The cinematic landscape of 2024 was stellar, featuring a plethora of blockbusters and acclaimed titles. While films like Wicked, Gladiator II, and Dune: Part Two captured widespread attention, several outstanding films flew beneath the radar. Amid these giants, a collection of hidden gems emerged that undeniably warrant greater recognition.
Underrated films of 2024 often include well-received indie projects that, despite their engaging stories and critical acclaim, struggled with limited budgets and marketing. These selections stand out as must-see movies as we move into the new year, ensuring they don’t fade into obscurity.
10. Snack Shack
Best Friends Try To Get Rich
One notable under-the-radar film from 2024 is Snack Shack, released in March. This charming tale follows best friends AJ and Moose as they attempt to revive a dilapidated snack shack at their local pool, all while devising a plan to amass wealth. Complications arise when the captivating lifeguard, Brooke, disrupts their business strategy and tests their friendship.
Despite a modest budget of $4.5 million, Snack Shack garnered impressive accolades, achieving an 81% critics score and an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences and critics alike praised its nostalgic representation of carefree summer days and commended the chemistry between leads Gabriel LaBelle and Conor Sherry.
9. The Order
A Veteran FBI Agent Takes Down White Supremacists
Another film that received scant attention is The Order, released in December 2024. Starring Jude Law as an FBI agent confronting a white supremacist cabal, this thrilling narrative draws inspiration from the non-fiction book The Silent Brotherhood and features a talented cast including Nicholas Hoult and Jurnee Smollett.
With a modest budget of just $2.1 million, The Order earned a Certified Fresh 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Set against a gripping 1970s backdrop, critics lauded its thrilling pace and compelling storytelling, highlighting its exploration of ambition and destruction.
8. Oh, Canada
A Dying Filmmaker Comes Clean
Oh, Canada is another film that merits recognition, featuring Richard Gere as Leonard Fife, a filmmaker reflecting on a life built on deceit during his final interview. This poignant narrative reveals the truth behind Fife’s progressive reputation, showcasing his troubling disregard for those who cared for him.
Though it may not match the critical acclaim of other titles on this list, Oh, Canada offers a gripping exploration of truth and regret. With a stellar supporting cast, including Jacob Elordi and Uma Thurman, this film marks the long-awaited collaboration between Gere and director Paul Schrader since American Gigolo.
7. Good One
A Teenage Girl Goes On A Hiking Trip
One of the standout indie films from 2024 is Good One, a touching drama. This film follows Sam, a teenage girl on a camping trip with her father and his newly divorced friend. Throughout the outing, she subtly observes their evolving relationship, providing a keen perspective on human connections.
Receiving a Certified Fresh 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, Good One captivated audiences with its refusal to spoon-feed narratives, allowing viewers to experience the nuances of Sam’s world. Its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival heralded India Donaldson’s directorial debut, highlighting both the film’s subtlety and emotional depth.
6. Didi
A Young Taiwanese Boy Grows Up In The Age Of The Internet
Didi tells the poignant coming-of-age story of Chris, a 13-year-old Taiwanese boy navigating the challenges of adolescence and identity amidst the backdrop of the internet in 2008. This July 2024 release beautifully captures a generation’s struggles and triumphs.
A winner of the Audience Award at Sundance, Didi boasts a Certified Fresh 96% rating, praised for its authentic depiction of adolescence in the digital age. The film evokes a warmth often absent in narratives about youth, affirming the complex journey of growing up.
5. Exhibiting Forgiveness
An Artist’s Life Changes When His Estranged Father Returns
Another emotionally resonant film is Exhibiting Forgiveness. Released in January, this moving tale follows Tarrell, a Black artist whose life is turned upside down when his estranged father returns from addiction. The film explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Starring André Holland and Andra Day, Exhibiting Forgiveness strikes a deeply relatable chord with its portrayal of the struggles individuals face in reconciling their pasts. While infused with moments of hope, the film ultimately unveils the intricate messiness of life.
4. Woman Of The Hour
A Woman Is On A Gameshow With A Serial Killer
Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick in her debut, recounts the chilling true story of Sheryl Bradshaw, who unwittingly went on a date with a serial killer after winning a spot on The Dating Game. Kendrick stars as Sheryl, shedding light on this gripping narrative with care and respect.
This captivating Netflix film, which garnered a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, avoids sensationalism, offering a thoughtful exploration of violence and the often invisible nature of criminality. It presents a compelling viewing experience for true crime enthusiasts.
3. The Bikeriders
The Evolution Of A Biker Gang
The Bikeriders is a striking crime drama that chronicles the journey of a Midwestern motorcycle club over several decades. Showcasing the transformation from an inclusive community to a violent gang, this film features performances by Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy.
Critics praised The Bikeriders for its authenticity and encapsulation of real-life prejudices in America, resulting in a robust 80% critics score. By illustrating the cultural evolution of motorcycle clubs, the film offers a profound commentary on society.
2. A Different Man
An Aspiring Actor Gets A Significant Facial Procedure
Unique in its approach, A Different Man is a black comedy thriller that follows an aspiring actor who, after undergoing a transformative facial procedure, grapples with the consequences of newfound fame at the expense of his identity. Starring Adam Pearson and Sebastian Stan, this film challenges perceptions of self-worth and the complexities of identity.
Heralded for its bold narrative twists, A Different Man masterfully intertwines humor with darker themes, making it a standout among 2024’s independent films.
1. I Saw The TV Glow
A Young Man Becomes Obsessed With A Strange TV Show
Last but not least, I Saw The TV Glow, released in May 2024, offers a surreal blend of fantasy and horror. The narrative follows Owen as he becomes enchanted by a peculiar TV show and Maddy, its fan. When Maddy mysteriously disappears, Owen is forced to confront reality, only for her eventual return to prompt questions about illusion versus reality.
This film resonates with viewers through its poignant exploration of isolation and the quest for belonging. I Saw The TV Glow provides a visually striking and thematically rich experience, marking it as a must-see as 2024 comes to a close.
Leave a Reply