Underrated Gems: 10 Must-Watch Movies You Might Have Missed in 2024

As the year comes to an end, it is time to look into some of the underrated gems of cinema in the year 2024. While one can reminisce the various big-budget movies that came to screens throughout 2024—from action-packed superhero movies to thoughtful dramas—some hidden movies have gone unnoticed.

As a true cinephile, one must not forget that each film is a product of hard work and passion, and often the under-the-radar movies have the power to impress and leave a mark. Therefore, here is a list of a few underrated movies from 2024 that one might have missed.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions and not Sportskeeda as a platform. Reader discretion is advised.

Year 10, The Outrun, and other underrated movies from 2024

1) Self Reliance

Still from The Movie (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Directed by and starring Jake Johnson, Self Reliance, is a comedy thriller that uniquely blends two opposite genres. The movie also features Anna Kendrick and revolves around Tommy (Jake), who participates in a reality game show from the dark web.

According to the game’s rules, Tommy has to survive 30 days while being on the hunt by assassins and must never be alone for long enough so that the hunters cannot kill him unnoticed. For a prize of $1 million, Tommy delves into a game that is equally comedic and complex. Viewers must watch this underrated movie from 2024.

2) Dìdi

Starring Izaac Wang and Joan Chen, Dìdi, is a comedy-drama film directed by Sean Wang. The movie has coming-of-age themes and revolves around a young Taiwanese-American boy, who uses social media to escape from his overburdened mother and boring routine.

The film is set in the 2000s and has important themes about the rise and effects of social media, feelings of inadequacy, and internalized racism. The movie received critical acclaim for its story and performances and is a compelling underrated gem.

3) Year 10

Written and directed by Ben Goodger, Year 10, is a post-apocalyptic horror movie that has zero dialogue. It focusses on a world where an unknown catastrophe has plagued the earth and humans have become cannibalistic. The movie reinvents the genre with its deft technical handling.

The movie has some of the most tense scenes and without any dialogues, it is an unsettling experience. With its haunted setting and relatable characters, this movie is on the list of the underrated gems of this year.

4) Woman of the Hour

Directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, Woman of the Hour, is a crime thriller that adapts the real-life incident of serial killer Rodney Alcala appearing on the show, The Dating Game, in 1978, while still being an active murderer.

Kendrick shows nuance as a director as she expertly handles the disturbing topic. The film was received well by critics and was appreciated for its direction and realistic portrayal of anger. The movie’s final moments are shocking, making it a must-watch underrated movie.

5) My Old Ass

Starring Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Maddie Ziegler, and others, My Old Ass, is a comedy-drama directed by Megan Park. The movie revolves around the teenager, Elliott (Maisy), who undergoes a psychedelic trip and meets an older version of herself (Plaza).

The movie was one of the top ten independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review and garnered positive acclaim. The movie uniquely explores adolescent themes and is an underrated flick.

6) The Outrun

Directed by Nora Fingscheidt and starring Saoirse Ronan, The Outrun, is a drama movie based on a memoir by Amy Liptrot. The movie is about Rona (Ronan), who is a young woman recently coming out of rehab due to alcoholism. As she returns to live with her parents, the viewers see flashbacks of her life in London.

The story is told in a non-linear manner and is a somber look at life and redemption. Ronan’s performance is persuasive and the film is a great watch for everyone who has felt that they are behind in life and need stability. A must-watch underrated film.

7) #Missing Couple

Many underrated horror flicks often go under the radar. #Missing Couple from this year, is one of them. Starring Austin Jenkins and Janna Jenkins, the movie is about a van-life couple who decide to renovate an isolated farmhouse in Mississippi.

Filmed in the found-footage style, the movie reveals that the two have disappeared and their friend is now trying to search. The friend is soon stalked by a terrifying presence himself and the movie is a gripping horror film that should be watched.

8) Sebastian

Still from The Movie (Image via Kino Lorber)

Directed by Mikko Makela, Sebastian, is a drama film that revolves around the life of Max (Ruaridh Mollica), who wants to be a writer and decides to work as a sex worker to find material for his first novel. The film is an international co-production.

As Max starts on a hopeful note, he is soon sucked into a world that forces him to grapple with reality and imagination. The movie is a mature and delicate take on identity and intimacy. Being an international movie, it has a cosmopolitanism that makes it an underrated watch.

9) The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Still from the movie (Image via Apple TV+)

Starring Soheila Golestani and directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, is a political drama that is set in the middle of the “Woman, life, Freedom” movement and the ramifications it has on a judge’s life. The story follows Iman, who is a new judge at the revolutionary court of Tehran.

He is soon caught in the politics of revolution and gets paranoid after a gun from his house disappears. The movie garnered critical acclaim and also won the non-English language movie award at the Golden Globes. An underrated and powerful must-watch.

10) In the Summers

Directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio, In the Summers, is a semi-autobiographical movie that focusses on the life of two sisters, Violeta and Eva, who live with their mother but travel to New Mexico every summer to spend time with their father.

The movie is a detailed look at the many layers of a person and has relatable characters that are flawed but loving. The film also serves as a coming-of-age movie that spans four summers and covers the sisters’ adolescence and early adulthood. A quiet, engaging, and thoughtful underrated flick.

Viewers are welcome to go through the list and choose a movie of their liking.

Edited by pshmueni