Top 50 Most Underrated Movies of the Last 50 Years

Wes Anderson has become well known in spite of his small budgets, in part due to his extravagantly symmetrical sets and talented arsenal of character actors. Nonetheless, there’s not nearly enough love for the director’s feature length debut, “Bottle Rocket.” Starring brothers Luke and Owen Wilson, the 90’s crime comedy isn’t quite as polished as Anderson’s more well-known works, but still contains many of the trademarks that make up his now-signature style. Number one amongst them - his unique brand of quirky comedy. The dialogue of “Bottle Rocket” is endlessly quotable, and its delivery pitch perfect, making for an unforgettably hilarious heist.

Though a success at the box office (relative to budget), this genre-bender still deserves more fanfare. Some may point to its audacious tone or bonkers third act as why it hasn’t become a ‘classic.’ But it’s those exact qualities that make it so excellent. Boots Riley’s debut feature is exhilarating in its originality. It’s a singular vision with a searing social commentary trying to bother the status quo. LaKeith Stanfield is the perfect leading man for his character’s (literal) transformations. As Cash Green, he guides us through a story of class consciousness and some good ol’ body horror. Far from a one-trick pony, the film’s supporting cast is also superb, led by Tessa Thompson and Steven Yeun.

Who knew Ryan Reynolds could be such a fantastic dramatic actor? Not many apparently, because “Buried” never fell on enough eyes. Granted, its $19 million box office take easily made a profit on a $2 million budget, but it’s still largely absent from discussions of great thrillers. Reynolds’ excellent performance is heart-stopping as he tries to escape being buried alive, and the film’s shot with an intense claustrophobic feel due to director Rodrigo Cortés’ eye for darkly lit camera angles. It’s a gripping thriller that’s bound to become a cult classic.

The boundless and unstoppable creativity of Terry Gilliam was set on full display in 1988’s “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.” This maverick director crafted an indescribable fantasy adventure that bombed at the box office, yet also captured the imaginations of many on home video. The tall tales of the Baron’s exploits feature everything from a young Uma Thurman as Venus to an uncredited Robin Williams as the King of the Moon. Meanwhile, the magical creatures and swashbuckling set-pieces ensure that these adventures remain some of the most ambitiously artistic sentiment ever set free upon the silver screen.

Robin Williams trades in his trademark off-beat warmth for a new brand of silent intensity in “One Hour Photo.” It is easily one of the creepiest performances of his career. Williams plays Sy Parrish, a lonely photo technician who becomes dangerously obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. The film unfolds as a slow-burn psychological thriller, exploring themes of isolation, voyeurism, and the dark underbelly of everyday life. Williams’ portrayal of Sy is both unsettling and tragically human, showing a side of the beloved actor that few had seen before. Despite critical praise, “One Hour Photo” never quite reached the heights of Williams’ more mainstream hits.

The 2010s saw a nearly annual streak of top-shelf work from Ryan Gosling. It wasn’t just his stoic, brooding type! He also became a comedy mainstay thanks to projects like this buddy noir. Despite a warm reception all around, it underwhelmed at the box office. That means some unlucky folks missed out on its dry wit, hilarious physical comedy, and period hijinks. Gosling shows off some next-level chemistry with Russell Crowe. Meanwhile, the rest of the film is bolstered by Margaret Qualley and a sturdy ensemble. Its central mystery is engaging, with some sneakily thoughtful and purposeful meat on its bones. Simply put, it’s just the ultimate comfort watch and undoubtedly a highlight of the decade.

“Boogie Nights” would eventually solidify director Paul Thomas Anderson as one of the greats, but his mastery of filmmaking was clear even earlier on in his feature debut, “Hard Eight.” The crime film featured a small but stacked cast, even by today’s standards, including John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Alongside Philip Baker Hall, they each give stellar performances, upholding the film’s small scale story of gambling and deceit with ease. Sure, it’s not PTA’s strongest film, but that’s hardly saying much considering just how impressive the rest of his filmography has been. “Hard Eight” still accomplishes far more than the average film, and is more than worth a watch.

Danny Boyle’s “Sunshine” is a gripping sci-fi thriller that’s equal parts awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking. Set in the not-too-distant future, it follows a crew of astronauts tasked with reigniting our solar system's dying sun. The film is a stunning visual spectacle, oscillating between almost poetic beauty and white-knuckled terror. Alex Garland’s screenplay balances high-concept science with human struggle. The stellar ensemble cast - pun intended - delivers intense and shockingly grounded performances. The third act’s shift into psychological horror isn't for everyone, and to some, it feels off-putting. Still, “Sunshine” remains a visually and emotionally powerful film that deserves more love.

Adele Lim’s hilarious directorial debut is maybe one of the best cases against the argument that comedy movies are dead in the 2020s. Featuring a seriously stacked ensemble cast including Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Stephanie Hsu, Emily in Paris’ Ashley Park as well as comedians Sherry Cola and Sabrina Wu, Joy Ride flew under the radar when it was first released to theatres in 2023. A road trip movie with themes of Asian American identity and finding friendship in the unlikeliest of places, Joy Ride is all of the fun of road trip comedies like The Hangover and Bridesmaids with much less recognition.

Never underestimate the power of home video. If that’s not an '80s-focused sentence, then we don’t know what is. Yet, it also accurately describes the groundswell of support “Innerspace” earned after its initial release in 1987. Joe Dante’s mish-mash of comedy, action, and science fiction bombed at the box office, but found new life at the video store. It was here where “Innerspace” flourished, warming up VCRs around the globe with its tale of a tiny Dennis Quaid, a hilarious Martin Short, and all kinds of adventure. Dante’s likable style is evident throughout “Innerspace,” while the rest of the cast, including Meg Ryan, Kevin McCarthy, and John Hora, all do great work here.

Hidden between Robert Pattinson’s huge blockbusters are films like this caustic caper. Though popular with viewers and critics, it had a modest box office and wasn't a major awards player. Nevertheless, the Safdie brothers capture anxiety in a bottle here. It’s packed with barely-structured chaos and jolts of adrenaline. The film hums with unreal momentum, thanks to blistering editing and sharp music choice. There’s a brain beneath the bluster, as well. “Good Time” is no simple heist flick. It’s an incisive portrait of several intersections of social tension. It’s a hard-nosed character study that uses Pattinson’s Connie to shade and contour the world around him.

Inspired by the life of timeless performer Bob Dylan, this movie uses non-traditional techniques to achieve its distinctive feel. Many famous actors portray the different facets of Dylan, including Heath Ledger and Christian Bale, but it’s Cate Blanchett who steals the show, receiving an Academy Award nomination for her stellar performance. It’s a weird and intimidating film, but it’s all for the sake of artistic merit, and in that sense, the film is flawless. Dylan even praised the movie and its actors in a Rolling Stone article, calling them “incredible,” so at least it wasn’t overlooked by its subject.

This movie, a science fiction classic as far as we’re concerned, was destined for failure from the very beginning. For the theatrical release, New Line Cinema was concerned that audiences wouldn’t understand the story of an amnesiac who is accused of murder, and therefore, asked the director to integrate voiceover narration to the beginning of the movie. And really, that explains everything. This neo-noir, despite being refreshingly original and a visual masterpiece, did not sit well with audiences, and bombed at the box office. The mysteries of “Dark City,” however, are well worth uncovering.

Whether you know them from “Saturday Night Live” or “The Lego Movie,” the Lonely Island are comedy veterans. In 2016, the music trio assembled this mockumentary about Conner4Real and the Style Boyz. While it has since amassed a cult fanbase, it flopped at the box office. What a shame that is for viewers! The romp can be enjoyed as a straight, silly hangout watch or a clever farce of vapid pop culture and celebrity. Either way, it’s a delight loaded with cameos and a catchy soundtrack to boot. All in all, it’s the rare broad comedy that lands more than it misses.

Director Martin Brest enjoyed an enviable run of hits throughout the 1980s, including the OG “Beverly Hills Cop.” That movie remains insanely quotable as does Brest’s 1988 feature, the incredibly awesome “Midnight Run.” Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin possess magnificent chemistry together as a pair who are dodging the law, the mob, and everything in between… as they struggle not to kill each other. De Niro’s bounty hunter and Grodin’s mobbed-up money man are at the focus of a film with plenty of action and thrills to spare. “Midnight Run” had the difficult task of balancing action, drama, and comedy in an entertaining way, but Brest and his team absolutely rose to the occasion.

If you liked David Fincher’s Fight Club and are on the hunt for more movies where people start an underground group where they can beat the snot out of each other for nefarious reasons, look no further than this 2023 comedy. Director Emma Seligman’s follow-up to the equally underrated Shiva Baby sees her reteam with rising star Rachel Sennott for a modern take on the teen comedy. Sennott plays PJ, alongside Ayo Edebiri who both come up with the bright idea to create a fight club in the hopes that they can meet hot cheerleaders from their school. The results are hilarious and build up to a climax that you truly have to see to believe.

Nowadays, Peter Jackson is best known for bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy world to the big screen with the “Lord of the Rings” film series. But before “Fellowship of the Ring,” Jackson was a small New Zealand filmmaker making schlocky horror films and the hauntingly beautiful crime drama, “Heavenly Creatures.” The latter was released in 1994, and starred actresses Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey in early roles. An atypical approach to the true crime genre, the film tells its story from the perspective of two teenage girls, whose unique connection with each other grows into all out obsession. With fantasy elements that hint at Jackson’s future as a director, “Heavenly Creatures” is a masterfully crafted tragedy about the dangers of repression and isolating relationships.

Another movie with another amazing performance by Sam Rockwell, “Moon” is a grossly underrated science fiction film that attempts to tackle heavy themes and questions while looking great in the process. The movie follows an astronaut as he faces a crisis after being alone for three years on the moon. It’s a dark and lonely picture filled with elegant, spacious cinematography, but it’s Rockwell’s Oscar-snubbed performance that pulls at our heartstrings. It could be considered the next great sci-fi experience, if people would actually watch it.

It’s perhaps a common misconception that 1991’s “The Silence of the Lambs” served as the cinematic debut for one Doctor Hannibal Lecter. The Thomas Harris character actually showed up five years earlier, portrayed by Brian Cox for Michael Mann’s underrated “Manhunter.” The film, somewhat incredulously, bombed at the box office, though it’s largely seen today as a forward-thinking exercise in style from the ever-reliable Mann. “Manhunter” focused on forensic science during an era where old-fashioned police work was still largely seen as “the only way” to solve crimes. Meanwhile, Cox’s performance as Lecter/Lecktor is understated and menacing. The bold colors and outstanding cinematography also go a long way into making “Manhunter” a film that, in our opinion, is a must-see.

Fresh off his turn as Maximus in "Gladiator," Russell Crowe donned a blonde wig for his next period film. "Master and Commander" is a nautical epic, based on the award-winning book series about Napoleonic war hero Jack Aubrey. Crowe's Aubrey is a brilliant yet headstrong leader supported by his best friend, doctor, and naturalist Dr. Stephen Maturin. The film’s attention to historical detail is unparalleled. From the creak of wooden decks to the thundering cannons, viewers are immersed in the Napoleonic Wars. The film won widespread critical acclaim, netting numerous Oscar nominations. The audience wasn't huge as the film was overshadowed by 2003's "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned time loop rom com? Starring comedic superstars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, this film seemed to have all of the ingredients of a super smash hit. But while it’s developed a cult fanbase since its release, “Palm Springs” hasn’t received its proper dues! While we can’t say for sure, there’s an argument to be made that having been dropped on Hulu at the height of COVID likely didn’t do the film any favors, reception-wise. But nevertheless, if you’ve yet to give it a watch, you’ll be delighted by the fun, unique storyline, as well as the chemistry of our two leads!

To put it bluntly, “In Bruges” is hands down one of the smartest, deftest comedies ever made. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, the film follows hitmen Ray and Ken played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Ray botched a job, so they're hiding out in the picturesque Belgian town of Bruges. The duo’s chemistry is electric, with Farrell’s guilt-ridden rookie clashing perfectly against Gleeson’s weary veteran. The gorgeous medieval backdrop contrasts sharply with the film’s bloody, morally complex narrative. With witty dialogue, poignant themes of redemption, and a career-defining turn from Farrell, “In Bruges” was a critical powerhouse. It received only a limited release in the U.S., but its audience mainly grew thanks to DVD sales and, eventually, streaming.

J.C. Chandor’s compelling crime drama had a muted release in 2014. Since then, it still hasn’t quite made a splash in the mass consciousness. This hidden gem boasts luscious cinematography and production design, which build its suffocating aura. Its screenplay is rich with intriguing politics and angles that breathe new life into the gangster genre. The MVPs, though, are its two stars. As fuel tycoon Abel Morales, Oscar Isaac is nothing short of magnetic. His quiet charm bubbles with a hidden tension, like a cross of George Clooney and old-school Al Pacino. Jessica Chastain, as usual, is a force of nature. 2014 was a career year for the Oscar-winner, between her work here and her key role as Murph in “Interstellar.”

Just a year after breaking onto the scene with “Reservoir Dogs,” Quentin Tarantino teamed up with “Top Gun” director, Tony Scott for this darkly comedic crime film. Titled “True Romance,” the film follows the strange plot of an Elvis fanatic, compelled to kill by the ghost of The King himself. It’s just as fun as it sounds and, as its title implies, has an added dash of romance between lead actors Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette. While it’s true some of its dialogue may not fly in the modern day, its cinematic style is the perfect blend of Tarantino and Scott’s best qualities. There will never be anything else like it!

A great merger of Western and vampire films, “Near Dark” perfectly blends the two genres together, but never loses the unique touch that makes each one memorable. The movie is directed by Kathryn Bigelow, now a big-name A-lister, and received favorable reviews and later a cult following. However, it was released too soon after more successful vampire movies, being overshadowed by their success. Even so, as a young man becomes involved with a group of nomadic vampires, the audience is treated to a tour-de-force of beautifully shot sequences, lots of blood, and even some genuine emotion.

It took the comedic brilliance of Christopher Guest to figure out how to make a dog show the setting of one of America's greatest comedy films. Shot in a mockumentary style, "Best in Show" follows a quirky and absurd ensemble of dog enthusiasts as they prepare for the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. From neurotic yuppies to eccentric trainers, the characters are as lovable as they are ridiculous. The huge ensemble is led by future "Schitt's Creek" stars Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara. While comedy fans adore it, “Best in Show” was a quiet, intellectual quirk-fest lost in an era of in-your-face humor.

Notable for being director Michael Mann’s major film directorial debut, “Thief” is just as powerful and exciting as any of his other movies. Adapted from a novel written by real thief John Seybold, it tells the story of a thief performing a job for the mafia. The film stars James Caan, and like usual, he is terrific in the role, embodying a professional thief perfectly. “Thief” is heart-stopping at its best moments, proving to be an exciting and intelligent film that broke boundaries of what a thriller could accomplish.

Tom Hanks has made an entire career out of being a relatable everyman. You can literally count the movies where he plays a bad guy on one hand. One of those films was 2002's "Road to Perdition." It's a haunting crime drama about a murderous father seeking vengeance while accompanied by his young son. Paul Newman shines as Hanks' conflicted boss and father figure, in one of his final roles. Jude Law's sadistic assassin chills the bone every time he appears on screen. The film's cinematography paints every frame like a somber masterpiece, from rain-soaked streets to the iconic final showdown on a misty beach. It’s a gripping tale of loyalty, legacy, and the cost of redemption.

A classic comedy directed by the Farrelly brothers, “Kingpin” is a largely ignored entry on their filmography despite the fact that it’s just as hilarious as any of their other movies. The story follows Roy, a skilled bowler, and Ishmael, an Amish man, who go to compete in a bowling tournament to save Ishmael’s land. The movie’s cast is fantastic, including Woody Harrelson and an always hilarious, scene-stealing Bill Murray. It also features the staple raunchy Farrelly humor that made the brothers so famous. It truly is an uproarious film that deserves far more attention.

Action comedies are a winning combination, and this is certainly the case with “Something Wild,” an underrated gem starring the always-fantastic Jeff Daniels as a man who is taken on an adventure by a free-spirited woman. While it certainly isn’t as popular as it deserves to be due to its quirkiness, it has obtained a cult following and has been hailed as one of Daniels’ funniest, most overlooked roles. It also has plenty of tonal shifts to keep the movie interesting, and it makes for one unpredictable ride.

Two years after the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line" won an Oscar, producer-co-writer Judd Apatow came out with an incredible spoof of it. “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” is a sharp and absurd parody that aims at every music biopic trope imaginable. Following the life of fictional rock legend Dewey Cox, the film skewers everything from "Walk the Line" to "Ray." With its outrageous humor, surprisingly catchy songs, and an all-star cast of comedic heavyweights, it should have been a runaway hit. Yet, despite rave reviews, it bombed at the box office. Maybe it was ahead of its time, or maybe audiences weren’t ready for its level of meta-humor. Either way, "Walk Hard" has become a cult classic.

“Synecdoche, New York” is the kind of arthouse film that gets under your skin and refuses to leave. Written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, it follows theater director Caden Cotard, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. When Cotard's life falls apart, he finds solace in the theater. He attempts to recreate his entire life inside a massive warehouse for a never-ending play. It’s an intricate, surreal exploration of mortality, identity, and the futility of artistic ambition. While critics praised its ambition, the film’s layered narrative and bleak tone left mainstream audiences puzzled. But for those who connect with its themes, "Synecdoche, New York" is a profound, almost overwhelming experience.

While there are certainly still Westerns made in abundance these days, it’s rare to receive one that feels this fresh. While one could chalk that up to the predominantly Black cast, something that is rather unique in the genre, The Harder They Fall stands as a fantastic modern entry into the Western canon thanks in part to its all-star ensemble, quippy screenplay and flashy direction by first time feature director Jeymes Samuel. Samuel, who has made a name for himself as a musician under the name The Bullitts, brings a sense of musicality to this bombastic film. It’s sure to go down as a classic of the genre, once more people see it that is…

Don’t let the goofy title fool you; the movie is not actually about a spectral pooch. Ghost Dog is a hitman for the mob who adheres to the ancient Samurai code in his proceedings, and is portrayed perfectly by Forest Whittaker in one of his most underrated roles. The movie is refreshingly unique, as it organically blends the completely differing styles of gangster and Samurai films, and it was even nominated for various prestigious accolades, including an Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature. Despite all this, we bet there’s a good chance you’ve never even heard of it.

An overlooked classic in the crime comedy genre, this movie centers on a thief who is posing as an actor in Hollywood that gets caught in the middle of a murder investigation. Co-stars Robert Downey, Jr. and Val Kilmer share terrific chemistry, and the movie features one of Downey Jr.’s most overlooked roles, as he is truly hilarious. The comedy is sharp and the action is gritty, with the movie blending so many genres together it becomes a biting satire on classic hard-edged stories.

Outside of his exploits as Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise flicks in the 2010s were hit or miss. The most beloved of the batch might just be this fun time-looper. With a lukewarm box office despite positive reviews, fans have been calling for a follow-up. It’s not hard to see why! The looping format is simple but exciting, unpredictable, and a breeze to watch. It’s an action movie that feels more like gaming than most actual game adaptations. It plays off of that medium’s unique dynamic with ‘death’ without losing its stakes. Cruise is his ever-reliable self and Emily Blunt becomes a bonafide action hero. She elevates her character above the material’s limits and steals the show. Not to mention… the aliens are just really cool.

This movie is a classic noir with Nicolas Cage in the leading role and he was actually quite good in it. The story follows Cage’s character, who is mistaken for the hitman that another man hired to kill his wife, and as such, unpredictable chaos ensues. Everybody involved in the film is fantastic, but if you’ve never heard of it, we don’t blame you, as it was sent direct-to-video, even after an enthusiastic response at the Toronto International Film Festival.

This movie was written and directed by Wes Anderson, and features all of his trademark quirkiness, eccentricity, and originality, which make for a fun, if awkward, time. It’s filled with terrific performances by an all-star cast, most notably Bill Murray as Steve, a man who sets out to find the shark that killed his friend. While Wes is becoming more popular today, this movie proved too strange for audiences, receiving mixed reviews and bombing with a box-office performance of only $35 million.

When we say comedy, the gritty Martin Scorsese is probably not the first person to pop into your head, but his funny bone shines in this film about a man who runs into misadventures as he makes his way home. Scorsese had successfully dabbled in comedy prior to this with “The King of Comedy,” but “After Hours”’ outrageous, fun, and relatively simple premise makes it a true gem. Scorsese even won himself the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, and the movie remains darkly hilarious, but sadly overlooked to this day.

Nicholas Cage has played every role under the sun. Hell, he’s even played himself. But it’s this 2021 drama where he tackles the character of a humble truffle-hunter that ranks among the actor’s greatest performances. Michael Sarnoski’s directorial debut sees Cage play Rob Field, whose treasured truffle pig is stolen from him in the middle of the night, which sets Field out on a journey to find the thief. While this may sound like it would result in a John Wick-esque revenge story, Sarnoski’s approach to the material is extremely tender and meditative, but it’s a film that’s rewarding for those with patience.

It’s Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt co-starring in a time travel movie. What more could you want? The pair play the same character, Joe, as his future self is sent back through time to be assassinated by his younger self, and the movie is just as awesome as that synopsis sounds. The film has a fantastic story with great characters, and the production design and cinematography are mesmerizing. It deserves to be hailed as a science fiction classic, but sadly, very few people seem to remember it even exists.

Everyone loves the Coen brothers. So why doesn’t everybody love this movie? The most anyone knows about it is the famous forest scene, but there’s so much more in the story of a man who plays both sides of a gangster family rivalry. It features the signature Coen intensity, and the performances are all outstanding. The film was released before the brothers became popular, and consequently, was quickly forgotten, but that’s not to say this outing isn’t just as fantastic as their other efforts.

Another thriller, this story about a man who builds a shelter to protect his family from a storm and his own paranoia was praised by critics, but landed with an unwarranted thud with audiences. It only made $3 million at the box office, failing to make back its budget, and has since seemingly disappeared from existence. All this despite Michael Shannon’s hauntingly beautiful performance and the sheer dread that the film conveys. Maybe it proved too dark for viewers, but either way, “Take Shelter” deserves more of them.

One of Brian De Palma’s masterpieces, “Blow Out” sees the director at the top of his game and features an A-list cast, including the outstanding John Travolta and John Lithgow. Negative word of mouth spread after the movie premiered due to its dreary story about a sound effects technician who discovered audio evidence of an assassination. As such, it performed poorly at the box office and never reached an audience. The ending only adds to the film’s depravity, and makes for an emotional, yet unforgettable movie experience.

Thanks to bumpy distribution, this surreal fever dream never really had its time in the sun. And once actually released, it polarized critics and audiences alike. Director David Robert Mitchell weaves a tangled web of sex, conspiracy, and paranoia. In the middle of it is Sam, Andrew Garfield’s questionable ‘hero.’ Some see it as the same strain as “Inherent Vice” and “The Big Lebowski.” It’s a big, messy mystery that’s meant to be a big mess. The search for answers is, itself, the point. Other writers have a deeper reading, from a feminist lens. It’s one where Sam’s disaffected male gaze and savior fantasies are an interrogation of noir and entertainment. Altogether, it’s an ambitious piece that deserves a second look.

If this movie were released today, with the horror comedy hybrid genre booming, it would definitely be more popular. The film follows Roddy Piper’s character (yes, that Roddy Piper) as he discovers a pair of sunglasses that let him see the truth about consumerism, advertising, and that the ruling class are concealed aliens. Not only is the movie scary and fantastically absurd, it also provides thoughtful commentary on the rich, the economic status of America, and the influence of mass media on the general population. Not bad for a silly sci-fi movie starring a wrestler.

A unique title for a unique movie, it lets the audience know right away what they’re getting into, which is a terrific story leading up to the titular historic killing of Jesse James by Robert Ford. Starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, respectively, they become their characters through hypnotic performances, and the movie is completed by memorably beautiful and desolate cinematography. It deserves a spot in the pantheon of great Westerns, but sadly, it bombed at the box office and has failed to make an impression.

Easily the most underrated film of the decade, “A Simple Plan” has an A-list cast and the fantastic Sam Raimi behind the camera. The flick follows Billy Bob Thornton and Bill Paxton as brothers who discover over $4 million in cash and begin to doubt each other in their plan to keep it secret. The story plays out intensely and unpredictably, and the performances are all mesmerizing, with each character reaching their breaking point in realistic fashion. It was even nominated for two Academy Awards, but sadly, never got a fraction of the audience it should have.

Easily one of the most overlooked movies of the decade, “Prisoners” is a fantastic film that showcases the talents of everyone involved. It’s about two young girls who are kidnapped in Pennsylvania, and while it sounds simple enough, it is a dark, complex, and emotional story that hits many unpredictable beats. The performances are outstanding, specifically those by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, and the movie was nominated for an Oscar for its breathtaking cinematography. It’s a work of art that deserves all the recognition it can get.

Hollywood is rife with films 'based on a true story,' but few filmmakers were as brave or speculative as David Fincher in his film “Zodiac.” The film is a deep dive into the real-life Zodiac Killer case, following a pair of journalists and a detective as they try to uncover the identity of the infamous murderer. Fincher’s trademark precision brings the 1970s to life, immersing viewers in the paranoia and unease that gripped California during the killer’s spree. Its deliberate pacing and chilling atmosphere elevate it above standard crime dramas. At the time, though, it struggled to find an audience before becoming a cult classic.

What’s your favorite under-hyped flick? Let us know in the comments!