The Best Movies You've Probably Never Seen
To say there is an over-abundance of films that hit theaters every year would be an understatement and it is certainly near impossible to see every movie that releases, even for movie buffs! Nowadays, it's even harder with all the streaming services that have come about, many of which are releasing their own original content. Because of this, it's expected that some movies will be overlooked or simply just slide under the radar and we miss them in theaters and never get around to seeing them. In some cases, the films are either foreign films or are smaller budget films and they are issued a limited release, and may not even appear in your local theaters.
Have no fear, however, as I'm going to be taking a look at a few great films that you may have missed, or may not even heard of! This is a list that could easily get into the tens or even hundreds if you really want to get into it, but I've got my list narrowed down to the nice, even number of eleven. You'll notice that a good chunk of them are horror films (I actually took a few off), and that's mostly because I feel horror films don't get the admiration they deserve outside of the horror fan base and sadly, this means quite a few people are missing out on some fantastic films. Let's dive right into this one and take a look at some great films you probably haven't seen.
Funny Farm (1988)
Starring: Chevy Chase, Madolyn Smith Osborne, and Kevin O'Morrison
Andy and Elizabeth have purchased a farm in the beautiful setting of Vermont. He is looking to tackle the dream of writing the Great American Novel and she is there to enjoy a peaceful life in a small country town. From the offset, however, there is no peaceful life. Everything from demented mail carriers, to dead bodies in the garden keep this couple from the ideal life they were wanting.
First off, this is Chevy Chase in his prime, right in the midst of Three Amigos and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. While he's a bit more restrained in Funny Farm, his iconic style of slapstick comedy and dry humor is in abundance. The townsfolk in this film, all played by folks you've seen in countless films from the late '80s and '90s, help make this movie what it is; each taking turns to make Andy's life a living hell. This is a hilarious movie but has moments of emotion that you'd expect from a "feel-good" comedy. It's rated PG, so it's also a good one for the family to enjoy.
Boxtrolls (2014)
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Elle Fanning, and Isaac Hempstead Wright
A young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator. Boxtrolls was released by Laika Studios, who are known for their quirky, stop-motion animation style in films like ParaNorman, Coraline, and Kubo and the Two Strings. Admittedly, this style is not for everyone, but they do produce a lot of fun, family-friendly adventure films and Boxtrolls is one of my favorites. Featuring a stellar cast of actors providing the voices for the unique characters, this is a fun film that your whole family will enjoy.
While Laika's films tend to lean towards the darker, even Gothic tones, Boxtrolls tends to skew more to the brighter, almost silly side. The story is rather straightforward and even contrived at times, but the fun character designs and antics they get involved in helping to move this film along in a fun manner.
The Orphanage (2007)
Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep, and Mabel Rivera
Laura, a former orphan, returns to her childhood orphanage with her husband and adopted son to revive the home as a care center for disabled children, providing a home for kids who otherwise would be left in the cold. Soon, however, she discovers that the five imaginary friends her son has made may just be something more.
The first of several horror films on my list, The Orphanage is a film that is one of the most haunting films I've seen in a very long time. It is very much a character-driven film, but there are some extremely disturbing visuals, which vary from straight-up violence to a kid with a mask. One of my favorite filmmakers, Guillermo Del Toro produced the movie, with acclaimed television and film director J. A. Bayona behind the camera and the pair have put together a truly masterful film. The film has an R-rating, so keep this one for the adults, but it's one of my favorite horror films.
Sunshine (2007)
Starring: Cliff Curtis, Michelle Yeoh, Chris Evans, Cillian Murphy, Benedict Wong, and Mark Strong
Danny Boyle has some pretty stellar films under his belt, several of which are award winners. But one of his earlier projects that is often overlooked is the space drama Sunshine. The film centers on a group of astronauts who are sent on a mission to reignite a dying sun. It's a well-written film, coming from Alex Garland, who is behind such hits as the acclaimed Ex-Machina and Boyle's venture into the horror world 28 Days Later....
The film is an emotional ride, filled with great action sequences and great performances from the stacked cast that includes a lot of familiar faces. It's all capped off by an incredible score from composer John Murphy.
High Tension (2003)
Starring: Cécile de France, Maïwenn, Franck Khalfoun, and Philippe Nahon
One could argue that High Tension could fall into the horror category. It is, after all, quite violent, one of the more violent films out there, in fact. But I'd drop this one under the suspense column as it is quite easily one of the tensest movies I've ever seen, too. The film follows two friends who escape to a farmhouse for a calm weekend, but it quickly turns into a complete nightmare.
High Tension was co-written and directed by Alexandre Aja, who is also known for his recent sleeper hit Crawl, along with Piranha 3D and the cult favorite The Hills Have Eyes. If those films aren't your cup of tea, don't let that keep you from seeing this one, as this film is unlike anything he's done before. Not only that, but Cécile de France makes for an incredible female lead, certainly not a damsel in distress type character we typically see in films like this. Did I mention it was violent? Because it totally is.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, and Jim Beaver
I make it no secret that Guillermo Del Tor is one of, if not my favorite filmmakers. His dark and twisted style, along with his knack for incredibly creepy visuals are unmatched in Hollywood today. Crimson Peak is a bit of a passion project for Del Toro, as he'd wanted to create a haunted house film for some time. The end result wasn't the critical darling that many of his other films are and I think it just didn't appeal to a lot of mainstream moviegoers, which is understandable. Having said that, I also feel that many are missing out.
The cast is top-notch and the story is a unique take on a rather over-done haunted house theme. Not to mention the absolutely stunning visuals that Del Toro is known for (aided by many-time collaborator Doug Jones). Those visuals do provide some scary moments, but I'm not sure I'd file this one under the horror genre either.
Into the Wild (2007)
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn, William Hurt, and Marcia Gay Harden
This film is probably one that some folks have seen, mostly since it was in the spotlight during awards season in 2007. It was nominated for several Academy and Golden Globe Awards, as well many others, and took home a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, written and performed by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. This is one of the few instances where the movie is just about as good as the book. While the film takes a bit of a different approach, it still captures all the adventure and emotion from the book.
Emile Hirsch stars as Chris McCandless, who leaves his world and possessions behind and hitchhikes his way to Alaska to live in the wild. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters that shape his life in many different ways. Hal Holbrook, in particular, gives an amazing performance. Get the tissues ready, because this one is a gut punch, but very much worth a watch. Read the book as well, you won't be disappointed by either.
3:10 To Yuma (2007)
Starring: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Logan Lerman, Ben Foster, and Gretchen Mol
I love me a good western and I don't feel like we have nearly enough of them! Like Into the Wild, this may be a film that many folks have seen, but it just doesn't get talked about enough. James Mangold, the director behind the acclaimed Logan and Ford vs Ferrari, leads an amazing cast in a film that follows a rancher who agrees to hold an outlaw until the train to Yuma rolls through town. A battle of wills ensues that takes some unexpected and touching turns. Ben Foster, who is one of the more underrated and under-used actors in quite some time, shines in the movie for me. He's devious and just downright dirty. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale also form an imposing duo. It's not often you get to cheer for a bad guy.
The film is filled with incredible action sequences that are best viewed with a stellar sound system, along with beautiful cinematography featuring the deserts of the southwest. Again, it's possible that many folks have seen this film, but for those that haven't, add this one to the watch list.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Michael J. Fox, and many, many more
If you made a list of films that are so stupid they're funny, Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! would need to be at the top. The film is ridiculously over the top but is filled with hilarious cameos, ludicrous dialogue, and a little too-on-the-nose character designs, but it is very much worth a watch. The plot is simple: aliens with a cruel sense of humor have invaded planet earth.
Mars Attacks! embraces the kitschy 1950s sci-fi design, with Burton sparing no expense to get capture that feel. It's also quite evident that he had a ton of fun making the movie, as did the countless actors who appear; everyone from Jack Nicholson and Glenn Close, to Sarah Jessica Parker and Martin Short. If you want a film that allows you to check reality at the door, Mars Attacks! is the way to go.
Insomnia (2002)
Starring: Robin Williams, Al Pacino, Hilary Swank, and Paul Dooley
There's this guy who directs these awesome movies. Maybe you've heard of him, Christopher Nolan? Few directors are able to live up to the expectations of movie-goers on a continual basis and Nolan is one of those few. Time after time, Nolan provides fans with a film that delivers on all accounts. Prior to him tackling the world of the Dark Knight, Nolan brought us some truly stellar and underappreciated films that include Memento and Insomnia, a film in which we see an entirely different side of Robin Williams.
The film follows a pair of Los Angeles detectives who are sent to a small Alaskan town where the sun doesn't set to investigate a string of homicides. Insomnia is filled to the brim with tension and frustration, as the characters slowly deteriorate, dragging you into their spiral of no sleep and never-ending daylight. Williams, who many know for his comedic acting, dishes out a dramatic and unnerving character and he handles it with ease.
Downfall (2004)
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler, and Heino Ferch
If you've spent any amount of time on the internet, then you've likely come across those doctored videos of Adolf Hitler going off on a tangent about anything from football games to bad movies. The original source of that video clip comes from this movie, Downfall, a German film that follows Hitler during his final days of WWII. Admittedly, the clips are pretty funny, but that scene is quite possibly one of the best scenes I've ever witnessed in a film. The amount of passion that Bruno Ganz delivers in that speech is incredible.
The film does an excellent job of documenting those final days and if you're a history buff like me, you enjoy watching these types of stories told from different perspectives. This one comes from the view of the final secretary for Adolf Hitler, Traudl Junge. The commercialism of Hollywood is omitted and we're given a fairly accurate telling of the historic events. The film is long, but it's very much worth a view.
I recognize that I've left quite a few other films off this list - The Edge, Ravenous, Equilibrium, The Ghost and the Darkness, Breakdown, just to name a few others - but it just goes to show that there are so many other good movies out there that have never received the recognition they deserve. What other films would you add to this list? Comment below, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have no fear, however, as I'm going to be taking a look at a few great films that you may have missed, or may not even heard of! This is a list that could easily get into the tens or even hundreds if you really want to get into it, but I've got my list narrowed down to the nice, even number of eleven. You'll notice that a good chunk of them are horror films (I actually took a few off), and that's mostly because I feel horror films don't get the admiration they deserve outside of the horror fan base and sadly, this means quite a few people are missing out on some fantastic films. Let's dive right into this one and take a look at some great films you probably haven't seen.
Funny Farm (1988)
Starring: Chevy Chase, Madolyn Smith Osborne, and Kevin O'Morrison
Andy and Elizabeth have purchased a farm in the beautiful setting of Vermont. He is looking to tackle the dream of writing the Great American Novel and she is there to enjoy a peaceful life in a small country town. From the offset, however, there is no peaceful life. Everything from demented mail carriers, to dead bodies in the garden keep this couple from the ideal life they were wanting.
First off, this is Chevy Chase in his prime, right in the midst of Three Amigos and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. While he's a bit more restrained in Funny Farm, his iconic style of slapstick comedy and dry humor is in abundance. The townsfolk in this film, all played by folks you've seen in countless films from the late '80s and '90s, help make this movie what it is; each taking turns to make Andy's life a living hell. This is a hilarious movie but has moments of emotion that you'd expect from a "feel-good" comedy. It's rated PG, so it's also a good one for the family to enjoy.
Boxtrolls (2014)
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Elle Fanning, and Isaac Hempstead Wright
A young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator. Boxtrolls was released by Laika Studios, who are known for their quirky, stop-motion animation style in films like ParaNorman, Coraline, and Kubo and the Two Strings. Admittedly, this style is not for everyone, but they do produce a lot of fun, family-friendly adventure films and Boxtrolls is one of my favorites. Featuring a stellar cast of actors providing the voices for the unique characters, this is a fun film that your whole family will enjoy.
While Laika's films tend to lean towards the darker, even Gothic tones, Boxtrolls tends to skew more to the brighter, almost silly side. The story is rather straightforward and even contrived at times, but the fun character designs and antics they get involved in helping to move this film along in a fun manner.
The Orphanage (2007)
Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep, and Mabel Rivera
Laura, a former orphan, returns to her childhood orphanage with her husband and adopted son to revive the home as a care center for disabled children, providing a home for kids who otherwise would be left in the cold. Soon, however, she discovers that the five imaginary friends her son has made may just be something more.
The first of several horror films on my list, The Orphanage is a film that is one of the most haunting films I've seen in a very long time. It is very much a character-driven film, but there are some extremely disturbing visuals, which vary from straight-up violence to a kid with a mask. One of my favorite filmmakers, Guillermo Del Toro produced the movie, with acclaimed television and film director J. A. Bayona behind the camera and the pair have put together a truly masterful film. The film has an R-rating, so keep this one for the adults, but it's one of my favorite horror films.
Sunshine (2007)
Starring: Cliff Curtis, Michelle Yeoh, Chris Evans, Cillian Murphy, Benedict Wong, and Mark Strong
Danny Boyle has some pretty stellar films under his belt, several of which are award winners. But one of his earlier projects that is often overlooked is the space drama Sunshine. The film centers on a group of astronauts who are sent on a mission to reignite a dying sun. It's a well-written film, coming from Alex Garland, who is behind such hits as the acclaimed Ex-Machina and Boyle's venture into the horror world 28 Days Later....
The film is an emotional ride, filled with great action sequences and great performances from the stacked cast that includes a lot of familiar faces. It's all capped off by an incredible score from composer John Murphy.
High Tension (2003)
Starring: Cécile de France, Maïwenn, Franck Khalfoun, and Philippe Nahon
One could argue that High Tension could fall into the horror category. It is, after all, quite violent, one of the more violent films out there, in fact. But I'd drop this one under the suspense column as it is quite easily one of the tensest movies I've ever seen, too. The film follows two friends who escape to a farmhouse for a calm weekend, but it quickly turns into a complete nightmare.
High Tension was co-written and directed by Alexandre Aja, who is also known for his recent sleeper hit Crawl, along with Piranha 3D and the cult favorite The Hills Have Eyes. If those films aren't your cup of tea, don't let that keep you from seeing this one, as this film is unlike anything he's done before. Not only that, but Cécile de France makes for an incredible female lead, certainly not a damsel in distress type character we typically see in films like this. Did I mention it was violent? Because it totally is.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, and Jim Beaver
I make it no secret that Guillermo Del Tor is one of, if not my favorite filmmakers. His dark and twisted style, along with his knack for incredibly creepy visuals are unmatched in Hollywood today. Crimson Peak is a bit of a passion project for Del Toro, as he'd wanted to create a haunted house film for some time. The end result wasn't the critical darling that many of his other films are and I think it just didn't appeal to a lot of mainstream moviegoers, which is understandable. Having said that, I also feel that many are missing out.
The cast is top-notch and the story is a unique take on a rather over-done haunted house theme. Not to mention the absolutely stunning visuals that Del Toro is known for (aided by many-time collaborator Doug Jones). Those visuals do provide some scary moments, but I'm not sure I'd file this one under the horror genre either.
Into the Wild (2007)
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn, William Hurt, and Marcia Gay Harden
This film is probably one that some folks have seen, mostly since it was in the spotlight during awards season in 2007. It was nominated for several Academy and Golden Globe Awards, as well many others, and took home a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, written and performed by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. This is one of the few instances where the movie is just about as good as the book. While the film takes a bit of a different approach, it still captures all the adventure and emotion from the book.
Emile Hirsch stars as Chris McCandless, who leaves his world and possessions behind and hitchhikes his way to Alaska to live in the wild. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters that shape his life in many different ways. Hal Holbrook, in particular, gives an amazing performance. Get the tissues ready, because this one is a gut punch, but very much worth a watch. Read the book as well, you won't be disappointed by either.
3:10 To Yuma (2007)
Starring: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Logan Lerman, Ben Foster, and Gretchen Mol
I love me a good western and I don't feel like we have nearly enough of them! Like Into the Wild, this may be a film that many folks have seen, but it just doesn't get talked about enough. James Mangold, the director behind the acclaimed Logan and Ford vs Ferrari, leads an amazing cast in a film that follows a rancher who agrees to hold an outlaw until the train to Yuma rolls through town. A battle of wills ensues that takes some unexpected and touching turns. Ben Foster, who is one of the more underrated and under-used actors in quite some time, shines in the movie for me. He's devious and just downright dirty. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale also form an imposing duo. It's not often you get to cheer for a bad guy.
The film is filled with incredible action sequences that are best viewed with a stellar sound system, along with beautiful cinematography featuring the deserts of the southwest. Again, it's possible that many folks have seen this film, but for those that haven't, add this one to the watch list.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Michael J. Fox, and many, many more
If you made a list of films that are so stupid they're funny, Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! would need to be at the top. The film is ridiculously over the top but is filled with hilarious cameos, ludicrous dialogue, and a little too-on-the-nose character designs, but it is very much worth a watch. The plot is simple: aliens with a cruel sense of humor have invaded planet earth.
Mars Attacks! embraces the kitschy 1950s sci-fi design, with Burton sparing no expense to get capture that feel. It's also quite evident that he had a ton of fun making the movie, as did the countless actors who appear; everyone from Jack Nicholson and Glenn Close, to Sarah Jessica Parker and Martin Short. If you want a film that allows you to check reality at the door, Mars Attacks! is the way to go.
Insomnia (2002)
Starring: Robin Williams, Al Pacino, Hilary Swank, and Paul Dooley
There's this guy who directs these awesome movies. Maybe you've heard of him, Christopher Nolan? Few directors are able to live up to the expectations of movie-goers on a continual basis and Nolan is one of those few. Time after time, Nolan provides fans with a film that delivers on all accounts. Prior to him tackling the world of the Dark Knight, Nolan brought us some truly stellar and underappreciated films that include Memento and Insomnia, a film in which we see an entirely different side of Robin Williams.
The film follows a pair of Los Angeles detectives who are sent to a small Alaskan town where the sun doesn't set to investigate a string of homicides. Insomnia is filled to the brim with tension and frustration, as the characters slowly deteriorate, dragging you into their spiral of no sleep and never-ending daylight. Williams, who many know for his comedic acting, dishes out a dramatic and unnerving character and he handles it with ease.
Downfall (2004)
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler, and Heino Ferch
If you've spent any amount of time on the internet, then you've likely come across those doctored videos of Adolf Hitler going off on a tangent about anything from football games to bad movies. The original source of that video clip comes from this movie, Downfall, a German film that follows Hitler during his final days of WWII. Admittedly, the clips are pretty funny, but that scene is quite possibly one of the best scenes I've ever witnessed in a film. The amount of passion that Bruno Ganz delivers in that speech is incredible.
The film does an excellent job of documenting those final days and if you're a history buff like me, you enjoy watching these types of stories told from different perspectives. This one comes from the view of the final secretary for Adolf Hitler, Traudl Junge. The commercialism of Hollywood is omitted and we're given a fairly accurate telling of the historic events. The film is long, but it's very much worth a view.
I recognize that I've left quite a few other films off this list - The Edge, Ravenous, Equilibrium, The Ghost and the Darkness, Breakdown, just to name a few others - but it just goes to show that there are so many other good movies out there that have never received the recognition they deserve. What other films would you add to this list? Comment below, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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