As a film lover, I make it my mission to watch at least a couple of films in a week. I use the app Letterboxd to keep a watchlist handy and it’s so satisfying whenever I manage to tick a movie off the list and write down my thoughts. Through this hobby of mine, I have grown very fond of certain movies, some of which are well-deserved classics, some are a little obscure and others I don’t believe received the love they deserved.
So I have taken it upon myself to list ten films that I think are underrated, have you given them a go, out of the approximately 2,000 that I estimate I’ve watched in my lifetime. Find out whether or not you agree with my picks – I won’t be offended if you don’t.
10. Almost Famous
I first stumbled across this American comedy drama film during my university years and found it to be empowering. Starring Kate Hudson, the film is viewed through a female lens, despite its typically male-led rock n’ roll setting. It’s coming of age theme makes it nostalgic and relatable but I think the film deserves more attention than it receives.
9. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
The only Bond film to star George Lazenby in the series, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is often overlooked by its audience. It may not be my favourite Bond film, but it certainly is higher up in the ranks than many others of the franchise. I think a huge part of what makes this film underrated is the arc of Bond girl Tracy Draco, her character goes on a journey we don’t often see with other Bond girlsin the franchise.
8. Priscilla
I just love this film so much. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi are directed by Sofia Coppola, (my personal favourite director) in this biopic from 2023 that came out just one year after Baz Lurhmann’s Elvis picture starring Austin Butler. The two films were really quite different but I think Coppola’s blew Lurhmann’s out of the park despite what the awards may demonstrate. Coppola handled the story with sensitivity and class.
7. Stardust
This film transports me back to my childhood, yet I barely ever here anyone talk as fondly of it as I do. It has one of the best cast line-ups I’ve seen, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Henry Cavill and Sienna Miller. It’s a British fantasy gem, Ian McKellen narrates when the end credits roll we hear Take That’s Rule the World, written especially for the film. It’s a 10/10 for me and it should not be so often dismissed.
6. The Lobster
This is a divisive film for sure. The Lobster, from director Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Colin Farrel is nothing short of unusual. But that’s what makes it so enjoyable. The absurdist black comedy drama film is set in the future in a hotel where people are tasked with meeting their lover, but if they fail to do so then they are turned into an animal of their choosing. I’ve never seen anything else like it and for that reason I think it should gain more appreciation.
5. Entergalactic
Addmittedly, I’ve never been one to enjoy cartoons or animation, but this animated film created by music artist Kid Cudi has made it into my top 10 most underrated movies of all time. It’s the perfect romance story with a bit of edge. The score is incredible and I never tire of listening to it. The characters are voiced by some of Hollywood’s finest including Timothée Chalamet, Vanessa Hudgens and Kid Cudi himself. I’d urge anyone who doesn’t usually enjoy animation to give this a try – it converted me.
4. Lost in Translation
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – Lost in Translation does not get the love it deserves. This film really captures the human existence quite perfectly, helped largely by its setting of Japan, but also its director, Sofia Coppola – who’s making the list for a second time. Coppola has been influential for female directors and she doesn’t get the flowers she deserves. Lead actors, Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson gave subtle but beautiful performances.
3. The Outrun
A recent release, The Outrun starring Saoirse Ronan did not jump out during awards season, I think mainly due to the high standard of the films entered that year. Ronan’s performance as an alcoholic young woman was both powerful and poignant. Set between London and the beautiful and secluded Orkey islands, The Outrun is a refreshing take of an issue frequented in film.
2. Monday
This is a gorgeous movie. An arthouse indie starring Denise Gough and Sebastian Stan in a role a bit different from his usual blockbusters. It’s the story of two individuals who meet in Greece at a time when they are both feeling lost in life. It deals with some serious themes but the film’s setting allows for that romantic escapsism to seep through.
1. Aftersun
This film definitely deserves some light to be shed on it. Starring Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio, it’s set in the late 1990s and follows a father and daughter from Scotland on their holiday. Mescal plays Calum, a loving but troubled father struggling to cope with weight of life but trying to hide it from his young daughter. It was a perfect role for Mescal and young actor Corio handles the part so impressively, the pair deserved more love for this during award season and you should give it a watch if you haven’t already seen it.