Top 10 Lesser-Known Good Movies

C'mon, there's no way any of us could possibly watch all the movies from all the genres available to us. I hope not only to have someone watch a movie I list here, but also to watch a lot of movies that others suggest. Let's share.

I will attempt to keep my original 10 movies to those that were at least somewhat popular at some point, but any film, however obscure, is welcome.

The Top Ten

  1. Body Heat

    Although highly critically acclaimed, it somehow falls through the cracks on most lists of great films of the 1980s, both here and elsewhere online. It's twisted and racy, so I would recommend it for more mature viewers. A great movie I feel many my age have at least seen, but even I let it drift for a number of years. I'm glad I re-watched it.

  2. Ran

    Among the many visually brilliant films by legendary director Akira Kurosawa, this one somehow either rates lower or is sometimes even forgotten. I believe it to be on a par visually with not only Kurosawa's best work but with the best in the history of cinematography.

    Of course, if you have not seen Kurosawa's brilliant "Seven Samurai," I suggest you start there. That film is often rated the best film of all time by both critics and Hollywood insiders alike, so chances are many here have seen it.

  3. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

    Nicholson shines in this wicked, funny, and well-produced gem. The cast as a whole is very good. Among my film buff friends, no one brings it up, but when I did, it was lauded on many fronts.

  4. We the Animals

  5. Eyes Without a Face

    I've seen a few folks here mention this film, but not too many, so I'll add it on the chance many have not seen it. Groundbreaking horror. Brilliant adaptation to the big screen.

  6. Badlands

  7. My Father, My Lord

  8. Dark City

    Great homage to the German classic "Metropolis," with its own unique twist. This is fairly recent (1998) comparatively, so I suspect even more will have seen it. Even if you have, there's a Roger Ebert commentary included (on select copies) that really explains a lot about how the film was shot and gives insight into filmmaking as a whole. Good cast, with Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, and the stunning Jennifer Connelly.

  9. Attack the Block

    Saw some of this one online. It was very well done, and I can't wait to get back to it. Thank you for adding.

  10. The Big Sleep

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Treasure Planet

    I was surprised by how good this movie was. I expected a forgettable Disney flick, but in the end, it was a fun ride.

    Funnily I have a retro video game of Treasure Planet.

  12. ?

    Chef

    13. The Contenders

  13. Dog Soldiers

  14. Chasing Amy

  15. Lean on Pete

    Surprisingly raw, sad, and beautiful for a boy-and-his-horse movie. Excellent depiction of one face of poverty in America.

  16. Metropolis

  17. The Black Cauldron

    This movie is so good! I don't know why Disney doesn't want anyone to remember it.

  18. The Hot Spot

    Very racy, mature audience drama. Well acted. Sneaky good story.

  19. North by Northwest

  20. Shadow of the Vampire

  21. Manhunter

  22. Red Rock West

    One of Nicolas Cage's best performances, which in itself is worth the time. Lara Flynn Boyle and Dennis Hopper shine! Very good HBO movie.

  23. The Producers (1968)

  24. Luce

  25. Diabolique (1955)

  26. The Great Mouse Detective

  27. Boy

    An incredibly moving, authentic movie.

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