5 Ridiculously Good Movies Nobody Talks About Now

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It’s strange how some not-so-good movies become huge hits. Take Venom, for example. It made Sony a lot of money in theaters and continues to be popular on streaming and home video, even though it’s not a particularly well-made or meaningful film. This just shows that quality doesn’t always guarantee a big audience. Thankfully, sometimes a truly great movie does succeed with everyone. A recent example is Sinners, which both critics and audiences loved, and rightfully so.

Many great movies don’t get the attention they deserve. Some quietly slipped by unnoticed, while others never quite found a wide audience. Here are five films that deserve more fans – they’re all definitely worth checking out.

5) The Verdict

While The Verdict has its admirers – critics and Paul Newman fans alike – it’s a bit surprising that this excellent 1980s film isn’t talked about more often.

Newman delivers arguably his most complex performance as a former lawyer who’s hit rock bottom, now working as a personal injury lawyer. He gets a chance to make things right when he takes on a case against a Catholic hospital accused of negligence. A woman went into a coma after receiving anesthesia during childbirth – she’d eaten recently, which complicated things – and the hospital then tried to cover up the mistake. The film features excellent work from the entire cast, particularly James Mason as the hospital’s lawyer, and is brilliantly directed by Sidney Lumet. The script, by David Mamet, is as strong as his acclaimed work, Glengarry Glen Ross.

4) The Last Seduction

While the 1980s are well-known for erotic thrillers, the 1990s might have actually been the golden age for the genre. Films like Eyes Wide Shut, Wild Things, and Basic Instinct all came out in that decade, but one of the very best – The Last Seduction – didn’t get quite as much attention.

This film really highlights Linda Fiorentino’s talent – she’s probably best known for playing Dr. Laurel Weaver in Men in Black. As Bridget Gregory, she’s captivating, cool, and incredibly clever. It’s best to watch this movie without knowing too much beforehand, and be prepared for a lot of surprises!

Stream The Last Seduction on Prime Video.

3) At Close Range

It’s difficult to think of a 1980s movie with a stronger cast than At Close Range. Featuring Sean Penn, Chris Penn, Crispin Glover, Mary Stuart Masterson, Kiefer Sutherland, and a standout performance by Christopher Walken as the villain, it’s surprisingly not often mentioned in conversations about classic films.

This film is deeply affecting and intensely personal, offering a raw and uncomfortable look at a troubled father-son relationship. It’s a powerfully emotional experience, and you’ll get the most out of it if you know as little as possible going in.

Stream At Close Range on Prime Video.

2) The American President

Rob Reiner’s The American President, similar to films like Primary Colors and Dave, is a feel-good political movie that captures the spirit of the Clinton era. While Primary Colors dealt with real-life scandal, The American President presents a more optimistic view of leadership, reflecting how many saw Clinton in the 1990s. The film subtly references real politics – the character of Senator Bob Rumson is clearly inspired by Bob Dole – but mostly exists as enjoyable entertainment with thoughtful commentary on important issues like gun control and environmental protection. Written by Aaron Sorkin, it foreshadows the sharp political writing he would later showcase in The West Wing.

This film beautifully blends a love story with a thoughtful exploration of ethical leadership. The president isn’t portrayed as someone who acts impulsively; instead, he’s shown deeply considering the consequences of difficult decisions, consulting his team to minimize harm, and even questioning the justification of retaliatory measures. While it’s a charming and well-acted romance – Michael Douglas and Annette Bening share wonderful chemistry – the movie is equally compelling as a political drama.

1) Spartan

David Mamet’s films are often uneven, and Spartan fits that pattern. However, it’s still a worthwhile watch for fans of suspenseful, twisty political thrillers. It also stands out as one of the better late-career roles for Val Kilmer, despite reports of a difficult working relationship between him and the director, as revealed in the amusing audio commentary on the DVD.

This movie follows a familiar plot – someone must rescue the president’s daughter – but it’s surprisingly engaging thanks to David Mamet’s clever writing, Val Kilmer’s performance, and a strong supporting cast. It didn’t get much attention when it was released and remains relatively unknown.

Stream Spartan for free on Hoopla.

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2025-10-28 22:12