Entertainment
Grab your blankets and snacks, and find the comfiest spot on the couch because it's everyone's favorite time of the year. Tidings of comfort and joy, right? What is more comforting and enjoyable than a movie marathon or two? You probably have your go-to flicks, but there's something really great about finding underrated movies you'll love. I mean, that was the whole point of Blockbuster, right?
Luckily, video streaming allows people the pleasure to finding underrated flicks without having to travel outside of the house. Watching movies is a wonderful way to get lost in another world, to laugh until your stomach hurts, or cry until you feel better. And although an action-packed blockbusters and critically-acclaimed drama is nice, the underrated films are sometimes the best. Whether it's because they're missing a big name, or their storyline was before its time, these 11 underrated movies are ones you'll end up loving and passing along to all of your friends. If you've never heard of them before, I get that it seems risky to potentially waste 90 minutes with it, but I guarantee that each movie on this list is worth watching. Give the unappreciated brilliance a try, especially when it's too cold to go outside and you're tired of binge-watching TV shows.
1
'Groundhog Day'
If you talk up a movie's lessons in gratefulness and appreciation, you're going to get a lot of eye rolls. So instead, I'll tell you that Groundhog Day is Bill Murray at his finest and it is some of the most brilliant, comedic writing you will ever come across. It is literally perfect and you will love it year-round, not just February 2.
2
'Burn After Reading'
Most people I ask about Burn After Reading say they "didn't get it" and thought it was "so stupid." And I want you to forget all of that, because this Coen brothers movie starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, and Richard Jenkins is an incredible dark comedy. It's one of those great ensemble casts where everybody connects in some way, but the ending will leave you either laughing or throwing your hands in the air and saying, "What the hell?" (Actually, you'll probably do both.)
3
'The Frighteners'
You can't go wrong with a Peter Jackson movie starring Michael J. Fox, but The Frighteners is still totally unappreciated. With Fox's character gaining the ability to see and speak to ghosts, he uses his power to have his new friends haunt those around him so he can start an exorcising business. But the spirit of a murderer is now killing and Fox has to stop him. It may sound a bit out there and like a campy horror flick, but it is creepy, disturbing, and still a bit humorous.
4
'That Thing You Do!'
Written and directed by Tom Hanks, this fun movie about a one hit wonder of a band in the 1960s is nothing short of magical. With a catchy song, and characters you'll fall deeply in love with, That Thing You Do! is one of those movies you can plan a date night around and won't even notice that your phone was going off in the other room.
5
'Baby Boom'
Yeah, yeah, 1980s career woman is left a baby when a family member dies and her whole world is turned upside down. Baby Boom may sound like a dry, lackluster film, but Diane Keaton is impeccable in it. Don't let the plot summary make you think it's a fluff movie with no substance. It is real, heartwarming, funny, and features a strong, kickass single parent taking charge. Perfect.
6
'Pleasantville'
My dream was to be thrown into a 1950s sitcom, so when Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon did it in Pleasantville, I was in love. But the movie is more than just a sweet Leave it to Beaver-like atmosphere. It's a great movie with themes on repression, enlightenment, and the realization that nothing in life is perfect. Plus the movie's use of color? Spot on.
7
'Red Eye'
Everyone loves a good scary flick for its tension and anticipation, which is exactly what makes Red Eye such a great film. Because the terror is set mostly on an airplane, the suspense and tension of the movie builds and builds, leaving you right on the edge of your seat. This is one of those movies that makes your chest hurt because you've been holding your breath without realizing it.
8
'Jersey Girl'
Ben Affleck as a single dad ignoring his daughter in favor of his career? It makes for a sweet, lovely movie that will leave you in tears. And my favorite part? While there is a bit of a love story for Ben's character, the true love in Jersey Girl is between a father and his little girl. So perfect.
9
The Good Girl
An unhappily married woman working in retail in a small town falling for another quiet and reserved coworker sounds boring, I know, but The Good Girl is so incredibly sad and poignant, that it's hard to tear your eyes from the screen. Jennifer Aniston and Jake Gyllenhaal have such moving performances that your heart will literally ache.
10
'Revenge of the Nerds'
Hilariously inappropriate, the story of a 'nerdy' college fraternity up against the jocks and the 'beautiful people' is what underrated movie dreams are made of. But this classic is insanely quotable and one of my absolute favorites.
Images: United Artists; Giphy (11)
11
'Drop Dead Gorgeous'
A dark comedy in every sense of the phrase, Drop Dead Gorgeous is a brilliant movie about a local teen pageant and the effects it has on a small town in Minnesota. The characters are larger than life, but completely believable, and the film is perfect in that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Plus it is insanely quotable and you'll never be able to hear Gloria Estefan's "Conga" without thinking of wet-paint step stools ever again.
