These amazing movies didn’t receive the attention they deserved because of bad marketing or a bad release schedule. Despite having intriguing plots, likable characters, and gripping stories, none of these films received any attention. You should put these underappreciated gems on your watchlist.
- The 2012 film Ruby Sparks
This contemporary take on the romantic comedy genre features excellent performances from Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan, but it didn’t get the credit it deserved. Ruby Sparks thoughtfully and deftly dissects the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” cliché.
Calvin, a poor writer, imagines the ideal eccentric woman, who materializes out of nowhere. Despite not being your usual feel-good romantic comedy, Ruby Sparks delivers a thought-provoking theme with lots of subtleties to enjoy.
- Locke (2014)
Locke, which takes place entirely within a car, features brilliant writing by Steven Knight and superb acting by Tom Hardy. During a single vehicle ride, Ivan Locke’s life drastically alters as a result of phone conversations with his wife, child, coworkers, and a past lover. This is the plot of the film.
Hardy gives an amazing performance, responding only to the voices on the other end of the telephone. In one particularly striking instance, Locke is even seen conversing with the ghost of his father in the backseat. Hardy’s performance merited greater praise, possibly even an Oscar nomination.
- In A Universe… (2013)
The protagonist of this independent masterpiece, written and starred by Lake Bell, is Carol, a vocal coach attempting to make it big in her father Sam’s voice-over business. She has the chance to fight for a desired role through an unexpected opportunity, creating a funny and stressful family dynamic.
In A World…, which stars Eva Longoria in a supporting role, is a clever, perceptive, and humorous movie that excels because to Bell’s direction and captivating performance.
- Sunshine from 2007
Sunshine, a remarkably overlooked sci-fi thriller directed by Danny Boyle, stars Cillian Murphy, Benedict Wong, Chris Evans, Rose Byrne, and Michelle Yeoh. The movie, which takes place in 2057, centers on a team of scientists who are trying to save humanity by rekindling the fading sun.
Sunshine is a film that merits multiple viewings due to its unique blend of strong science fiction action and thought-provoking concerns regarding science and spirituality.
- (2018) I Am Not an Easy Man
This French comedy delves into a universe where gender roles are inverted and may be viewed on Netflix. The chauvinistic Damien awakens from a parallel dimension where women rule society and men are the object of discrimination following a brain injury.
This astute, covert satire offers a novel perspective on gender dynamics along with a lot of chuckles.
- Insubordination (2017)
Disobedience, a poignant drama about identity, tradition, and the quest of happiness, stars Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams. The narrative centers on Ronit, who, after a long absence, returns to her Orthodox Jewish community only to find herself reuniting with her former love, Esti, who is now married.
Disobedience develops into a moving examination of duty and love as the two women struggle with their renewed feelings and the community’s condemnation.
- His Residence (2020)
His House is a masterwork at fusing real-life trauma with otherworldly terror. It follows the tale of two Sudanese immigrants who discover themselves not alone in their new house.
Horror fans shouldn’t miss director Remi Weekes’ scary and thought-provoking story, which eschews conventional horror clichés.
- Cloud Atlas, 2012
Cloud Atlas, a genre-bending movie that combines several stories from the 19th century to a far-off post-apocalyptic future, is based on David Mitchell’s novel. The film’s breadth is astounding as it delves into themes of perseverance and human connection over space and time.
In the world of science fiction movies, Cloud Atlas is still a hidden gem thanks to its ambitious storytelling and distinctive narrative structure.
- A Watchful (2018)
Olivia Wilde portrays Sadie in A Vigilante, a lady who uses all means necessary to help other women leave violent situations. Sadie is shown as having a terrifying appearance. The film’s emotional intensity is driven by Wilde’s portrayal of Sadie, a complex and wounded woman whose own horrific past returns to haunt her.
A Vigilante is a suspenseful and ominous thriller that is well worth checking out.
- The Opponent (2013)
Enemy, a psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is about Adam Bell, a history professor, who finds out he is the struggling actor Anthony Claire’s twin. The movie explores issues of identity, power, and contradiction as their lives intertwine.
Enemy, one of Villeneuve’s most underappreciated films, has a haunting atmosphere and surprising turns, and Gyllenhaal gives a standout performance.
