The 2010s was a decade dominated by blockbuster franchises, superhero epics, and groundbreaking visual effects, with films like Avengers: Endgame, Inception, and Mad Max: Fury Road grabbing the spotlight. Yet beneath the surface, there were many remarkable movies that didn’t receive the attention they deserved. Here are ten underappreciated must-see movies from the 2010s that warrant a closer look.
1. Annihilation (2018)
Directed by Alex Garland, Annihilation is a haunting sci-fi thriller that blends psychological horror with thought-provoking themes of identity and change. Though praised by critics, it didn’t resonate as well with mainstream audiences, partly due to a limited release and its complex narrative.
Plot Overview: The film follows Lena (Natalie Portman), a biologist who joins an all-female expedition into “The Shimmer,” a mysterious, expanding zone where the laws of nature seem warped. As the team ventures further, they encounter mutated landscapes and creatures, each more terrifying than the last, and are forced to confront their own inner demons.
Why It’s Underappreciated: Annihilation is an ambitious and visually stunning film that combines horror, sci-fi, and philosophical musings on abstract storytelling may have confused some viewers, but it has since developed a cult following, with many considering it one of the most thought-provoking sci-fi films of the decade.
2. Under the Silver Lake (2018)
Directed by David Robert Mitchell, Under the Silver Lake is a neo-noir mystery that explores the strange, often surreal side of Los Angeles. Its divisive reception and limited release left it overlooked by many, but it’s a hidden gem for those who enjoy unconventional narratives.
Plot Overview: Sam (Andrew Garfield), a disillusioned young man, becomes obsessed with the disappearance of his neighbor Sarah (Riley Keough). His search for answers leads him down a bizarre rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, hidden symbols, and strange characters that reveal the seedy underbelly of LA.
Why It’s Underappreciated: Under the Silver Lake is a unique, genre-blending film that combines noir, satire, and surrealism to create a dreamlike experience. Its strange, labyrinthine plot may deter casual viewers, but for fans of films that challenge conventions, it’s an intriguing exploration of urban mythology and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
3. A Ghost Story (2017)
Directed by David Lowery, A Ghost Story is a minimalist supernatural drama that meditates on time, loss, and legacy. Despite its unique approach to storytelling, it didn’t receive widespread attention, though it has since found a devoted following.
Plot Overview: After a tragic accident, a man (Casey Affleck) returns as a ghost, silently observing the passage of time within the house he once shared with his wife (Rooney Mara). As years go by, he witnesses the lives of others unfold in his former home, reflecting on the fleeting nature of existence.
Why It’s Underappreciated: With its slow pace and long, contemplative shots, A Ghost Story isn’t a typical ghost film, but its deeply emotional exploration of grief and time resonates powerfully. Lowery’s use of silence and Affleck’s simple yet haunting portrayal make it a visually striking meditation on mortality.
4. Mandy (2018)
Directed by Panos Cosmatos, Mandy is an intense, psychedelic horror-thriller starring Nicolas Cage. The film’s unique visual style and extreme violence made it divisive, but for fans of surreal horror, it’s a standout of the genre.
Plot Overview: Set in the 1980s, the film follows Red (Nicolas Cage), a lumberjack who embarks on a brutal revenge quest after his girlfriend Mandy (Andrea Riseborough) is abducted by a cult. As he pursues the cult, Red descends into a nightmarish journey through violence and madness.
Why It’s Underappreciated: Mandy is an experience as much as it is a film, filled with neon-lit visuals, surreal sequences, and Cage’s unrestrained performance. Its polarizing, unconventional approach may have deterred mainstream audiences, but its originality, intensity, and haunting style make it a modern cult classic that redefines the revenge genre.
5. The Lighthouse (2019)
Directed by Robert Eggers, The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film that combines dark humor, mythology, and psychological tension. While critically acclaimed, its unconventional style and eerie atmosphere kept it from reaching wider audiences.
Plot Overview: The story follows two lighthouse keepers, Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe) and Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson), isolated on a remote island. As a storm strands them, they descend into madness, plagued by strange visions, power struggles, and eerie happenings in the lighthouse.
Why It’s Underappreciated: With stunning black-and-white cinematography and powerhouse performances from Dafoe and Pattinson, The Lighthouse creates a claustrophobic, unsettling experience. Its exploration of loneliness, madness, and myth is both disturbing and captivating. For those who enjoy psychological horror with an artistic edge, The Lighthouse is an atmospheric masterpiece.
6. Colossal (2016)
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, Colossal is a, monster movie, and drama. Its quirky approach may have confused audiences, but it offers an innovative exploration of addiction, relationships, and self-destruction.
Plot Overview: The film follows Gloria (Anne Hathaway), an alcoholic who returns to her hometown after a breakup. She soon discovers that she has a strange connection to a giant monster attacking Seoul, with her actions somehow controlling the creature’s movements.
Why It’s Underappreciated: Colossal uses its absurd premise to explore serious themes like addiction and toxic relationships in a fresh way. Hathaway’s nuanced performance and Vigalondo’s inventive direction make it a unique and thought-provoking film that defies genre expectations. It’s a must-watch for those looking for a story that balances dark humor with genuine emotional depth.
7. Enemy (2013)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Enemy is a psychological thriller based on José Saramago’s novel The Double. Its surreal narrative and cryptic ending may have left some audiences puzzled, but it’s an intriguing exploration of identity and paranoia.
Plot Overview: The film follows Adam Bell (Jake Gyllenhaal), a history professor who discovers an actor who looks exactly like him. As he becomes obsessed with his double, Adam’s life spirals into confusion and danger, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.
Why It’s Underappreciated: Enemy is a complex and unsettling thriller that delves into the nature of identity and self. Villeneuve’s direction and Gyllenhaal’s dual performance create a haunting atmosphere, and the film’s ambiguous ending invites multiple interpretations. For fans of psychological thrillers that challenge perceptions, Enemy is a memorable experience.
8. The Nice Guys (2016)
Directed by Shane Black, The Nice Guys is a buddy cop comedy with a 1970s setting that combines humor, action, and mystery. Despite critical praise, it underperformed at the box office.
Plot Overview: Set in 1977 Los Angeles, the film follows private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and enforcer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) as they team up to investigate the case of a missing girl. Along the way, they uncover a larger conspiracy that threatens their lives.
Why It’s Underappreciated: The Nice Guys has a sharp, witty script, great chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, and an engaging storyline. Its blend of comedy and noir makes it a fun, entertaining film with enough depth to reward multiple viewings. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy dark comedies and clever mysteries.
9. First Reformed (2017)
Directed by Paul Schrader, First Reformed is a powerful drama that tackles themes of faith, environmental despair, and personal crisis. Though critically acclaimed, its intense subject matter may have kept it from wider recognition.
Plot Overview: The film follows Reverend Ernst Toller (Ethan Hawke), a former military chaplain turned pastor of a small, historic church. As Toller grapples with his faith, he becomes increasingly troubled by humanity’s impact on the environment, leading to a profound existential crisis.
Why It’s Underappreciated: First Reformed is a raw and thought-provoking film, with Hawke delivering one of the best performances of his career. Schrader’s direction is meticulous, creating an atmosphere that’s both tense and introspective. It’s a haunting exploration of despair and redemption that leaves a lasting impact, particularly for those interested in films that tackle heavy existential themes.
10. A Most Violent Year (2014)
Directed by J.C. Chandor, A Most Violent Year is York, one of the city’s most crime-ridden years. Though well-reviewed, it was overshadowed by other films and remains underappreciated despite its stellar performances and nuanced storytelling.
Plot Overview: The film follows Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), an immigrant businessman struggling to protect his heating oil company from crime and corruption. As he tries to maintain his moral integrity, Abel faces pressure from both his competitors and law enforcement, threatening everything he’s built.
Why It’s Underappreciated: A Most Violent Year is a beautifully crafted crime drama that examines themes of ambition, integrity, and survival. Isaac’s compelling performance, along with Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of his strong-willed wife, adds depth to the film’s character-driven story. Its deliberate pacing and subtle tension make it a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn dramas.
Conclusion
The 2010s was a decade that produced both massive blockbusters and unique under-the-radar films. From the cosmic horror of Annihilation to the surreal noir of Under the Silver Lake, these underappreciated gems offer diverse and innovative storytelling that explores complex themes, challenges conventions, and captivates audiences in unexpected ways.
For viewers looking for something beyond the usual mainstream fare, these 10 movies from the 2010s provide unique and rewarding experiences. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, existential dramas, or genre-blending comedies, these films are waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated for their originality, ambition, and artistry.
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