If you’re looking for some hidden cinematic gems, this list of 10 underrated movies is a great place to start. From indie dramas like The Florida Project and Columbus to offbeat comedies like Swiss Army Man and heart-wrenching dramas like Krisha, these films may not have made a big splash at the box office, but they’re certainly worth checking out. The list also features The Invitation, a nail-biting psychological thriller and The Handmaiden, a visually stunning lush, erotic thriller. So, if you’re a movie buff, don’t miss out on these underrated masterpieces that are waiting to be discovered.
10 Underrated Movies You Might Have Missed in Theaters
If you’re a movie buff, chances are you’ve watched your fair share of big-budget blockbusters and indie darlings. But what about the hidden gems that slip under the radar? The films that get lost in the shuffle and never quite find their audience in theaters?
Well, fear not. We’ve compiled a list of 10 underrated movies that you might have missed in theaters. From quirky comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, these films may not have made a big splash at the box office, but they’re certainly worth checking out.
1. The Florida Project (2017)
This indie drama tells the story of a precocious six-year-old girl named Moonee who lives with her young mother in a budget motel just outside Disney World. Despite its dark subject matter, the film is full of life and humor, showcasing the resilience and imagination of childhood. If you’re a fan of films like Beasts of the Southern Wild or Moonlight, The Florida Project is a must-watch.
2. Columbus (2017)
This quiet, contemplative drama follows a Korean-born man named Jin who finds himself stuck in Columbus, Indiana after his father falls ill. There, he meets a young woman named Casey who’s obsessed with the city’s modernist architecture. Columbus is a beautifully shot film that explores themes of identity, family, and the power of art to move us.
3. Swiss Army Man (2016)
This bizarre, offbeat comedy stars Paul Dano as a man stranded on a deserted island who befriends a dead body (played by Daniel Radcliffe). Yes, you read that right. Swiss Army Man is a film that defies easy explanation, but it’s also a surprisingly moving meditation on friendship, loneliness, and the weirdness of being alive.
4. Eighth Grade (2018)
This coming-of-age dramedy follows a shy, awkward eighth-grade girl named Kayla as she navigates the final weeks of middle school. Written and directed by comedian Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of adolescence with humor and authenticity.
5. American Honey (2016)
This sprawling road movie follows a group of young magazine sellers as they crisscross the American Midwest. At its center is a magnetic performance by newcomer Sasha Lane, whose character Star falls in with a charismatic sales manager named Jake (played by Shia LaBeouf). American Honey is a portrait of a lost generation searching for meaning and connection in a broken world.
6. The Handmaiden (2016)
This lush, erotic thriller from South Korean director Park Chan-wook is one of the most visually stunning films of recent memory. Set in 1930s Korea, The Handmaiden tells the story of a young pickpocket who becomes the handmaiden to a wealthy heiress in an elaborate con job. The film is full of twists and turns, and its sumptuous cinematography alone is worth the price of admission.
7. The Fits (2015)
This hypnotic indie drama tells the story of a young tomboy named Toni who dreams of joining a local dance troupe. But when the girls in the troupe start suffering from mysterious seizures, Toni begins to question whether the group is all it seems. The Fits is a haunting exploration of adolescence and group dynamics that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant.
8. Paterson (2016)
This understated gem from director Jim Jarmusch stars Adam Driver as a bus driver named Paterson who lives in Paterson, New Jersey (yes, really). Paterson is a creature of routine: he drives his bus, writes poems in his notebook, and comes home to his wife and dog. But when a series of small coincidences upend his routine, Paterson begins to see the world in a new light. This film is a quiet, contemplative delight that celebrates the beauty of the everyday.
9. Krisha (2015)
This low-budget indie from writer/director Trey Edward Shults tells the story of a woman named Krisha who returns to her family for Thanksgiving after a long absence. But as tensions rise and old wounds are reopened, Krisha finds herself struggling to hold onto her sobriety. Krisha is an intense, emotional rollercoaster of a film that’s anchored by a powerhouse performance from Krisha Fairchild.
10. The Invitation (2015)
This nail-biting psychological thriller from director Karyn Kusama follows a man named Will who’s invited to a dinner party thrown by his ex-wife and her new husband. But as the night wears on, Will begins to suspect that there’s something sinister going on. The Invitation is a masterclass in suspense, and its slow-burn tension will leave you on the edge of your seat.
In conclusion, there are countless hidden cinematic treasures waiting to be discovered. These 10 films are just a starting point. Whether you’re a fan of indie dramas or offbeat comedies, there’s something on this list for everyone. So pop some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be wowed by these underrated masterpieces.