Top 10 Underrated Movies of 2024

Much like how the main character endures hell, Dev Patel faced numerous obstacles in bringing his directorial debut to the big screen. Patel’s labors paid off in one of the year’s most pulse-pounding, atmospheric, and beautifully shot action movies. In what could’ve been a straightforward revenge story, Patel infuses “Monkey Man” with culture, mythology, and political commentary while never overshadowing the hard-hitting fight choreography. Speaking of which, Patel firmly establishes himself as an action star, going full beast mode. The fact he accomplished all of this on a $10 million budget may be his most superhuman achievement. Like the original “John Wick,” “Monkey Man” might not have been huge upon release, but we’re looking at an instant action classic bound to develop a wider audience.

Another underappreciated directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz touches upon the #MeToo movement through a unique lens in “Blink Twice.” Channing Tatum effortlessly switches between charming and diabolical, although the film belongs to Naomi Ackie in a career-best performance. What starts a dream vacation to a fantasy island slowly but surely begins to feel more like Jeffrey Epstein’s island. To survive, Ackie’s character must force a smile while crying out on the inside - a sentiment too many women can relate to. The film may take some time to establish its mood and themes. The final act delivers, though, in jaw-dropping, hysterical, and incredibly satisfying ways. If you were among the many who missed it in theaters, give “Blink Twice” a second life at home.

We’d hardly call Aubrey Plaza “old,” although we were surprised to realize she was pushing 40 when this little comedy entered production. Time flies by, a lesson that Plaza’s character imparts to her younger self, played by Maisy Stella in a breakthrough lead performance. Revolving around time travel, “My Old Ass” raises heavy-handed questions. Namely, should you fall in love knowing the outcome will be painful? Despite the high concept and moral dilemmas, “My Old Ass” is a sweet coming-of-age story that’ll leave you savoring the moments we often take for granted. Megan Park - another actor turned director - is a name to watch out for. The future seems bright for everyone involved in “My Old Ass,” a film sure to grow its following with time.

“Mainstream” is the wrong word to describe “Poor Things,” but that box office hit did introduce a broader audience to Yorgos Lanthimos. We’re not shocked that “Kinds of Kindness” wasn’t as warmly embraced. This anthology is purposely frustrating at times with three loosely tied-together stories that don’t spell out their meaning (if there is one at all). While not for everyone, true fans of Lanthimos will relish in its absurd humor, layered symbolism, and unpredictable twists that will continue to catch you off guard even after the credits start rolling. It’s another winning collaboration between Lanthimos and Emma Stone, who will hopefully never lower her freak flag. Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Jesse Plemons round out an ensemble that deserves all kinds of praise.

“Love Lies Bleeding” might be the year’s most stressful watch. So yeah, it was never going to be a crowd-pleaser. Anyone looking for an adrenaline rush will be on edge throughout, however. Kristen Stewart continues to push her career in bolder directions as a gym manager who falls for a female bodybuilder. Katy O’Brian is a force of nature in a performance that explodes with raw intensity… sometimes literally. “Love Lies Bleeding” warrants comparison to another criminally underrated thriller, the Wachowskis’ “Bound.” In both films, a passionate romance takes a dark turn that continues to snowball out of control. Even at its most chaotic, the chemistry between the leads gives the film a beating heart that keeps us hooked every step of the way.

“Rebel Ridge” is a bit like a modern “First Blood.” Both center on veterans who return home only to enter another war against corrupt law enforcement. Writer/director Jeremy Saulnier adds several new elements, commentating on racial profiling and the failures of bureaucracy. Aaron Pierre’s Terry tries playing it by the book, but pages keep getting torn out as the authorities rewrite the rules. We feel Terry’s frustration as he hits nothing but roadblocks, forcing this civilian to awaken his inner soldier. In addition to “Rambo,” “Rebel Ridge” has the essence of a neo-western as a lone hero stands against a gang of outlaws parading as lawmen. Just as our veterans shouldn’t be cast aside, “Rebel Ridge” deserves to be part of a larger conversation.

Why is it that the best “Transformers” movies are usually the ones that underperform financially? Maybe because some of the live-action movies gave the franchise a bad reputation. If this animated film is any indication, though, “Transformers” is far from past its prime. This is a surprisingly dramatic, even tragic story of brotherhood exploring how best friends Orion Pax and D-16 became archenemies Optimus Prime and Megatron. While not without lighthearted moments, there’s a gravitas to “Transformers One” some weren’t prepared for. We’d dare even say it’s the most adult “Transformers” movie since the 1986 animated feature, which was also underappreciated upon release. To anyone who wrote “Transformers One” as kids’ stuff, we guarantee it’s more than meets the eye.

We can understand why some audiences might’ve been apprehensive about watching “A Different Man.” The subject matter sounds difficult as a man with a facial disfigurement struggles to fit in with society. The film goes in a few unexpected directions as the plot unfolds, however. Reflecting the protagonist’s changes, what starts as a melancholy drama evolves into a comedy with a dark edge. This shift doesn’t feel inconsistent, as the film preserves its central theme of self-acceptance. For some, this comes naturally, no matter how people perceive their appearance. Others can completely change who they are on the outside, yet still feel unfulfilled on the inside. The performances from Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson find humor in the tragedy.

Jeff Nichols’ latest film captures a turning point in biker culture. Austin Butler’s Benny looks cool enough to be James Dean or Marlon Brando back in the day. By modern standards, though, the rebels Dean and Brando played may seem tame. As the 60s turn into the 70s, Benny and his biker buddies realize they’re a dying breed being replaced by a more lethal generation. Will Benny ride off into the sunset or settle down with the woman he loves? Much of the story is told from the perspective of Jodie Comer’s Kathy, who gives “The Bikeriders” a sense of humor and a heart. Although the film is a reminder that we live in less innocent times, Comer’s performance is a constant ray of sincerity.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

A Surreal Comedy That’ll Speak to Every Starving Artist

Alisha Weir Deserves Every Young Performer Award Under the Sun

June Squibb Only Gets Better with Age

Imagine If David Lynch Adapted “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

The Best “Omen” Movie in 48 Years

Netflix sometimes has an embarrassment of riches, “His Three Daughters” being one of the movies lost in the shuffle. It isn’t too late to give Azazel Jacobs’ profoundly emotional film its due, however. In a perfect world, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon would all receive Oscar nominations for three very different performances that perfectly complement each other. The titular three daughters have one thing in common: a dying father. As they grapple with grief, they try to learn what it means to be sisters. The film is an authentic portrait of how loss can drive people apart, yet also bring them closer. “His Three Daughters” certainly has the power to bring families together. All they have to do is seek the film out.


What are your picks for the most underrated movies of 2024? Let us know in the comments.