The movie industry is a massive money-making machine that churns out more films than we could ever watch. While some of these movies benefit from intense marketing campaigns that see them splashed all over the news, TV, and the internet, others do not.
Here are 19 critically acclaimed epic movies that the world forgot about.
Oldboy
Oldboy is a classic Korean thriller acclaimed worldwide for its cinematic genius, but it’s not well-known in mainstream popular culture. After being imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-su discovers that he must track down his captor within five days. With an 8.3 star rating on IMDB, this movie is worth checking out.
Three Kings
Most people don’t remember the critically acclaimed film starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube from 1999. In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, four soldiers decide to go on a mission to steal gold that was taken from Kuwait; however, they discover some people who are in desperate need of their help.
Gandhi
A film depicting the life of the lawyer who became famous for his nonviolent protests against British rule in India. Starring Ben Kingsley, this movie is loved by critics, and even though it was made in 1982, it is still rated 8.0 stars on IMDB.
Moon
Starring Kevin Spacey and Sam Rockwell, this movie tells the story of an astronaut who has been living on the moon for three years, completely alone, with only an AI computer for company. Towards the end of his mission, Sam has an encounter of the third kind. An epic film that critics have praised for its superior acting, cinematography, and realistic portrayal of the human side of space exploration.
Pan’s Labyrinth
A fantasy war drama set in the Falangist Spain of 1944, this film tells the story of a geeky young girl whose stepfather is a sadistic army officer. We follow the girl as she escapes to an eerie, enchanted forest. A largely forgotten-about film that is critically acclaimed for its interpretation of the period and its successful merging of fantasy with wartime Spain. Rated 8.2 stars on IMDB, this movie is one to watch.
Law Abiding Citizen
A largely forgotten-about film that sees a frustrated, normal guy take justice into his own hands after a criminal who murdered a member of his family is set free. Critics were impressed with this movie, which starred Gerard Butler, and how it handled sensitive themes such as the unfairness of law.
Das Boot
Rated 8.4 stars on IMDB, this movie is about a German U-boat that stalks the North Atlantic during WWII. It has received critical acclaim for its dramatic, realistic portrayal of the struggles and claustrophobia that U-boat crewmen had to face during the war.
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War
Released in 2004, this movie is about two brothers who are sent to fight in the Korean War. Out of love for his younger brother, the elder one decides to take on riskier missions to protect and shield his brother from the horrors of war. With an 8.0 star rating on IMDB, this movie has been praised by critics for its realistic portrayal of the Korean War.
Lebanon
Set during the First War in Lebanon in 1982, this 2009 movie does an excellent job of representing and retelling the harrowing story of The Lebanon War. Although critics praise this film, it is generally a forgotten film that most audiences don’t even think of watching, which is a shame, as they are missing out on a great movie.
127 Hours
This film received some hype when it was released in 2010, but since then, it has faded into the background. This biography and drama tells the true story of a mountain climber who gets into serious trouble in the canyons of Utah. All alone, this man is faced with a desperate choice if he wants to save his life. It is a critically acclaimed film with you on the edge of your seat.
The Usual Suspects
This movie, starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Chazz Palminterri, is the critic’s choice. Its plot follows a group of criminals who meet during a random police lineup and the escapades that ensue. Made in 1995, most people have forgotten about this film, but with an IMDB rating of 8.5 stars, maybe it’s time we remembered about it.
A Separation
A largely unknown movie, A Separation, has great reviews for its story of a couple facing the difficult decision to move to a new country to improve their child’s life or stay and look after an ailing parent with Alzheimer’s. It is a deeply emotive and highly rated film that many viewers can relate to.
Lost in Translation
Starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, this 2003 film depicts the chance meeting of a faded movie star and a neglected young woman in a bar in Tokyo. Although it was never a massive, mainstream hit, critics gave it brilliant reviews.
Ex Machina
Ex Machina is a drama, sci-fi thriller about a young programmer chosen to participate in a ground-breaking experiment involving a highly advanced humanoid A.I. robot. Released in 2014, this film was praised by critics for its excellent acting, script, and special effects.
Her
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson, this movie depicts the life of a lonely writer who develops an unlikely relationship with an artificial intelligence designed to meet humans’ needs. It is a great movie that is generally overlooked and forgotten about but loved by critics.
Gran Torino
Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film deserves full marks on all fronts. Adored by audiences and critics alike, Gran Torino was a moment in Clint Eastwood’s career that saw him excel as a Director. Rated 8.1 on IMDB, this is a movie worth watching.
The Man from Nowhere
Praised for its engaging characters, passionate storyline, and excellent acting, this South Korean film is renowned for being the critic’s choice. The plot follows the life of an ex-special agent who comes out of retirement to save a young child from human trafficking. This violent movie somehow seems to show meaning and a well-intentioned heart behind the violence.
Bernie
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Jack Black, and Shirley MacLaine, this film is a lesser-known cinema gem. Its great cast and dramatic storyline make it a good watch. Jack Black gives a stellar performance as a mortician who begins a dangerous liaison with a wealthy widow.
Broken Flowers
Starring Bill Murray and Sharon Stone, this emotive, captivating film is about a withdrawn man who, while dealing with the grief of a recent break-up, receives a letter from an old flame informing him that he has a son. We follow this man’s journey as he embarks on a search to find his child. Even though this film wasn’t a massive hit in the mainstream, the critics loved it, and with an IMDB rating of 7.1, they still do.
