While major blockbusters often steal the spotlight, many remarkable films go unnoticed in the chaos of high-profile releases. Over the last decade, a number of films have slipped under the radar despite delivering exceptional storytelling, performances, and innovative filmmaking. These underrated gems may not have received the widespread attention they deserve, but they offer unique perspectives, emotional depth, and cinematic brilliance. Here’s a look at some of the best underrated movies of the past decade that you shouldn’t miss.
1. ‘The Fall’ (2006) – A Cinematic Masterpiece by Tarsem Singh
Although released just outside the last decade, The Fall deserves a mention for its timeless visual appeal and underappreciated artistic merit. Directed by Tarsem Singh, this visually stunning film blends fantasy and reality in a tale about a stuntman who tells an epic story to a young girl in a Los Angeles hospital. The movie’s lavish sets and elaborate costumes, along with an intricate narrative structure, make it a cinematic masterpiece that deserves more recognition.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite receiving praise for its visuals, The Fall underperformed at the box office and didn’t gain widespread attention upon release.
2. ‘A Ghost Story’ (2017) – A Haunting Meditation on Time
Directed by David Lowery, A Ghost Story is a quiet, contemplative film about grief, time, and existence. Featuring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, the film tells the story of a ghost who observes his former life and the passage of time. It is a slow, almost ethereal exploration of the human condition, balancing elements of horror with poignant emotional moments.
Why It’s Underrated: Its unconventional pace and minimalist approach may have been off-putting for mainstream audiences, yet it remains a hauntingly beautiful exploration of loss and memory.
3. ‘Leave No Trace’ (2018) – An Intimate Exploration of Survival and Father-Daughter Bond
Directed by Debra Granik, Leave No Trace is a quietly powerful film about a father and daughter living off the grid in the forests of Oregon. The film focuses on the bond between the two as they navigate the complexities of living outside the norms of society. The understated performances by Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie elevate the emotional weight of the story.
Why It’s Underrated: While critically acclaimed, Leave No Trace flew under the radar in terms of mainstream recognition and did not achieve the widespread popularity it deserved.
4. ‘The Invitation’ (2015) – A Gripping Psychological Thriller
Directed by Karyn Kusama, The Invitation is a slow-burn psychological thriller that examines grief, cult behavior, and paranoia. The film follows a man who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, where the atmosphere becomes increasingly unsettling. What starts as a polite gathering spirals into a tense and disturbing psychological journey.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its tension and strong performances, The Invitation didn’t receive the attention it warranted, remaining a hidden gem in the thriller genre.
5. ‘The Rover’ (2014) – A Gritty Post-Apocalyptic Tale
Set in the Australian Outback, The Rover is a post-apocalyptic drama directed by David Michôd, starring Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson. The film follows a man on a mission to retrieve his stolen car, navigating a desolate and lawless landscape. The atmospheric tone, compelling performances, and exploration of humanity’s dark side make this film a standout in the post-apocalyptic genre.
Why It’s Underrated: While praised for its intense storytelling, The Rover didn’t capture mainstream attention, likely due to its slow pacing and bleak tone.
6. ‘Columbus’ (2017) – A Quiet, Thoughtful Drama
Directed by Kogonada, Columbus is a subtle and beautifully crafted drama about a young woman who forms a connection with a man stranded in the town of Columbus, Indiana. As the two spend time together, they navigate their personal dilemmas and the architecture of the town, with the buildings often reflecting their internal struggles. The film stands out for its meditative pace and stunning cinematography.
Why It’s Underrated: Its quiet nature and introspective themes made it difficult to reach a broad audience, but it remains a poignant, heartfelt exploration of human connection.
7. ‘Midnight Special’ (2016) – A Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Thriller
Directed by Jeff Nichols, Midnight Special is a science fiction thriller about a father trying to protect his son, who possesses supernatural abilities. The film blends family drama with sci-fi elements, creating a unique, suspenseful experience. With a strong cast, including Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton, it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the unknown.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its compelling premise and solid performances, Midnight Special didn’t make a major splash at the box office and remains relatively unknown to many viewers.
8. ‘Eighth Grade’ (2018) – A Raw and Honest Coming-of-Age Story
Written and directed by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade is a coming-of-age film that captures the awkwardness and anxiety of middle school in an authentic and relatable way. The film follows Kayla, an introverted 13-year-old girl navigating her final days of middle school. Elsie Fisher’s remarkable performance as Kayla earned her widespread acclaim, making this film one of the most honest portrayals of adolescence in recent years.
Why It’s Underrated: While it earned critical praise, Eighth Grade didn’t reach the same level of mainstream recognition, overshadowed by more commercial coming-of-age films.
9. ‘The Endless’ (2017) – A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Horror Film
The directorial debut of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, The Endless is a mind-bending sci-fi horror film that explores themes of cults, time loops, and existentialism. The story follows two brothers who return to a cult they escaped from years earlier, only to discover that something far more disturbing is at play. The film blends sci-fi elements with psychological horror, creating a disorienting yet fascinating viewing experience.
Why It’s Underrated: Its complex narrative and niche genre made it difficult for mainstream audiences to fully embrace, but it remains a standout in the genre.
10. ‘Paterson’ (2016) – A Poetic Look at Everyday Life
Directed by Jim Jarmusch, Paterson is a poetic film that follows a bus driver, also named Paterson, as he navigates his daily life in the city of Paterson, New Jersey. The film highlights the beauty in the mundane, with Paterson finding inspiration in his surroundings and his poetry. Adam Driver delivers a subtle, nuanced performance that captures the quiet charm of the film.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its critical acclaim, Paterson was overlooked by many viewers, perhaps due to its slow pacing and focus on the quiet moments of life.
Conclusion
While these films may not have garnered the widespread attention of blockbusters, they each offer something unique, whether it’s groundbreaking storytelling, powerful performances, or innovative direction. As time passes, these underrated gems will likely gain a dedicated following and secure their place in cinematic history. If you’re looking for films that offer a fresh perspective, dive into these hidden treasures from the past decade.
