Insane 2010s Movies You Forgot About (& Need to Rewatch Again)

The 2010s delivered a massive array of experimental cinema that pushed boundaries and defied traditional genres. Many of these films slipped through the cracks of mainstream audiences despite their bold storytelling and distinctive visual creativity. Viewers often overlook these gems amidst an era dominated by superhero franchises and massive studio blockbusters. This collection highlights the wildest and most unique films from that decade which deserve a second look.

‘Rubber’ (2010)

A discarded car tire gains sentience and psychokinetic powers in the California desert. The object rolls through the landscape and causes heads to explode with its mind. Spectators within the movie watch the events unfold through binoculars as a form of meta-commentary. This absurdist comedy challenges the conventions of storytelling and audience expectations. Director Quentin Dupieux creates a film that exists solely for the sake of having no reason.

‘Beyond the Black Rainbow’ (2010)

A scientist holds a telekinetic girl captive in a futuristic institute known as the Arboria Institute. The film utilizes slow pacing and hypnotic visuals to build a sense of dread. Panos Cosmatos directs this sci-fi horror with an aesthetic heavily reminiscent of the 1980s. The narrative focuses on the psychological breakdown of the captor and the escape attempts of the subject. It serves as a sensory experience rather than a traditional narrative feature.

‘Hesher’ (2010)

A grieving boy named T.J. encounters a chaotic squatter who moves into his garage uninvited. The anarchist stranger disrupts the lives of T.J. and his depressed father with destructive behavior. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the title character with a jarring intensity that contrasts with the somber tone of the film. The story explores themes of loss and recovery through aggressive and unpredictable interactions. It remains a polarizing yet memorable entry in indie drama.

‘Super’ (2010)

A short-order cook transforms himself into a superhero named The Crimson Bolt after his wife leaves him for a drug dealer. He lacks any superpowers and fights crime using a pipe wrench. The film depicts extreme violence and questions the sanity of vigilantism in a realistic setting. Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page deliver committed performances in this dark comedy. James Gunn directs this gritty take on the superhero genre before his move to major blockbusters.

‘Four Lions’ (2010)

A group of incompetent British extremists plans a terror attack on the London Marathon. The script balances satire and farce while addressing serious subject matter. The characters stumble through their preparations with hilarious and disastrous results. Chris Morris directs this black comedy that humanizes its flawed protagonists without endorsing their actions. The film received critical acclaim for finding humor in a sensitive topic.

‘Attack the Block’ (2011)

A street gang in South London must defend their housing project from an alien invasion. The teenagers use fireworks and makeshift weapons to fight the extraterrestrial creatures. John Boyega stars in his breakout role as the leader of the group. The film combines urban grit with creature feature elements in a fast-paced narrative. It garnered a cult following for its unique setting and energetic direction.

‘Kill List’ (2011)

Two former soldiers turned contract killers accept a job that leads them into a disturbing underworld. The assignment unravels as they encounter a bizarre cult with sinister intentions. Director Ben Wheatley blends domestic drama with folk horror to create an atmosphere of unease. The violence escalates rapidly as the protagonists lose control of the situation. The ending delivers a shocking twist that recontextualizes the entire film.

‘God Bless America’ (2011)

A terminally ill man and a teenage girl embark on a killing spree against reality TV stars and rude people. The duo targets individuals they believe represent the downfall of American culture. This dark satire critiques media consumption and social behavior with brutal honesty. Bobcat Goldthwait directs the film with a cynical yet humorous tone. It offers a cathartic experience for viewers tired of modern pop culture.

‘The Raid’ (2011)

An elite SWAT team infiltrates a high-rise building run by a ruthless crime lord. The operation fails and the surviving officers must fight their way out against waves of attackers. The film features intricate choreography and relentless martial arts action. Iko Uwais showcases the Indonesian fighting style of pencak silat throughout the runtime. It set a new standard for action cinema with its visceral combat sequences.

‘Detention’ (2011)

A serial killer named Cinderhella stalks students at Grizzly Lake High School during their final year. The plot incorporates time travel and body swapping alongside traditional slasher tropes. Director Joseph Kahn utilizes a frenetic visual style with rapid editing and pop culture references. The narrative moves at a breakneck speed that mirrors the attention span of the internet generation. It stands as a chaotic and meta-textual experiment in teen horror.

‘Dredd’ (2012)

A law enforcer in a dystopian metropolis teams up with a psychic rookie to take down a drug lord. They become trapped in a massive slum tower and must ascend to the top floor to survive. Karl Urban portrays the title character without ever removing his helmet. The film uses slow-motion photography to depict the effects of a futuristic drug called Slo-Mo. It remains a faithful and gritty adaptation of the comic book source material.

‘Seven Psychopaths’ (2012)

A struggling screenwriter gets entangled with the criminal underworld after his friends kidnap a gangster’s Shih Tzu. The narrative blurs the line between the script being written and the events actually happening. Colin Farrell and Sam Rockwell lead an ensemble cast of eccentric characters. Martin McDonagh writes and directs this meta-comedy with sharp dialogue and sudden violence. The film deconstructs Hollywood violence while participating in it.

‘Sightseers’ (2012)

A couple embarks on a caravan holiday across the British countryside that turns into a murder spree. They kill anyone who annoys them or violates their sense of etiquette. The film juxtaposes the mundane nature of their relationship with their violent impulses. Ben Wheatley directs this dark comedy with a focus on dry humor and scenic landscapes. It offers a twisted look at romance and repression.

‘Antiviral’ (2012)

A clinic sells injections of live viruses harvested from sick celebrities to obsessed fans. The protagonist smuggles these diseases in his own body to sell on the black market. Brandon Cronenberg directs this body horror film that satirizes celebrity culture. The sterile visuals contrast with the grotesque nature of the biological trade. It presents a disturbing vision of a future where fame is physically consumable.

‘John Dies at the End’ (2012)

Two friends encounter a street drug called Soy Sauce that allows users to see across time and dimensions. They face an invasion of interdimensional monsters while trying to save the world. The narrative structure is nonlinear and frequently questions the reliability of the narrator. Don Coscarelli adapts the novel with a mix of practical effects and absurdist humor. The film embraces chaos and confusion as central themes.

‘Enemy’ (2013)

A history professor discovers his exact physical double in a minor movie role. He seeks out the actor and their lives become dangerously intertwined. Jake Gyllenhaal plays both roles with subtle differences in personality and posture. Denis Villeneuve directs this psychological thriller with a heavy yellow color palette. The surreal ending continues to spark debate and analysis among audiences.

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

An alien entity in the form of a woman drives a van around Scotland to lure men into a void. The film uses hidden cameras to capture unscripted interactions with real people. Scarlett Johansson delivers a detached performance that emphasizes the alien nature of her character. Jonathan Glazer creates an atmosphere of isolation through sound design and visual abstraction. It offers a haunting examination of humanity from an outside perspective.

‘Upstream Color’ (2013)

A woman falls victim to a thief who uses a parasite to control her mind and steal her finances. She later meets a man who experienced a similar trauma and they attempt to reclaim their memories. Shane Carruth writes and directs this complex film about identity and biological connection. The narrative relies heavily on editing and sound rather than dialogue to convey meaning. It requires full attention to piece together the fragmented story.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

A group of friends gathers for a dinner party as a comet passes overhead. The electricity goes out and they discover that reality has fractured into multiple timelines. The characters must navigate their paranoia as they encounter alternate versions of themselves. The film was shot chronologically with improvised dialogue to capture genuine reactions. It demonstrates how effective low-budget sci-fi can be with a strong concept.

‘Filth’ (2013)

A corrupt policeman in Edinburgh manipulates his colleagues to secure a promotion. He engages in drug abuse and sexual misconduct while his mental state deteriorates. James McAvoy delivers a manic performance as the unstable protagonist. The film balances gross-out humor with a tragic exploration of mental illness. It adapts the Irvine Welsh novel with a stylish and hallucination-filled approach.

‘The Guest’ (2014)

A soldier arrives at the home of a fallen comrade and charms his way into the family. Strange deaths occur in the town as his true identity begins to surface. Dan Stevens plays the lead role with a mix of charisma and menace. The film pays homage to 1980s thrillers through its synthesizer soundtrack and neon lighting. It builds tension steadily until an explosive finale.

‘Predestination’ (2014)

A temporal agent travels back in time to prevent a bombing in New York. He meets a patron at a bar who tells an incredible story of their life. The plot weaves a complex web of time travel paradoxes and identity revelations. Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook deliver powerful performances that anchor the high-concept sci-fi elements. The film demands a rewatch to fully understand the intricate timeline.

‘Frank’ (2014)

An aspiring musician joins an avant-garde pop band led by an enigmatic singer who wears a giant papier-mâché head. The group retreats to a remote cabin to record an album. Michael Fassbender plays the title character without ever showing his face. The film explores the boundary between artistic genius and mental illness. It balances quirky comedy with poignant moments of human connection.

‘The Voices’ (2014)

A factory worker stops taking his medication and begins hearing his pets talk to him. His evil cat encourages him to kill while his benevolent dog tries to keep him on the right path. Ryan Reynolds voices the animals in addition to playing the lead role. The film presents the world through the bright and cheerful perspective of a serial killer. It remains a unique blend of horror and dark comedy.

‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’ (2014)

A vampire skateboarder stalks the streets of a desolate Iranian ghost town called Bad City. She preys on men who disrespect women while forming a bond with a young man. Ana Lily Amirpour directs this black-and-white film with a distinct western influence. The soundtrack combines Iranian rock with techno to create a moody atmosphere. It stands out as a stylish and feminist take on vampire lore.

‘The Lobster’ (2015)

Single people in a dystopian future must find a partner within 45 days or be transformed into animals. The protagonist escapes to the woods to join a group of loners who forbid romance. Yorgos Lanthimos directs this deadpan satire of modern dating and social pressure. The dialogue is delivered in a stilted manner that enhances the surreal quality of the world. It is a bizarre and thought-provoking examination of relationships.

‘Green Room’ (2015)

A punk band witnesses a murder at a neo-Nazi skinhead bar in the Pacific Northwest. They barricade themselves in the green room as the club owner orders their elimination. Patrick Stewart plays the villainous leader with a chillingly calm demeanor. Jeremy Saulnier directs this siege thriller with brutal realism and high tension. The film is relentless in its pacing and violence.

‘Bone Tomahawk’ (2015)

A sheriff leads a small posse to rescue townspeople kidnapped by a tribe of cave-dwelling cannibals. The journey is slow and dialogue-driven until the violence erupts abruptly. Kurt Russell brings a gritty authority to the western setting. The film shifts genres from a traditional western to a graphic horror movie in the final act. It contains one of the most gruesome kill scenes in recent cinema history.

‘Turbo Kid’ (2015)

A scavenger in a post-apocalyptic wasteland teams up with a mysterious girl to fight a water-hoarding tyrant. The film acts as a love letter to 1980s pop culture and low-budget action movies. It features excessive gore that is played for laughs rather than horror. The synth-heavy soundtrack drives the energetic pace of the adventure. It captures the spirit of retro nostalgia with genuine heart.

‘Hardcore Henry’ (2015)

A cyborg soldier fights his way through Moscow to save his wife from a telekinetic warlord. The entire film is shot from the first-person perspective of the protagonist. It mimics the visual style and pacing of a first-person shooter video game. Sharlto Copley plays multiple versions of a support character who guides the hero. The technical achievement creates a dizzying and immersive action experience.

‘Swiss Army Man’ (2016)

A man stranded on a desert island befriends a flatulent corpse that washes ashore. He uses the body as a multi-purpose tool to survive and find his way home. Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe commit fully to the bizarre premise. The film uses bathroom humor to explore profound themes of shame and loneliness. It is a surprisingly emotional story wrapped in an absurd package.

‘The Neon Demon’ (2016)

An aspiring model moves to Los Angeles and becomes the object of jealousy for established industry veterans. The film emphasizes visual style over traditional narrative logic. Nicolas Winding Refn uses vibrant colors and strobe lights to depict the superficiality of the fashion world. The story descends into necrophilia and cannibalism as the characters consume beauty. It is a polarizing film that assaults the senses.

‘The Greasy Strangler’ (2016)

A father and son run a disco walking tour while competing for the affection of a woman. A killer covered in grease stalks the streets at night strangling victims. The film relies on repetition and awkwardness to generate comedy. It features grotesque makeup effects and uncomfortable character interactions. This movie is a deliberate exercise in bad taste and absurdity.

‘Raw’ (2016)

A vegetarian veterinary student tastes meat for the first time during a hazing ritual. She develops an uncontrollable craving for human flesh as her body undergoes changes. Julia Ducournau directs this coming-of-age horror film with visceral imagery. The story uses cannibalism as a metaphor for sexual awakening and sibling rivalry. It is a shocking yet sophisticated addition to the body horror genre.

‘The Void’ (2016)

A police officer and hospital staff are trapped inside a rural hospital by cultists. Inside the building, they face grotesque creatures that defy biological explanation. The film relies heavily on practical effects to create its monsters. It draws inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and John Carpenter. The narrative embraces cosmic horror and the fear of the unknown.

‘Good Time’ (2017)

A bank robber spends a desperate night trying to free his mentally disabled brother from police custody. He manipulates everyone he encounters while racing against the clock. Robert Pattinson delivers a frantic performance that redefined his career. The Safdie brothers direct with a chaotic energy and close-up cinematography. The film creates a suffocating atmosphere of anxiety and bad decisions.

‘Mother!’ (2017)

A woman’s peaceful life is disrupted when uninvited guests arrive at her secluded home. The events escalate from rude behavior to apocalyptic chaos within the house. Jennifer Lawrence plays the allegorical role of Mother Earth in this biblical metaphor. Darren Aronofsky creates a fever dream that becomes increasingly intense and violent. The film polarized audiences with its aggressive symbolism and lack of subtlety.

‘Brawl in Cell Block 99’ (2017)

A former boxer gets arrested and is forced to commit violence in prison to protect his wife. He must transfer to a maximum-security facility to kill a specific inmate. Vince Vaughn sheds his comedic persona to play the imposing and stoic protagonist. S. Craig Zahler directs with a deliberate pace that makes the outbursts of violence more impactful. The fight choreography is raw and bone-crunching.

‘Revenge’ (2017)

A woman is assaulted and left for dead in the desert by her boyfriend and his hunting buddies. She survives and hunts them down one by one. Coralie Fargeat directs this stylish update of the rape-revenge genre. The film utilizes bright colors and copious amounts of blood. It subverts the male gaze by focusing on the female protagonist’s agency and survival.

‘Mandy’ (2018)

A logger hunts a hippie cult and a biker gang after they destroy his life. Nicolas Cage forges a battle axe and engages in a chainsaw duel. The visuals are a neon-soaked nightmare fuel accompanied by a heavy metal score. Panos Cosmatos creates a mythological atmosphere around a simple revenge plot. It allows Cage to deliver a performance of unhinged rage and grief.

‘Upgrade’ (2018)

A technophobe receives an experimental computer chip implant after being paralyzed in a mugging. The AI chip controls his body to fight criminals with superhuman precision. Leigh Whannell directs this cyberpunk action film with inventive camera movements. The fight scenes feature a unique robotic fluidity. It explores the dangers of artificial intelligence in a slick and entertaining package.

‘Climax’ (2018)

A troupe of French dancers gathers in a remote school building for a rehearsal party. Someone spikes the sangria with LSD and the night descends into a collective bad trip. Gaspar Noé captures the chaos with long continuous takes and disorienting camera angles. The film features incredible dance sequences that devolve into violence and madness. It is a harrowing portrayal of a group losing their grip on reality.

‘Sorry to Bother You’ (2018)

A telemarketer discovers a magical key to professional success by using his white voice. He rises through the corporate ranks only to uncover a horrific conspiracy. Boots Riley directs this anti-capitalist satire with surreal imagery and magical realism. The plot takes a wild turn in the third act that redefines the stakes. It offers a scathing critique of labor exploitation and code-switching.

‘The Lighthouse’ (2019)

Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote island in the 1890s. They drink heavily and hallucinate as the weather traps them in isolation. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe deliver intense performances in this two-hander. Robert Eggers shoots the film in black-and-white with a square aspect ratio. The dialogue uses period-accurate nautical slang to enhance the atmosphere.

‘Color Out of Space’ (2019)

A meteorite crashes into the front yard of a family farm and emits a strange purple light. The extraterrestrial force mutates the flora and fauna while driving the family insane. Nicolas Cage stars in this adaptation of the H.P. Lovecraft short story. The visual effects create a vibrant and disturbing depiction of the alien corruption. It captures the essence of cosmic horror where the threat is beyond human comprehension.

Tell us which of these mind-bending films you plan to watch first in the comments.