It’s shocking just how many fantastic films fly under the radar, with most mainstream viewers having never even heard of them. Even incredible movies by all-time great directors, such as Steven Spielberg and the Coen brothers, have languished in obscurity, waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation of viewers.

Whether it was misunderstood releases that bombed at the box office or indie movies that had very little marketing behind them, all these films deserve far more attention and should be seen at least once. From fast-paced action to dark psychological thrillers, you won’t regret it if you take a chance on these underrated movies.

The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)

From Fargo to No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers have released several genuine masterpieces; yet, one incredible film of theirs that’s often forgotten is The Man Who Wasn’t There. As a compelling blend of film noir and classic 1950s sci-fi, this story about a quiet barber blackmailing his wife’s lover featured a standout performance from Billy Bob Thornton.

While The Man Who Wasn’t There was a hit with critics and even earned the Best Director award at Cannes, it flopped at the box office and has been vastly overshadowed by the Coens’ most well-known work. However, it’s just as good, and those who haven’t seen it should give The Man Who Wasn’t There a chance.

A Most Violent Year (2014)

Despite an all-star cast and an incredibly stylish 1980s setting, A Most Violent Year never received the attention it deserved and underperformed at the box office in 2014. With standout performances from Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, the story sees a fuel supplier forced to confront his moral compass as his family business becomes embroiled in a world of violence.

As a gripping and thought-provoking crime drama, A Most Violent Year took its time, as its slow-burn appeal only contributed to its unique appeal. This neo-gangster story unpacked the very nature of corruption and brought to mind the greatest crime movies of all time, like The Godfather and Goodfellas.

The Straight Story (1999)

The late director David Lynch has created plenty of odd and surreal cinematic worlds in acclaimed movies like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. However, many might not be aware that he also made a sentimental road movie for Disney called The Straight Story.

As perhaps the most mainstream movie Lynch ever made, it’s surprising just how much The Straight Story flew under the radar as it told the true story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who traveled across America on a lawnmower to visit his dying brother. As the final movie starring Richard Farnsworth, The Straight Story deserves far more attention.

Duel (1971)

While every movie Steven Spielberg has made post-Jaws has been a major cinematic event, his earlier films often fly under the radar. That’s a real shame, as the action thriller Duel from 1971 was an earlier indicator of Spielberg’s unmatched talent and bright future as one of the most successful filmmakers of all time.

Following the story of a traveling salesman who finds himself being chased and terrorized by a tanker truck, Duel showcased just how quickly a simple car journey can turn into a literal nightmare. As suspense continually builds throughout its swift 90-minute runtime, Duel is like Jaws on the road.

Defending Your Life (1991)

One filmmaker who rarely gets credit for the immense quality of his movies is Albert Brooks, who viewers may recognize from his acting work. As an accomplished writer and director, one of Brooks’ greatest releases was the woefully underrated fantasy drama Defending Your Life, which he starred in opposite Meryl Streep.

Brooks played a recently deceased man who finds himself on trial in the afterlife and must argue about why he deserves to move forward to the next plane of existence. As a thoughtful and funny exploration of what makes life worth living, Defending Your Life had all the makings of a comedy classic, but it hasn’t been remembered as one.

The Station Agent (2003)

While most viewers first got to know Peter Dinklage through his career-defining role on Game of Thrones, his breakout performance came in the underseen comedy-drama The Station Agent. As the debut film from Tom McCarthy, this thought-provoking story stars Dinklage as a man with dwarfism whose solitary life is turned upside down when he moves into an abandoned train station.

The Station Agent was a beautiful celebration of the importance of connection in the modern age, pushing back against prejudice, and taking a chance on happiness. Dinklage brought a real sense of humanity to the role of Finbar McBride, and it’s no surprise he’s had such an acclaimed career in the years since.

Thief (1981)

Viewers will recognize James Caan for his roles in everything from The Godfather to Elf, but one of his greatest performances came in Michael Mann’s debut movie, Thief. As a stylish exploration of a career criminal, Thief is best known today for its influential synth soundtrack by Tangerine Dream, although its merits extend far beyond just that.

As a compelling character study into a man determined to live life on his own terms, Thief laid the groundwork for themes and ideas that Mann would continue exploring in later classics like Heat. With great performances and a truly unique aesthetic, it’s hard to believe this was Mann’s first movie, as his cinematic voice arrived fully formed.

Detachment (2011)

From American History X director Tony Kaye and Oscar winner Adrien Brody, Detachment was a powerful psychological drama that deserves to be reappraised as a forgotten classic. With Brody as a depressed substitute teacher, his unique approach to education sees him become a role model to his underprivileged students.

As an emotionally charged movie elevated by Brody’s committed performance, Detachment addressed the failures of the American educational system and the blight of emotional disconnection in the modern age. Betty Kaye also deserves praise for her powerful performance as the suicidal student Meredith.

Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (1999)

Jim Jarmusch is one of cinema’s most interesting directors, having quietly carved out an impressive legacy over the past 40-plus years and produced classics that far too few people ever see. A prime example of this was Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, a genre-bending exploration of loyalty, solitude, and modern life through a samurai lens.

As an inventive blend of gangster tropes and samurai philosophy, Ghost Dog featured a standout performance from Forest Whitaker as a hitman who lives his life based on Eastern philosophy and the warrior’s guide, Hagakure. As a truly original movie, everyone should watch Ghost Dog at least once.

Red Rock West (1993)

The career of Nicolas Cage has been vast and varied, but one overlooked movie stands out as perhaps his greatest performance. Red Rock West was a neo-noir Western that captured everything great about the actor, as Cage was able to let loose in a story about a drifter caught up in a murderous plot after he’s mistaken for a hitman.

Red Rock West saw Cage quickly get in over his head as the unhinged real hitman played by Dennis Hopper emerges, as all hell breaks loose. As a powerful exploration of the dark underbelly hidden just below the surface of everyday society, Red Rock West recalled the work of David Lynch in the best possible way.