I stumbled upon these gems...
If you love finding underrated gems like I do, you'll appreciate this smorgasbord of incredible films that haven't gotten the recognition they deserve.
I scoured through 750 movies I hadn't seen before in the last 4 years, these are the ones I can't stop thinking about.
I scoured through 750 movies I hadn't seen before in the last 4 years, these are the ones I can't stop thinking about.
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- DirectorDavid MametStarsLindsay CrouseJoe MantegnaMike NussbaumA psychiatrist comes to the aid of a compulsive gambler and is led by a smooth-talking grifter into the shadowy but compelling world of stings, scams, and con men.David Mament's best movie by far.
- DirectorPeter MedakStarsGary OldmanLena OlinWallace WoodA womanizing, crooked cop on the payroll of the mafia is confronted with the reality of his double life after he is asked to kill a beautiful and ruthless Russian gangster.I'm a big Gary Oldman fan, and it shocked me when I stumbled upon this little gem because I'd never heard of it before. A fantastic Soundtrack by Mark Isham, and an awesome Ode to film Noir.
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsJeff DanielsMelanie GriffithGeorge 'Red' SchwartzA free-spirited woman "kidnaps" a yuppie for a weekend of adventure. But the fun quickly takes a dangerous turn when her ex-convict husband shows up.If I'd have to rate Demme's top five in order, I'd probably put this as a tie to Silence of the Lambs and above Philadelphia. Is it a better movie than Silence of the Lambs? *beep* no. However, it's got this charm to it, and undeniable confidence that you don't see too much in comedies. And for that reason I can't help but like it more than the overpraised.. (is Silence of the Lambs overpraised? *beep* no lol)
It's fun, it quirky, and it's one of the best road movies I've ever seen. - DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMatt DillonMickey RourkeDiane LaneAbsent-minded street thug Rusty James struggles to live up to his legendary older brother's reputation, and longs for the days of gang warfare.I feel like great director's have that overshadowed movie that never gets the recognition it deserves. Rumble Fish is that for Coppola. He made it right after The Outsiders, and basically used the same cast and crew from it. But this one's a little bit more ArtHouse for it's own good.
It's great man... watch it. - DirectorJustin KerriganStarsJohn SimmLorraine PilkingtonShaun ParkesFive youngsters embrace the 90s clubbing scene on a drug-fuelled weekend of partying in Cardiff.A really really fun Hang-Out movie with a bitchin' soundtrack
- DirectorPaul SapianoStarsCricket LeighKat TurnerJohn McGarrPart documentary, part narrative, part instructional format, this film aims to teach young inexperienced youth about all things involved with "getting down", while also pointing out some of the pitfalls associated with the party lifestyle.Another fun hang-out movie! But incredibly underrated and underseen. Probably the funnest movie I've ever watched in my entire life.
No Plot, no point, just fun cinema. Watch it on Youtube. - DirectorMario Van PeeblesStarsMario Van PeeblesNia LongJoy BryantMario Van Peebles' half-documentary/half-homage to his father Melvin Van Peebles' movie Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971).One of the most important movies about making movies to ever exist. Truly inspirational.
- DirectorBrian YuznaStarsBilly WarlockConcetta D'AgneseBen SlackAn ordinary teenage boy discovers his family is part of a gruesome orgy cult for the social elite.Kind of a curveball if you don't love trashy B-Movies, but it's got incredibly body horror if you stay long enough watching it.
- DirectorPaul SchraderStarsRichard PryorHarvey KeitelYaphet KottoWhen three automotive factory workers who're struggling financially try to steal from their own labor union, they discover corruption, and reluctantly decide to use this information for blackmail.Paul Schrader!
One of my favorite writer/directors, this film is mind-boggling and eye opening. I recommend you watch this one first before the other ones below.
Richard Pryor is perfect in this movie. - DirectorPaul SchraderStarsGeorge C. ScottPeter BoyleSeason HubleyA religious businessman from Michigan has to venture into the world of pornography in California, desperately searching for his runaway teenage daughter.George C. Scott plays a father in this Schrader-pic that finds out his daughter is doing Hardcore Pornography across the states, and hops on a plane to go track her down. Schumacher's 8mm sort of ripped this off, but please believe this film is 100x better.
- DirectorPaul SchraderStarsWillem DafoeSusan SarandonDana DelanyA drug dealer reconsiders his profession when his boss plans to go straight and an old flame reappears.Dafoe! A bitchin' soundtrack! More Schrader!
- DirectorPaul SchraderStarsGreg KinnearWillem DafoeMaria BelloThe life of TV star Bob Crane and his strange friendship with electronics expert John Henry Carpenter.I really wish this movie was easier to find, it took me 3 months to track down a copy, til I eventually had to torrent it ;/
It's a great movie, kind of a downer... just a heads up. - DirectorAlbert BrooksStarsAlbert BrooksKathryn HarroldTyann MeansAlbert Brooks directs himself as a successful film editor with far too many issues that affects the relationship between him and his remarkably patient girlfriend.One of my favorite filmmaker's is Albert Brooks. He figures out ways to make really simple What-If movies with alot of character depth and growth. Modern Romance is my favorite of all of them.
He's the west-coast Woody Allen! - DirectorAlbert BrooksStarsAlbert BrooksMeryl StreepRip TornIn an afterlife way-station resembling a major city, the lives of the recently deceased are examined in a court-like setting.Another great one from Albert Brooks, I really wish they made comedies like this still.
- DirectorAlbert BrooksStarsAlbert BrooksDebbie ReynoldsPaul CollinsA neurotic, twice-divorced sci-fi writer moves back in with his mother to solve his personal problems.Such a funny movie.
- DirectorBarbet SchroederStarsMickey RourkeFaye DunawayAlice KrigeBased on the life of successful poet Charles Bukowski and his exploits in Hollywood during the 60s, 70s, and 80s.I've been told by people that they don't like this movie because it's not really the movie Buwkaski wanted made. But regardless, it's still such an incredible performance by Rourke, and screenplay that I really forgive it.
- DirectorVincent GalloStarsVincent GalloChristina RicciBen GazzaraAfter being released from prison, Billy is set to visit his parents with his wife, whom he does not actually have. This provokes Billy to act out, as he kidnaps a girl and forces her to act as his wife for the visit.This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's the most indie an indie can get... it really doesn't deserve to be on this list, cause it's not necessarily underrated or under seen at all... but *beep* it, it's gonna stay on here for those who haven't seen it.
- DirectorPeter GreenawayStarsBernard HillJoan PlowrightJuliet StevensonThree generations of women share the same problem--marriage woes--and want to put an end to it.My other favorite Greenaway Film, 1st being The Cook the Thief. Great Michael Nyman score...
- DirectorGary ShermanStarsJames FarentinoMelody AndersonJack AlbertsonSheriff Dan Gillis investigates eerie deaths in a sleepy coastal town.I got really excited to watch this movie because I heard Dan O'Bannon wrote it. Turns out they just attached his name to it :(. However! The way I can best describe this movie is M. Night at the top of his career. Picture perfect tension and mystery.
I highly recommend it. - DirectorRon MaxwellStarsTatum O'NealKristy McNicholArmand AssanteTwo fifteen year-old girls from different sides of the tracks compete to see who will be the first to lose their virginity while at a summer camp.The cutest movie ever
- DirectorFrank HenenlotterStarsRick HearstGordon MacDonaldJennifer LowryOne morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return.I'm a big fan of Frank Henenlotter, this I think is his best film. If you watch it, watch Frankenhooker immediately after.
- DirectorSteve De JarnattStarsAnthony EdwardsMare WinninghamJohn AgarA young man hears a chance phone call telling him that a nuclear war has started and missiles will hit his city in 70 minutes.Another one of those movies that really upset me that I hadn't heard of sooner. It's one of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen, and I'm really surprised it's not praised higher.
If you're wondering what movie on this list to watch first, watch Miracle Mile - DirectorPeter WeirStarsJeff BridgesIsabella RosselliniRosie PerezA man's personality is dramatically changed after surviving a major airline crash.I teared up during this movie and felt like a big shoe was over my head and could drop any second to smash me....yeah watch it.
- DirectorKaren MoncrieffStarsToni ColletteBrittany MurphyMarcia Gay HardenThe clues to a young woman's death come together as the lives of seemingly unrelated people begin to intersect.Great Non-Linear story, a savagely underrated piece. Gorgeous Cinematography, great storytelling, uncompromising characters.
- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsRoy ScheiderAnn-MargretVanityA secret fling between a man and his mistress leads to blackmail and murder.It's a Dad Movie. But it's such a good one, and it's so extreme it deserve recognition... Very daring, and very Tarantino.