Underrated Movies and TV Shows: Hidden Gems You Should Watch Now

Unearthing Cinematic Gems: Are You Missing Out on These Underrated Movies and TV Shows?

We all love blockbuster movies and acclaimed TV series. But what about hidden gems? The films and shows that went unnoticed? Let's explore underrated movies and television. Get ready to expand your watch list with some overlooked gems.

What Makes a Movie or Show "Underrated"?

Underrated. It's frequently used, but what does it mean in cinema? An underrated movie or show is better than most realize. It is entertainment not recognized enough. It may have been released poorly timed, overshadowed, or its brilliance wasn’t seen quickly.

Finding a rare vinyl at a flea market exemplifies this. Others might miss it, but you see its value. That’s the essence of underrated films or series. It’s a secret waiting for exploration, a delight for the discerning viewer.

The Eternal Question: What's the Most Underrated Movie Ever?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Finding the *most* underrated movie is a big task, like seeking the best grain of sand on a beach. It’s subjective and varies based on whom you ask. What’s underrated to one may seem right or overrated to another. This question sparks discussions that unveil diverse opinions and cinematic discoveries.

TV's Hidden Gems: Underrated Television Shows You Must Watch

Television is thriving, full of content. Amid mainstream hits, many great shows sadly get lost. Let’s shine a light on underrated TV series that need your attention. Get ready for binge-worthy suggestions.

• The Wire (2002–2008): Hailed as one of the greatest TV shows, The Wire gives a gritty look at Baltimore's drug scene. It offers perspectives from both drug dealers and police. It holds a stellar IMDb rating of 9.3 from nearly 400,000 viewers. It’s acclaimed but still feels underrated in mainstream talk.
• Mr. Robot (2015–2019): This cyberpunk thriller stars Rami Malek. It explores hacking, corporate greed, and mental illness. Mr. Robot is stylish and thought-provoking, winning fans and critical praise. However, it hasn’t achieved household name status, possibly due to its themes and tone.
• Black Mirror (2011–): Before Netflix, Black Mirror was a UK anthology series. Each episode includes standalone stories about technology’s dark side. Its narratives are chilling and often prophetic. While more recognized now, its early seasons remain underrated for their unique explorations.
• Show Me a Hero (2015): Created by David Simon, this HBO miniseries takes a deep look at public housing in Yonkers, New York. Show Me a Hero explores race and politics and features great performances. It remains less discussed than Simon’s other works, making it underrated.
• Southland (2009–2013): Before TNT rescued it, Southland showed the raw lives of LA police officers. It prioritized authenticity over sensationalism. With its intense realism and compelling characters, Southland deserved a broader audience.
• The Wonder Years (1988–1993): Loved by those who grew up in the late '80s and '90s, The Wonder Years may feel underrated now. This coming-of-age series captures adolescence in the late 60s and early 70s. Its charm and wit make it a classic deserving rediscovery.
• Crime Story (1986–1988): Michael Mann’s crime drama was ahead of its time. Set in the 60s and 80s, it follows a detective and a mobster. With its neo-noir style, it became a cult favorite without mainstream success. Its storytelling influenced later crime dramas.
• Northern Exposure (1990–1995): This series about a New York doctor in rural Alaska was a critical favorite. Northern Exposure explores community and identity through humor and heart. Its unique style makes it memorable but perhaps not widely recognized today.

The Elusive "Best Movies of All Time": A Subjective Quest

Now, let’s discuss the “best movies ever.” Get ready for opinions and cinema discussions. Declaring the “best” often is complex.

"Best" is in the Eye of the Beholder: The Subjectivity Factor

Truth: there is no "best movie ever." Shocking, right? What is "best" is subjective and varies. Critics may value artistry, while audiences prioritize entertainment. Your "best movie" is personal, shaped by your history and culture.

Even organizations like the American Film Institute (AFI) understand this subjectivity. While they list Citizen Kane as top, it’s based on consensus, not truth. So when someone names a movie the "best," remember it’s *their* best. That’s valid. Cinema’s beauty lies in its diversity, offering something for everyone.

The Titans of Cinema: Contenders for the "Best Movie" Crown

Certain films often appear in "best of" discussions. These cinematic icons influenced filmmaking and captivated audiences. Let’s look at some usual contenders in the “best movie ever” conversation.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Often at the top of AFI’s list, Citizen Kane is a filmmaking milestone. Directed by Orson Welles, it’s known for innovative storytelling and complex character exploration of a newspaper magnate. Citizen Kane expanded filmmaking boundaries and remains an artistry touchstone.

The Godfather (1972)

Many see The Godfather as possibly the best film ever. It’s an epic about family, loyalty, and organized crime. Francis Ford Coppola’s direction plus Brando and Pacino's performances mark this film. The Godfather goes beyond gangster genre; it explores the American Dream and human condition.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This film ranks high in audience polls and IMDb ratings. The Shawshank Redemption tells a story about hope and friendship amid injustice. Based on a Stephen King novella, it resonates with viewers for its emotional depth and message. Its emotional connection makes it a key film.

Schindler's List (1993)

Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List is a powerful historical drama. It follows Oskar Schindler, a German businessman. He saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. The film is shot in black and white. Its visuals are stunning, and the story is devastating. Schindler's List is a monument to human compassion. It stands as a reminder against evil.

12 Angry Men (1957)

Sidney Lumet's 12 Angry Men showcases minimalist filmmaking and dramatic tension. The entire story unfolds in a jury room. Twelve jurors debate a murder case. The film explores human nature and prejudice. 12 Angry Men is thought-provoking and timeless. It proves that brilliance exists without grandeur. Its powerful performances captivate cinephiles.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is America's favorite movie, according to polls. Robert Zemeckis's film offers a whimsical look at 20th-century history through its main character. It blends history with personal narrative. Forrest Gump is charming, funny, and emotional. Its popularity makes it a cinematic touchstone for many moviegoers.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz enchants audiences of all ages. Victor Fleming's musical fantasy captivates with vibrant colors and memorable songs. The film is a cultural icon and a visual spectacle. The Wizard of Oz remains a staple in discussions of great films. Its appeal endures across generations.

Titanic (1997)

James Cameron's Titanic is a cinematic event that captured global attention. This sweeping romance unfolds against the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic. It combines romance with historical tragedy. Titanic resonates deeply with viewers. Its box office success marks it in cinematic history.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Top Gun: Maverick revitalizes the action genre. This sequel to the 1986 classic was critically praised. It features thrilling aerial sequences and Tom Cruise's star power. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Top Gun: Maverick shows that good entertainment captivates audiences. It could become a future classic.

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca stands as a quintessential Hollywood classic. This romantic drama unfolds during World War II. Its famous dialogue, combined with star performances, captivates viewers. Themes of love and duty resonate throughout the film. Casablanca is celebrated for its cinematic craftsmanship.

Seven Samurai (1954)

Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai remains a pinnacle of Japanese cinema. This epic samurai film features compelling characters and themes of honor. With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it marks a landmark in storytelling. Its influence on action films is profound, showcasing universal appeal.

Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon-ho's Parasite made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. This South Korean thriller critiques class inequality with wit and suspense. Its 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating reflects its originality. Parasite's global success marks it as a significant work in modern cinema.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Curtis Hanson's L.A. Confidential embodies neo-noir brilliance set in 1950s Los Angeles. This intricate crime thriller shines with a sharp script and strong performances. A 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating reaffirms its status among noir enthusiasts. Its plot complexity stands out in the crime genre.

Box Office Bonanza vs. Epic Fails: Exploring Movie Finances

Now, let’s explore the financial side of filmmaking. Movies operate as businesses. Their success is often calculated in dollars. Let's examine the highs and lows of box office history.

The Kings of the Box Office: Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time

These films broke records and filled theaters worldwide. They represent commercial success in cinema history. Let’s review some box office champions.

• Avatar (2009): James Cameron's Avatar revolutionized 3D cinema. It captured audiences with visual beauty and an environmental storyline. The film set box office records due to its innovative technology.
• Avengers: Endgame (2019): This film marked the end of Marvel’s Infinity Saga. Its rich ensemble cast and thrilling sequences attracted fans globally. Avengers: Endgame grossed an astounding $2,799,439,100, showcasing franchise power.
• Avatar: The Way of Water (2022): Cameron returned to Pandora with this sequel. It dazzled audiences but didn’t surpass the original Avatar. Yet, it grossed $2,320,250,281 worldwide, showing box office strength.
• Titanic (1997): Before Avatar, Titanic held the box office crown for ten years. Its blend of drama and disaster fascinated viewers worldwide, ensuring its long-lasting legacy.
• Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015): This return of Star Wars dazzled fans, blending nostalgia with new characters. Its $2.07 billion gross demonstrated the saga's powerful hold on audiences.
• Avengers: Infinity War (2018): The epic battle against Thanos captivated millions. Its scale drove audiences to theaters, resulting in $2.05 billion in box office revenue for this cinematic event.
• Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021):Spider-Man: No Way Home revived nostalgia through multiple Spider-Men on screen. Its clever storytelling led to $1.92 billion success at the box office, showcasing nostalgia's power.
• Jurassic World (2015): This revival offered grand dinosaur action. Its nostalgic tie-in and modern spectacle appealed broadly, earning $1.67 billion at the box office.
• The Lion King (2019): Disney’s CGI remake tapped nostalgia while delivering stunning visuals. Despite mixed reviews, it grossed $1.66 billion, exemplifying Disney's remake strategy.
• The Avengers (2012): This iconic film launched the MCU into blockbuster status by uniting heroes for the first time.
• time on the big screen. Its superhero team-up and crowd-pleasing action set a new standard for superhero films, grossing $1.52 billion. The Avengers is a landmark film in the superhero genre and a key factor in the MCU's dominance.
• Furious 7 (2015):Furious 7, after Paul Walker's death, became a tribute and a box office sensation. Its action and emotional core resonated with audiences, resulting in a $1.51 billion gross. Furious 7 shows the power of emotional connection in driving box office success.
• Top Gun: Maverick (2022):Top Gun: Maverick achieved critical acclaim and soared at the box office, grossing $1.49 billion. Its nostalgia, practical effects, and aerial sequences made it a must-see event. Top Gun: Maverick proves well-crafted action films can achieve box office success.
• Inside Out 2 (2024): Disney/Pixar's Inside Out 2 explores teenage emotions with humor and heart. Its appeal to families and Pixar's brand contributed to a $1.46 billion box office. Inside Out 2 showcases the power of Pixar animation and storytelling in attracting audiences.
• Frozen II (2019): Disney's Frozen II, sequel to Frozen, continued Elsa and Anna's adventures. Not quite reaching the original's heights, it still grossed $1.45 billion, showing the franchise's popularity, especially among younger audiences. Frozen II exemplifies the power of animated franchises.
• Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): Anticipation is high for Deadpool & Wolverine, uniting two popular Marvel characters in an R-rated adventure. Industry analysts predict success due to their popularity and unique tone. Deadpool & Wolverine shows the growing box office potential for R-rated superhero films.
• Joker (2019): Todd Phillips' Joker is a dark origin story of the iconic Batman villain. It defied expectations by becoming a billion-dollar hit. Its mature themes, Joaquin Phoenix's performance, and Batman connection resonated with audiences. Joker proves R-rated comic adaptations can achieve mainstream success.
• Oppenheimer (2023): Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, about the atomic bomb's creation, became a surprising box office hit. Its intellectual subject matter and intense drama drew audiences. Oppenheimer shows that thought-provoking films can succeed outside typical blockbuster genres.
• Deadpool 2 (2018): The sequel to Deadpool, Deadpool 2 continued the R-rated, meta-humorous superhero approach. Its box office success cemented the appeal of unconventional superhero films. Deadpool 2 shows R-rated franchises can thrive with irreverent content.

Box Office Bombs and Epic Failures: Lowest-Grossing Movies

Some movies crash at the box office, becoming cautionary tales in Hollywood. These films failed to connect with audiences despite budgets or star power. Let's explore cinema's spectacular financial failures.

• Zyzzyx Road (2006): Holding the title of the lowest-grossing movie ever, Zyzzyx Road earned only $30 at the box office. This thriller starred Tom Sizemore and had an extremely limited release, playing for six days in Dallas, Texas. Zyzzyx Road illustrates the challenges of distribution for independent films and a significant loss.
• John Carter (2012): Disney's John Carter, based on Burroughs' novels, aimed to launch a franchise. However, with a $250 million budget, it flopped, losing $200–255 million. John Carter suffered from marketing missteps and failed to connect, despite its source material.
• The Lone Ranger (2013): Another Disney film, The Lone Ranger, starred Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, but it disappointed. With a $215 million budget, it lost an estimated $150 million. The Lone Ranger highlights risks of adapting classic properties for modern audiences.
• The Marvels (2023): A recent box office disappointment, The Marvels, underperformed critically and commercially. Part of the MCU, it failed to resonate, raising questions about superhero fatigue. The Marvels reminds us even established franchises can fail.
• The 13th Warrior (1999):The 13th Warrior, starring Antonio Banderas, was plagued by production issues. It became a box office bomb, losing an estimated $70–90 million. The 13th Warrior illustrates risks of troubled productions leading to financial failure.
• Mortal Engines (2018):Mortal Engines, a steampunk adventure based on a book series, was intended as a franchise starter. Despite visual spectacle, it lost an estimated $100–150 million. Mortal Engines shows challenges of launching new franchises in a crowded marketplace.
• Cutthroat Island (1995): Renny Harlin's Cutthroat Island aimed to revive the pirate genre but lost an estimated $147 million. It contributed to the bankruptcy of Carolco Pictures. Cutthroat Island is a cautionary tale of spending and misjudged audience appeal.
• Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003): DreamWorks' Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, featuring Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones, underperformed at the box office. This contributed to DreamWorks' shift toward CGI animation. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas reflects changing trends in animation.
• Strange World (2023): Disney's animated adventure Strange World was another recent disappointment. Despite visual inventiveness, it lost an estimated $100–147 million. Strange World raises questions about Disney animation's recent performance with family audiences.
• Mars Needs Moms (2011): Zemeckis-produced Mars Needs Moms failed commercially, losing an estimated $100–144 million. It attempted to utilize motion capture animation but resonated poorly. Mars Needs Moms shows risks of high-budget animated films lacking strong storytelling.
• Heaven's Gate (1980): Cimino's Heaven's Gate is a legendary box office bomb with its budget soaring from $12 million to $44 million. It earned only $3.5 million, ending Cimino's career and contributing to United Artists' near-collapse. Heaven's Gate is a cautionary tale of excess.
• Sahara (2005):Sahara, starring Matthew McConaughey, had a massive budget due to location shooting, totaling $281.2 million. It earned only $119 million, leading to significant losses. Sahara exemplifies risks of expensive location shoots causing financial disaster.
• The Golden Compass (2007):The Golden Compass, based on Pullman's series, aimed to be a fantasy franchise starter. It performed reasonably well internationally but underperformed domestically, canceling planned sequels. The Golden Compass shows the importance of domestic success.
• Box office success is crucial for franchise viability. Adapting complex literary works for the screen presents many challenges.
• The Black Cauldron (1985): Disney's animated film The Black Cauldron deviated from typical formulas. It was a dark fantasy adaptation. It lost an estimated $89 million and nearly derailed Disney Animation.
• Treasure Planet (2002): Disney's animated sci-fi adventure Treasure Planet was a futuristic reimagining of Treasure Island. It lost between $120–240 million. Its unique concept and visual innovation could not connect with audiences.
• Meet the Robinsons (2007): Disney's animated film Meet the Robinsons underperformed. It lost an estimated $80–205 million. Despite its quirky characters and time-travel premise, it struggled to achieve breakout success.
• A Christmas Carol (2009): Robert Zemeckis' motion-capture version of A Christmas Carol starred Jim Carrey. It was visually impressive but commercially disappointing. The film lost an estimated $50–175 million, despite the source material's popularity.