For our list of the best underrated-and-overlooked movies of the year, we’re reconsidering feature films from all genres that deserved more commercial success, critical praise—or both. That includes films that received a theatrical release, as well as movies that went straight to streaming. While not all of these films are considered dark-horse contenders as awards season approaches, all are movies we highly recommended. Here are 10 underrated, overlooked movies from 2021 worth seeking out. Unless otherwise specified, all titles are available to purchase and rent across major digital platforms.
Top 10 underrated movies of 2021
1. The Last Duel
It’s important to give credit where it’s due: There really is no filmmaker like Ridley Scott. In addition to blessing us with some of the most hilarious, foulmouthed sound bytes from press interviews this year, the incomparable Hollywood vet directed two very good, refreshingly original awards-season films this year: House of Gucci got more attention thanks to a titanic Lady Gaga, but period piece The Last Duel is impressive, too. An innovative script (definitely worthy of Oscar consideration) by Matt Damon, Ben Affleckand Nicole Holofcener brings urgency to a brutal, handsomely crafted drama based on France’s final trial by combat in the Middle Ages. Jodie Comer (also a standout in Free Guy) is one of the year’s breakthrough performers.
2. C’Mon C’Mon
It’s possible Joaquin Phoenix could get his fifth Oscar nomination for his turn as a emotionally stunted radio journalist who forms an unexpected, transformative bond with his young nephew (Woody Norman). Mike Mills’ touching drama also has garnered considerable attention for its pristine black-and-white cinematography.
3. Red Rocket
Sean Baker’s third feature may not quite pack the punch of his extraordinary Tangerine and The Florida Project (not many films do), but it’s a brilliantly crafted, edgy indie in line with its predecessors. Simon Rex is a dark-horse Best Actor Oscar contender for a fearless, tragicomic turn as a washed-up porn star. This is a welcome starring vehicle for an actor who’s always been better than he gets credit for.
4. Summertime
From Blindspotting director Carlos López Estrada, Summertime follows the interwoven lives of about two dozen spoken-word poets in Los Angeles. What could have in lesser hands come off as heavy-handed or even pretentious is mostly exuberant, often technically wondrous. It’s very likely this will become an essential L.A. film over time. Estrada also helmed this year’s somewhat underrated, visually arresting Raya and the Last Dragon.
5. Censor
Welsh-born filmmaker Prano Bailey-Bond‘s debut feature (as director and co-writer), Censor plunges a harrowing tale of loss and madness into the infamous “video nasty” movement of 1980s Britain. Thanks to committed nostalgic stylishness and a gripping, gonzo central performance from Niamh Algar, this is one of 2021’s best, most novel horror films.
6. The Worst Person in the World
One of the the key pictures in this year’s Best Foreign Language Film conversation (and possibly other categories) is Joachim Trier’s Norwegian dark dramedy chronicling four years in the life of a young woman (Renate Reinsve) navigating love life, career choices and more in modern-day Oslo.
7. Luca
Grounded more in discovery and exploration than conflict or threat, Luca is an understated, underrated pure pleasure. The voices of Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer and Maya Rudolph star in a fantasy bildungsroman about the summer that changed everything. Imagine the intoxicating world of Call Me By Your Name in a family film—like if that movie collided with The Little Mermaid. That’s kind of what this is. It’s transporting.
8. The Harder They Fall
JeymesSamuel’s revisionist Western takes cues from real-life outlaws and marshals, with an all-Black principal cast including Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi and Deon Cole. Now streaming on Netflix, it’s a violent thriller that honors and subverts well-worn tropes. The cast is top-notch all around.
9. The Exchange
From Borat co-creator Dan Mazer and Emmy-winning Simpsons writer Tim Long, The Exchange is a satisfying, often quite funny teen comedy based on the scribe’s real-life high-school foreign exchange experience. It stands apart from other (let’s face it, numerous) films of its ilk thanks to biting humor, and a captivating supporting turn from Victorious and Ghost Hunters star Avan Jogia.
10. The French Dispatch
Wes Anderson’s spirited period tribute to dedicated journalists feels more episodic than his very best movies, but it’s hilarious, entertaining and touching. In short, The French Dispatch isn’t likely to win over any of Anderson’s non-fans, but it’s a resonant success that’s true to form. In fact it’s possible this is his most unapologetically true-to-form film to date, which is bound to thrill diehard fans. The entire ensemble cast delivers; this is one of multiple high-profile releases this year where Timothée Chalametleft a mark. Often surprising, he’s now one of the most bankable stars on Earth. Next, check out the 100 best movies of all time, ranked.
