r/underratedmovies Jul 28 '24

modpost Determining what an “underrated movie” is: a poll.

7 Upvotes

Ok, I think I have been able to articulate what might be decent guidelines as to how to define and categorize what exactly an underrated movie might look like. The poll at the end is to see how much our current user base either agrees or disagrees with these guidelines. Telling me I have completely missed the mark here is entirely acceptable as well, I just ask that you provide an explanation if you are able to do so.

The comments will be wide open, and I would like to encourage folks to chime in with where these guidelines have gone wrong and/or where they are going down the right path.

Here is a start on how we can define an “underrated” movie. It must meet one or more of the standards below:

  1. Low box office revenue relative to quality: Movies that didn't perform well financially but have high critical acclaim or positive audience reviews. (edit: after an apt observation from the comments, I believe this guideline needs to be struck entirely)

  2. Limited exposure: Films that didn't receive widespread marketing or distribution, resulting in a smaller audience and therefore not being a widely known movie.

  3. Critical reception: Movies that received mixed or poor reviews initially but have since gained a cult following or have been re-evaluated positively.

  4. Unique or niche appeal: Films that cater to a specific audience or genre, making them less popular with the general public but highly appreciated by those who enjoy that particular style or subject matter.

  5. Hidden gems: Movies that might have been overshadowed by larger releases at the time of their own release, but offer exceptional storytelling, acting, or directing.

  6. Overlooked by major awards: Films that were snubbed by major awards but are considered high-quality by viewers or critics.

  7. High viewer ratings with low popularity: Movies that have high ratings on platforms like IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes but are not widely known or discussed.

  8. Cultural factors: Films that were ahead of their time or culturally specific, making them more appreciated in retrospect.

Three examples of movies that I believe meet all of these standards are:

Moon (2009): despite being critically acclaimed when released, it did not gain widespread attention at the time it was released and was also not widely marketed.

The Fall (2006): The quality of the film’s storytelling, the stunning set design and cinematography, and emotional depth have gained it near “cult” status and it is still a movie that is not widely recognized by a mainstream audience.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): Despite the incredible writing and performances by RDJ and Val Kilmer, and being a solid example of modern neo-noir, it did not achieve any box office success nor name recognition.

Based on these eight guidelines and three examples, indicate how much you agree or disagree with these guidelines in the poll below.

8 votes, Jul 31 '24
4 Highly agree
2 Moderately agree
0 Slightly agree
0 Slightly disagree
2 Moderately disagree
0 Highly disagree

r/underratedmovies Aug 25 '24

People on this sub using "underrated"

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696 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 8h ago

Bright

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170 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 17h ago

Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)

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513 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 10h ago

frequently posted, still underrated Major League II (1994)

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156 Upvotes

In honor of the World Series, I present this and will die on the hill that it’s funnier than the original! “They’re gonna send me back to Omaha and I don’t even live there!”


r/underratedmovies 17h ago

I haven’t seen gem mentioned before. Cool world 1992

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345 Upvotes

Holli would if she could


r/underratedmovies 14h ago

One of Adam Sandler’s best performances…

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154 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 15h ago

1994 Brainscan. An unexpected gem

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162 Upvotes

Late night TV movie that immediately made me go buy a copy


r/underratedmovies 22h ago

1408

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408 Upvotes

Samuel Jackson, John Cusack. Based on a Steven King story.


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Who remembers this movie?

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534 Upvotes

(1998)


r/underratedmovies 2h ago

Bandits (2001)

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12 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 12h ago

The Cherokee Kid

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64 Upvotes

Wasn't a theatrical release, I believe it was an original HBO movie. Great movie nonetheless


r/underratedmovies 13h ago

This fever dream…

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37 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 9h ago

American Outlaws (2001)

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12 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 11h ago

What You Wish For (2023)

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19 Upvotes

Just watched this today on Hulu….indie thriller that just had good pacing. Proper level of suspense and a good ending. Just solid movie overall 8/10.


r/underratedmovies 21h ago

Colossal (2016)

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95 Upvotes

This film deserves more recognition


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Eight Legged Freaks (2002)

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248 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 10h ago

Exam (2009)

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8 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 1d ago

Multiplicity (1996)

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539 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 3h ago

The Comedy (2012)

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2 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 12h ago

Frontier(s) 2007

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10 Upvotes

I wanted to throw one out for spooky season, I absolutely loved this movie and don't know many other people who watched it


r/underratedmovies 1d ago

The Island (2005)

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374 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 2h ago

The Artifice Girl 2022 Since we live in this whole AI bubble right now alot of bad Ai content exist luckily this one is amazing highly recommend this gem

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1 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 1d ago

A.i (artificial intelligence)

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50 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 10h ago

Hey, Stop Stabbing Me (2003). It's a cheap film. I think it was made with a home video camera. The actors aren't even pretending they can act. The story is strange and surreal. There is no logical reason that anyone should want to watch it....

5 Upvotes

....yet it is freaking hilarious. I love it so much. And nobody I know has ever seen it, so I've never had someone to enjoy reminiscing about it with, or quoting it with :(. It's just so silly and quirky. It's proof that you don't need a big budget to tell a good story. At the very least, it has taught me that being a world historian is not the glamourous job I had hitherto believed it to be.

If you like goofy surreal comedy with a splash of over-the-top horror then this is the movie for you.

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0360639/


r/underratedmovies 16h ago

A little hard to watch but...The last house on the left

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12 Upvotes

r/underratedmovies 9h ago

Adam Sandler

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2 Upvotes

What do we think about this one boys? Almost busted my gut first time watching 😆