Explore the best underrated movies on Netflix that deserve more attention. From hidden gems to lesser-known films, our guide helps you find the perfect movie to watch. Don’t miss out on these top picks that offer unique stories and unforgettable experiences.
If you’re tired of scrolling through Netflix and thinking, “I’ve seen that,” we’ve got just what you need. This list of the best underrated movies on Netflix highlights hidden gems—movies that might have flown under the radar when they were released but are definitely worth watching. From little-known horror films to big-budget movies that didn’t get the attention they deserved, all of these movies have one thing in common: they’re really good. So, check out our list of the best hidden gems and underrated movies on Netflix below.
1. The Half of It (2020)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 6.9/10
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
- Director: Alice Wu
- Cast: Leah Lewis, Alexxis Lemire, Wolfgang Novogratz, Daniel Diemer
- Runtime: 104 minutes
The Half of It is a fresh take on the classic story of Cyrano de Bergerac. The movie follows Ellie Chu, a shy student who secretly loves Aster Flores but is too scared to say anything. When Paul Munsky, a school jock who also likes Aster, asks Ellie to help him win her over, things get complicated. This movie beautifully captures the confusion and excitement of teenage love and searching for where you belong. It’s a touching, well-acted film that’s both funny and bittersweet.
2. Barry (2016)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 6.0/10
- Genre: Drama, Biography
- Director: Vikram Gandhi
- Cast: Devon Terrell, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Mitchell, Ellar Coltrane
- Runtime: 104 minutes
Barry is a unique biopic about former President Barack Obama, focusing on his college years rather than his political career. The movie shows a young Obama, played by Devon Terrell, trying to figure out who he is and what he believes in. It’s a relatable coming-of-age story that makes a larger-than-life figure feel more human. Anya Taylor-Joy also shines in one of her earlier roles.
3. They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 6.6/10
- Genre: Comedy, Action, Mystery
- Director: Juel Taylor
- Cast: Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Kiefer Sutherland
- Runtime: 122 minutes
They Cloned Tyrone is a wild mix of sci-fi, comedy, and crime thriller. The movie follows a group of friends who uncover a strange conspiracy in their neighborhood. It’s funny, smart, and has a lot to say about society, all while keeping you entertained with its fast pace and unexpected twists.
4. The Polka King (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.0/10
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Director: Maya Forbes
- Cast: Jack Black, Jenny Slate, Jason Schwartzman, Jacki Weaver
- Runtime: 95 minutes
Inspired by a true story, The Polka King tells the tale of Jan Lewan, a polka band leader who runs a Ponzi scheme. Jack Black brings his usual charm to the role, making this story of crime and deception both funny and heartwarming. Even though it’s based on a serious event, the movie finds a way to make you sympathize with Lewan, even as he gets deeper into trouble.
5. Kodachrome (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 6.8/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Director: Mark Raso
- Cast: Ed Harris, Jason Sudeikis, Elizabeth Olsen
- Runtime: 100 minutes
Kodachrome is a touching story about family and forgiveness. It follows a father and son on a road trip to develop some old Kodachrome film before the last lab closes. Along the way, they try to mend their strained relationship. With great performances from Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis, this movie is both heartfelt and moving.
6. The Land of Steady Habits (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 6.2/10
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Nicole Holofcener
- Cast: Ben Mendelsohn, Edie Falco, Thomas Mann
- Runtime: 98 minutes
The Land of Steady Habits is a drama about a man named Anders who’s searching for happiness after retiring and separating from his family. It’s a realistic and sometimes funny look at the choices we make and the regrets that follow. Ben Mendelsohn gives a standout performance as a man trying to figure out what’s next in life.
7. Tallulah (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.7/10
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Director: Sian Heder
- Cast: Elliot Page, Allison Janney, Tammy Blanchard
- Runtime: 111 minutes
Tallulah is a powerful drama about a young woman who impulsively takes a baby from a neglectful mother and tries to care for it. The movie reunites Juno stars Elliot Page and Allison Janney in a story that’s both emotional and thought-provoking. It’s a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.
8. Candy Jar (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 5.8/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Director: Ben Shelton
- Cast: Jacob Latimore, Sami Gayle, Tom Bergeron, Helen Hunt
- Runtime: 92 minutes
Candy Jar is a charming teen rom-com about two high school debate team rivals who are forced to work together. As they get to know each other, they realize they might have more in common than they thought. It’s a sweet and funny movie that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
9. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 6.5/10
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
- Director: Charlie Kaufman
- Cast: Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette
- Runtime: 134 minutes
I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a surreal and unsettling film that will leave you thinking long after it’s over. The movie follows a young woman who’s thinking of breaking up with her boyfriend while visiting his parents’ farm. It’s a mind-bending experience that’s more about feeling than plot, making it a unique and unforgettable watch.
10. Wheelman (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 6.4/10
- Genre: Thriller, Action, Crime
- Director: Jeremy Rush
- Cast: Frank Grillo, Caitlin Carmichael, Garret Dillahunt
- Runtime: 82 minutes
Wheelman is a tense and exciting thriller that takes place almost entirely inside a car. Frank Grillo plays a getaway driver who’s been set up, and the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed film, this one’s for you.
11. The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 6.7/10
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Director: Sara Colangelo
- Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gael García Bernal
- Runtime: 96 minutes
The Kindergarten Teacher is a gripping drama about a teacher who becomes obsessed with a young student’s talent for poetry. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a haunting performance as a woman who crosses the line in her quest for recognition. It’s a thought-provoking movie that explores the dangers of obsession.
12. The Two Popes (2019)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.6/10
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Fernando Meirelles
- Cast: Jonathan Pryce, Anthony Hopkins
- Runtime: 125 minutes
The Two Popes is a surprisingly fun and heartwarming movie about the relationship between Pope Benedict and his eventual successor, Pope Francis. Despite their differences, the two men bond over their shared faith, and the movie is filled with moments of humor and warmth. It’s a delightful watch, especially for those interested in history and religion.
13.The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 7.3/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Director: Rob Burnett
- Cast: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez
- Runtime: 97 minutes
The Fundamentals of Caring is a heartfelt comedy-drama about a man who becomes a caregiver for a teenage boy with muscular dystrophy. The two embark on a road trip, where they meet a runaway girl played by Selena Gomez. It’s a funny and touching movie about friendship and living life to the fullest.
14. The Discovery (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 46% | IMDb: 6.3/10
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Thriller
- Director: Charlie McDowell
- Cast: Rooney Mara, Robert Redford, Jason Segel
- Runtime: 102 minutes
The Discovery is a thought-provoking sci-fi film about a scientist who discovers proof of the afterlife. This discovery leads to a wave of suicides as people rush to experience what’s next. The movie explores deep themes about life, death, and what it all means, making it a compelling watch for fans of philosophical science fiction.
15. Imperial Dreams (2014)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 6.7/10
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Director: Malik Vitthal
- Cast: John Boyega, Rotimi, Glenn Plummer
- Runtime: 87 minutes
Imperial Dreams tells the story of a young father who’s trying to turn his life around after being released from prison. The movie is a raw and honest look at life in the inner city and the challenges of trying to do the right thing when the odds are against you. John Boyega gives a powerful performance in this underrated gem.
16. Calibre (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 6.7/10
- Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime
- Director: Matt Palmer
- Cast: Jack Lowden, Martin McCann, Tony Curran
- Runtime: 101 minutes
Calibre is a tense and gripping thriller about two friends who go on a hunting trip that goes horribly wrong. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat as the characters try to cover up their mistake, leading to a chilling and suspenseful finale. If you’re a fan of thrillers, this one is not to be missed.
17. Private Life (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.3/10
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Director: Tamara Jenkins
- Cast: Kathryn Hahn, Paul Giamatti, Kayli Carter
- Runtime: 123 minutes
Private Life is a touching and realistic drama about a couple trying to have a baby. Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti deliver excellent performances as a middle-aged couple dealing with the challenges of infertility. It’s a heartfelt movie that balances humor and emotion, making it a relatable watch for anyone who’s faced similar struggles.
18. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.4/10
- Genre: Romance, Drama, War
- Director: Mike Newell
- Cast: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Matthew Goode
- Runtime: 124 minutes
Based on the best-selling novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a charming and heartfelt movie set during World War II. It tells the story of a writer who forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island while researching their experiences during the war. The movie is filled with warmth, romance, and beautiful scenery.
19. Tramps (2016)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 6.5/10
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
- Director: Adam Leon
- Cast: Callum Turner, Grace Van Patten, Michal Vondel
- Runtime: 82 minutes
Tramps is a charming indie romance about two strangers who get caught up in a small-time crime. As they try to complete the job, they start to develop feelings for each other. The movie is short and sweet, with a lot of heart, making it a perfect choice for a low-key movie night.
20. Blue Jay (2016)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.3/10
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: Alex Lehmann
- Cast: Mark Duplass, Sarah Paulson
- Runtime: 80 minutes
Blue Jay is a beautiful black-and-white film about two former high school sweethearts who run into each other years later. The movie is simple, focusing on the conversation between the two characters, but it’s incredibly moving. Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson deliver heartfelt performances in this touching exploration of love and regret.
21. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 6.2/10
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Crime
- Director: Jim Mickle
- Cast: Boyd Holbrook, Cleopatra Coleman, Michael C. Hall
- Runtime: 115 minutes
In the Shadow of the Moon is a sci-fi thriller about a detective who becomes obsessed with a series of mysterious murders. The movie blends crime drama with time travel, creating a unique and engaging story that will keep you guessing until the end. It’s a solid pick for fans of sci-fi and mystery.
22. The Platform (2019)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 7.0/10
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
- Cast: Iván Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan
- Runtime: 94 minutes
The Platform is a Spanish sci-fi horror film that takes place in a prison where food is distributed on a platform that moves from the top floor to the bottom. The movie is a dark and disturbing commentary on class and society, and it’s not for the faint of heart. However, if you’re up for a challenge, this movie is a thought-provoking and intense experience.
23. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 6.9/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Director: Noah Baumbach
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson
- Runtime: 112 minutes
The Meyerowitz Stories is a dark comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family dealing with their aging father. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Dustin Hoffman, who all deliver strong performances. It’s a funny, touching, and sometimes heartbreaking look at family dynamics.
Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming drama, a thrilling action movie, or a thought-provoking sci-fi film, these underrated gems on Netflix have something for everyone. Enjoy discovering these hidden treasures.
