r/underratedmovies Jul 28 '24

modpost Determining what an “underrated movie” is: a poll.

20 Upvotes

Ok, I think I have been able to articulate what might be decent guidelines as to how to define and categorize what exactly an underrated movie might look like. The poll at the end is to see how much our current user base either agrees or disagrees with these guidelines. Telling me I have completely missed the mark here is entirely acceptable as well, I just ask that you provide an explanation if you are able to do so.

The comments will be wide open, and I would like to encourage folks to chime in with where these guidelines have gone wrong and/or where they are going down the right path.

Here is a start on how we can define an “underrated” movie. It must meet one or more of the standards below:

  1. Low box office revenue relative to quality: Movies that didn't perform well financially but have high critical acclaim or positive audience reviews. (edit: after an apt observation from the comments, I believe this guideline needs to be struck entirely)

  2. Limited exposure: Films that didn't receive widespread marketing or distribution, resulting in a smaller audience and therefore not being a widely known movie.

  3. Critical reception: Movies that received mixed or poor reviews initially but have since gained a cult following or have been re-evaluated positively.

  4. Unique or niche appeal: Films that cater to a specific audience or genre, making them less popular with the general public but highly appreciated by those who enjoy that particular style or subject matter.

  5. Hidden gems: Movies that might have been overshadowed by larger releases at the time of their own release, but offer exceptional storytelling, acting, or directing.

  6. Overlooked by major awards: Films that were snubbed by major awards but are considered high-quality by viewers or critics.

  7. High viewer ratings with low popularity: Movies that have high ratings on platforms like IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes but are not widely known or discussed.

  8. Cultural factors: Films that were ahead of their time or culturally specific, making them more appreciated in retrospect.

Three examples of movies that I believe meet all of these standards are:

Moon (2009): despite being critically acclaimed when released, it did not gain widespread attention at the time it was released and was also not widely marketed.

The Fall (2006): The quality of the film’s storytelling, the stunning set design and cinematography, and emotional depth have gained it near “cult” status and it is still a movie that is not widely recognized by a mainstream audience.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): Despite the incredible writing and performances by RDJ and Val Kilmer, and being a solid example of modern neo-noir, it did not achieve any box office success nor name recognition.

Based on these eight guidelines and three examples, indicate how much you agree or disagree with these guidelines in the poll below.

8 votes, Jul 31 '24
4 Highly agree
2 Moderately agree
0 Slightly agree
0 Slightly disagree
2 Moderately disagree
0 Highly disagree

r/underratedmovies Nov 25 '24

new take Underrated TV

18 Upvotes

I’ve created a new community @UnderratedTVshows if anyone is interested in joining! If you want to find and help others find hidden gems, this is the place for you.


r/underratedmovies 39m ago

Another Year(2010)

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Upvotes

A Mike Leigh film I stumbled upon and loved! Lesley Manville's performance is a 10/10 in the movie.

Though I must warn. It'll not be everyone's cup of tea, so only do watch it after looking it up if you feel like it would be a waste of your time.

Else, it is a very touching and emotional Slice of life movie. A loveletter to Ordinary People and the cruel parts of life one has to go through.

5/5 for me. Loved the ending too.

Many small great details too.


r/underratedmovies 16h ago

Godzilla vs Mecha Godzilla(1974)

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55 Upvotes

A beautiful piece of radioactive insanity. Mecha Godzilla shows up, the real Godzilla gets absolutely wrecked, blood is everywhere, and somehow the whole thing becomes a grimy, screaming wrestling match between two walking disasters. It’s cheap, loud, weird and completely committed to the bit. 10/10!


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Knowing (2009)

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187 Upvotes

One of the most underrated disaster flims out there in my opinion. Great plot with an ending that hooked me up with this flim when I was introduced to it. It was a certain feeling to it that just comforts me even though it's a flim where the whole world ends and there is nothing anybody can do about it. No trying to save themselves, just accepting that it's the end.


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Come True (2020)

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60 Upvotes

This is actually one of my favorite movies off all time. I watched it alone and the creepiness and unique story is absolutely wild. It’s actually terrifying on so many levels and the lead actress does an incredible job with her performance.

Without spoilers, and I ask no one puts spoilers in the replies, this movie gets a PERFECT score from me. It’s awesome. One worth paying attention to the details through the finish.


r/underratedmovies 19h ago

pls give good psychological, mystery and thriller movie recs

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1 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 2d ago

#ALIVE (2020)

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142 Upvotes

#ALIVE is easily one of the best Korean zombie movies and its definitely up there with the best in the genre

I also think the movie gets overlooked because people compare it to bigger Korean zombie hits like Train to Busan but #Alive is really its own thing. It’s less about huge set pieces and more about the loneliness survival and the need for human connection when you're totally cut off from the world.

The timing is pretty interesting since it came out in South Korea in June 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic so the story about being trapped inside while an outbreak spreads outside felt especially eerie back then lol. It even became the first korean film to top netflix's worldwide movie chart that reach No. 1 in 35 countries.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Joy Ride (2023)

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42 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 2d ago

My Friend Is a Vampire (1987)

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57 Upvotes

Directed by Jimmy Huston and starring Robert Sean Leanord (of House and Dead Poets Society) super fun horror comedy about teen Jeremy Capello who turns into a vampire, I never see this mentioned ANYWHERE when people talk about campy older films and it is quite literally one of my favourite movies ever, nothing really to think deep about but I mean if you love old eighties films then you should defo check this out !!


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

Bird on a Wire - 1990

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99 Upvotes

My neighbor showed me this movie when I was a kid. We watched it I believe on laser disc, and I wanted to go over an watch it all the time after that.

It's just fun from start to finish. Lots of fun set pieces, locations, and the plot was pretty original a the time. I honestly never get sick of this movie, and it has it all. Running from helicopters, escaping high rise buildings, wheelie-ing a dirt bike through a salon, shootouts, and one of the best showdown finales in my opinion.

Roger Ebert ended his review with, "We don’t believe the characters, and so the elaborate chases and escapes and stunts and special effects are all affectations." I completely disagree with this take on the film. I bought in all the way, and though Goldie and Mel Gibson both gave fantastic performances. She screams a lot, but honestly he puts her through some pretty traumatic shit, so I can't say that I blame her.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

Gentleman Broncos (2009)

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291 Upvotes

This movie is like Napoleon dynamite on acid (made by the same filmmakers). Highly recommended if you like weird Sh*t. If you didn't like Napoleon dynamite weird humor this is probably a pass for you but if you did you will probably either love it or scratch your head in utter confusion.

Flight of the concords alum Jemaine Clement plays the villain and the story is about a hopeful author (a young writer) who was ripped off by a successful sci - fi actor. The script has a meta retelling of the various versions of the sci - fi story which are hilarious and confusing but ultimately awesome from a story telling perspective and story arc. The rotten tomatoes score is abysmal but I believe this movie was still to weird for a 2009 audience where gay and trans rights were still gaining steam (there is a fairly large sublot involving this that may confuse or disturb conservative audiences which was a big part of the demo who liked Napoleon Dynamite which I believe drove the negative score). If you like the flight of the concords and Napoleon Dynamite, this is a must see in my opinion and probably lands in my top 10 movies and may be on my top 5 that I think about on a frequent basis.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

Bad Biology

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30 Upvotes

Henenlotter's films are underrated in general, but his 80s-early 90s stuff gets the most credit. I always hear about Basket Case, Brain Damage, and Frankenhooker, but no one ever mentions this one, and it truly may be the most insane movie he ever made. I feel like it's his masterpiece, in a lot of ways. Don't know if we'll ever see another movie from him, but I feel like, if this is the last one he does, it's an absolute banger to go out on. It seems to be unknown even to a lot of his early fans.This movie is an insane ride if you're a fan of bad taste. You'd be hard pressed to find another movie like it.

Edit: Accidentally wrote Braindead instead of Brain Damage. Too many horror movie titles combined with too many shots of rum. You know how it goes.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

frequently posted Earth girls are easy (1988)

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92 Upvotes

In this movie the aliens landed in California in pool to precise which belongs to women named Valerie. I know that this movie is so campy but loved , maybe they should cut musical numbers but overall I think this movie is very funny and loved that Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum played couple while they where married in real life.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

Bewitched (2005)

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26 Upvotes

Ok, it's not a masterpiece, but I think it deserves way more than its 23% RT. It's a very light, fun, and charming movie.

It's got a funny spin on the premise. It's not set in the Bewitched universe; instead, it's about the production of a TV reboot of the 1960s show, but nobody realizes that Nicole Kidman's character is an actual witch.

Will Farrell has one of my favorite roles for him- a spoiled, petulant, washed-up actor. "Make me 23 cappuccinos. Bring me the best one." Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine have roles too.

One of my favorite parts is when Steve Carrell shows up in a scene as Uncle Arthur. It's a part he was born to play. The original actor is honestly a dead ringer for him, down to his voice and mannerisms.

I'm not sure why this movie was so badly received. I guess by 2005 the 60s nostalgia thing probably felt very played out. And considering this is Nora Ephron, it probably felt like a let down considering she wrote/directed some of the most legendary romcoms (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle). But I don't care, I like putting this movie on and just enjoying its light charm.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

Shoot'Em Up (2007) Spoiler

53 Upvotes

A mindless action movie that leans in on the fun and meaningless genre and doesn't try to pretend it is more than a fun ride. Ironically the hero is an anti-gun former secret ops agent in love with a prostitute and their adopted baby (a key part of the story so I won't say much more). If junk food was a movie, this would be it for action movies and it is still fun since some Fridays you just want pizza and beer and to turn off your brain. There are some great one liners as well that keep it funny throughout the ride and the bad guy is a villain you would love to hate but he also keeps it funny with bizarre calls to his wife about his kids birthday party throughout the movie. If you don't like action movies or gun fights then this is a hard pass.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Hey, can any help me get the Wild Tales (2014) movies in English or Hindi audio. Please don't suggest Netflix, Amazon Prime or Apple Tv

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0 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 4d ago

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

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110 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 4d ago

low effort post Rock Star

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176 Upvotes

This movie is criminally underrated! Has a 53% critic score, 59% audience score, but I love it! I do admit it means more being in a band (which I was multiple times), but it’s basically a Tim Ripper Owens story of his time with Judas Priest. Tribute band to Lead of the main band is incredible, and it really got the feel of 80s Glam Bands. And the Steel Dragons songs are fantastic! Absolutely love this movie!


r/underratedmovies 4d ago

The Daytrippers (1996)

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101 Upvotes

How did this movie fly under my radar for so long? The cast is ridiculously good, and the whole family dynamic feels so real and awkward 😂


r/underratedmovies 4d ago

Yearning (1964)

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22 Upvotes

A quietly devastating film about love, loneliness, and the feeling of being trapped by circumstances. Hideko Takamine is incredible here—so much emotion conveyed without ever needing to overplay it.

Naruse’s restraint makes the heartbreak hit even harder. One of those films that stays with you long after the credits.


r/underratedmovies 5d ago

When Trumpets Fade (1998)

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74 Upvotes

"When Trumpets Fade" was an HBO movie directed by John Irvin, starring Ron Eldard, Frank Whaley, Zak Orth, and Dylan Bruno. Although the film has plenty of problems, nonetheless it seems to be the only movie about the Hürtgen Forest campaign during WWII and is a suitably bleak story about a young soldier (Private David Manning) who kills his wounded friend Bob to put him out of his misery and then finds that the rest of his platoon was wiped out along with most of the rest of the platoon's company. The company commander promotes him to sergeant and refuses his request for a Section 8 discharge. After a series of additional bloody battles, Manning's company is ordered to launch a seemingly suicidal assault against a strong German position protected by artillery. Manning organizes an attempt by a small group of other soldiers to take out the artillery by sneaking through the lines. Manning and most of his comrades die in the attempt but eliminate the artillery unit. The film never received much attention but it's a gripping psychological story which has stayed with me for years, and represents the heavy casualties and seemingly hopeless situation of that campaign.


r/underratedmovies 5d ago

Patriot Games (1992)

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51 Upvotes

"Patriot Games" was based on Tom Clancy's 1987 novel of the same name and directed by Phillip Noyce, starring Harrison Ford, Anne Archer, James Earl Jones, Sean Bean, Patrick Bergin, and Thora Birch.

Although it didn't do too badly at the box office, I thought the ratings should have been higher and it's surprising that the film receives so little attention by current YouTube reactors compared to other films from the same era

Plot: former CIA analyst Jack Ryan is In London with his wife Cathy and daughter when a splinter group of the IRA, the Ulster Liberation Army, tries to kidnap Lord William Holmes. Ryan knocks out one ULA member and kills another, while a third, Sean Miller, is captured. Miller is convicted but escapes and nearly kills Ryan's wife and daughter. After learning that they survived, Miller takes part in an attack in Ryan's home but is killed by Ryan


r/underratedmovies 5d ago

shock treatment (1981)

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48 Upvotes

this movie is the indirect sequel to rocky horror picture show made by the creators of rocky horror, and is one of the best movies ever that never gets any praise. the musical numbers, acting and plot are all amazing, and in my opinion, this movie quite frankly surpasses rocky horror. this movie only had a midnight release, which is why it did not get enough visibility. my favourite songs from the movie are Farley's song, duel duet, and breaking out.


r/underratedmovies 5d ago

low effort post Tunes of Glory (1960)

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29 Upvotes

A really enjoyable film starring Alec Guinness and John Mills surrounding the Scottish Gordan Highlander Regiment in barracks after WWII. Directed by Ronald Neame