2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several under-the-radar films deserve recognition. Here are ten underrated movies you shouldn't miss:
Table of Contents
- Late Night with the Devil
- Bad Boys: Ride or Die
- Blink Twice
- Monkey Man
- The Beekeeper
- Trap
- Juror No. 2
- The Wild Robot
- It's What's Inside
- Kinds of Kindness
- Why You Should Watch These Films
Late Night with the Devil
This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, boasts a unique premise and striking 1970s talk show aesthetic. More than just scares, it explores fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media, showcasing how entertainment can shape human consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, attempts a ratings-boosting occult-themed episode.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This action-comedy thriller pits the duo against a formidable crime syndicate, forcing them to navigate internal police corruption and operate outside the law. The film's success has sparked talk of a fifth installment.
Blink Twice
Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows a waitress, Frida, who infiltrates the world of a tech mogul, Slater King, only to discover dangerous secrets. The film features a strong cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment.
Monkey Man
Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role, Monkey Man, is an action thriller set in a Mumbai-inspired Indian city. Kid, nicknamed Monkey Man, participates in underground fighting, seeking revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film is praised for its blend of action and social commentary.
The Beekeeper
Jason Statham stars in The Beekeeper, a thriller written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium). A former agent of the secretive "Beekeepers" organization, Adam Clay, is drawn back into his dangerous past to take down a cybercrime ring after his friend's tragic suicide.
Trap
M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. A firefighter takes his daughter to a concert, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a dangerous criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, known for its cinematography and sound design, is on full display.
Juror No. 2
This legal thriller, starring Nicholas Hoult and directed by Clint Eastwood, centers on Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who discovers he's responsible for the victim's death. He faces a moral dilemma: let an innocent person be convicted or confess his own crime.
The Wild Robot
This animated film, adapted from Peter Brown's novel, follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz learns to survive and interact with the island's wildlife, exploring themes of technology, nature, and what defines humanity. Its unique animation style is a highlight.
It's What's Inside
Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a consciousness-swapping device at a wedding, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences.
Kinds of Kindness
Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents Kinds of Kindness, a triptych film exploring human relationships and morality through three interconnected surreal stories. The narratives involve an office worker, a man whose wife returns changed, and members of a sex-and-purity cult.
Why Watch These Films?
These films offer more than just entertainment; they explore complex themes and deliver unexpected twists. They represent a diverse range of cinematic styles and provide insightful perspectives, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.
