With the unlimited number of movies available to stream on Netflix these days, choosing one you will like can be a daunting task. After hours of scrolling through the Netflix queue, you sometimes feel like you keep seeing the same movie list over and over again. Eventually, you just end up picking something random from the “Popular Now” section, wondering if you could've watched something better instead.
Fortunately, the streaming platform has many underrated movies to offer. Many of these films weren’t as appreciated upon their release and others got critical acclaim but didn’t find as big of an audience as they should have. So, today, we have featured a great collection of underloved films on Netflix - from historical dramas to romantic comedies - that you can stream right away. Scroll on and make your picks.
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Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
This magical adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed illustrated novel is the story of young Tristan Thorn who ventures into the magical kingdom of Stormhold in the quest of finding a star. However, what he discovers is that the star is not a piece of celestial rock he had expected; instead, it’s a beautiful woman named Yvaine. You may have guessed what will happen next, but this is a surprisingly complex story with a lot of heart. Sure, it’s a dreamy romantic fantasy that features plenty of wacky plots. But Stardust does a good job of subverting typical tropes of fantasy films and gives us a satisfying and enjoyable fare.
Genre: Action/Crime
While The Bank Job is inspired by a real bank robbery from 1971, the movie isn’t exactly a historical record. It’s an entertaining and engaging thriller that will keep you hooked throughout. The story is about a self-reformed petty criminal named Terry Leather who gets an offer to pull off a lucrative bank heist by his ex-girlfriend. Initially hesitant, Terry goes on to assemble a motley of misfits to help him achieve the job. However, he finds out later that robbing the bank was the easy part. What comes next pushes him to his limits, as he and his crew are backed into a corner.
Set in the year 1818, Bright Star offers a fictionalized account of the secret love affair between the poet John Keats with a woman next door, Fanny Brawne, near the end of his life. Although short-lived, their relationship was deeply passionate and was said to have changed Keats. This is a great period movie to watch. It’s beautiful in its simplicity and has gorgeous cinematography. Moreover, the dialogue and characters feel fresh and unpredictable.
Genre: Romance/Drama/Comedy
This delightful little romantic comedy didn’t get much appreciation upon its initial release. But Letters to Juliet is a must-watch for those who love escapist cinema. Firstly, it’s set in the charming Italian countryside, and you simply won’t be able to get enough of that. Here, a young woman named Sophie visits a place where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. One particular letter from 1957 draws her attention, and Sophie writes back to its now elderly author, Claire. The inspired woman then decides to find her long-lost lover, accompanied by Sophie and her grandson. It's a simple and fun little story you can watch on a lazy evening.
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Martin Scorsese is well-known for making classic films like Raging Bull, Good Fellas, and Taxi Driver. That said, one of his most underrated works is the 2013 film, Hugo. It’s the tale of an orphan in 1930s Paris who lives in the walls of a train station and gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father, robots, and the birth of cinema. The movie has amazing special effects (it won the Academy Awards in all technical categories), and the endearing story tugs at your heartstrings.
Genre: Action/Sport
This criminally underseen 2013 racing drama is set against the glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing in the 1970s and is based on the fascinating true story of a great sporting rivalry between English superstar James Hunt and Austrian driver Niki Lauda. The film does a terrific job of portraying the contrasting personalities of both drivers on and off the track and shows how both were willing to risk everything to become the world champion. The racing scenes are wildly exciting, but it is the drama of the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda that makes Rush so captivating to watch.
Genre: Biography/ Drama
You know the man, but you probably don’t know much about this movie. This 2015 film gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of the former CEO of Apple Inc, Steve Jobs, from 1984-1998. We see how Steve must battle his ego and resolve the many issues in his company, including the conflict with his own confidant, Steve Wozniak. The film also focuses on the Apple genius' relationship with his daughter, which gives it a unique edge as a biography. What makes it even more special is that Michael Fassbender is absolutely brilliant in the lead role.
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Captain Fantastic is a heartfelt tale of Ben Cash, his wife Leslie, and their six children who live in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. The father is devoted to raising his children with an intense physical and intellectual education. When Leslie dies, the father is forced to leave his paradise and enter the real world for the first time. Captain Fantastic takes you places you don't expect to go and is a wonderful surprise that’s definitely worth trying.
Related: These Netflix Movies Will Appeal To All Cinema Buffs
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Set in a motel on the outskirts of Orlando’s Disneyworld, The Florida Project follows a gifted six-year-old girl named Moonee and her playmates over one summer. Even as Moonee's struggling mom and a compassionate motel manager try their best to protect the children from the grim realities they are surrounded with, the little girl forms her own illusions of happiness. The Florida Project is a moving portrait of childhood and gives a raw look at contemporary American life. It’s funny, absorbing, unique, and thrillingly vibrant.
Genre: Historical Drama
This original Netflix production focuses on the rise of a young Henry V in 15th century England after the death of his father. The wayward prince turned his back on the royal family and was living among the people. but circumstances force him to take the throne, and Henry is soon entangled in the world of war, politics, and treachery while also dealing with the emotional strings of his past.
Based on Shakespeare's play, 'Henry V,' The King is one of the finest films made for TV. It’s a breathtaking, edge-of-the-seat experience with some masterful performances you are unlikely to forget.
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