The Most Underrated Movie of Each Year in the 21st Century
What makes a movie “underrated”? The definition can be tricky. It is not just about a film that did poorly at the box office. Sometimes, a movie can be a financial success but still not get the critical praise it deserves. Other times, a film is praised by critics but fails to find a wide audience. An underrated movie is a hidden gem, a film that for one reason or another, did not get the recognition it merited at the time of its release. These are movies that might have been misunderstood, poorly marketed, or simply overshadowed by bigger blockbusters.
This list looks back at the 21st century and picks out one movie for each year that deserves a second look. These films come from different genres and countries. They might not have been the biggest hits or award winners, but they offer something special. They have compelling stories, memorable characters, or a unique vision that makes them stand out. These are the movies that have since gained a cult following or are waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation of film lovers who can appreciate their true value.
A Knight’s Tale (2001)
A Knight’s Tale tells the story of William Thatcher, a peasant squire who dreams of becoming a knight. When his master dies, William takes his place in a jousting tournament. With the help of his friends, he creates a new identity as a nobleman and competes in tournaments across Europe. The film is a mix of medieval action and modern rock music, creating a unique and energetic tone. Heath Ledger plays the lead role with charisma and charm.
The movie was not a massive box office success and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its fun and anachronistic style, while others found the use of classic rock songs in a medieval setting to be jarring. However, the film has since found a loyal following who appreciate its humor, heart, and exciting jousting sequences. It is a feel-good movie that is both entertaining and unconventional, a true departure from typical historical dramas.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
This film is an adaptation of the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas. It follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is betrayed by his best friend and sent to a brutal island prison. After many years, he escapes and, with a hidden treasure, transforms himself into the wealthy Count of Monte Cristo. He then seeks revenge on those who wronged him. The movie is a classic tale of betrayal and vengeance.
While it was a moderate success at the box office, it did not receive major awards and is often overlooked in discussions of great adventure films. The movie features strong performances from Jim Caviezel as Dantès and Guy Pearce as his villainous friend. It is a well-paced and visually impressive film with exciting sword fights and a satisfying story of justice. It remains a thrilling and emotionally engaging adventure.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
This film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the British warship HMS Surprise, led by Captain “Lucky” Jack Aubrey. He is ordered to hunt down a powerful French privateer. The movie is a detailed and realistic look at life on a 19th-century naval vessel. It focuses on the friendship between Captain Aubrey and the ship’s surgeon, Stephen Maturin.
Despite receiving ten Academy Award nominations and winning two, the movie was a disappointment at the box office. Its high production cost and competition from other blockbusters limited its financial success. The film is praised for its historical accuracy, stunning cinematography, and the strong performances of Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. It is a smart and immersive epic that offers a compelling portrait of leadership and exploration.
Troy (2004)
Troy is an epic historical war film based on Homer’s Iliad. The movie recounts the Trojan War, a decade-long conflict between the forces of Troy and an alliance of Greek states. The story is sparked by the abduction of Helen, the queen of Sparta, by the Trojan prince Paris. This leads a massive Greek army, led by King Agamemnon and featuring the legendary warrior Achilles, to lay siege to the city of Troy. The film is known for its large-scale battle sequences and its star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt as Achilles and Eric Bana as the Trojan prince Hector.
Upon its release, Troy was a significant box office success, grossing nearly half a billion dollars worldwide. However, it received a mixed reception from critics. Many critics were divided over its departure from the source material and its focus on action over deep character development. Over time, the director’s cut of the film has been more positively received, with many now viewing it as a grand and entertaining epic. It is appreciated for its impressive practical effects and its exploration of themes like glory, honor, and the human cost of war.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a neo-noir black comedy that serves as a modern tribute to classic detective stories. The film follows Harry Lockhart, a small-time thief who, while fleeing from the police, stumbles into an acting audition and is unexpectedly sent to Hollywood to train as an actor. He is paired with a private investigator, “Gay” Perry van Shrike, to learn the ropes for his potential role. Their training gets dangerously real when they become entangled in a complex murder mystery involving a struggling actress named Harmony Lane.
The film was a directorial debut for screenwriter Shane Black and was highly praised by critics for its sharp, witty dialogue and the strong chemistry between its leads, Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. Despite the critical acclaim, it was a commercial failure, grossing just over $15 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. The film’s poor box office performance was attributed to a limited theatrical release and a marketing campaign that struggled to convey its unique blend of comedy and crime. It has since become a cult classic, celebrated for its clever script and for revitalizing Robert Downey Jr.’s career.
Children of Men (2006)
Children of Men is a dystopian thriller set in a future where humanity is on the brink of collapse after two decades of human infertility. The film follows Theo Faron, a disillusioned former activist who is tasked with protecting Kee, a young refugee who is miraculously pregnant. They must navigate a chaotic and dangerous world, evading both government forces and revolutionary groups, to get Kee to safety. The film is renowned for its immersive world-building and its long, uninterrupted action sequences.
Upon its release, Children of Men received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards. However, the film was a box office disappointment, failing to recoup its production budget. Its dark and challenging subject matter, combined with a marketing campaign that struggled to attract a wide audience, contributed to its limited commercial success. In the years since, it has been hailed as a masterpiece of modern science fiction and is often cited as one of the best films of the 21st century for its powerful themes and innovative filmmaking.
Sunshine (2007)
Sunshine is a science fiction thriller about a team of international astronauts sent on a dangerous mission to reignite the dying Sun. The crew of the Icarus II is humanity’s last hope, carrying a massive stellar bomb designed to create a new star within our own. As they approach the Sun, they discover the distress beacon of the Icarus I, the first ship that attempted the same mission seven years earlier and disappeared without a trace. The decision to investigate the earlier ship leads to a series of catastrophic events that threaten the mission and their lives.
Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, Sunshine was praised by critics for its stunning visuals, compelling scientific concepts, and strong performances from its ensemble cast, which includes Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans. Despite positive reviews, the film underperformed at the box office, particularly in the United States. Its complex and at times philosophical themes, combined with a third act that shifts into a more traditional horror-thriller, may have been a challenging sell for mainstream audiences. It has since gained a significant following and is considered a thought-provoking and visually spectacular entry in the science fiction genre.
In Bruges (2008)
In Bruges is a dark comedy crime film that tells the story of two Irish hitmen, Ray and Ken, who are sent to the picturesque city of Bruges, Belgium, after a job goes horribly wrong. Ray is guilt-ridden and hates the city, while Ken is more open to its historic charm. As they await instructions from their ruthless boss, they interact with the city’s quirky inhabitants and are drawn into a series of comical and violent situations. The film blends sharp, witty dialogue with moments of sudden brutality and genuine pathos.
The film was a critical success, with particular praise for its original screenplay and the performances of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Farrell won a Golden Globe for his role. However, it was only a modest success at the box office. Its dark humor and complex moral themes may have limited its appeal to a broader audience. Over the years, In Bruges has become a beloved cult classic, admired for its unique tone, memorable quotes, and the beautiful yet melancholic setting of Bruges.
District 9 (2009)
District 9 is a science fiction action film presented in a found footage format, combining interviews, news reports, and surveillance footage. The story is set in an alternate Johannesburg where a massive alien spaceship has appeared over the city. The alien inhabitants, derogatorily called “prawns,” are forced to live in a segregated, slum-like area called District 9. The plot follows a government agent who becomes infected with alien biotechnology and must rely on the help of the aliens to survive.
The film was a surprise hit, both critically and commercially, earning four Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture. However, it is often considered underrated in the sense that its impact and brilliance are not fully appreciated in the context of mainstream science fiction. It is a powerful allegory for apartheid and xenophobia, using the sci-fi genre to explore complex social and political issues. The film’s realistic and gritty style, combined with its thought-provoking themes, make it a standout film that is more than just an alien action movie.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a romantic action-comedy based on the graphic novel series of the same name. The film follows Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician who falls for a mysterious girl named Ramona Flowers. However, to win her heart, he must defeat her seven evil exes in a series of over-the-top, video game-style battles. The movie is known for its fast-paced editing, visual effects that mimic comic book panels, and its blend of indie rock music and retro gaming culture.
Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique visual style and humor, the film was a box office bomb. Its unconventional storytelling and niche appeal may have made it a difficult film to market to a mainstream audience. Since its release, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World has gained a massive cult following. It is now celebrated for its creativity, energy, and its loving homage to video games and pop culture.
The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
The Adventures of Tintin is a 3D motion-capture animated film directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Peter Jackson. Based on the classic comic book series by Hergé, the film follows the young journalist Tintin and his dog Snowy as they stumble upon a model ship that holds a clue to a sunken treasure. Their adventure leads them to team up with the boisterous Captain Haddock as they are pursued by a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to get the treasure for himself. The film is a globetrotting adventure full of action and mystery.
The movie was a box office success internationally, but it underperformed in the United States. It also received generally positive reviews, with many praising its stunning animation and its faithful and energetic adaptation of the source material. However, it is often forgotten in discussions of great animated films, perhaps because the motion-capture technology gave it a different look than traditional animated features. It remains a visually spectacular and incredibly fun adventure that captures the spirit of the original comics.
Dredd (2012)
Dredd is a science fiction action film set in a dystopian future where law enforcement officers known as Judges have the authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner. The story follows Judge Dredd, one of the most feared Judges in Mega-City One, as he and a rookie Judge with psychic abilities are trapped in a 200-story slum controlled by a ruthless drug lord. They must fight their way to the top to take her down. The film is a gritty and violent take on the comic book character.
The film was a major box office failure, grossing only $41 million worldwide on a budget of around $45 million. However, it received positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual style, dark humor, and its faithful portrayal of the title character. The film’s poor performance has been attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of audience interest in the character following a poorly received 1995 adaptation. Since its release, Dredd has become a massive cult favorite, with fans praising its intense action and Karl Urban’s stoic performance.
Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is a gripping thriller that explores the dark side of vigilantism. The film begins when two young girls are abducted on Thanksgiving Day. As the police investigation, led by Detective Loki, struggles to find them, the father of one of the girls decides to take matters into his own hands. He kidnaps the man he suspects is responsible and tortures him for information. The film is a dark and complex story that raises difficult questions about morality and justice.
The movie was a critical and commercial success, but it is often overlooked in discussions of the best thrillers of the decade. The film features powerful performances from Hugh Jackman as the desperate father and Jake Gyllenhaal as the determined detective. It is a masterfully crafted film with a tense atmosphere and a number of shocking twists and turns. It is a haunting and thought-provoking film that stays with the viewer long after it ends.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow is a science fiction action film with a time-loop premise. The story is set in a future where most of Europe has been conquered by an alien race. Major William Cage, a public relations officer with no combat experience, is forced to fight on the front lines. He is killed within minutes but finds himself in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. With each reset, he becomes a better soldier and, with the help of a Special Forces warrior, gets closer to finding a way to defeat the enemy.
The film received very positive reviews from critics and was a moderate box office success. However, its title was seen as generic and was later changed to Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow for its home video release, which caused some confusion. The film is praised for its clever script, exciting action sequences, and the strong chemistry between Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. It is a smart, funny, and thrilling sci-fi adventure that is far more original than its title might suggest.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a stylish spy comedy set in the 1960s at the height of the Cold War. The film follows a CIA agent and a KGB operative who are forced to team up to stop a mysterious criminal organization that is trying to proliferate nuclear weapons. The mismatched pair must work with the daughter of a missing German scientist to infiltrate the organization and prevent a global catastrophe. The film is known for its cool retro style, witty banter, and suave action sequences.
The movie received generally positive reviews, with praise for its direction, style, and the charismatic performances of its cast, particularly Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, and Alicia Vikander. However, it was a box office disappointment, failing to make a significant impact against other summer blockbusters. Its more old-fashioned and sophisticated tone may have not appealed to a wide audience looking for more modern action. It has since gained a following for its charm, humor, and impeccable sense of style.
The Nice Guys (2016)
The Nice Guys is a neo-noir action-comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles. The film pairs a down-on-his-luck private investigator with a tough-guy enforcer to investigate the disappearance of a young woman and the mysterious death of a porn star. Their investigation uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy that involves the auto industry and the government. The movie is a hilarious and action-packed buddy comedy with a complex, twisting plot.
The film was a critical success, with many praising its sharp writing, the comedic chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, and its loving recreation of the 1970s. Despite the positive reviews, it underperformed at the box office, getting lost in a crowded summer release schedule. It has since become a fan favorite, admired for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and its perfect blend of humor and mystery.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 is the long-awaited sequel to the 1982 science fiction classic. Set thirty years after the original film, it follows a new blade runner, a police officer who hunts down rogue bioengineered humans known as replicants. His investigation into a secret that could plunge society into chaos leads him on a quest to find the original blade runner who has been missing for three decades. The film is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human.
The movie was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the best films of the year and a worthy successor to the original. It won two Academy Awards for its cinematography and visual effects. However, the film was a major box office disappointment, particularly in North America. Its long runtime, slow pace, and philosophical themes may have made it a difficult sell for a mainstream audience. It is now considered a modern sci-fi masterpiece, appreciated for its breathtaking visuals and its deep, complex narrative.
Widows (2018)
Widows is a heist thriller with a dramatic core. The story follows four women who have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. When a local crime boss demands they pay back the money their husbands stole, they decide to take matters into their own hands and plan a heist to secure their future. The film is a tense and intelligent thriller that also deals with themes of race, class, and gender.
The film received rave reviews from critics, who praised its direction, screenplay, and the strong performances of its ensemble cast, led by Viola Davis. Despite the critical acclaim, it was not a major box office success. Its serious tone and complex themes may have made it less appealing to audiences looking for a more straightforward heist movie. Widows is a powerful and gripping film that is both a thrilling crime story and a sharp social commentary.
The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)
The Kid Who Would Be King is a fantasy adventure film that brings the legend of King Arthur into the modern world. The story follows a young boy who discovers the mythical sword Excalibur. He must then unite his friends and enemies to form a band of knights and, with the help of the wizard Merlin, take on a wicked enchantress who threatens the future of Britain. The film is a charming and heartfelt family adventure.
The movie was a critical success, with many praising its charming story and positive messages. However, it was a massive box office bomb, becoming one of the biggest financial failures of the year. Its title and marketing may have failed to attract a wide audience, and it was overshadowed by other family-friendly blockbusters. It is a well-crafted and entertaining film that offers a fresh and fun take on a classic legend.
The Vast of Night (2020)
The Vast of Night is a science fiction mystery film set in a small New Mexico town in the 1950s. The story follows a young switchboard operator and a charismatic radio DJ who discover a strange audio frequency that may be of extraterrestrial origin. As they investigate further, they uncover a dark secret that could change their town and the world forever. The film is known for its long, continuous shots and its focus on sound design to build suspense.
The film was released directly to streaming services and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its clever script, inventive direction, and its ability to create a sense of mystery and wonder on a small budget. Due to its release strategy, it did not have a traditional box office run and remains a hidden gem for many. It is a masterful piece of low-budget filmmaking that is both a loving homage to old-school science fiction and a fresh and original story.
The Last Duel (2021)
The Last Duel is a historical drama that tells the story of the last legally sanctioned duel in France. The film is divided into three chapters, each showing the same events from the perspective of the three main characters: a respected knight, his wife, and his squire who is accused of assaulting her. This Rashomon-style narrative structure explores themes of truth, justice, and the role of women in a patriarchal society. The film culminates in a brutal and realistic duel to the death.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious narrative structure, strong performances, and its powerful social commentary. However, it was a major box office failure, with its poor performance being blamed on its challenging subject matter and an older-skewing target audience that was still hesitant to return to theaters. It is a thought-provoking and intense historical epic that is both a gripping drama and a timely examination of power and perspective.
The Northman (2022)
The Northman is a historical epic that tells a brutal and visceral Viking revenge story. Based on the same legend that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the film follows a young Viking prince who witnesses the murder of his father by his uncle. He escapes his kingdom and grows up to be a fierce warrior, vowing to one day return to avenge his father, save his mother, and kill his uncle. The film is known for its historical accuracy, stunning visuals, and its unflinching depiction of Viking life and warfare.
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and the commitment of its cast. However, it was a box office disappointment, struggling to find a wide audience. Its arthouse sensibilities, combined with its brutal violence and bleak tone, may have made it a difficult sell for mainstream moviegoers. The Northman is a powerful and immersive cinematic experience that is both a thrilling action film and a meticulously researched historical epic.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a fantasy adventure film that brings the world of the popular role-playing game to the big screen. The story follows a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers who embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic. Their journey is filled with danger, as they must outwit powerful magic-users, face fearsome creatures, and stop a villain from unleashing a great evil upon the world. The film is a fun and action-packed adventure with a strong sense of humor.
The film received very positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its humor, heart, and its faithful yet accessible adaptation of the source material. However, it underperformed at the box office, failing to launch the new franchise that many had hoped for. Its performance was impacted by a crowded release schedule and the challenge of attracting a broad audience beyond the game’s existing fanbase. It is a highly entertaining and well-crafted blockbuster that successfully captures the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of its source material.
Civil War (2024)
Civil War is a dystopian action film that imagines a near-future America torn apart by a second civil war. The story follows a team of journalists who travel across the war-torn nation, trying to reach Washington D.C. before rebel factions descend on the White House. The film is a visceral and immersive look at the horrors of war, focusing on the experiences of the journalists who risk their lives to document the truth. It is a gripping and unsettling film that serves as a powerful warning about political polarization.
The film was a major topic of discussion upon its release, generating both praise and controversy for its provocative subject matter. It received positive reviews from critics, who commended its intense action sequences, stunning cinematography, and its grounded, apolitical approach to the conflict. While it was a box office success, its challenging and disturbing themes may have made it a difficult watch for some audiences. It is a bold and thought-provoking film that offers a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
