The 10 Most Underrated Movies of the Last 10 Years

Internet enthusiastically transforms numerous individual viewpoints, often subjective, into what appears as a collective agreement. By aggregating multiple reviews, giving each a numerical score, and then calculating an average, we seemingly convert artistic appreciation into mathematical calculations.

In other words, it’s safe to say that no matter how universally acclaimed a movie might be, there will always be someone out there who doesn’t care for it. Conversely, just because a film receives negative feedback from many people, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone shares those views. There could very well be someone who appreciates the same movie despite its poor reviews.

Hello there, I’m just one of many film enthusiasts, and today I’ve got something special for you – my personal list of the ten most underrated films from the past decade. To compile this list, I’ve taken a closer look at the ratings given on the popular movie app Letterboxd. Any film with a rating above 3.0 (equivalent to a “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes) was considered worth mentioning. So let’s dive in and discover these hidden gems!

The movies listed below generally got a mixed or negative response initially, but if given another chance, I would rate them much higher and more positively. So, I’m championing for them today on ScreenCrush. If you skipped them the first time due to unfavorable reviews, rest assured that the narrative has changed.

The 10 Most Underrated Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

Assassin’s Creed (2016)

Brightburn (2019)

Initially, before director James Gunn crafted a heartwarming Superman film, he created this horror movie titled “Brightburn.” Unlike the traditional Superman tale where an alien baby is nurtured and grows up to embrace truth, justice, and American values, in this version, Brandon Breyer, the young alien, is ostracized and bullied. As he uncovers his extraterrestrial origins, Brandon retaliates against those who have mistreated him. This narrative may seem more realistic compared to the typical Superman origin story. Watching “Brightburn” might make you reconsider the sweet Clark Kent character, even in James Gunn’s interpretation of the story.

Gemini Man (2019)

Gemini Man’s Disappointing Reception

Imagine one of today’s most acclaimed action directors crafted an intellectually stimulating and pulse-pounding thriller, using cutting-edge technology for a unique cinematic experience. It should have been a box office sensation, but alas, it wasn’t! Ang Lee’s Gemini Man showcased 120 frames per second cinematography and state-of-the-art digital effects in the pursuit of an innovative chase film, delving into themes of mortality, destiny, and the art of filmmaking itself. Sadly, it fell flat.

Yes, it’s true that Gemini Man was difficult to find in a format close to what Lee envisioned. However, even where it was available, the movie failed to make a significant impact at the box office. And oh, how I longed for a sequel, GeminII Man!

Goosebumps (2015)

A Fresh Perspective on the Review:

The average rating on Letterboxd for this movie is 2.8. Creating a horror movie suitable for children can be a delicate balancing act. However, just as R.L. Stine consistently managed to create chilling stories for young readers in his ‘Goosebumps’ novels, the first ‘Goosebumps’ film successfully adapted this concept to the screen.

The unique idea behind the movie was not to adapt a single book from the series, but to have Jack Black portray R.L. Stine in a story where all of his most terrifying characters leap off the pages and into reality to scare a little town. Black delivers one of his underestimated performances here, providing laughter as an irritable representation of the popular author (it’s impressive that he agreed to play such an unlikable character).

What makes this film stand out among children’s movies is its ability to communicate directly with its intended audience, rather than treating them as if they are less intelligent. This is a rarity in kids’ entertainment.

The House (2017)

Title Rating: 2.5 on Letterboxd

Often misunderstood by many except Chance the Rapper, “The House” is a film starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler who embark on an unconventional journey to fund their daughter’s college education by establishing an underground casino. Despite the less-than-stellar reviews from most critics (apart from Chance), the movie has managed to garner a 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a slight improvement since the original review was written.

I can’t quite fathom why the reviews were so unfavorable; perhaps some critics are simply tired of Ferrell’s comedic style – I usually find his films as amusing as ever, and they often receive mediocre to poor reviews. (Similar observation applies to “You’re Cordially Invited.”) However, with Poehler alongside him, “The House” offers Ferrell a formidable female co-star who can keep pace in terms of wackiness. Their on-screen chemistry is electrifying, and the movie even touches upon the complexities of our troubled, financially strained nation. Chance was right! Give “The House” a watch.

The Killer (2024)

Title Rating: 2.7

After a long hiatus from action movies spanning two decades, John Woo returned to his signature style of extravagant, dramatic, and ethically complex thrillers. By remaking one of his Hong Kong action classics in Paris with a fresh cast (Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy), he brought back some of the electrifying energy that once set his work apart from others. While it’s true that The Killer may seem like a revisit to familiar ground for Woo, it’s done with a sense of elegance and palpable enthusiasm. The film is certainly worth the monthly subscription to Peacock if you want to watch it.

Mom and Dad (2017)

It appears that the public’s perception of Nicolas Cage has evolved significantly since around 2021, as demonstrated by films such as “Pig.” Critics and viewers have begun to appreciate his quirks and acknowledge his impressive work in independent films despite his declining status as a mainstream leading man. For instance, had it been released then, the reception to the horror-comedy “Mom and Dad,” featuring Cage at his peak of mania, might have been more positive. Directed by Brian Taylor, known for the “Crank” movies and also the underrated “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” Cage plays a father struggling with a mid-life crisis amid an unexplained pandemic causing parents to turn violent against their children. Unlike others who might have shied away from such a transgressive premise, “Mom and Dad” delves into it deeply, with Cage delivering an outstanding performance that borders on a poignant character study rather than just dark humor.

Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)

Title Rating: 3.2

For fans of meta-comedy, the big-screen adaptation of the popular Cartoon Network series about DC’s teen sidekicks could relentlessly scrutinize the concept of superhero movies even more harshly than “The LEGO Batman Movie.” (It also features Will Arnett lending his voice to the villain, Slade.) When Robin complains that only other DC heroes are getting movies (and he’s not wrong!), his team ventures to Hollywood, where they learn the only way they can get their own spinoff is if no other heroes exist. They do what any great superheroes would do in this situation: They journey through time to prevent Superman, Batman, and the Justice League from ever becoming superheroes. Adding to the fun: Nicolas Cage as Superman! This comedy is highly underrated and you don’t need to be familiar with the long-running “Teen Titans Go!” TV series to appreciate it. (Giant robot flatulence jokes are universally funny.)

Trap (2024)

A Surprisingly Engrossing Twist in “The Cage”

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, “The Cage,” may have been somewhat unrealistic and absurd at times, but let’s face it, so are kids talking to ghosts, a man with indestructible muscles, or a beach that ages you! I don’t go to Shyamalan films for factual accuracy; I go for suspenseful twists. And boy, did “The Cage” deliver on that front. Josh Hartnett delivers one of his best performances in years as Cooper, a loving father who takes his teenage daughter to a concert, only to discover the entire event is a meticulously planned trap set to capture a notorious serial killer known as “The Butcher.” However, without anyone at the concert (including his daughter) aware, Cooper turns out to be The Butcher himself, leaving him in a race against time to escape without revealing his identity or alerting the authorities.

Filled with unexpected twists and turns, including a delightful third act, “The Cage” is Shyamalan’s most whimsical film in years. (Did you know he cast Hayley Mills from “The Parent Trap” in his movie titled “The Cage,” which is essentially a trap for an evil parent? How could you not love this film?!)

Turning Red (2022)

The film “Turning Red,” underestimated by its own distributor (Disney), was relegated to streaming in 2022. However, few movies released in theaters that year could rival its blend of emotion, comedy, and supernatural drama. Written and directed by Domee Shi, a rising star at Pixar, it tells the story of Mei (voiced by Rosalie Chiang), a 13-year-old girl whose life is disrupted when she learns that women in her family transform into red pandas when their emotions become overwhelming.

“Turning Red” functions as an allegory, or multiple allegories given its central metaphor can be interpreted as symbolizing various experiences such as puberty and immigration. The film is packed with humor and a heartfelt tale about family and growing up. If this is the type of movie that now goes directly to Disney+, it’s a significant loss for movie theaters but a substantial benefit for streaming subscribers.

10 Additional Films from the Last Decade That Deserve More Recognition:

* “Vengeance”
* “Bad Journey” (a fun and adventurous road trip film)
* “Blockers” (a humorous take on teenage antics)
* “Bridge of Spies” (a gripping Cold War spy thriller)
* “The Fire Saga’s Eurovision Song Contest Story” (a heartwarming and entertaining musical comedy)
* “Chip ‘n Dale: The Rescue Rangers Return” (a reboot of the classic animated series with modern humor)
* “Assassin” (an action-packed film about a professional hitman)
* “MacGyver’s Comedy Adventures” (a humorous spinoff of the popular TV show)
* “Exposure of Truth” (a gripping drama about investigative journalism)
* “The Tightrope Walk” (an inspiring film based on a true story)

The Most Underrated Disney Movies Of The Last 25 Years

1. Hercules (1997)

Instead of finding influence from a timeless fairy tale, the character Hercules is derived from Greek mythology; however, numerous creative modifications have been made. For instance, the traditional Greek chorus has been swapped with an enchanting all-female gospel choir, and Hades, the God of the Underworld, is portrayed as a sarcastic, witty character voiced by James Woods. The melodies are catchy, the humor resonates with both children and adults, and the lively animation style encapsulates the essence of the Disney Renaissance period. Strangely, it’s one of the least-discussed animated films from Disney’s 90s catalog. Perhaps this can be attributed to the film’s more lighthearted approach compared to the somber undertones of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and the impactful themes of “The Lion King”.

2. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Reflecting on Pixar’s early days, it’s “Toy Story” that typically springs to mind initially. However, I firmly believe that their second feature-length film, “A Bug’s Life,” is equally impressive. While “Toy Story” beautifully illustrates the power of love over differences, “A Bug’s Life” delves into deeper metaphors. At its heart, it’s a tale about colonization – the ants live in a colony under the rule of exploitative and tyrannical grasshoppers. It falls upon Flik (Dave Foley) to employ his ingenuity to liberate his fellow ants from subjugation. Competing with “Toy Story” was DreamWorks’ “Antz,” released in the same year, which might explain why “A Bug’s Life” sometimes feels like the overlooked sibling in the Disney/Pixar family.

3. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

Disney ushered in the 21st century with one of its most eccentric productions yet – “The Emperor’s New Groove.” With outstanding vocal performances from David Spade as the arrogant, irritating Emperor Kuzco, and John Goodman as his unlikely travel companion, the humble villager Pacha, “The Emperor’s New Groove” skillfully delivers a heartfelt narrative without veering into excessive sentimentality. The dialogue is clever, the humor is biting, and the overall tone is pleasantly sarcastic – not to mention, there’s Kronk. Somehow, Yzma’s dim-witted henchman Kronk (Patrick Warburton) manages to outshine in almost every scene he appears in. “The Emperor’s New Groove” was released shortly after the conclusion of Disney’s Renaissance era – a period from 1989 to 1999 during which the studio produced blockbusters like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin.” Unfortunately, it could never match up to those lofty standards. However, it is indeed remarkable and deserves a watch.

4. Treasure Planet (2002)

Despite being considered a commercial flop, “Treasure Planet” was an impressive technical feat for Disney upon its release. It employed a groundbreaking technique that combined traditional hand-drawn artwork with computer animation, resulting in a distinctive visual aesthetic. This innovative approach required significant time and resources, making “Treasure Planet” one of the costliest 2D animated films to this day. Joseph Gordon-Levitt provides the voice for Jim Hawkins in this space-age adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” which takes us on a galactic journey aboard the RLS “Legacy.” Since its debut, “Treasure Planet” has cultivated a devoted fanbase – those who haven’t watched it yet should definitely give it a try.

5. Enchanted (2007)

In a surprising turn, the movie “Enchanted” initially appears as another enchanting Disney animation, until a pivotal event transports the naive and charming character Giselle (Amy Adams) from her magical world into the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Everyone around her is perplexed by her ability to communicate with animals and break into song, as they don’t fit the cynical, fast-paced lifestyle. However, Giselle eventually finds her fairytale ending, but it takes an unexpected form. The film’s performances, songs, and overall charm cleverly poke fun at Disney tropes without completely undermining them. Above all, “Enchanted” maintains the belief that true love exists, you just need to know where to find it. It’s been 15 years since its release, but this timeless movie deserves a sequel sooner rather than later—it’s simply too delightful!

6. Bolt (2008)

The unique aspect of the film “Bolt” is that it doesn’t have the typical Disney feel; instead, it resembles a production from DreamWorks during the late 2000s. However, despite this difference, it’s an excellent movie. John Travolta lends his voice to a White German Shepherd named Bolt, who is the main character in a TV show and is unaware that his superpowers are merely for the cameras. On a quest to find his owner Penny (Miley Cyrus), the storyline combines elements of “Homeward Bound” and “Toy Story”. One reason why “Bolt” isn’t as frequently discussed as other Disney movies could be due to its lack of music, which might not be an issue if it were a Pixar film. However, “Bolt” is not part of the Pixar universe. Despite this, there are many things to appreciate about the movie, and it even has a heartwarming finale.

7. Tinker Bell (2008)

As a movie critic, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about Disney and Pixar’s tendency to give supporting characters origin stories, such as Monsters University, Finding Dory, and Lightyear. However, before all this, there was Tinker Bell, a delightful straight-to-DVD movie often overlooked. This film takes us back to the early days of Peter Pan’s loyal companion, born in a magical realm adjacent to Neverland called Pixie Hollow. We follow Tink (voiced by Mae Whitman) as she discovers her knack for tinkering and forms friendships with other fairies, including Raven-Symoné, Kristin Chenoweth, and Lucy Liu.

In contrast to her earlier 2D animated portrayals, Tinker Bell is first brought to life using CGI in this movie. While some might prefer the classic Peter Pan tale, the Tinker Bell franchise warrants more recognition than it typically receives.

8. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

As a cinephile, I’d say that “The Princess and the Frog” is more remarkable than its popularity suggests. In the 21st century, it truly shines for its traditional 2D animation – an anomaly amidst the wave of computer-generated techniques other animations were adopting. The visuals are simply stunning, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack that seamlessly blends bluegrass with Broadway-style showtunes.

What sets “The Princess and the Frog” apart is its leading lady, Tiana, who dreams of owning a restaurant instead of waiting for a prince to sweep her off her feet – a refreshing change from typical Disney princess narratives. The story follows Tiana’s transformation into a frog after kissing the self-centered Prince Naveen, and their journey towards personal growth.

“The Princess and the Frog” was released in the same year as Pixar’s masterpiece “Up,” which might explain why it didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. Despite this, I believe that “The Princess and the Frog” is a hidden gem in the Disney canon.

9. Tangled (2010)

In a nutshell, while it’s undeniable that Tangled is appreciated by Disney enthusiasts, we firmly believe it is significantly more undervalued than it should be – particularly in comparison to Frozen. When you look at the traditional Disney movie formula, Tangled ticks all the boxes. With Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) as our headstrong-yet-naive protagonist, Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) as her charming rogue of a love interest, and Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) as our villainess, you’ve got the full package. The film’s 100 minutes are brimming with stunning animation and catchy tunes. However, when Frozen was released in 2013, it seemed to eclipse the limelight from Tangled. Many aspects that were lauded in Frozen were actually pioneered by Tangled. If Frozen had never graced our screens, it’s quite likely that Tangled would have held the title of the most universally beloved Disney movie.

10. Brave (2012)

In 2012, Pixar’s film “Brave” was a pioneer as it introduced a female lead character. Although it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it didn’t resonate with Disney fans as strongly as other Pixar films or princess-led movies did. This could be because its story is more personal and on a smaller scale. The main conflict in “Brave” isn’t primarily about an antagonist like Mor’du the bear; instead, it revolves around Merida (Kelly Macdonald) and her complicated relationship with her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Even though “Brave” has some supernatural elements, its plot resonates more deeply with many viewers than, for example, “Monsters Inc.” It’s unusual to find a child who prefers Merida as their favorite princess, despite the fact that she challenged traditional Disney heroine stereotypes. After the release of “Frozen” the following year, the momentum of “Brave” dwindled rapidly.

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2025-04-21 18:57