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

17 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 15m ago

Still Life

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Upvotes

Do you like movies with sex, violence, nudity, cussing and all that? Yeah me too. However this movie that I would like to recommend has none of those things. And it doesn’t need any of those things either.

This film is about being a human being and in this case a government employee tasked with dealing with deceased people who were not claimed at the time of their deaths.

Eddie Marsan does an impeccable job in his role as the employee responsible for trying to give the deceased an honorable and dignified funeral as well as trying to help find family members.

I hope you get a chance to see this movie because it’s a masterpiece in my opinion. It also won numerous awards around the globe. Tomatoes 🍅 gave it a 63 but I don’t know how they could come up with that. I think you will enjoy it and it will have an impact on you.


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

End of the Line 2007

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60 Upvotes

I will say this isn't the best movie you're ever gonna watch but it does a lot of things right. The acting for most characters does feel like it was maybe a first project or early project for their career but it's not distractingly bad, just a little stilted

The jumpscares are probably some of the best of I've experienced in a movie. They never feel cheap or unnecessary

The story, while not the most original, is fun. It was predictable in an enjoyable way and the fight scenes are great specifically the one with the sledge hammer. I've watched this movie for years and I never see anyone talk about it but I think it's just a fun movie


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

The Burrowers

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54 Upvotes

This is one hell of a movie. One reviewer described it as intelligent and I have to give you that. The reality is this is not a surface level plot line. It dives deep and historically accurately into social issues. I’ve studied much about the Wild West(which is the only clue about plotline I’ll give here) and this movie nailed it on the head.

It’s truly one of a kind and I’m surprised this film isn’t praised for its ability to pull at your heart and teach you about real feelings carried by important protagonists of this time period.


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

TAPS (1981)

34 Upvotes

I'm on a few movie subs and this cult classic - memorized line by line by a generation like it was Tolkien - is never mentioned. A classic. https://lastmovieoutpost.com/retro-review-taps-1981/


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Problem Child 2 (1991)

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169 Upvotes

I'll also include the first Problem Child (1990).

I didn't watch these back in the day but recently watched the two and was surprised how good & funny they are.

The second one leans more heavily into the live action cartoon logic than the first.


r/underratedmovies 17h ago

My American Cousin

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1 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (1999).

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17 Upvotes

I Do Not See Enough People Talking About This Movie Enough Cuz This Movie Is One My Top Picks For Watching At Christmas Time. The Animation Is Beautiful Especially At The Beginning, The Stories Are Wholesome And It Is Full Of Heart. Would ABSOLUTELY Recommend Watching It At Christmas Time.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Bandits (2001)

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85 Upvotes

Just an amazing watch. No Sunday Scaries, just vibes. I’ve seen it before, but this time it hit differently. I rarely say this, but I think this is going in the top 10. It really put me in the moment, and the happy ending is what sealed the deal for me. It wasn’t as much the plot as it was the setting and atmosphere. “Beautiful Day” by U2 brought the romance and depth to just the right level.

Now I want to rewatch Point Break.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Enter The Void (2009)

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54 Upvotes

I feel like Enter the Void gets dismissed way too easily because it’s such an exhausting and unconventional experience.

The story itself is pretty simple, but I don’t think the story is really the point. Gaspar Noé is trying to make you experience death, drugs, memory, and reincarnation rather than simply tell you a story about them. The first-person perspective, neon Tokyo, constantly drifting camera, bizarre transitions, and psychedelic visuals make it feel more like a hallucination than a traditional movie.

It’s also incredibly ambitious visually. There are very few films that have such a distinct visual identity, and even when the movie becomes repetitive or self-indulgent, you can’t really say it looks like anything else.

That said, I completely understand why people dislike it. It’s long, repetitive, extremely explicit, and sometimes feels like Noé is deliberately testing the audience’s patience.

But I think that’s also why it deserves more appreciation. It’s not necessarily a perfect movie, but it’s an incredibly unique cinematic experience. Even if you hate it, there’s a good chance you’ve never seen anything quite like it.

I’d take a flawed, excessive movie with this much personality over a technically perfect movie that feels completely interchangeable.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

low effort post Carolina Caroline (2025)

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57 Upvotes

The chemistry between the two leads was so good. Really enjoyed this one. Criminally underrated as a love story...!


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

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247 Upvotes

I don't know why people don't talk about this one more. It's my favorite Coen Bros movie.The stories, dialogue, cinematography, acting, everything is top notch, and it is entertaining as hell.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Sparkler (1997)

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16 Upvotes

Silly indie comedy-drama about a California trailer park woman who goes to Vegas for the first time and learns her own self worth along with the three young men she met.

Its silly but entertaining and heart-felt at times.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

frequently posted Out to Sea

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67 Upvotes

This one didn't get as much talk as grumpy old men, but I thought it was equally as well done. Casting was fantastic, such a comfort movie for me. Can watch it anytime its on, and still I am laughing. I would say it's underrated in thr franchises with these two, grumpy old men got all the hype, this one kinda fell to the wayside


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Lost in America (1985)

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6 Upvotes

Lost in America (1985) is a road comedy directed by and starring Albert Brooks.

The story follows a couple who decide to leave their ordinary life behind after a career setback.

They sell their house and belongings and set off across America in a luxury car.

But they soon realize that their dream of freedom and a life without responsibilities is not as simple as they imagined.

The film uses dark humor to satirize the American Dream, consumerism, and the identity crisis of the middle class.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

Grumpier Old Men (1995)

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228 Upvotes

The double take I took when I saw the Rotten Tomatoes rating on this certified gem. Walter Matthau and Sophia Loren's dynamic absolutely kills. Not even mentioning the rest of the cast. Burgess Meredith has some amazing moments. I think I may like it better than the first? I can't get over this, justice for Grumpier Old Men!!


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

not underrated Justice for all (1979)

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14 Upvotes

In this movie Al Pacino is playing lawyer who forced to defend judge whom he hates ,.This movie is very and Al Pacino give one off his best performances in this movie .I'm suprised that they cast Christine Lahti as Al Pacino love inters she is so much taller than him.


r/underratedmovies 2d ago

Tuhog (2013)

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0 Upvotes

Simple. Pero iba ang atake. Ito talaga yung isa sa mga underrated filipino movie. Maganda yung concept na tatlong strangers, magkakaibang buhay at problema, pero nag-connect dahil sa isang unexpected na pangyayari.
IMO : 7/10


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

National Lampoon's Dorm Daze (2003)

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34 Upvotes

Best movie I've ever seen that has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Everybody has that one crazy movie they've seen that has extremely low ratings everywhere but they personally loved every moment of it. This was mine. It's unironically a 10/10 movie.

This movie made feel like a kid again and had me so excited the entire time because stuff just kept happening and the movie kept moving forward outdoing itself, with rarely a dull moment. I was squirming in my seat wondering how this movie was so good and was literally on the edge of my seat wondering what was around the next corner. It's so unpredictable and insane. Some people will probably consider this movie criminally bad, but it's everything I want from a raunchy sex comedy. I saw the sequel, it sucks, that deserves its low ratings, but this the opposite.

If Dazed and Confused is the definitive high school movie, this is the definitive college one. Even the best scenes in American Wedding don't compare to this.


r/underratedmovies 3d ago

500 Miles (2026)

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7 Upvotes

This is a gem of a movie about loss, grief, support and healing. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but the cast includes the great Bill Nighy and the young talent Maisie Williams. The 500 miles refers to the distance the grandsons travels while running away from England to Ireland to visit his grandfather (Nighy). It’s a small but moving film well worth a watch.


r/underratedmovies 4d ago

frequently posted, not underrated Toy Soldiers (1991)

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331 Upvotes

Great little movie with young actors, including Sean Astin in a lead role as a trouble-making student at a boys prep school. Terrorists take over the school and Astin and a handful of other students plot to take back the campus. It didn’t do great at the box office, but is worthy of a watch as it does a good job of getting you connected to the actors and providing a decent amount of action.


r/underratedmovies 4d ago

Ginger Snaps (2000)

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223 Upvotes

Came in expecting this Canadian horror movie to be a schlocky gorefest, but ended up liking it a lot more than I thought, aside from some mediocre special effects. The leading duo, Emily Perkins and Katherine Isabelle, carried it with their believable performances and chemistry.


r/underratedmovies 4d ago

low effort post Outside Providence 1999

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264 Upvotes

I never heard people mention this. Total classic, and I'm surprised. The scene when "drugs delaney" writes a letter to his friend at school, snd the dean reads it aloud, top 5 comedic movie scenes of all time


r/underratedmovies 4d ago

Scream 3 (2000)

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17 Upvotes

Plot:
Sidney Prescott is drawn out from hiding to face a new Ghostface on the Hollywood film set of Stab 3.

Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the meta aspect of this movie. It’s out there and a bit ridiculous at times but I find Scream 3 pretty entertaining. To me this movie stands out as one of the best installments of the Scream franchise. Liev Schreiber gives a fun performance too.

Rating:
3.3 ⭐️ out of 5 ⭐️

If you’ve seen this movie, what are your thoughts on it?

What’s your rating out of 5 ⭐️’s?