Top 10 Underrated Movies of 2023

Let’s just say Guy Ritchie’s filmography is a mixed bag. Luckily for us, the English director’s recent output has been fairly strong – including this action war drama. While many were expecting yet another hollow depiction of the Iraq War, “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” delivers an impressively crafted and stirring showcase for all involved. Jake Gyllenhaal’s Master Sgt. John Kinley is saved in Afghanistan by his interpreter Ahmed, played by Dar Salim. But, after Kinley is sent back to America, Ahmed is left behind, sending him to lead a rescue mission. Trust us, the tension is high with this one, as is the quality of filmmaking.

There’s no question about it, Matt Johnson’s “Blackberry'' is a blistering business biopic! The film follows the spectacular rise and fall of the Blackberry cellular phone and the people behind it. While the true-to-life exploits may differ slightly, the film zips along with entertaining mayhem and some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Glenn Howerton and Jay Baruchel lead the cast with crackling performances. The snowballing chaos is only elevated by Jay McCarrol’s urgent score. The Blackberry phone may be a forgotten relic of the past, but this film definitely deserves to be unearthed.

Josh Greenbaum’s “Strays” is not just some silly “talking dog” adventure. Well, it is a “talking dog” adventure, but that adventure includes canines excessively humping lawn decorations, relieving themselves on each other, eating magic mushrooms, constantly discussing their genitals, and swearing up a storm! Did we mention this is not for kids? The most important thing, of course, is that the “Looney Tunes” type hijinks lead to genuine laughs. The film also boasts a surprising amount of heart. And what can we say, Will Farrell as the voice of a naive Border Terrier is infectiously fun - as is a fiery Jamie Foxx as Boston Terrier, Bug. Yep, “Strays” is a surprisingly bawdy good time that deserved better at the box-office.

Keeping with underappreciated comedy films, Adele Lim’s "Joy Ride" stands as a major win for diversity and debauchery in cinema! Here, we follow Audrey and her misfit gang of friends on an unhinged journey of bonding and belonging. The film hits all the right R-rated comedy notes, taking plenty of chances in the raunchy humor department. Trust us, they “go there.” And, with authentic chemistry amongst the cast - each bringing their unique virtues to the table - “Joy Ride” becomes an affecting comedy trip worth taking!

From “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse'' to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” 2023 was a memorable year for animated movies. However, with all the massive blockbuster offerings, many smaller animated films got lost in the shuffle – including Netflix’s “Nimona.” Chloe Grace Moretz voices the shapeshifter Nimona, who teams up with Ballister, a knight framed for murder – voiced by Oscar nominee Riz Ahmed. With colorful bursts of energy, fantastic voice performances, and a wonderful message around what it means to live life as an outsider, “Nimona” stands as a true movie gem. And, the best part, it’s waiting for you right now on Netflix!

“A Thousand and One” is incredibly rich and bursting with dynamic performances (more on them in a bit). Firstly, we need to highlight the film’s director, A.V. Rockwell. This incredibly skilled picture stands as her feature directorial debut! Rockwell not only showcases every inch of a bygone Harlem with nuanced detail but directs her talented cast to some truly unforgettable performances. Teyana Taylor’s motherly turn is beautifully complicated, while Josiah Cross’s output as her teenage son cuts right to the bone. This depiction of a mother/child dynamic is one that deserves to be seen – if not just for the performances and direction alone.

When cash-strapped US backpackers Hanna and Liv take a job in a remote Australian pub, it’s nothing but simmering suspense and danger at every turn. Directed by Kitty Green, “The Royal Hotel” stands as an excellent exercise in cinematic “eggshell walking.” It’s also an effective gender critique - effectively showing the various power dynamics and workplace misogyny that still exist in the world today. Plus, Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick shine in their respective roles, with Garner being a particularly potent force – not unlike her character in “Ozark.” Trust us, “The Royal Hotel” is one movie you won’t want to check out of.

It’s no stretch to say that “Bottoms” was one of the funniest movies of 2023. It’s just too bad not many people saw it. Writer/director Emma Seligman's "Bottoms" is essentially about two horny teen girls who start a fight club to help get them laid. Sound over the top? You’re not wrong – but the scattershot hijinks are grounded by delightful performances from Rachel Senut and Ayo Edebiri. And while there are certainly parallels to 2019’s “Booksmart,” “Bottoms” stands as its own unique brand of raunchy comedy. Oh, and did we mention that it’s very funny. The boys of “American Pie” walked so the girls of “Bottoms” could run!

If you were to talk to horror connoisseurs about their favorite movies of 2023, you’d likely get an earful of why “When Evil Lurks” is a must watch. Everyone in the film’s rural Argentinian farming community knows the “seven rules” for dealing with “possessing spirits.” When Pedro and his brother Jimmy gather that a man in their region is an encarnado – more plainly, a possessed creature, they proceed to fight, then flee – all with calamitous outcomes. And unlike the plethora of other possession movies that center on religion, this one places the focus firmly on characters’ family, making it a personal journey. Add in compelling performances and relentless dread, and you’ve got the most underappreciated horror flick of the year!

Did you catch the 37th film in the “Godzilla” franchise? You’re not alone, as “Godzilla Minus One” has been unjustly overlooked in North America since its end of year release. But let us tell you that this Kaiju film demands to be seen! But don’t take our word for it, the movie has been unanimously praised by critics for its skilled direction, cast performances, cinematography, and screenwriting. And with awe-inspiring action sequences and visual effects, many consider it to be one of the best Godzilla films - ever. Like the epic destruction on screen, this film deserves to be a huge smash!