The 25 most underrated films of all time

Movie audiences are missing out on this underrated movies. On average in the modern day, more than 1,000 films are produced every year in the United States. There are a huge number of stories that come to life on screen and it is impossible to see them all. Films with big budgets hit the big screen, while others get smaller releases on streaming. Lower-budget films make the rounds at film festivals and can get more financing that way. Among these potentially thousands of films released around the world, however, only a few stand out.

Many of the other films are extremely underrated. Either they weren’t seen by many eyes, or they didn’t get a wide release outside of their home country, or for some reason another film overshadowed them. These films are the most underrated films of all time and are certainly worth watching.

25

Black Christmas (1974)

Directed by Bob Clark

Although some argue that Black Christmas does not belong to the underrated films, it is often completely forgotten when it comes to discussions about horror films. Black Christmas It has had two remakes since it was originally made in 1974, but the original is, without a doubt, the best.

It is also one of the first horror films with a last girl and influenced every horror film that came after it, including Halloweenwhich was released a few years later. Black Christmas features Olivia Hussey in the lead role as a sorority sister who discovers her sisters are being killed after receiving lewd phone calls.

Of course, in the 1970s, critics were confused about whether the film was good or not. Many did not understand the objective of the film, as it left the events open-ended. It has since become a cult classic known for its feminist tone.

24

Lost in America (1985)

Directed by Albert Brooks

Lost in America It was well-received by critics when it was released in 1985, but failed to make an impact on any awards circuit or box office. More than 30 years later, it may not be remembered as well as other Albert Brooks films. Brooks not only directs and co-writes the film, but is also one of the stars.

The film follows a husband and wife who decide to quit their jobs, sell everything they own and live on the road. Unfortunately, it becomes a comedy of errors, as everything that can go wrong will, including the wife revealing a gambling problem when they arrive in Las Vegas.

Lost in America is a great satire and critique of the American dream as the public knew it. The jokes are hilarious and the cast’s chemistry is perfect.

23

Sleeping with other people (2015)

Directed by Leslye Headland

In the 2020s, there’s a sort of nostalgia for the old-school romantic comedies of the 1990s. This 2015 film, however, is a hidden gem that will fill the void for many audience members.

Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis star as two adults who had a one-night stand a decade before the events of the film. When they meet again, they develop a friendship and try to avoid any sexual tension despite their attraction to each other. As they both begin to develop feelings for each other, they try to move on by seeing other people, not wanting to ruin what they have.

Along the way, they both have to deal with their own complicated issues around sex and intimacy. It’s a heartfelt but also hilarious film that more romance fans should check out.

22

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Directed by Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson, David Michener and John Musker

For decades, Disney has maintained the market for animated films for children and families. While other studios published quality stories, they simply couldn’t keep up with the studio juggernaut. That’s started to change in recent years, but there are still some films in Disney’s animated catalog that have been forgotten by many. One of them is The Great Mouse Detective.

The Great Mouse Detective is Disney’s version of Sherlock Holmes – except, of course, the detective and his assistant are rats investigating mysteries in London’s rat community. The villain is one of Disney’s scariest, a mouse who isn’t afraid to kill other characters on screen. It is possible that, as The Black Cauldronsome parents found it a little scary for their children when it was initially released, and this contributed to it being overlooked by many.

It really is a fantastic adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, if it can be called that. From a time when animation was still all hand-drawn, the film is a portrait of an era that has long since passed for Disney.

21

Stardust (2007)

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Stardust got lost in the shuffle of 2000s romance films, despite being a near-perfect adaptation of its source material. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman and combines the perfect proportion of fantasy, adventure and romance.

In the film, a young man sees a star fall beyond the wall that separates his small village from the others and vows to recover the star for the woman he loves. When he passes through the wall, however, he finds himself in a place where magic comes to life, witches use nefarious purposes to keep themselves young, and a star is not an object but a living, breathing woman.

Stardust takes audiences on a superb adventure as man and star grow closer, evade a witch and her sisters, and befriend a pirate ship that takes to the skies. It’s one of the gems that gets overlooked in favor of bigger-budget fantasies, and it’s easily one of the most underrated novels.

20

Chef (2014)

Directed by Jon Favreau

Favreau directed, wrote, produced and starred in the film.

Most modern movie audiences know Jon Favreau from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has been an actor and director for a long time, and Chef is his passion project after appearing in so many blockbuster films like those in the MCU. Favreau directed, wrote, produced and starred in the film.

Chef follows a celebrity chef who loses his job at a prestigious restaurant after fighting with a food critic over his work. He decides to work for himself, reconnecting with his love of food and his son while opening his own food truck. Chef Roy Choi oversaw the menus created for the film so that the food was authentic and delicious.

Although the film was well received by critics, few people saw the project. It’s definitely one of Favreau’s best works.

19

Burlesque (2010)

Directed by Steve Antin

Musicals are not for everyone. This is one of the biggest reasons why they are hit or miss at the box office. Burlesqueas a musical, it had two advantages from the beginning: Christina Aguilera and Cher. The two powerful vocalists play the main characters. While the first is an aspiring artist who gets a job as a waitress at a burlesque club, the second is the owner.

Much of the musical features romantic comedy clichés, but this doesn’t detract from the performances. Aguilera is a force to be reckoned with. She has the charm and naivety that her small-town character needs, but she also has the enthusiasm and drive that takes her to the club stage. The film’s music harks back to old jazz and burlesque clubs, while at the same time presenting a modern plot.

18

Blue Crush (2002)

Directed by John Stockwell

Young women of a certain generation are probably familiar with Blue Crush. Other than that, however, there wasn’t a large audience for the film. It’s the most underrated sports film today.

Inspired by a magazine article about surfers in Hawaii, the film chronicles a young woman’s attempt to break into the professional surfing circuit after suffering a difficult setback. She is supported by her two best friends (and roommates and coworkers), but she also has to raise her younger sister after her mother left them and still has to keep a job to contribute to the rent. The film also features a romantic subplot when she falls in love with a football player who is on vacation at the hotel where the women work.

The film may have some crude CGI in the moments where Kate Bosworth’s head is digitally inserted into a surfer’s body, but it has just the right amount of emotion and some stellar performances from the entire cast.

17

All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

Directed by Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Dan Kuenster

…a wonderful example of a golden age for animation.

Although Disney’s animated films have long been seen as the only films for children, Don Bluth has made a series of animated films that offer colorful characters, fantastical stories and moving drama. Bluth is the person behind children’s tears like The land before time and An American tail. Often overlooked in favor of the dinosaur story, however, it is All dogs go to heaven.

All dogs go to heaven follows a dog who flees the sky after being murdered, intending to take revenge on the friend who betrayed and killed him. However, in his quest for revenge, he is reunited with another dog he is friends with and befriends an orphan girl. He ends up learning what it really means to be a friend.

The film had the misfortune of competing at the box office with Disney’s The Little Mermaid in 1989, released in theaters on the same day. The Little Mermaid won, however All dogs go to heaven had high enough VHS sales to ensure a sequel and TV series would eventually be made. The film is as appealing to children as it is to adults and is a wonderful example of a golden age for animation.

16

All I Want to Do (1998)

Directed by Sarah Kernochan

Part of the reason Everything I want to do is among these underrated films is because it was largely lost to obscurity because of title changes and editing for television showings. The film was also released under the titles of Beat! and The furry bird.

It’s a comedy-drama set at an all-girls boarding school in the 1960s. When the girls discover that the school is about to merge with a nearby boys’ school, they fight against the merger. It’s like a woman-centric (and a little younger) approach Animal House.

With a who’s who of late ’90s and early ’00s teen actors in the film, it’s like a time capsule in more ways than one. The film features Rachel Leigh Cook, Kirsten Dunst, Gabby Hoffman, Monica Keena and Heather Matarazzo as some of the teenagers at the center of the story. All of the actresses have more high-profile projects to their names, but this is one that sees them in some of the best teen roles.

15

Better Dead (1985)

Directed by Savage Steve Holland

Better dead it takes the idea of ​​someone with a miserable life who is thinking about suicide and just keeps putting obstacles in their path. It’s a surprisingly funny film that few people have actually seen.

The 1985 film stars John Cusack as the teenager who just can’t catch a break. His girlfriend breaks up with him, his younger brother is more interesting than him, he loses his job, and his parents don’t seem to care about him at all. He no longer feels like he has anything to live for, but his plans to end his life keep getting hampered by things like a ski competition against the local bully.

Although it was rumored that John Cusack hated the film and how it was critically received when he was asked about it in 2013 Reddit AMACusack explained, “I thought it could have been better, but I think that about almost all of my films. I have nothing against the film… I’m glad people still love it.”

14

Speak (2004)

Directed by Jessica Sharzer

Although most audiences have come to know Kristen Stewart thanks to her casting in Dusk film franchise, she was a working child actress long before these films took off. Stewart appeared in Panic Room alongside Jodie Foster and as a child leading a robbery in Take that child before she was even old enough to drive. She also appeared in this underrated drama.

To speak was inspired by the novel of the same name by Laurie Halse Anderson. It follows a young woman in high school who stops talking after being raped by an older, popular student at a party. As she struggles to deal with the trauma of what happened to her, she must rebuild her life and her confidence.

Critics praised Stewart’s performance, but the film was only broadcast on Lifetime and Showtime after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, not allowing a wider audience to see it.

13

The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

When movie audiences think of martial arts films, they tend to think of Chinese and Japanese cinema first. This Indonesian thriller, however, might make them want to expand their horizons a little more.

The film follows a member of the Six Seas Triad who takes it upon himself to hide a young girl after her entire village is decimated by the Triad. He is relentlessly pursued by one of his old friends, but this does not lessen his determination. It comes down to one man versus entire groups of criminals he’s worked alongside as he strives to ensure a little girl remains safe, even if he doesn’t live to achieve his goal.

The combat sequences in The night comes for us are on par with John Wickarguably the biggest franchise to include martial arts in the modern day. It was released directly to streaming thanks to a distribution deal with Netflix, but flew under the radar.

12

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Directed by Ava DuVernay

A wrinkle in timenovel by Madeleine L’Engle, has been adapted numerous times, but usually for the small screen. The 2018 adaptation of the novel sought to bring the story to life on a large scale on cinema screens, and it succeeded. Unfortunately, the film was panned by critics and did not recoup its budget at the box office.

A wrinkle in time follows the story of Meg and her younger brother, Charles Wallace, as they journey through space and time to save their missing father from IT. They are aided by Meg’s friend Calvin (who would eventually become her husband in the original series of novels). The story takes children through a physics-defying adventure and reminds them of the importance of love and empathy.

The 2018 version of the film deserves much more love than it received, as it is beautiful to watch unfold with huge sets, incredible costumes and breathtaking fantasy sequences. It also has a stellar cast of Storm Reid, Levi Miller, Chris Pine, Mindy Kaling and more.

11

Beyond the Lights (2014)

Directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood

…the kind of film that entertains as much as it opens a dialogue…

Beyond the lights is another modern novel that didn’t get the recognition it deserved. Although it received several award nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and the Black Reel Awards, outside of organizations made to specifically honor black artists, the film did not gain much traction. It’s a beautiful love story that really should have happened.

The film follows a young black woman with a singing career just beginning her stardom as her mental health is rapidly deteriorating. A young police officer saves his life. It’s as if The guardrail was pulled into the modern era and addressed the effects of climbing the stairs to stardom on mental health. It’s the kind of film that entertains as much as it opens up dialogue, so it’s a shame that it was easily swept under the rug by audiences.

10

Wings of Desire (1987)

Directed by Wem Wenders

This German film actually provided the basis for the film City of Angels starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. Although the American film is better known, the original also deserves mention.

Wings of Desire sees a group of angels watching over Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall. One of the angels falls in love with one of the humans he observes and decides to become mortal to be with her. It’s certainly a slower-paced film than many of the other underrated gems here, but the slower pace allows the audience to be more present in the film’s events.

Although the film won awards at several film festivals across Europe at the time of its release, it largely faded until interest was renewed thanks to City of Angels a decade later.

9

Fighting with my family (2019)

Directed by Stephen Merchant

Florence Pugh seems to have burst onto the blockbuster movie scene like a bullet out of nowhere, but that’s not entirely true. She has been working continuously since she was a teenager. His big break actually came from this sports movie, Fighting with my familybefore she appeared in Midsommare Little Women.

Pugh may be best known for the last two (and her MCU role as Yelena Belova), but Fighting with my family shows how versatile and physical she is. She stars as a young woman starting her wrestling career in a family of wrestlers. It’s based on a 2012 documentary about wrestler Paige, who Pugh brings to life in the film.

Many people rejected the film because they saw it as a way to advertise WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) without realizing that the story was inspired by real events. They also wrote it off as somewhat frivolous, but it’s fun and solidly acted.

8

A Cut of the Dead (2017)

Directed by Shin’ichirô Ueda

A cut of the dead it might be the best modern zombie movie, which is impressive. Many zombie films have been made over the past few decades as different writers have wanted to put their own spin on the same idea. A cut of the dead really puts a whole new spin on the genre – and it starts with a 40-minute opening sequence that’s a long shot. This is unheard of in films today.

It’s a very meta take on the zombie subgenre of horror, as it involves a group trying to make a zombie movie while a real-life zombie outbreak occurs. One Cut Of The Dead is truly a love letter to the subgenre and horror as a whole. It will certainly appeal to anyone who has an interest in zombie movies, cinema, or even just someone who loves movies and wants to have a good time.

7

The Terrorist (1998)

Directed by Santosh Sivan

Over the past 20 years, India has transitioned toward darker films and away from the lighter Bollywood spectacle of the 1990s. That’s not to say those lighter movements don’t exist, but there has definitely been an effort to make the darkest stories stand out in the cinema. Part of this is due to studies of dramatic characters like The Terrorist.

The film follows a young woman who belongs to a militant group. Her brother was a martyr to their cause, and she is so haunted by his actions that she decides to give her own life during a suicide bombing that will also kill a politician. After volunteering for the job, however, she is confined to a safe house in the countryside to await the day of the attack, and it is there that she discovers that she is pregnant. The knowledge leads to a lot of introspection and turmoil for her as she struggles with her decisions.

The film is not about the action of a bombing. Instead, it’s about the person behind it. It includes little dialogue, relying on the audience to really observe what the young girl is going through and what motivates her in the end.

6

Miss Granny (2014)

Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk

Miss Granny is not underrated in South Korea. There, comedy is well known. However, as often happens with national releases in smaller countries, the rest of the world may be sleeping on something that should have become an international success. South Korean cinema and television have only recently become legally available to more countries, outside of small distribution deals with other Asian nations.

Miss Granny follows a 70-year-old woman who miraculously finds herself in the body of her 20-year-old self after taking a photo in a photography studio. She manages to navigate modern life in a younger body, with all the wisdom that comes with age. Of course, this happens at a time when her son wants to put her in a nursing home and her relationship with her family becomes strained.

The film is hilarious because it puts the title character in some absurd situations, but it also offers excellent commentary on what it means to be a woman as she finds certain things out of her control, no matter how old she appears to be.