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Famous Directors’ Most Underrated Films
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items Every iconic director has that one film — the one that didn’t win awards, didn’t make the ‘Best Of’ lists, but quietly shows exactly what makes them brilliant. This list highlights those overlooked gems, from early works and personal experiments to f...
A dark, surreal comedy about one man’s disastrous night in downtown Manhattan. It’s Scorsese at his most experimental — weird, fast-paced, and way funnier than people expect from him.
After Hours (1985) - IMDb
Quiet, atmospheric, and beautifully lonely, Somewhere follows a disillusioned actor and his daughter at the Chateau Marmont. It’s a masterclass in subtle storytelling and easily one of Coppola’s most personal films.
Somewhere (2010) - IMDb
Spielberg’s first theatrical release is a wild mix of road movie, crime drama, and dark comedy — all based on a true story. It shows flashes of the blockbuster magic he’d become known for, but with a rawness you rarely see in his work.
The Sugarland Express (1974) - IMDb
Sandwiched between Se7en and Fight Club, The Game is a tense, paranoia-fueled thriller that gets unfairly overlooked. Michael Douglas is perfect as a wealthy man caught in a psychological puzzle that blurs reality and fiction.
The Game (1997) - IMDb
Long before Barbie and Lady Bird, Gerwig co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in this lo-fi indie about a long-distance relationship unraveling. It’s raw, awkward, and shows her talent for finding beauty in everyday moments.
Nights and Weekends (2008) - IMDb
More restrained than Tarantino’s usual style, Jackie Brown is a slow-burn crime story with a killer cast and a lot of heart. It’s a love letter to ‘70s cinema and proof Tarantino can do subtle just as well as shock.
Jackie Brown (1997) - IMDb
Scott’s first feature is a visually stunning historical epic about two soldiers obsessed with dueling each other. It’s elegant, intense, and shows how fully-formed his visual style was right from the start.
The Duellists (1977)
A gritty, cyberpunk thriller set in a near-future Los Angeles — part crime drama, part sci-fi nightmare. It’s bold, messy, and way ahead of its time, cementing Bigelow as a risk-taker.
Strange Days (1995) - IMDb
Often overshadowed by his quirkier hits, The Darjeeling Limited is a beautiful, emotional story about estranged brothers reconnecting in India. It’s still peak Wes — stylized, funny, and quietly heartbreaking.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007) - IMDb
This gothic romance is a feast for the eyes — lush, creepy, and dripping with atmosphere. It didn’t get the love it deserved at the time, but it’s one of del Toro’s most visually stunning works.
Crimson Peak (2015) - IMDb
A gritty, unflinching look at street-level crime and police corruption, Clockers is Spike Lee doing crime drama his way — layered, political, and intensely human.
Clockers (film)
Nolan’s debut is a low-budget noir about a man who follows strangers for fun, only to get caught in a web of crime. It’s fascinating to see the roots of his obsession with time, identity, and deception.
Following (1998) - IMDb
Overshadowed by her more poetic films, The Bling Ring is actually one of Coppola’s sharpest commentaries — a glossy, darkly funny take on celebrity obsession and materialism. It’s way smarter than people gave it credit for.
The Bling Ring (2013) - IMDb
PTA’s first feature is a tightly crafted crime drama with incredible performances. It’s quieter than his later epics but proves he was a master storyteller from day one.
Hard Eight (1996) - IMDb
Varda’s most visually stunning film — full of bright colors and idyllic scenes — but under the surface, it’s a chilling, subversive look at love, happiness, and conformity.
Le Bonheur (film, 1965) — Wikipédia