10 Underrated Films You Need to Watch

Creating this list feels like a daring move, especially considering how knowledgeable our audience is about cinema. Still, I’m proceeding with it. These are films that many haven’t seen—or even heard of—yet they are exceptional in their own right and deserve immediate attention. Note: Some clips include strong language and nudity. Spoilers are present, and those with a fear of taxidermy should skip entry number 4.

10. Idioterne 1998, Lars von Trier

Directed by the visionary behind Dancer in the Dark and Dogville, Idioterne stands out as one of Lars von Trier’s most unconventional dogme works. The story follows a group of sharp-minded individuals who rebel against society’s obsession with superficial intelligence by forming a commune of “idiots.” Their mission? To venture into the world of “normal” people and feign mental disability, sparking chaos, discomfort, and outrage wherever they go. The narrative kicks off as they welcome a new member and introduce her to their eccentric, domineering leader.

Sci-fi enthusiasts will find this film captivating. The story follows a man who awakens to discover he is the sole inhabitant of Earth. As he searches for other survivors, he begins to suspect a government experiment he participated in might be responsible for the global vanishing. Over time, he encounters a few others, and together they work to uncover the mystery behind their isolation.

Three generations of women—a mother, her daughter, and her niece, all named Cissie Colpitts—grow disillusioned with their marriages and orchestrate the drowning of their husbands. The local coroner, Madgett, a passionate game enthusiast, becomes entangled in a scheme to conceal the murders. The narrative unfolds alongside the sequential appearance of numbers from one to one-hundred, woven subtly throughout the film.

Antoine, a young boy, becomes infatuated with the town’s hairdresser, leading him to get haircuts as often as possible, much to his parents’ dismay. As an adult, his fascination with hairdressing persists. One day, he enters a barber shop, meets Mathilde, the hairdresser, and they instantly fall in love, embarking on an unconventional romance. This quintessentially French film is a must-watch.

This entry stands out as it’s a documentary, yet its brilliance makes it impossible to exclude. Located in the breathtaking French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is renowned as one of the most austere monasteries globally. In 1984, German director Philip Gröning requested permission from the Carthusian order to document their lives. After a 16-year wait, he was granted access. Without a crew or artificial lighting, Gröning spent six months living among the monks, capturing their prayers, routines, rituals, and occasional outings.

Will Smith delivers an unexpectedly profound performance, complemented by the stellar acting of Stockard Channing and Donald Sutherland. Flan and Ouisa Kittredge, affluent New York City art dealers, are visited one evening by a young man named Paul, who claims to be a friend of their children from Harvard. They offer him shelter, and he captivates them with a homemade meal and engaging conversation. The next day, they discover his true identity isn’t what it seemed. Their ensuing investigation is fascinating and prompts them to reflect on their own lives. This film is loosely based on a true story.

Those uneasy with taxidermy might want to skip this one. This uniquely strange adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ blends a live-action Alice with an array of eerie animated puppets, from intricate designs like the White Rabbit to simple creations like the Caterpillar, made from a sock, glass eyes, and false teeth. While the original tale is followed closely, fans of Svankmajer’s work will recognize his signature style, including surreal detours and unsettling imagery like living meat slabs. The opening narration suggests it’s a film for children… or is it?

Notice the boy on the floor? That’s Adam Ant. This film is one of Derek Jarman’s most iconic works. Queen Elizabeth I journeys to late 20th-century Britain, only to find a bleak and desolate world where life appears meaningless and disposable. Three post-punk girls navigate their hollow lives, occasionally resorting to murder to escape their boredom.

The video above captures the film’s final moments, where Denis Lavant delivers an unexpected dance performance—a humorous contrast to the film’s otherwise serious tone. The story revolves around Galoup, a former Foreign Legion officer, reminiscing about his past glory while stationed in Djibouti. His disciplined and fulfilling life is disrupted by the arrival of Sentain, a talented recruit. Consumed by jealousy, Galoup attempts to undermine Sentain to protect his standing with the commandant, whom he idolizes. This envy ultimately leads to the downfall of both men.

After much searching, I discovered a trailer for Luchino Visconti's cinematic masterpiece. This clip reveals the film's concluding moments, so beware of spoilers. Yet, it captures one of cinema's most poignant scenes, making it a must-watch. The movie is a visual feast, with stunning imagery throughout. The soundtrack features Mahler’s Adagietto from his 5th symphony, a recurring theme in the film. This adaptation of Thomas Mann's novel follows avant-garde composer Gustave Aschenbach, inspired by Gustav Mahler, as he retreats to a Venetian resort seeking solace from artistic and personal turmoil. Instead of peace, he becomes captivated by Tadzio, a young boy vacationing with his family, who symbolizes the beauty Aschenbach has long pursued. As a deadly plague looms, it not only endangers their lives but also symbolizes the decay that undermines all ideals.

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