It’s a common opinion online nowadays that Hollywood is stuck in the habit of only ever putting out sequels, remakes, and oversaturated ideas. A movie’s popularity is often dictated by social media, where the only films that are discussed are blockbusters with uncapped budgets and a cast of A-list stars. However, just because those are the films being talked about doesn’t mean they’re the only ones out there. In fact, due to new technologies and the rise of streaming platforms, more movies are being made now than ever before. As a result, many gems are lost in the mix. You can no longer go to the movies or the video store every few weeks to keep up with what’s new. Recently, even award-winning and critically acclaimed films can easily fly under the radar of most people. In an industry where art can feel copied and pasted, here are some unique movies from this decade that, in my opinion, not enough moviegoers have seen, or in some cases, even heard of.
1. A Real pain
Despite Kieran Culkin winning a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and having a fair amount of buzz among dedicated film enthusiasts, A Real Pain did not get the attention it deserved. This emotional dramedy was a perfect representation of generational grief, complicated family dynamics, and mental health issues. Jesse Eisenberg, the writer, director, and star of the film, created a beautiful story that he and Culkin easily brought to life. When their characters, drastically different cousins David and Benji, reunite for a heritage tour through Poland to honor their recently deceased grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, they are forced to face not only the tragedy of their family’s past, but also their own troubles and the roles they play in one another’s lives.
2. Theater Camp
This comedic mockumentary about a financially unstable theater camp is a hilarious satire, yet it pretty fairly depicts the outlandish drama that comes with being a theater kid. Molly Gordon both co-directs the film and stars opposite Broadway star Ben Platt. The two have easy chemistry as best friends Rebecca-Diane and Amos as they attempt to save the camp that they once attended. Meanwhile, the camp’s new owner, the jock son of its beloved founder, attempts to take charge despite having no knowledge of theater. If you were ever part of the theater kid stereotype, or enjoy the mockumentary style, this is definitely the movie for you.
3. Twinless
This 2025 drama is raw, emotional, and undoubtedly the best performance of Dylan O’Brien’s career so far. He plays Roman, a reserved introvert grieving the loss of his twin brother. He meets Dennis in a support group, who is played by James Sweeney, also the writer and director of the film. The two unlikely friends attempt to help one another navigate their immense grief and fill the fresh, gaping hole in each of their lives. O’Brien completely immerses himself in the role and represents loss in a painfully accurate way. This emotionally intense rollercoaster will have you reaching for the tissues and wanting to call your sibling just to say that you love them.
4. Saturday night
If you are a fan of SNL and have not yet watched Saturday Night, it’s time to move it to the top of your watchlist. This high-stakes drama depicts the 90 minutes leading up to the filming of the very first episode of the late-night comedy show in 1975. The young, star-studded cast, including Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cooper Hoffman, and many more, is the perfect culmination of a new generation of performers, just as the characters they are portraying were. Despite SNL being a global sensation for over 50 years, this film is a reminder that art in any form isn’t always easy, and talent can come from anywhere if you have the conviction to make your vision known.
5. Remarkably bright creatures
Remarkably Bright Creatures, based on the 2022 novel by Shelby Van Pelt, is a beautiful story of grief, second chances, and found family. Tova Sullivan, an elderly widow played by Sally Field, mostly keeps to herself and only shares personal feelings with Marcellus, a clever octopus who lives at the aquarium where she works and whose inner thoughts about strange human behavior narrate the film. When an aspiring musician and drifter, Cameron (Lewis Pullman), comes to Tova’s small town looking for answers about his past, the two form an unlikely bond. They are able to find solace in one another, sharing the sting of broken families. Despite the pain of their pasts, Tova and Cameron learn to find joy in the opportunities life offers them.
6. Palm Springs
Romantic comedy is often a genre where plots and themes can feel recycled, which is why Palm Springs is a breath of fresh air. This sci-fi romance is funny, unique, and the perfect 90-minute watch with friends. Sarah (Cristin Milioti) attends her sister’s wedding in Palm Springs, where she meets Nyles (Andy Samberg), a carefree party attendant. When she accidentally joins him in a time loop, the two are forced to relive the same day over and over. The couple can’t help but form a close bond, despite both of them withholding secrets. This movie is a hilarious, edgy twist on the rom-com genre and is a definite must-watch.
7. lisa frankenstein
With Halloween coming up, Lisa Frankenstein is a great choice for a fall movie night. This horror-comedy set in the 1980s follows Lisa (Kathryn Newton), a gothic-obsessed teenage girl trying to navigate her strange interests in her cookie-cutter town. When she accidentally reanimates a Victorian corpse during a lightning storm, the two embark on a campy, murderous mission to find body parts that The Creature (Cole Sprouse) is missing. Despite Sprouse’s role being a silent one, the two have great repartee through physical comedy and Newton’s rhetorical conversation style.
8. The boys in the boat
The Boys in the Boat depicts the incredible true story of the University of Washington’s men’s rowing team and their journey to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Directed by George Clooney, this inspiring underdog story has everything you could want from a sports movie: suspense, hardship, resilience, and more. It follows an inspiring group of nine working-class young men during the Great Depression as they balance their dreams of grandeur with the reality of the country’s financial troubles and impending world war. Despite rowing often not being portrayed in pop culture, the film was praised for its accurate depiction of the physical demands and challenges faced by a winning team.
Although many of these films were well received by critics or acknowledged at award ceremonies, many went unseen by the general public or were forgotten soon after their release. While it’s a common complaint that nothing feels original anymore, these movies are proof that great art must sometimes be sought out. Many of these works were passion projects for those involved, with creators acting as writers, directors, actors, and producers all at once. This devotion to their work shines through when watching these films and makes the viewing experience that much more meaningful.