In a landscape filled with blockbuster hits and high-profile releases, many exceptional films often slip under the radar. These underrated gems may not have made headlines or topped the box office charts, but they offer unique storytelling and memorable performances.
Here’s a look at ten films from the last decade that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Top 7 Underrated Films of the Last Decade You Probably Missed
My Two Cents Before We Talk About the Movies
As a movie buff myself, I advocate maximizing streaming quality and experience.
No matter which streaming service you use, the quality should be a priority for a great cozy movie night with your friends or family. That said, streaming quality depends on multiple factors and one of the most important is your internet speed.
I have tried multiple ISPs (internet service providers) in the US but Google Fiber and Spectrum stand out. Google Fiber is good but it is available in a very limited number of states. On the flip side, Spectrum offers up to gigabit speeds at affordable rates and has a wide coverage area. Explore, choose whichever works best for you, and cherish the movie nights.
The Farewell (2019)
Plot Summary: This touching dramedy follows a Chinese-American woman who returns to China under the guise of a wedding to say goodbye to her beloved grandmother, who is unaware of her terminal diagnosis.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its critical acclaim and a strong festival presence, The Farewell didn’t receive the widespread recognition it deserved in mainstream media.
Why You Should Watch It: The film beautifully explores themes of family, culture, and the complexities of truth. Awkwafina delivers a heartfelt performance that resonates long after the credits roll.
Paterson (2016)
Plot Summary: This quiet drama centers on a week in the life of a bus driver named Paterson, living in Paterson, New Jersey, who finds inspiration in the mundane.
Why It’s Underrated: While it earned praise at film festivals, its slow pacing and understated style may have turned off mainstream audiences.
Why You Should Watch It: Directed by Jim Jarmusch, the film offers a meditative look at creativity and the beauty of everyday life, making it a soothing experience for viewers seeking something different.
A Ghost Story (2017)
Plot Summary: This haunting film tells the story of a man who becomes a ghost, observing the passage of time and the lives of those he left behind.
Why It’s Underrated: Its unconventional narrative and slow pacing might have deterred mainstream audiences, leading to a limited following.
Why You Should Watch It: With stunning cinematography and a unique perspective on love and loss, A Ghost Story invites viewers to reflect on existence in profound ways.
Leave No Trace (2018)
Plot Summary: This poignant drama follows a father and daughter living off the grid in the forests of Oregon, whose peaceful life is disrupted when they are discovered.
Why It’s Underrated: While it received critical acclaim, it didn’t gain significant traction at the box office, overshadowed by flashier releases.
Why You Should Watch It: The film offers a tender exploration of family and resilience, with outstanding performances by Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie that linger in the mind.
The Half of It (2020)
Plot Summary: This modern take on Cyrano de Bergerac follows a shy, introverted student who helps a jock woo a girl she secretly has feelings for.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its charm and relatability, it flew under the radar amid a sea of romantic comedies.
Why You Should Watch It: With a fresh perspective on love and friendship, this film offers heartfelt moments and witty dialogue that resonate with audiences.
The Florida Project (2017)
Plot Summary: Set in the shadow of Disney World, this film follows a six-year-old girl and her young mother living in a budget motel, showcasing their vibrant lives amidst struggles.
Why It’s Underrated: While it garnered some awards attention, it was eclipsed by larger films at the time of its release.
Why You Should Watch It: With a mix of joy and sorrow, the film captures childhood innocence in a harsh reality, featuring standout performances from Willem Dafoe and the young Brooklynn Prince.
Searching (2018)
Plot Summary: This innovative thriller follows a father who uses technology to track down his missing daughter, unfolding entirely through computer screens and digital devices.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its unique format and engaging story, it may not have received the attention it warranted in the crowded thriller genre.
Why You Should Watch It: The film’s real-time storytelling and emotional depth make it a gripping watch that showcases the impact of technology on relationships.
Honorable Mentions
Coherence (2013): A mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores friendship and reality during a dinner party gone awry.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016): A heartwarming adventure-comedy that follows a rebellious teen and his foster uncle on the run in the New Zealand wilderness.
