Most movies are ahead of their time. While others are carelessly ignored by the audience. Some of these misunderstood gems do not do a good business. That doesn’t have to be a judge of their brilliance though. It is only with time and patience that we realise that some movies deserve so much more than they got. Here’s a list of the most underrated Hollywood movies of all time that are finally getting their due.
Also read: 25 Most Inspirational Hollywood Movies To Lift Your Spirits
1. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
This a heartwarming story about a family in Iowa. It is so simple yet so beautiful, so real and relatable. This is essentially the story of Gilbert (Johnny Depp), a young man who takes the responsibility of his siblings and his obese mother. He is the man of the house, a thing he is not prepared for but duly adheres to. Leonardo DiCaprio as Arnie will just make your heart melt, it is such an honest performance. This feel-good movie mostly remains unnoticed for God knows what reason when in fact it is a great piece of work.
2. Something Wild (1986)
It is a wildly unpredictable movie, with a weird whimsicality about it. This is what makes it so likeable, I guess. An investment banker is pursued by a fun-loving girl to act as her husband for her high school reunion. One would wonder, what can go wrong? But as the plot proceeds, all hell is broken loose. This fast-paced movie will keep you at the edge and surprise you sufficiently.
3. A Simple Plan (1998)
Two brothers and their friend find a bag containing 4 million dollars near a crashed plane with a dead pirate. They decide to take the money and hide it from the authorities. Things begin to complicate when they start doubting each other. With a well-seasoned cast and a gripping plot, this movie is undoubtedly one of the most underrated Hollywood movies of all time.
4. After Hours (1985)
A man encounters a series of misfortunes one night after he goes out for a date. This dark comedy makes its protagonist face some hilariously outrageous situations as he just struggles to get back home. Everything that one could dread to go wrong, goes wrong. One cannot stop laughing while watching this movie, it’s rib-tickling. It is also a very well written and well-directed movie that is not as appreciated as it should be.
5. Be Kind Rewind (2008)
It is not something one expects out of a Gondry film. And it surpasses the typical comedy films that Jack Black usually gives us. This movie is something fresh and different. It is goofy and at the same time endearing. In this age of content streaming, do watch this genuine story of a video rental shop going out of business and the efforts made to save it. It is so much more than it promises to be.
6. Take Shelter (2011)
You warn people of an impending storm- they don’t believe you and call you crazy. This movie leaves so much to the audience’s imagination. It constantly makes you debate whether to believe or not to believe. This movie keeps you involved and that is what makes it so wonderful. Michael Shannon’s performance is the highlight of the film. His sheer brilliance shines through.
7. Under the Silver Lake (2018)
Let’s take a moment to just accept that Andrew Garfield is a highly underrated actor. This neo-noir movie is a thriller that follows the overnight disappearance of a woman. Sam (played by Garfield) turns detective and tries to untangle the mystery. But it’s not that straight forward as you would expect it to be. Ever heard of surrealism?
8. Zodiac (2007)
Based on real events, this is the story of an unsolved murder case. It is mostly unappreciated because they don’t reveal the name of the killer at the end. But that’s the whole point of the story, right? You can’t change the truth. Watch this movie if you want to witness excellence and can handle reality.
9. The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
Directed by Derek Cianfrance and starring Ryan Gosling (who previously worked together in the film ‘Blue Valentine’) this movie is a one-thing-leads-to-another nightmare that you will actually want to see. A stuntman’s self-destructive journey towards what he assumes is a happy future with his ex-girlfriend and his baby is a ride that not only moves you but also feels relatable in an odd way. It is without a doubt one of the most underrated Hollywood movies.
10. Love, Rosie (2014)
This adorable adaptation of Cecelia Ahern’s book ‘Where Rainbows End’, is a heartwarming and soothing experience. It is the tale of two best friends who know each other since childhood and practically grew up next to each other. Things get complicated and comfortingly real as the element of love creeps in between them. But this isn’t just another chick flick, this movie has depth. You have to watch it to know it.
There are plenty of reasons why a movie doesn’t reach people in the way that it should. This list consists of a few movies out of the many that have been overlooked over the years for whatever reason.
What are some movies that you think should be on this list of some of the most underrated Hollywood movies? Do let me know in the comments section.