15 Best Movies With Lesser-Known Actors

As a horror enthusiast who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets while watching terrifying films, I can wholeheartedly recommend these 10 movies if you’re captivated by the eerie tale of “Talk To The Hand.

As a movie critic, I often find myself marveling at the artistry that emerges when low-budget films cleverly cast less-acknowledged talents alongside ambitious directors. These combinations can lead to truly breathtaking outcomes. Interestingly, several of the films on this list belong to the horror genre, and this choice is not accidental. The use of relatively unknown actors lends an authenticity to the story that might be lost with A-list stars. It’s as if their unfamiliar faces blend seamlessly into the eerie settings and unsettling narratives, creating a sense of realism that is simply captivating.

In movies such as “Blue Ruin”, “Elephant”, and “Tangerine”, it is the exceptional acting and cinematography that truly sets them apart from other films. While some of these productions have already gained mainstream popularity, others are undeniably worthy of greater recognition. I strongly advise adding them to your watchlist; you’re bound to find them captivating.

15 Slacker (1990)

Richard Linklater, known for movies such as Before Sunset, School of Rock, and Boyhood, gained recognition with his second movie, Slacker. This independent drama delves into the lives of young adults in Austin, Texas. Notably, Slacker was another low-cost production at around $23,000 that went on to earn over $1 million at the box office.

Prolific Director

Known primarily for his directorial work, Linklater, in fact, starred in this indie favorite. The film titled “Slacker” delves into diverse characters who are often outsiders, portrayed by largely local and unrecognized actors. Fast-forward a few years, Linklater directed the blockbuster hit “Dazed & Confused“, solidifying his position as an emerging director with a bright future ahead.

14 The Novice (2021)

The Novice” is a sports drama with psychological undertones, much like “Whiplash.” It tells the story of Alex (played by Isabelle Fuhrman), a new college student who aspires to excel, joining the school’s rowing team and striving for top position within her class.

An Obsession

The movie made its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, with Fuhrman receiving the Best Actress accolade for her outstanding portrayal. Making her directorial debut, Lauren Hadaway captivated the festival circuit with her chilling exploration of obsession, showcasing how it can affect both a person’s body and mind. Alex undergoes an extraordinary transformation in her pursuit of excellence, ultimately losing herself in the process. This film, brimming with raw talent, promises that Fuhrman and Hadaway will soon be recognized for their work.

13 S#!%house (2020)

This college-set coming-of-age drama showcases Cooper Raiff and Dylan Gelula, both fresh faces, in their debut roles. It’s the compelling first feature from lead actor, Raiff himself. Raiff’s sensitive portrayal of his character’s struggles to form friendships and adapt to college life has earned him recognition, making him one of Variety’s rising directors worth keeping an eye on.

College Struggles

In the movie, Alex, played by Raiff, faces challenges in locating his college group. During this time, he encounters Maggie (Gelula), a residential advisor in her sophomore year. A profound bond gradually forms between them, culminating in their decision to be together towards the end of the film. Following this, Raiff has moved on to direct his second feature film titled “Cha Cha Real Smooth” and is soon set to premiere a TV series alongside Mark Ruffalo and Lili Reinhart.

12 Mid90s (2018)

Jonah Hill’s initial directorial effort was a lively, coming-of-age skateboarding drama featuring an unrecognized ensemble cast made up of genuine skaters and adolescents brimming with energy and charm. The film’s diminutive protagonist, Stevie (Sunny Suljic), endures a challenging home life marked by an abusive elder sibling and a single mother struggling to keep things together. Known as ‘Mid90s’, this production has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the skating culture from the 1990s, often regarded as one of the finest skateboarding films ever made.

Actor Turned Director

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but express my admiration for a movie that closely mirrors the personal journey of its creator, Mr. Hill. This unique production seamlessly blends skateboarding subculture and music, complemented by an enchanting score from the duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Hill’s directorial skills left quite an impact on viewers, leading him to direct the thought-provoking documentary, Stutz, in 2022 – a testament to his continuous growth as a filmmaker.

11 Happy Death Day (2017)

The movie titled “Happy Death Day” premiered in 2017, blending horror and comedy genres to please fans of both. The central character, Tree Gelbman (played by Jessica Rothe), finds herself reliving the day of her death repeatedly until she uncovers the identity of the killer and prevents them from acting again. Each morning, she’s rudely awakened by an irritating ringtone, signaling another impending demise.

Same Thing Over and Over

The movie draws inspiration from films such as Groundhog Day and Palm Springs, giving them a chilling twist. This unique mix of genres sets it apart as an exceptional film exploring characters trapped in a repeating day. Following the success of its initial release, Happy Death Day spawned a sequel; however, there’s been no sign of a third installment so far. For those who loved the original, the dream of revisiting the captivating characters and side-splitting storyline remains alive.

10 Paris, Texas (1984)

In the heartfelt drama “Paris, Texas,” Harry Dean Stanton plays the role of Travis Henderson, a nomadic man on a journey. The film revolves around Trivas, who after being believed dead, reestablishes connections with his family, including a son he left behind. As he grows attached to his son, Travis and his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell) embark on a quest to locate the woman who was once the mother of Travis’s child.

A Quiet Beauty

As a cinema enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by the captivating portrayal of Travis, a character who spends significant portions of the movie silently navigating his world. Despite having spent decades in Hollywood, this film marked a rare opportunity for Stanton to shine as the lead actor. His performance in this film is nothing short of extraordinary, and I firmly believe it ranks among his finest work ever delivered on screen.

9 Blue Ruin (2013)

“Blue Ruin” centers around Macon Blair, a frequent collaborator of director Jeremy Saulnier. The movie delves into the complexities of revenge, showing its profound effects on an individual who chooses to enact it. In this story, Dwight seeks retribution against the man responsible for his parents’ death. However, once he exacts his revenge, he discovers that the peril and suffering do not cease but intensify instead. This leads us into a harrowing narrative about survival and the true price one pays when taking another’s life.

A Director On The Rise

For Saulnier, Blue Ruin marked his second venture into filmmaking following the horror-comedy Murder Party. This movie made its debut at Cannes and garnered widespread acclaim, catapulting him to prominence as one of the rising stars in directing. The film resonated with audiences due to Saulnier’s keen eye for scenic compositions and his remarkable emotional depth. Subsequently, he directed Green Room, Hold The Dark, and recently, a successful action film for Netflix titled Rebel Ridge.

8 Primer (2004)

“Primer”, a standout sci-fi movie of this century, was produced on a miniscule budget of just $7000. To many of its fans, it offers the most authentic portrayal of time travel. For the writer, director, and actor behind this cult favorite, Shane Carruth, delving into time travel is an intellectual exercise, drawing on his own engineering background. The movie’s lesser-known leads grapple with the complexities of time travel and the ethical dilemmas it presents.

Inventive Sci-Fi

Abe (David Sullivan) and Aaron (Carruth) have a heated debate about the best way to operate the latest device, which causes them to develop mutual mistrust. This results in a significant build-up of tension and unexpected turns. Notably, Carruth moved on to direct and act in another movie titled “Upstream Color“, but has been relatively low-key following the significant achievement of Primer.

7 Krisha (2016)

Krisha differs from other family dramas, taking on a more complex and psychological tone. It delves into the turbulent personality of Krisha (Krisha Fairchild), as she reunites with her family for Thanksgiving after a long absence. Notably, Krisha is the real-life aunt of director Trey Edward Shults, who both directs and acts in the film.

Family Drama

Krisha is a figure who has battled addiction for quite some time, and her attendance at the family dinner introduces an intriguing tension that intensifies due to Shults’ bold cinematography. As the Thanksgiving meal unfolds, Krisha’s inner turmoil escalates, leading to confrontations with the character portrayed by Shults. Trey Edward Shults’ directorial debut catapulted him into the spotlight, and since then, he has directed two more notable films, “It Comes At Night” and “Waves.

6 Bicycle Thieves (1949)

A classic example of Italian Neorealist cinema follows the story of a father and his son traveling across Italy in search of the lost bicycle belonging to the father. The film employed a mostly non-professional cast, including Lamberto Maggiorani, who previously worked at a factory before landing this role. Remarkably, the skillful direction by Vittorio De Sica earned it the top spot on Sight & Sound’s 1952 list of greatest films ever made.

A Man And His Bike

Antonio Maggiorani’s character embodies the struggles of the era through a humble quest for a bicycle, a vital tool for him and his family. Without this means of transportation, his work becomes impossible, adding to the tension. The film’s skillful blend of cinematography and subtle narrative elements earned it an Academy Honorary Award.

5 Elephant (2003)

Elephant is a psychological indie drama that chronicles the series of incidents culminating in a school shooting, which bears resemblance to the Columbine High School massacre of 1999. Initially met with controversy due to its graphic portrayal of such tragic events, it managed to secure the Palme d’Or at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival regardless.

A Horrific Tale

Gus Van Sant’s movie delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of school shootings, showcasing their impact on various characters involved in the tragedy. With a cast made up of relatively unknown actors, it offers a raw and authentic portrayal of an incident that sadly has become all too familiar in modern times. The film maintains an unwavering gaze at this challenging subject matter, sparking discussions since its initial screening over twenty years ago.

4 Talk to Me (2023)

The chilling Australian movie titled Talk to Me, centers on a group of companions who endeavor to communicate with the deceased via a baffling mummified hand. However, what transpires is a perilous occurrence possessing habit-forming traits, which becomes an obsession for the despairing Mia (portrayed by Sophie Wilde). With a follow-up already planned, here are 10 films to enjoy if you’re captivated by this one.

Talk To The Hand

The movie is packed with startling moments that kept viewers on edge, thanks to its relatively unrecognized Australian cast whose authentic portrayal of terror was praised. Notably, acclaimed director Peter Jackson hailed it as “The top horror film in years.” This production made a splash within the horror genre and established the directing team who were previously unknown.

3 The Blair Witch Project (1999)

1999’s supernatural horror movie, “The Blair Witch Project,” revolutionized the genre and paved the way for what we now call found-footage filmmaking. This movie focuses on three student filmmakers venturing into the woods in search of the Blair Witch. The film was so convincing that many viewers were convinced it was a real story, attracting more audiences and ultimately grossing over $200 million at the box office.

Inventive Filmmaking

The trek of the three movie creators turns terrifying when they find themselves lost within the vast, seemingly endless expanse of Maryland forests. Their innovative idea catapulted one of the most prosperous independent films ever made, leading to two subsequent installments and sparking numerous other horror productions. A remake is under development, leaving fans of the original film eagerly anticipating whether it can recapture the same thrill and dread as the first.

2 Paranormal Activity (2009)

Similar to numerous other movies on this compilation, Paranormal Activity achieved unprecedented popularity. The movie chronicles a young couple who suspect they are experiencing hauntings and record themselves in an attempt to document the occurrences. It marked the initial triumph for the now-famed horror film production company, Blumhouse.

Starting A Franchise

The initial paranormal film’s success has led to seven subsequent movies being produced. Although none have equaled the original, it’s evident that viewers are eager for more. Those intrigued by these sequels and wanting to know their rankings can explore a detailed compilation.

1 Tangerine (2015)

2015’s critically acclaimed independent film by director Sean Baker focuses on two transgender prostitutes, Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor). The story unfolds after Sin-Dee gets out of prison, only to find out that her boyfriend and pimp have been unfaithful to her with a non-transgender woman.

Impressive Performances

Tangerine catapulted Sean Baker into prominence as a skilled director, particularly adept at capturing subtle moments. It’s often recognized among Baker’s finest works. What sets this film apart is its authentic portrayal of a segment of the LGBTQ community, done with genuine sincerity. The performances and cinematography make it an instant must-watch for any cinephile.

2024-10-27 20:02