30 Best Underrated Movies Worth Another Watch.
Have you ever watched a movie and just thought it was okay? You didn’t hate it, but you didn’t love it either.
But then on a second viewing, maybe on TV, you realized that you loved the movie and that it has really grown on you and become one of your favorites. That happens all the time because motion pictures are truly a living and breathing artform. This is why we have phrases like: “Cult Classics” or “Rewatchable Movies”.
In that spirit, Moviefone is counting down the 30 most underrated movies of all time, which includes films that got better on a second watch or just deserve more attention than they have previously received.
Let’s begin!
(L to R) Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Kevin Kline and Alan Rickman in ‘The January Man’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Nick (Kevin Kline) and Frank (Harvey Keitel) Starkey were both policemen. A scandal forced Nick to leave the force, now a serial killer has driven the police to take him back. A web that includes Frank’s wife (Susan Sarandon), bribery, and corruption all are in the background as Nick tries to uncover the secret of where the killer will strike next, and finally must lay a trap without the police.
“Catching a serial killer takes a seriously twisted cop.”
49
1 hr 37 minJan 13th, 1989
Jason Statham in ‘Homefront’. Photo: Open Road Films.
Phil Broker (Jason Statham) is a former DEA agent who has gone through a crisis after his action against a biker gang went horribly wrong and it cost the life of his boss’ son. He is recently widowed and is left with a 9-years-old daughter (Izabela Vidovic), Maddy. He decides to quit the turbulent and demanding life of thrill for Maddy’s sake and retires to a small town. His daughter fights off a boy who was bullying her at school and this sets in motion a round of events that end in his direct confrontation with the local Meth drug lord (James Franco). His past history with the biker gang also enters the arena, making matters more complex. But he has a mission in his mind to protect his daughter and he is ready to pay any cost that it demands.
“How far would you go to protect your home?”
69
1 hr 40 minNov 27th, 2013
(L to R) Demi Moore and Simon Baker in ‘Margin Call’. Photo: Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.
A thriller that revolves around the key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the financial crisis.
(L to R) Kurt Russell and Adrienne Barbeau in ‘Escape from New York’. Photo: AVCO Embassy Pictures.
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam. After the US president crash-lands inside, war hero Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) has 24 hours to bring him back.
“1997. New York City is a walled maximum security prison. Breaking out is impossible. Breaking in is insane.”
71
1 hr 39 minJul 10th, 1981
(L to R) Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe in ‘Proof of Life’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Alice (Meg Ryan) hires a professional negotiator (Russell Crowe) to obtain the release of her engineer husband (David Morse), who has been kidnapped by anti-government guerrillas in South America.
“For her, it’s personal. For him, it’s a contract.”
62
2 hr 15 minDec 8th, 2000
45. ‘Lucy‘ (2014)
Scarlett Johansson in ‘Lucy’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
A woman (Scarlett Johansson), accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.
“The average person uses 10% of their brain capacity. Imagine what she could do with 100%.”
65
1 hr 29 minJul 25th, 2014
Michael Fassbender in ‘Steve Jobs’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
Set backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender) takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint an intimate portrait of the brilliant man at its epicenter.
Matt Damon in ‘The Martian’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Christian Bale in ‘The Big Short’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown.
41. ‘Basic‘ (2003)
(L to R) Taye Diggs and Samuel L. Jackson in ‘Basic’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
A DEA agent (John Travolta) investigates the disappearance of a legendary Army ranger drill sergeant (Samuel L. Jackson) and several of his cadets during a training exercise gone severely awry.
“Deception is their most dangerous weapon.”
65
1 hr 38 minApr 18th, 2003
(L to R) Colin Farrell and Charlie Hunnam in ‘The Gentlemen’. Photo: STXfilms.
American expat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business forever it triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him.
Benicio del Toro in ‘Sicario’. Photo: Lionsgate.
An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in ‘Shot Caller’. Photo: Saban Films.
A newly-released prison gangster (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is forced by the leaders of his gang to orchestrate a major crime with a brutal rival gang on the streets of Southern California.
“Some criminals are made in prison”
69
2 hr 1 minAug 18th, 2017
Gerard Butler in 2009’s ‘Law Abiding Citizen.’
A frustrated man (Gerard Butler) decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family’s killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney (Jamie Foxx) and others involved in the deal.
36. ‘Brick‘ (2006)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt in ‘Brick’. Photo: Focus Features.
After a phone call from his ex-girlfriend, teenage loner Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) learns that her dead body was found. Vowing to solve her murder himself, he must infiltrate high-school cliques that he previously avoided. His search for the truth brings him before some of the school’s roughest characters.
Cast of 2010’s ‘The Losers’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
On a mission deep in the Bolivian jungle, a team of elite commandos finds itself on the receiving end of a lethal betrayal. Now presumed dead, the men join forces with a mysterious operative named Aisha (Zoe Saldaña) to hunt down their enemy and even the score.
“Anyone else would be dead by now.”
63
1 hr 37 minApr 23rd, 2010
(L to R) Tom Hanks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in ‘Charlie Wilson’s War.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
The true story of Texas congressman Charlie Wilson’s (Tom Hanks) covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets had some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.
“A stiff drink. A little mascara. A lot of nerve. Who said they couldn’t bring down the Soviet empire.”
65
1 hr 42 minDec 21st, 2007
(L to R) Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster in ‘Inside Man’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
When an armed, masked gang enter a Manhattan bank, lock the doors and take hostages, the detective (Denzel Washington) assigned to effect their release enters negotiations preoccupied with corruption charges he is facing.
“It looked like the perfect bank robbery. But you can’t judge a crime by its cover.”
74
2 hr 9 minMar 24th, 2006
(L to R) Colin Farrell as Detective James ‘Sonny’ Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Detective Ricardo ‘Rico’ Tubbs in ‘Miami Vice.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
A case involving drug lords and murder in South Florida takes a personal turn for undercover detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx). Unorthodox Crockett gets involved romantically with the Chinese-Cuban wife (Gong Li) of a trafficker of arms and drugs, while Tubbs deals with an assault on those he loves.
31. ‘Takers‘ (2010)
Cast of 2010’s ‘Takers’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
A seasoned team of bank robbers, including Gordon Jennings (Idris Elba), John Rahway (Paul Walker), A.J. (Hayden Christensen), and brothers Jake (Michael Ealy) and Jesse Attica (Chris Brown) successfully complete their latest heist and lead a life of luxury while planning their next job. When Ghost (T.I.), a former member of their team, is released from prison he convinces the group to strike an armored car carrying $20 million. As the “Takers” carefully plot out their strategy and draw nearer to exacting the grand heist, a reckless police officer inches closer to apprehending the criminals.
“Who’s Taking Who?”
62
1 hr 47 minAug 26th, 2010
(L to R) Tom Sizemore and Nicolas Cage in ‘Bringing Out the Dead’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Once called “Father Frank” for his efforts to rescue lives, Frank Pierce (Nicolas Cage) sees the ghosts of those he failed to save around every turn. He has tried everything he can to get fired, calling in sick, delaying taking calls where he might have to face one more victim he couldn’t help, yet cannot quit the job on his own.
“Any call can be murder, any stop can be suicide, any night can be the last.”
66
2 hr 1 minOct 22nd, 1999
(L to R) Anna Kendrick and Ben Affleck in ‘The Accountant.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
As a math savant (Ben Affleck) uncooks the books for a new client, the Treasury Department closes in on his activities and the body count starts to rise.
“Calculate your choices.”
71
2 hr 8 minOct 14th, 2016
Oscar Isaac in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis.’ Photo: CBS Films.
In Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, gifted but volatile folk musician Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) struggles with money, relationships, and his uncertain future.
(L to R) Danny Glover, Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn and Kevin Costner in ‘Silverado’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Four unwitting heroes (Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner and Danny Glover) cross paths on their journey to the sleepy town of Silverado. Little do they know the town where their family and friends reside has been taken over by a corrupt sheriff (Brian Dennehy) and a murderous posse. It’s up to the sharp-shooting foursome to save the day, but first they have to break each other out of jail, and learn who their real friends are.
“Four strangers become friends. Four friends become heroes. On the road to Silverado.”
70
2 hr 13 minJul 10th, 1985
Mel Gibson in ‘Edge of Darkness.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
As a seasoned homicide detective, Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) has seen the bleakest side of humanity. But nothing prepares him for the toughest investigation of his life: the search for his only daughter Emma’s killer. Now, he is on a personal mission to uncover the disturbing secrets surrounding her murder, including corporate corruption, government collusion and Emma’s own mysterious life.
“Some secrets take us to the edge.”
63
1 hr 57 minJan 29th, 2010
Edward Norton in ‘Motherless Brooklyn’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
New York City, 1957. Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a private detective living with Tourette syndrome, tries to solve the murder of his mentor and best friend (Bruce Willis), armed only with vague clues and the strength of his obsessive mind.
Jon Hamm in ‘Confess, Fletch.’ Photo courtesy of Miramax.
The roguishly charming and endlessly troublesome Fletch (Jon Hamm) becomes the prime suspect in a murder case while searching for a stolen art collection. The only way to prove his innocence? Find out which of the long list of suspects is the culprit – from the eccentric art dealer (Kyle MacLachlan) and a missing playboy (John Behlmann) to a crazy neighbor (Annie Mumolo) and Fletch’s Italian girlfriend (Lorenza Izzo). Crime, in fact, has never been this disorganized.
Paul Newman in ‘The Verdict’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.
Frank Galvin (Paul Newman) is a down-on-his-luck lawyer and reduced to drinking and ambulance chasing, when a former associate reminds him of his obligations in a medical malpractice suit by serving it to Galvin on a silver platter—all parties are willing to settle out of court. Blundering his way through the preliminaries, Galvin suddenly realizes that the case should actually go to court—to punish the guilty, to get a decent settlement for his clients… and to restore his standing as a lawyer.
(L to R) Colm Meaney, Daniel Craig, and George Harris in ‘Layer Cake.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.
When a seemingly straight-forward drug deal goes awry, XXXX (Daniel Craig) has to break his die-hard rules and turn up the heat, not only to outwit the old regime and come out on top, but to save his own skin.
69
1 hr 45 minMay 13th, 2005
Peter Fonda in ‘Ulee’s Gold’. Photo: Orion Pictures.
Third-generation Florida beekeeper Ulee Jackson (Peter Fonda) may have gotten out of Vietnam alive but he left a part of himself behind. Now he methodically tends his bees carefully, provides for his two grandchildren and keeps his emotions at bay. But when a long-buried secret threatens Ulee’s business and family, he is forced to break through his emotional walls and confront the terror of his wounded spirit.
65
1 hr 52 minJul 18th, 1997
Christopher Walken in ‘King of New York’. Photo: New Line Cinema.
A former drug lord (Christopher Walken) returns from prison determined to wipe out all his competition and distribute the profits of his operations to New York’s poor and lower classes in this stylish and ultra violent modern twist on Robin Hood.
“Not everyone who runs a city is elected.”
67
1 hr 43 minSep 28th, 1990
(L to R) Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.’ Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) investigates the disappearance of a weary patriarch’s niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.
(L to R) Rachel Weisz and Ralph Finnes in ‘The Constant Gardner’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
Justin Quayle (Ralph Finnes) is a low-level British diplomat who has always gone about his work very quietly, not causing any problems. But after his radical wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz) is killed he becomes determined to find out why, thrusting himself into the middle of a very dangerous conspiracy.
(L to R) Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans in ‘The Last Boy Scout’. Photo: Warner Bros.
When the girl (Halle Berry) that detective Joe Hallenback (Bruce Willis) is protecting gets murdered, the boyfriend (Damon Wayans) of the murdered girl attempts to investigate and solve the case. What they discover is that there is deep seated corruption going on between a crooked politician and the owner of a pro football team.
“Everyone had counted them out. But they’re about to get back in the game.”
68
1 hr 45 minDec 13th, 1991
16. ‘Beirut‘ (2018)
Jon Hamm in ‘Beirut.’ Photo: Bleecker Street.
In 1980s Beirut, Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm) is a former US diplomat who is called back into service to save a colleague from the group that is possibly responsible for his own family’s death. Meanwhile a CIA field agent (Rosamund Pike) who is working under cover at the American embassy is tasked with keeping Mason alive and ensuring that the mission is a success.
“Beirut, 1982: The Paris of the Middle East Was Burning”
63
1 hr 49 minApr 11th, 2018
Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod in 1986’s ‘Highlander.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.
He fought his first battle on the Scottish Highlands in 1536. He will fight his greatest battle on the streets of New York City in 1986. His name is Connor MacLeod (Christophe Lambert). He is immortal.
“There can be only one.”
69
1 hr 56 minMar 7th, 1986
Matt Damon in ‘Rounders’. Photo: Miramax Films.
A young reformed gambler (Matt Damon) must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend (Edward Norton) pay off loan sharks.
“Trust everyone… But always cut the cards.”
70
2 hr 1 minSep 11th, 1998
Jean-Claude Van Damme in ‘Timecop’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
An officer (Jean-Claude Van Damme) for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician (Ron Silver) who has a tie to his past.
“They killed his wife ten years ago. There’s still time to save her.”
60
1 hr 39 minSep 16th, 1994
Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Inherent Vice.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
In Los Angeles at the turn of the 1970s, drug-fueled detective Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of an ex-girlfriend (Katherine Waterson).
(L to R) Val Kilmer and Derek Luke in ‘Spartan’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
US government agent Scott (Val Kilmer) is assigned to rescue the daughter (Kristen Bell) of a high-ranking government official. As willing as he is to bend the rules to get things done though, Scott is shocked to find that others are willing to go even further to protect a political career.
“She’s missing.”
62
1 hr 42 minMar 12th, 2004
(Right) Gerard Butler in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms,
A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.
(L to R) Sean Penn and Gary Oldman in ‘State of Grace.’ Photo: Orion Pictures.
Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) returns home after a ten-year absence. He soon reconnects with Jackie (Gary Oldman), a childhood friend and member of the Irish mob, and rekindles his love affair with Jackie’s sister Kathleen (Robin Wright).
“… where crime is a family affair.”
69
2 hr 15 minSep 14th, 1990
(L to R) Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in director Shane Black’s ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.’
A petty thief posing as an actor (Robert Downey Jr.) is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl (Michelle Monaghan) and a detective (Val Kilmer) who’s been training him for his upcoming role.
Denzel Washington in ‘Man on Fire’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Jaded ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) reluctantly accepts a job as the bodyguard for a 10-year-old girl (Dakota Fanning) in Mexico City. They clash at first, but eventually bond, and when she’s kidnapped he’s consumed by fury and will stop at nothing to save her life.
“Creasy’s art is death, and he is about to paint his masterpiece.”
75
2 hr 26 minApr 23rd, 2004
John Cusack in ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’. Photo: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
Martin Blank (John Cusack) is a hitman for hire. When he starts to develop a conscience, he botches a couple of routine jobs. On the advice of his secretary (Joan Cusack) and his psychiatrist (Alan Arkin), he decides to attend his ten-year high school reunion in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
“Even a hit man deserves a second shot.”
69
1 hr 47 minApr 11th, 1997
(L to R) Luis Guzmán and Terence Stamp in ‘The Limey’. Photo: Artisan Entertainment.
‘The Limey’ follows Wilson (Terence Stamp), a tough English ex-con who travels to Los Angeles to avenge his daughter’s death. Upon arrival Wilson goes to task battling Valentine (Peter Fonda) and an army of LA’s toughest criminals hoping to find clues and piece together what happened. After surviving a near-death beating, getting thrown from a building and being chased down a dangerous mountain road, the Englishman decides to dole out some bodily harm of his own.
(L to R) Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in ‘Midnight Run.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
A bounty hunter (Robert De Niro) pursues a former Mafia accountant (Charles Gordon), who embezzled $15 million of mob money. He is also being chased by a rival bounty hunter (John Ashton), the F.B.I. (Yaphet Kotto), and a mob boss (Dennis Farina) after jumping bail.
“This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
72
2 hr 6 minJul 20th, 1988
Denzel Washington in ‘The Mighty Quinn.’ Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Police chief Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island. He was found decapitated in his Jacuzzi. Although the local political establishment especially crooked Governor Chalk (Norman Beaton) insists that smalltime thief Maubee (Robert Townsend) is responsible, Xavier has his doubts. This view is complicated by the police chiefs personal history with Maubee. The men have been friends since childhood.
“The chief of police and the chief suspect know each other too well to let a little thing like murder get in their way.”
62
1 hr 38 minFeb 17th, 1989
(L to R) Alan Arkin and Peter Falk in ‘The In-Laws.’ Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.
In preparation for his daughter’s wedding, dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin) meets Vince Ricardo (Peter Falk), the groom’s father. Vince, a manic fellow who claims to be a government agent, then proceeds to drag Sheldon into a series of chases and misadventures from New York to Central America.
“The FIRST Certified Crazy Person’s Comedy.”
66
1 hr 43 minJun 15th, 1979
1. ‘Drive‘ (2011)
Ryan Gosling in ‘Drive.’ Photo Credit: Richard Foreman Jr. SMPSP.
Driver (Ryan Gosling) is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Though he projects an icy exterior, lately he’s been warming up to a pretty neighbor named Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son, Benicio (Kaden Leos). When Irene’s husband (Oscar Isaac) gets out of jail, he enlists Driver’s help in a million-dollar heist. The job goes horribly wrong, and Driver must risk his life to protect Irene and Benicio from the vengeful masterminds behind the robbery.
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