32 Underrated Movies By Great Directors

Many renowned filmmakers have a collection of films that aren’t as widely recognized as their more popular works. While some might be less successful, many of these overlooked gems deserve more attention. The focus of this list is on such films, like Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun, David Fincher’s The Game, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch Drunk Love. Here, we shine a spotlight on underrated movies from esteemed directors.

The Game

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I must say that David Fincher had an unparalleled streak from the late ’90s to the early ’00s. Kicking off with his second feature, “Seven” in 1995, followed by the gripping “Fight Club” (1999), and extending up to the masterful “Gone Girl” in 2014, Fincher’s work was consistently top-notch. However, one of his films that deserves more recognition, even among devoted Fincher fans, is the underrated gem, “The Game,” which premiered in 1997.

The Frighteners – Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson will undeniably be remembered primarily for his spectacular rendition of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in the future. Regrettably, this recognition often overshadows some of his early works, particularly “The Frighteners,” starring Michael J. Fox. Despite this oversight, it’s an excellent film that deserves more attention.

Silence – Martin Scorsese

Checking off a selection of Scorsese masterpieces can be effortless. Movies like “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” “Raging Bull,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Irishman,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “Gangs of New York,” and “Casino” are just a few, with the list continuing indefinitely. However, one film that should undeniably be included among these cinematic gems but often goes unnoticed is the 2016 release, “The Silence.” After decades of waiting, Scorsese finally brought this movie to life, and it was indeed a worthwhile venture.

Near Dark – Kathryn Bigelow

Known for her work on the 1991 film “Point Break” and winning the Best Director Oscar for “The Hurt Locker,” a feat that notably outshone her former spouse James Cameron and his blockbuster “Avatar,” Kathryn Bigelow’s debut movie, “Near Dark,” is a horror movie that appeals to both horror enthusiasts and those who aren’t typically drawn to the genre.

Topaz – Alfred Hitchcock

Among all directors in film history, none surpasses the great Alfred Hitchcock. He essentially penned the guidebook on contemporary film direction and continually evolved his approach and style throughout his extended career. One of his works that often receives less recognition is one of his final productions, the 1969 spy film Topaz, which showcases Hitchcock’s skillful craftsmanship.

The Killing – Stanley Kubrick

In Stanley Kubrick’s career, he produced only 13 films, and most of them, starting with his fourth, “Paths of Glory” in 1957, are widely regarded as masterpieces. His film preceding “Paths of Glory,” the noir “The Killing,” is just as exceptional as “The Shining,” “Full Metal Jacket,” and “Dr. Strangelove.” However, it’s rarely discussed alongside them because it was made early in his career. Yet, he was a prodigious talent from the start.

25th Hour – Spike Lee

Edward Norton is one of the finest actors of his generation, and working with Spike Lee in the film “The 25th Hour” about a man spending his last day of freedom before going to prison is truly a remarkable movie. However, when people compile lists of Spike Lee’s best work, it’s not often included, although it might deserve a spot close to the top.

Somewhere – Sofia Coppola

Few individuals in the entertainment industry typically begin their careers as babies, yet Sofia Coppola made an exceptionally early start when she was merely an infant, appearing in her father’s film “The Godfather” in 1972. She truly found her unique directorial voice with films such as “Lost In Translation” and “The Virgin Suicides.” However, one movie that may not receive the same acclaim but is equally impressive is the more intimate family drama “Somewhere,” which offers a glimpse into Coppola’s personal experiences.

The Rainmaker – Francis Ford Coppola

It’s understandable that Francis Ford Coppola will forever be associated primarily with his masterpieces “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part 2,” and “Apocalypse Now.” However, these iconic films don’t overshadow the fact that he has created many other exceptional movies. One of his less-discussed but highly acclaimed works is “The Rainmaker,” starring Matt Damon. This gripping legal drama, adapted from a John Grisham novel, is a must-see for those yet to discover it.

Bird – Clint Eastwood

Charlie Parker was among the most outstanding jazz artists during the genre’s peak period. However, he was not just a musical genius; offstage, he grappled with profound personal issues, including a debilitating addiction that ultimately claimed his life at age 34. The Clint Eastwood-directed film featuring Forest Whitaker as Parker is remarkably well-done. In this production, both actors deliver exceptional performances.

Empire Of The Sun – Steven Spielberg

Finding a Steven Spielberg film that isn’t highly acclaimed is quite challenging, but “Empire Of The Sun” often slips under the radar when discussing the director’s top movies, despite being exceptionally well-made. This film boasts remarkable performances by John Malkovich and a young Christian Bale, a brilliant screenplay penned by Tom Stoppard, and Spielberg’s masterful direction behind the camera. In my opinion, it deserves to be ranked among his finest works.

The Life And Times Of Judge Roy Bean – John Huston

Director John Huston, renowned for his epic Westerns during Hollywood’s Golden Age, might not have seemed like the type to adapt to the shifting values of ’70s Hollywood. However, he surprised everyone by collaborating with Paul Newman on the film “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean“, a perfect fit for the cinematic trends of 1972.

A Passage to India – David Lean

When you come across the name David Lean, it’s likely that iconic films like “The Bridge on the River Kwai, Dr. Zhivago,“, or “Lawrence Of Arabia” spring to mind. However, while these movies have undoubtedly solidified his legacy, it’s worth noting that Lean also directed several other films, among which is another timeless classic and his swansong, “A Passage to India“.

The Man Who Wasn’t There – The Coen Brothers

Apart from “Ladykillers,” which isn’t typically high on lists of the Coens’ finest works, Joel and Ethan Coen have generally created movies that aren’t considered poor. However, some films like “The Man Who Wasn’t There” are underappreciated compared to their most celebrated ones. Billy Bob Thornton and Frances McDormand deliver outstanding performances in this film, as one might expect from the Coens, and the dialogue is classic Coen Brothers’ wit.

I Will Follow – Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay first captured the attention of mainstream viewers with her film “Selma,” but film enthusiasts had already recognized her talent following her directorial debut, “I Will Follow” in 2010. I strongly recommend this underrated gem to all movie buffs.

Big Fish – Tim Burton

Few directors possess a unique style comparable to Tim Burton’s. When he’s at his finest, it’s almost instantaneously recognizable that one of his films is being watched – much like identifying a Burton production. This recognition extends to the movie Big Fish, which may not have the same renown as Beetlejuice, or the box office success of Alice In Wonderland, but it is equally as impressive.

Jackie Brown – Quentin Tarantino

Among several directors on this list, it’s challenging to single out an underestimated Quentin Tarantino film, but without a doubt, “Jackie Brown” falls into that category. Unlike his other films, it doesn’t possess the same fast-paced rhythm; instead, this deliberate slowing down is intentional. Initially, it might not resonate with viewers, but give it a second, third, and perhaps even fourth chance, and you may find it offers more than any of his other movies do, potentially even more so with repeated viewings.

Johnny Dangerously – Amy Heckerling

Amy Heckerling is most famously recognized for her work on “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Clueless,” but many of her fans might not be aware that she also directed the comedic film “Johnny Dangerously.” This movie, which stars Michael Keaton as a 1930s gangster, is intentionally over-the-top, but it has more emotional depth than films like Dick Tracy. In fact, it’s genuinely hilarious and filled with numerous memorable lines.

Punch-Drunk Love – Paul Thomas Anderson

Among the directors on this list, Paul Thomas Anderson seldom fails to impress with his films. His grand productions are consistently deemed “must-watch” when he introduces a new one. Strangely enough, Punch-Drunk Love is often overlooked in comparison to masterpieces like Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, and The Master. However, it deserves equal recognition and, in truth, it’s one of Anderson’s more accessible films.

Steve Jobs – Danny Boyle

Michael Fassbender brilliantly portrayed Steve Jobs on screen, yet it was Danny Boyle’s creative direction that turned this film into a remarkable piece. Boyle boasts an impressive filmography that includes Oscar-winning “Slumdog Millionaire,” as well as “The Beach” and the iconic “28 Days Later” (and its upcoming sequel, “28 Years Later”). Despite being one of Boyle’s many masterpieces, this Steve Jobs biopic occasionally gets overshadowed, but it’s truly exceptional.

Baby Boy – John Singleton

John Singleton made a powerful entrance with “Boyz n the Hood,” and he consistently produced remarkable movies until his premature and sorrowful passing in 2019 at age 51. Amongst his many hits like “Higher Learning,” “Shaft,” and “2 Fast 2 Furious,” there’s also “Baby Boy” – a more intimate, personal film that might not have been as commercially successful as some of his other works, but it’s an exceptional movie worth watching.

Matchstick Men – Ridley Scott

Regardless of the circumstances, Ridley Scott’s films always leave an indelible mark. They either become timeless classics such as Alien or Gladiator, or they stir up controversy like Napoleon or Gladiator II. Without fail, they ignite conversations. A film that doesn’t seem to generate much debate is Matchstick Men. In this movie, Nicolas Cage delivers one of his finest performances as a con artist grappling with Tourette’s syndrome.

The Prestige – Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan hasn’t produced a subpar film, but amidst the acclaim for his trilogy consisting of “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” and “Dunkirk,” the film “The Prestige” may have been overlooked. In this movie, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman deliver exceptional performances as rival magicians, while showcasing all of Nolan’s distinctive filmmaking techniques, including manipulating time and utilizing practical effects.

Prince Of The City – Sidney Lumet

Sidney Lumet left an indelible mark with his debut film, “12 Angry Men,” in 1957, and he continued to produce critically acclaimed movies such as “Serpico,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “Network” for the next five decades. Remarkably, Lumet earned Best Director nominations for each of these films, and an additional one for Best Screenplay for “Prince of the City.” However, this latter film is not often discussed in the same breath as his other works.

Backdraft – Ron Howard

Ron Howard boasts a diverse collection of films that stretch from suspenseful productions such as “The Da Vinci Code” and “Apollo 13,” through humorous ones like “Parenthood” and “Splash,” to intense dramas like “A Beautiful Mind,” for which he was awarded an Oscar. Among his most exhilarating movies, it’s worth mentioning “Backdraft,” a film that, while it may seem a bit old-fashioned now, features some truly breathtaking fire scenes.

Solaris – Steven Soderbergh

The film “Solaris,” helmed by director Steven Soderbergh, has a divisive reputation. While some viewers adore it, others dislike it. This dichotomy might be why it’s perceived as underrated among its fans. Unlike his more popular films such as “Ocean’s 11” or “Magic Mike,” Solaris is neither light-hearted nor as appealing, but rather a complex and enigmatic sci-fi and mystery piece. It’s intriguing to witness Soderbergh venture into the realms of science fiction and mystery.

The Straight Story – David Lynch

David Lynch, renowned as a director, built his career on the unconventional and peculiar. In every way, he was unconventional and peculiar in the most appealing sense. Audiences adored his films due to the extraordinary nature of his thought process. The only aspect of The Straight Story that is unconventional and peculiar lies within its narrative itself, making it one of Lynch’s more intriguing works because he approaches it with such straightforwardness in his filmmaking style.

Talk Radio – Oliver Stone

Over time, Oliver Stone’s work, characterized by conspiracy theories, has ventured increasingly far from the norm. However, one of his films that accurately portrayed a future perspective not widely shared was the prophetic “Talk Radio,” which was based on the true story of the murder of radio host Alan Berg. This film depicted a style of talk radio that was bombastic and overly political, but at the time of its release in 1988, this style hadn’t yet become deeply ingrained in our culture as it would in subsequent years.

Fantastic Mr. Fox – Wes Anderson

Including Fantastic Mr. Fox by Wes Anderson on this list is almost inevitable, given that it embodies many of his distinctive traits and eccentricities so perfectly. It boasts the terrific music, meticulously arranged camera angles, and witty dialogue characteristic of Anderson’s work, but due to its animated format, some fans might not appreciate it quite as much as they do his live-action films.

In The Cut – Jane Campion

It’s understandable that Jane Campion’s work might not initially receive widespread acclaim, but could ultimately gain a dedicated fanbase and fresh critical analysis in the future – exactly as seen with the film “In the Cut“.

Children Of Men – Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón’s film, Children of Men, isn’t light viewing. While it might be debatable to label it as underrated, numerous viewers believe it’s his most impressive work. This assertion may seem daring, but those who see it seldom forget the experience, and there’s merit in that perspective.

Taking Off – Miloš Forman

The initial Oscar that Miloš Forman received was for the film “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” a thought-provoking exploration of mental health. Prior to this groundbreaking movie, Forman directed an unconventional yet captivating film titled “Taking Off,” which delved into ordinary individuals venturing outside their comfort zones and challenging the conventions of ‘normal’ society.

2025-02-26 23:40