Explore these 10 underrated pop culture gems that deserve more attention. From the philosophical sitcom “The Good Place” to the haunting post-apocalyptic drama “The Leftovers,” each of these hidden treasures offers a unique perspective on life and society. Discover the animated series “Bojack Horseman,” which explores addiction, depression, and trauma with empathy and humor, or the superhero TV show “Legion” that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in television. Explore the critically acclaimed indie folk band “Big Thief” or the British horror film “The Wicker Man,” which explores faith, religion, and sacrifice. Don’t overlook the South Korean erotic thriller “The Handmaiden,” the science fiction series “Orphan Black,” or the glam rock-inspired music of British supergroup “The Last Shadow Puppets.” Finally, delve into the world of the infamous cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter with the stunningly visual TV series “Hannibal.”
10 Underrated Pop Culture Gems to Discover
Pop culture is always evolving, and there’s a lot of content out there that can be easily overlooked. While most of us are familiar with blockbuster movies, popular songs, and viral memes, there are hidden gems that deserve a lot more attention than they may currently receive. Here are 10 underrated pop culture gems to discover:
1. The Good Place
The Good Place was a sitcom that aired on NBC from 2016 to 2020, and it revolves around a deceased woman named Eleanor Shellstrop who is sent to “the Good Place” after her death. The show explores various ethical and philosophical themes in a fun and accessible way, and it features incredible cast performances, including Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, and William Jackson Harper.
2. The Leftovers
The Leftovers is a post-apocalyptic drama series created by Damon Lindelof, one of the masterminds behind Lost. The show is set in a world where 2% of the global population mysteriously disappears, and it explores the aftermath of this event in a deeply emotional and haunting way. The show features captivating performances by Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Christopher Eccleston.
3. Bojack Horseman
Bojack Horseman is an animated series that aired on Netflix from 2014 to 2020, and it follows the life of a humanoid horse named Bojack who was a former sitcom star. The show explores themes of addiction, depression, and trauma with incredible empathy and humor, and it features a talented voice cast including Will Arnett, Alison Brie, and Paul F. Tompkins.
4. Big Thief
Big Thief is an indie folk band formed in Brooklyn in 2015. The band is known for its unique style of storytelling that blends poetic lyrics with haunting melodies, and they have released four critically acclaimed albums to date. Their music is both introspective and powerful, and it has the ability to resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level.
5. Legion
Legion is a superhero television series created by Noah Hawley, the showrunner of Fargo. The show follows David Haller, a man who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a child and later discovers that he has mutant powers. The show features stunning visuals and a surreal atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in television. The show stars Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, and Rachel Keller.
6. The Wicker Man
The Wicker Man is a British horror film directed by Robin Hardy and released in 1973. The movie tells the story of a police sergeant who investigates a missing person case on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The film features incredible performances by Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee, and it’s a haunting exploration of faith, religion, and sacrifice.
7. The Orphan Black
Orphan Black is a science fiction series created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett. The show follows a young woman named Sarah Manning who discovers that she is one of several clones, and she must navigate a dangerous world of conspiracies and secrets. The show features incredible performances by Tatiana Maslany, who portrays several different characters with incredible range and depth.
8. The Handmaiden
The Handmaiden is a South Korean erotic thriller directed by Park Chan-wook and released in 2016. The movie tells the story of a handmaiden named Sook-hee who is hired by a wealthy Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko. The film features stunning visuals, intricate plot twists, and incredible performances by Kim Min-hee and Ha Jung-woo.
9. The Last Shadow Puppets
The Last Shadow Puppets is a British supergroup formed by Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane of The Rascals. The band is known for their lush orchestration, clever lyrics, and retro-inspired sound that evokes the glam rock era of the 1970s. Their two albums – The Age of the Understatement and Everything You’ve Come to Expect – are both critically acclaimed and beloved by fans.
10. Hannibal
Hannibal is a television series created by Bryan Fuller and based on the characters from the novel Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. The show follows FBI profiler Will Graham and his complicated, manipulative relationship with the infamous cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The show features stunning visual design, incredible performances by Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen, and a surreal and haunting atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in television.
These 10 pop culture gems are just a few examples of the hidden treasures that are out there waiting to be discovered. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your pop culture repertoire, give any of these underrated gems a chance – you won’t be disappointed!