Top Underrated Movies

From Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is a 1993 American action-adventure science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton, with a screenplay written by Crichton and David Koepp. The story follows a group of scientists and other characters who are invited by a billionaire philanthropist and entrepreneur to take a tour of an island that is home to a theme park of genetically engineered dinosaurs. However, when the park gets damaged, the dinosaurs break free, and the group must fight for their survival against the dangerous predators. The film stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, B.D. Wong and Samuel L. Jackson. The film was a major financial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1993 and the highest-grossing film up until that point. It received critical acclaim, and was praised for its groundbreaking special effects, narrative, performances, and direction. The film won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 crime drama directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The film is based on the incredible true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenage con artist and impostor who managed to pass himself off as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer—all before his 21st birthday. With the help of an FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, Abagnale embarks on a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, which results in him being one of the most successful con artists in American History. Along the way, Abagnale learns the value of family, friendships, and even the law. The film is an entertaining exploration of crime, deception, and American optimism.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès
Rated R

"Before Sunset" is a romantic drama film directed by Richard Linklater. The film follows the story of two people, Jesse and Celine, who had first met nine years earlier on a train in Vienna. They spend the rest of the day together walking and talking as they rekindle their connection with each other. Celine is now in a relationship and Jesse is touring Europe to promote his book. As the day ends, they must decide if they will go their separate ways or take a chance and explore their unfinished romance. The story is told through the conversations they have, their past experiences, and the feelings they share, as they discover the possibility of a future together.

From Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers
Rated R

Blood Diamond is a 2006 American war thriller film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, and Djimon Hounsou. Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1999, the film tells the story of Danny Archer, a South African mercenary, and Solomon Vandy, a Mende fisherman, who are joined together to track down an extremely rare pink diamond that could transform their lives. Along the way, they must confront and outwit the rebel forces that control the area, as well as a corrupt government official who is after the same diamond for his own selfish purposes.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film based on the life of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film stars Will Smith as Gardner, a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son, Christopher (Jaden Smith), as he embarks on a desperate and unpredictable journey to achieve his American Dream of owning a stock broker firm. Against all odds, he eventually rises to become a successful stock broker making millions. Along the way, he endures many obstacles, including being evicted from his apartment, living in shelters, and working as an unpaid intern. However, Gardner never gives up and eventually achieves his dream, ultimately becoming a great example of the power of determination and perseverance.

From José Padilha, starring Wagner Moura, André Ramiro, Caio Junqueira, Milhem Cortaz
Rated R

Elite Squad is a crime drama directed by José Padilha, set in Rio de Janeiro's slums. The film follows two police officers, Captain Nascimento (Wagner Moura) and Lieutenant Andrade (André Ramiro), as they battle corruption and criminal gangs in order to clean up the city. As they gain more power, they are forced to make difficult decisions, often with dire consequences. The film is a hard-hitting look at the police force and its struggles with the criminal underworld, and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those trying to keep the peace. It is a gripping and thought-provoking film, that highlights the struggles and challenges of the police force in their fight against corruption.

From Martin Campbell, starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright
Rated PG-13

Casino Royale follows the story of James Bond as he attempts to bankrupt a dangerous terrorist financier, Le Chiffre, in a high-stakes game of poker at Casino Royale in Montenegro. With a plan to win back the money that Le Chiffre has stolen from a number of governments, Bond must face off against the terrorist, his beautiful and calculating ally, and an array of enemies who will do anything to stop him. Along the way, Bond discovers the true meaning of friendship, courage and sacrifice as he battles his way to victory. With mind-blowing action sequences, a gripping story, and an all-star cast, Casino Royale is a must-see for any Bond fan.

From Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated PG-13

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a 2000 martial arts film directed by Ang Lee. The film stars Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen. Set in 19th century China, the story follows the adventures of two warriors, Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) and Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), as they attempt to protect a legendary sword known as the Green Destiny from being stolen. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious masked thief, hidden enemies, and a young woman, Jen (Zhang Ziyi), who has her own agenda. The film is a mixture of martial arts action and romance, with themes of honor and loyalty, as well as the search for inner peace and understanding. The stunning cinematography and stunning fight scenes have made the film a classic, winning numerous awards, including four Academy Awards.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Jet Li, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang
Rated PG-13

Hero is a 2002 Chinese martial arts drama directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Jet Li. The story follows a nameless warrior (played by Jet Li) who arrives at the Qin dynasty court of the King of Qin (Chen Daoming) to inform him of his plan to assassinate the king. He recounts his journey across China as a series of flashbacks, in which he encountered three of the king's most feared enemies: Sky (Donnie Yen), Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung). Through his stories, the warrior relates how he was able to defeat each of them in battle, and how his success has ultimately brought him to the court of the King of Qin. The film is a visually stunning epic which celebrates the martial arts, while providing a commentary on the idea of heroism and patriotism.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryô Kase
Rated R

Letters from Iwo Jima is a 2006 war drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film centers on the Battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It focuses on the point of view of the Japanese soldiers, and follows the stories of several characters in the days leading up to the battle and during the battle itself. It is seen as a companion piece to Eastwood's earlier 2006 film Flags of Our Fathers, which follows the other side of the battle, from the point of view of the American forces. Letters from Iwo Jima shows the varying emotions and experiences of the Japanese soldiers during their defense of the island, and also reveals their deep sense of patriotism and honor. The film was met with critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Sound Editing.

From Cameron Crowe, starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand
Rated R

Almost Famous is a 2000 semi-autobiographical coming of age story directed by Cameron Crowe. It follows William Miller, a 15-year-old boy who is hired by Rolling Stone magazine to tour with and report on an up-and-coming rock band called Stillwater. Along the way, William learns about life, love and the music industry, all while trying to deal with the chaos of life on the road. He meets a number of unique characters, including an eccentric rock journalist, an exotic groupie, and the members of Stillwater themselves. Through his experiences, William's eyes are opened to a world of beauty and heartbreak, and as he slowly discovers his place in it, he also finds his place as a writer.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive, directed by David Lynch, is a neo-noir mystery thriller film about two women who discover dark secrets about Hollywood. After a car crash leaves aspiring actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) with no memory of her past, she meets a woman named Rita (Laura Harring) who has also lost her memory and they team up to investigate the strange happenings of the city. As they venture deeper into the city, they discover a dark and twisted web of lies, dreams, and mysteries which reveal the corruption of Hollywood. Along their journey, they must confront their inner demons and ultimately find the truth behind their pasts.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
Rated R

Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 British comedy horror film directed by Edgar Wright. The film follows Shaun (Simon Pegg) as he navigates a zombie apocalypse while trying to save his friends, his family, and ultimately himself. Along the way, Shaun must battle the undead, as well as his own apathy towards life. Along with his housemate Ed (Nick Frost), the two use their wits and courage to survive their increasingly dire situation. With the help of Liz (Kate Ashfield), Shaun and Ed battle their way through hordes of zombies, all the while trying to keep their sanity intact. In the end, Shaun saves the day, proving that even in the most dire of circumstances, humor and courage can conquer all.

From Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow
Rated PG

Shrek is a 2001 American computer-animated comedy film based on the 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same name by William Steig. It was directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson and stars the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. The plot follows the green ogre Shrek, who embarks on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from the castle of the evil Lord Farquaad. In order to do so, Shrek must confront a fearsome dragon, survive a swamp full of dangerous creatures, and battle Farquaad's henchmen. Along the way, he befriends a talking donkey named Donkey, and falls in love with Fiona. The film received critical acclaim and received various awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.

From Jon Favreau, starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges
Rated PG-13

Iron Man is a 2008 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, an industrialist, genius inventor, and the armored superhero Iron Man. After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil. With the help of his assistant Pepper Potts, and his friend James Rhodes, Tony must use his new suit to protect the world from new and devastating threats. Along the way, Tony must confront his inner demons and come to terms with his past. Iron Man is an action-packed superhero adventure that will thrill audiences of all ages.

From Doug Liman, starring Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Identity is a 2002 movie directed by Doug Liman, starring Matt Damon. The movie tells the story of Jason Bourne (Damon), a man who wakes up with no memory of his identity, only to discover he is a skilled assassin wanted by numerous people for different reasons. As he attempts to discover the truth about himself, he is pursued by CIA operatives and other agents of unknown allegiance. Along the way, Bourne teams up with Marie (Franka Potente) in order to stay alive as he unravels the mystery of his true identity. The movie is an adaptation of Robert Ludlum's popular novel of the same name, and spawned two sequels, The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007).

From Cristian Mungiu, starring Anamaria Marinca, Laura Vasiliu, Vlad Ivanov, Alexandru Potocean
Rated Not Rated

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) is an award-winning Romanian drama film written and directed by Cristian Mungiu. The film follows the story of two college roommates, Otilla (Anamaria Marinca) and Gabita (Laura Vasiliu) as they attempt to procure an illegal abortion in Communist Romania. The film is set over the course of one day and follows the two young women as they navigate the dangerous and clandestine world of underground abortion. Along the way, they have to deal with corrupt doctors and a manipulative black market middleman. Despite the odds, Otilla and Gabita remain determined to succeed and prove that they are capable of taking care of themselves. The film was the winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is a 2008 action thriller starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. The film follows retired CIA operative Bryan Mills (Neeson) as he sets out on a mission to save his daughter Kim (Grace) from a ruthless Albanian human trafficking organization. After his daughter is kidnapped and taken to Paris, Bryan uses his formidable set of skills to track down the kidnappers and rescue her before it is too late. Along the way, he must outwit the criminals, take on corrupt government officials, and battle his own inner demons in a desperate attempt to save his daughter. With its edge-of-your-seat suspense, intense action sequences, and touching story, Taken proved to be an instant classic, earning both praise and awards from critics and audiences alike.

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
Rated PG-13

The Notebook is a 2004 romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on the 1996 novel of the same name written by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s. Despite their differences in social class, the two remain devoted to each other even when they are separated. Years later, they reunite and their love is rekindled. The film follows their story of love, loss and ultimately long-lasting devotion. Through flashbacks and voiceover narration, the film captures the beauty and intensity of their passionate romance.

From Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 American comedy-drama film written by Michael Arndt and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. It stars Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin, and Paul Dano as a dysfunctional family who embark on a road trip in a 1936 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi in an attempt to get Breslin's character, Olive, to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Along the way, the family must cope with numerous disasters and personal issues, including death, drug abuse, and a contentious relationship between the father and son. The film grossed $100.5 million worldwide and it was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won two awards: Best Original Screenplay for Michael Arndt and Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy
Rated R

Hot Fuzz is a 2007 British action-comedy film directed by Edgar Wright. The film follows top London cop, Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg), who is reassigned to the small town of Sandford, Gloucestershire. At first, Sandford seems like a quiet, idyllic village, but as Angel begins to investigate a series of mysterious accidents, he discovers a sinister conspiracy involving the local police and the town's elite. With the help of his seemingly bumbling partner, Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), Angel must unravel the truth and stop the evil forces at work in the town. The action and humor in the film make it a hugely enjoyable watch.

From John Carney, starring Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick
Rated R

Once is a modern-day musical romance set in Dublin, Ireland. It follows the story of a Dublin street musician, Guy, and an immigrant from the Czech Republic, Girl, who meet and fall in love. Guy is struggling to make a living busking and is considering giving up on his dreams of becoming a professional musician. Girl however, believes in him and encourages him to pursue his dream. The couple write and record some of Guy's songs, and the film follows their journey as they go to the studio, record their songs, and promote them to the Dublin music scene. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles, including a clash of cultures, Girl's immigration status, and the reality of Guy's troubled past. But in the end, the couple overcome their differences and are able to pursue their dreams and their love for each other.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is a 2007 biographical crime drama directed by Ridley Scott. The film follows the life of Frank Lucas, a drug kingpin in the 1970s. Lucas gains power over the Harlem drug trade by cutting out the middleman, sourcing heroin directly from Southeast Asia. The film follows his rise to power, his eventual downfall, and his time in prison. Meanwhile, an out-of-his-depth detective, Richie Roberts, is determined to bring Lucas down. The film stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, and shows both sides of the law as they each try to outwit each other and reach their respective goals.

From Joe Wright, starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Brenda Blethyn, Saoirse Ronan
Rated R

Atonement is a 2007 British romantic war drama film directed by Joe Wright and based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan. The film stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as young lovers whose relationship is affected by a misunderstanding during the Second World War. The film follows the life of Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) who, as a 13-year-old girl, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit. As Briony grow older, she attempts to make amends for her mistake by dreaming up a fictitious version of events and writing a novel based on it. The film follows the impact of the mistake on her family and the two lovers as they try to reunite after the war.

From Mel Gibson, starring Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernández, Rudy Youngblood
Rated R

Apocalypto is a 2006 American epic adventure film directed and produced by Mel Gibson, who also wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay with Farhad Safinia. Set in the declining days of the Maya civilization, the film features a cast of mostly indigenous actors consisting of Rudy Youngblood, Raoul Trujillo, Mayra Sérbulo, Dalia Hernández, Ian Uriel, Gerardo Taracena, Rodolfo Palacios, Bernardo Ruiz Juarez, Ammel Rodrigo Mendoza, and Ricardo Diaz Mendoza. The film follows a Mesoamerican tribal warrior, Jaguar Paw, who is captured during a raid, along with his entire village, by a group of raiding warriors that display a distinct Maya culture. After being forced to witness the sacrificial bloodletting of his fellow villagers, he manages to escape and has to find his way back home to save his pregnant wife and son from their certain demise. Along his journey he faces a variety of obstacles that come in the form of wild animals, slave traders and even more of the raiding warriors. In the end, Jaguar Paw is able to outwit his pursuers and is reunited with his family.