never received all the praise due them, the film’s mix of live action and stop-motion animation is easily its least appreciated aspect, with borderline psychedelic visual effects used in the film years ahead of its time.
7
Road to Perdition (2002)
Directed by Sam Mendes
2002’s Road to Perdition sees Tom Hanks take on the role of Michael Sullivan, a man raised by an Irish mob boss who betrays him. Directed by Sam Mendes, Sullivan embarks on a journey to get revenge on the man who wronged him.
- Director
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Sam Mendes
- Release date
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July 12, 2002
- Execution time
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117 minutes
A dark crime drama led by Tom Hanks, Path to Perdition see the Forest Gump star takes on the strangely dark role of a mob enforcer on the run from his former employer. One of Hanks’ most underrated cinematic performances, Sam Mendes’ image is often overlooked, given Path to Perditionthe lack of instantly quotable one-liners or glamorized depictions of criminality associated with films of this type.
However, the film’s evocative exploration of the bond between parents and children is what sets it apart from many contemporary gangsters. Path to Perdition eschews the traditional narrative structure of a mobster film in favor of a poignant commentary on the nature of this unshakable bond set against the backdrop of a story of brutal revenge.
6
The Fall (2014)
Directed by Michaël R. Roskam
The Drop is a crime drama directed by Michaël R. Roskam and based on a screenplay by Dennis Lehane. The film stars Tom Hardy as Bob Saginowski, a bartender who becomes involved in a robbery gone wrong and a subsequent investigation that uncovers secrets about the neighborhood’s criminal underbelly. Also starring James Gandolfini and Noomi Rapace, the film explores themes of loyalty, redemption and the complexity of human relationships.
- Director
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Michael R. Roska
- Release date
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September 12, 2014
- Cast
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Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini, Matthias Schoenaerts, John Ortiz, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Michael Aronov, Morgan Spector
- Execution time
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106 minutes
Led by Tom Hardy and The Sopranos stars James Gandolfini in his final film appearance, The drop is a masterful crime thriller of the highest order. However, despite The drop Star-studded cast, discreet advertising, and a limited release of the film meant that it went largely unnoticed even at the time of its release. This lack of mainstream recognition is a shame considering The drop is a glorious case study in gritty, atmospheric cinema. The film received rave reviews from critics, with particular praise directed toward Hardy and Gandolfini’s intense performances in the lead roles in a slow-paced, character-driven endeavor.
5
Phone Booth (2002)
Directed by Joel Schumacher
A riveting psychological thriller, Phone booth features Colin Farrell and Kiefer Sutherland at the top of their respective games. Farrell plays a young advertising executive who finds himself trapped by a mysterious gunman in a phone booth, where he is forced to carry out a series of personally compromising tasks ordered by Sutherland’s sinister gunman in order to survive.
From the electrifying performances on display to the film’s adrenaline-pumping narrative, Phone booth is a criminally underrated cinematic offering. The extremely talented duo of Farrell and Sutherland shine in the lead roles, a particularly impressive feat when the latter shows his face only briefly. Cultivating an insane air of tension from start to finish, Phone booth It’s a case study in how to do a lot with little.
4
The Last Duel (2021)
Directed by Ridley Scott
The Last Duel is an epic historical drama set amid the Hundred Years War and explores the omnipresent power of men, the fragility of justice and the strength and courage of a woman willing to stand alone in the service of the truth. Based on real events, the film uncovers long-held assumptions about the last French-sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris; two friends became bitter rivals.
- Release date
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October 15, 2021
- Execution time
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2h 32m
Based on the remarkable true story of two knights who fought to the death after one accused the other of sexually assaulting his wife, The Last Duel bombed at the box office. This probably came as a surprise to many, as the film was led by celebrated director Ridley Scott and featured an enviable cast. However, the film’s financial returns decidedly do not reflect The Last Duel excellent quality. A refined showcase of Scott’s epic filmmaking style, accompanied by powerful performances from leading trio Ben Affleck, Jodie Comer and Adam Driver, The Last Duel is a thought-provoking epic that invites philosophical reflection.
3
The A team (2010)
Directed by Joe Carnahan
Based on the 1980s TV series of the same name, The A-Team follows a team of Special Forces agents who are wrongly arrested and go on the run to clear their names. Starring Liam Neeson as John “Hannibal” Smith, Bradley Cooper as Templeton “Face” Peck, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson as Bosco “BA” Baracus and Sharlto Copley as HM “Howling Mad” Murdock, the titular team finds itself at the heart of a conspiracy that goes much deeper than they could have ever imagined.
- Director
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Joe Carnahan
- Release date
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June 10, 2010
- Execution time
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119 minutes
The A team sought to bring the iconic soldiers of fortune to the silver screen. Led by Liam Neeson as John “Hannibal” Smith and supported by the likes of Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, the film finds the team trying to clear their names after being framed for a crime they committed. . don’t commit. Despite a less than enthusiastic critical response, The A team It’s shameless fun from start to finish. Some hilariously over-the-top action sequences and a number of entertaining performances from the main quartet combine to make this film adaptation worthy of a TV series.
2
Spy (2015)
Directed by Paul Feig
Written and directed by Paul Feig, 2015’s Spy features Jason Statham, Jude Law and Melissa McCarthy in an action, comedy and espionage setting. McCarthy plays a CIA employee relegated to a desk who helps her field agent partner remotely until she is forced into action to help keep everyone safe.
- Director
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Paulo Feig
- Release date
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June 15, 2015
- Execution time
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120 minutes
Often lost in the wide array of comedic offerings associated with Melissa McCarthy Spy It’s a movie joke. McCarthy plays Susan Cooper, a CIA analyst who finds herself caught up in a desperate race to save the world from a potential nuclear catastrophe. after his field agent partner is allegedly killed in the field. In addition to McCarthy’s signature hilarity and a hysterical series of performances from the film’s supporting cast, Jason Statham is SpyThe unexpected success story of, flexing his comedic chops so proficiently that it’s hard to believe he hasn’t had more roles like this.
1
Prometheus (2012)
Directed by Ridley Scott
A prequel to Scott’s gender reset Foreigner cast-led franchise, 2012 Prometheus sought to explore the origin story of the Xenomorphs. Although Scott’s film received a generally positive response from critics, some detractors argued that the film failed to adequately explore its premise; Prometheus’ the ambiguous ending left viewers with more questions than answers.
Despite such criticisms, Prometheus is without a doubt the most underrated film of all Foreigner franchise. Although the film doesn’t provide clear answers, it is a first-rate sci-fi horror film. The film’s glorious visual effects and thrilling action sequences combine for a visceral experience while invoking deep philosophical reflections on the nature of creation and humanity’s place in the universe. This heavy film, and many underrated offerings like it, are readily available via Disney+.