Underrated Gems
Films not included in the Top 250 that deserve praise and recognition.
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- DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsColin FarrellBrendan GleesonCiarán HindsAfter a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.9.3
One of the best scripts ever, McDonaugh's writing talents really shines through in this dark comedy. Ever line is a foreshadowing, every scene an analogy for something much deeper. Everything that happens has a purpose, which is tightly woven into the perfect, albeit depressing finale. Now the acting. The acting is top notch in this film. Colin Ferrell is amazing, well deserving of his Golden Globe win for this film, giving by far his best performance. Brendon Gleeson plays his role flawlessly, really giving his character likability and charisma. It is a darkly comedic, thought-provoking thrill ride that has great atmosphere and performances. Absolutely hilarious, probably one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. This film is absurdly underrated, and is far, far better than basically any action/comedy film made in the last decade (excluding the Cornetto Trilogy). On the surface it is a hilarious, politically-incorrect dark comedy with some great action sprinkled in, but a closer look can reveal some real master-class filmmaking. A must watch for any fan of cinema. - DirectorNeil MarshallStarsMichael FassbenderDominic WestOlga KurylenkoA splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is devastated in a guerrilla attack.8.7
A great swords and sandals film. Personally enjoyed it more than Gladiator. The script, the performances, the characters, everything is on point. Marshall directed the hell out of this movie, and it shows. - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksHelen HuntPaul SanchezA FedEx executive undergoes a physical and emotional transformation after crash landing on a deserted island.9.0
Heartbreaking, triumphant, a total achievement in humanity. A tale of survival, loss, and finding your humanity. Tom Hanks deserved the Oscar win. He is perfect in this role, and really breathes life into this film. This is a very human story. This is a triumphant yet heartbreaking story. Nothing prepared me for the loss of the best inanimate character in all of film history. A must watch. - DirectorDavid FincherStarsJake GyllenhaalRobert Downey Jr.Mark RuffaloBetween 1968 and 1983, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.9.1
David Fincher's most underrated film. It is a slow, methodical, realistic take on the serial killer genre. The details put into this film are incredible, as are the performances and the writing. Fincher's direction is flawless as well is the editing and the set direction. The acting is very good, with a remarkable performance by Mark Ruffalo. RDJ and Gyllenhaal also are great. I personally love this movie, and its visual style, it has a bleak (although not as bleak as Se7en), crisp, noir feeling that no other film has ever achieved in my opinion. A must see for any mystery/thriller/noir/Fincher fan. - DirectorDuncan JonesStarsSam RockwellKevin SpaceyDominique McElligottAstronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.9.2
One of the most underrated scifi films I have ever seen. This is one of my personal favorite science fiction stories (right next to 2001) and one that left me thinking about it weeks after I had initially viewed it. Sam Rockwell gives the performance of a lifetime. In its essence, it is a study on human loneliness, and how no person on this earth desires to be alone. I love the originality and creativity of the script, and the philosophical look at life all alone. - DirectorEdward ZwickStarsLeonardo DiCaprioDjimon HounsouJennifer ConnellyA fisherman, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond.9.0 Powerful and heartbreaking. A beautiful and visceral view into the African diamond trade. My favorite Dicaprio role. Edward Zwick yet again does not disappoint. One of the best endings I have ever seen. Djimon Hounson is astounding and Jennifer Connolly disappears into her role. It is a long journey that takes you deep into the heart of Africa. The locations are stunning, and the violence brutal. This contrast really sets the stage for the humanity that is both lost and gained by this diamond trade. This film is a must-watch for Dicaprio's accent alone.
- DirectorJoe CarnahanStarsLiam NeesonDermot MulroneyFrank GrilloAfter their plane crashes in Alaska, six oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step.8.8 A thoroughly misunderstood film. This is not an action flick. This is a philosophical look at fear, religion, faith, and the will to survive. Neeson at his finest. A near-perfect ending, one of my all time favorites. At first glance it may seem to suffer from some stereotypical character cliches and situations, but that is the point. Each character is a stereotype, reflecting a person's outlook on life, and their outlook on God. If you view this as a action movie, then yeah it sucks. But to quote a certain American Beauty: "Look Closer". This film is amazing the more and more that you unpack it. The ending scene and the poem that goes with it perfectly encapsulated this film.
- DirectorChristopher SmithStarsEddie RedmayneSean BeanCarice van HoutenSet during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk is given the task of learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village.8.9 A gothic horror film. Not a horror film that is filled with jump scares and lathered in gore. A horror film that is brimming with atmosphere and that feeling of unease. Top notch performances from Redmaybe and Van Houten. Sean Bean in one of his best roles. Cannot praise this film enough. Excellent cinematography and a very unpredictable plot that does not disappoint in any way. Not an easy viewing, not a happy viewing. But a viewing that fulfills everything that you would want from a film like this. Read my full review here: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4105503/?ref_=tt_urv
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsSean PertweeKevin McKiddEmma CleasbyA routine military exercise turns into a nightmare in the Scottish wilderness.8.6 My favorite werewolf film. One of my favorite horror films. One of my favorite military films. Hilarious, gory, intense, satisfying. Some of the best "soldier chemistry" I have ever witnessed. Once again, Neil Marshall is a legend.
- DirectorJohn HillcoatStarsViggo MortensenCharlize TheronKodi Smit-McPheeIn a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, an ailing father defends his son as they slowly travel to the sea.9.1 Beautifully heartbreaking. The warmth under the grim setting is truly moving. Viggo Mortenson is beyond perfect. Smit-McPhee gives probably my favorite child performance of all time. This movie hits you right in the feels in every single scene. Deserves more praise.
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsTom CruiseKen WatanabeBilly ConnollyIn 19th century Japan, Nathan Algren, a US army captain, is hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in the modern warfare techniques. Captain Algren finds himself trapped in a struggle between two eras and two worlds.8.9 A surprisingly underrated epic. Ken Wantanabe is amazing, as well is the cinematography and excellent battle sequences. This movie does not warrant any negative reviews or hatred. This is a true epic with a romantic worldview and mindset.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsDaniel Day-LewisMadeleine StoweRussell MeansThree trappers protect the daughters of a British Colonel in the midst of the French and Indian War.9.3 How this movie is not in the Top 250 is beyond me. Surpasses almost every other historical drama/adventure film. The score is iconic and the locations beautiful.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittLukas HaasEmilie de RavinA teenage loner pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend.9.2 Blew me away. It is unpredictable, tense, and emotional. Gordon-Levitt is a powerhouse. Cannot praise this one enough. No fault that I can find.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsAl PacinoRobin WilliamsHilary SwankTwo Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.8.9 Christopher Nolan's most underrated film. One of his best in my opinion, with great atmosphere and performances. A must see for all thriller or mystery fans.This movie has always been overlook, ranking his lowest rated film on IMDB. Sure, it isnt as groundbreaking as Memento, or has a great twist like the Prestige. It doesnt have the epic scope of Inception or the Dark Knight. But it has the most humanity. It is the most down-to-earth. It has a great, atmospheric feel that encompasses the feelings of insomnia, paranioa, and guilt while never telling you all of the answers. Robin Williams breaks away from his normal role, this time being extremely unsettling and frightening, though never maniacal or insane. He keeps his sanity close throughout the film, giving him an empathetic feel from the audience. I love this movie, and I hate how little recognition it gets. One of my favorite detective/thriller movies.
- DirectorJacques AudiardStarsJohn C. ReillyJoaquin PhoenixJake GyllenhaalEli and Charlie Sisters, an infamous duo of gunslinging assassins, chase a gold prospector and his unexpected ally in 1850s Oregon.8.7 A very well crafted philosophical look at the western drama. Thought provoking dialogue, an intellectually based film with beautiful, sweeping cinematography. It was a slow-burner that captivated me in every scene.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichael FassbenderKatherine WaterstonBilly CrudupThe crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.8.4 Does not whatsoever deserve the hate that it receives. This is a beautifully shot film that has some amazing art direction and imagery. Not as good as the original, but a worthy addition to the great franchise.
- DirectorSteven KnightStarsTom HardyOlivia ColmanRuth WilsonIvan Locke, a dedicated family man and successful construction manager, receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his carefully cultivated existence.8.7 Who knew that Tom Hardy in a car for 90 minutes would be so gripping? The film never leaves his car. Yet so much happens and so much crumbles around him that it is an utter fascination to behold. Tom Hardy in an unmatchable performance.
- DirectorBrendan MuldowneyStarsTom HollandRichard ArmitageJon BernthalIn 13th-century Ireland, a group of monks must escort a sacred relic across a landscape fraught with peril.8.6 A spiritual, brutal tale of faith, or the lack thereof. Bernthal is a standout, as well as young Holland. A must see for any medival film fan.
- StarsRomano OrzariManuel TadrosJesse RathWhen the Duke of Milan is brutally murdered, the Assassin Giovanni Auditore is dispatched to investigate. The answers he uncovers implicate Italy's most powerful families reaching all the way back to the Vatican itself.8.3 Best video-game movie adaptation. Period. Its short run time is the only thing that I have against it. A must watch for any Assassins Creed fan.
- DirectorJohn MacleanStarsKodi Smit-McPheeCaren PistoriusAorere PakiA young Scottish man travels across America in pursuit of the woman he loves, attracting the attention of an outlaw who is willing to serve as a guide.8.6 A surreal, dreamlike western that is both an analogy and a perpetual dream-state. Once again Kodi Smit-Mcphee is great and continues to impress.
- DirectorDanny BoyleStarsCillian MurphyRose ByrneChris EvansA team of international astronauts is sent on a dangerous mission to reignite the dying Sun with a nuclear fission bomb in 2057.8.6 A mesmerizing space film. It is both psychological and gripping. The third act is less praiseworthy than the other parts of the film, but overall an amazing experience.
- DirectorSydney PollackStarsRobert RedfordWill GeerDelle BoltonA mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by the Crow tribe and proves to be a match for their warriors in single combat on the early frontier.8.5 A tale of a man who searches for himself. Amidst the lonely winters and the hungry bears, he finds his humanity in a truly touching survival tale.
- DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsJulianne MooreClive OwenChiwetel EjioforIn 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.9.3
An uncompromising view of the future, and the humanity that we still possess. This film is both bleak, beautiful, raw, and heartfelt. Some of the best camerawork I've ever seen. Plenty of long, unbroken takes, woven together with great digital effects and skillful camera movement. The sound was incredible, with each explosion, gun shot, or every cry from the baby resonating through my mind. The soundtrack was soulful and sad, but at the same time hopeful. The sets were incredibly detailed, down to every little nuance and object, perfectly placed. Clive Owen was great in this movie, showing a subtle wide range of emotions. I have never seen Michael Caine have so much fun on film before, like he did here. This movie is incredibly unique, and well-crafted in both its writing and its execution.