5 Overlooked Movies From the Last Decade Destined for Cult Classic Status

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It’s tough to say exactly what makes a movie a cult classic, but they usually share a few things in common. They’re almost always panned by critics and fail to make money at the box office. Plus, they’re often misunderstood, either because they weren’t marketed well or simply because the movie’s style didn’t resonate with audiences when it first came out.

One of the best things about streaming is that movies can stay popular for much longer, giving hidden gems a chance to find an audience. I want to highlight five movies from the last decade that didn’t get the attention they deserved when they came out, but I believe will eventually be recognized as some of the best films of their time.

The Life of Chuck Is an Ambitious Genre Mash-Up With a Heart

Mike Flanagan has become known for successfully adapting challenging novels by Stephen King, like Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. However, his latest adaptation received mixed reactions. While it was well-received at film festivals, many viewers were confused by its genre – it wasn’t clear if it was meant to be a horror, sci-fi, comedy, or even a musical.

It’s a surprisingly effective mix of many different genres. While attempting to blend so much is a bold move, Flanagan pulls it off beautifully and with genuine emotion. Some viewers might find the heartfelt moments a bit sentimental, but there’s a real sense of classic storytelling at work. If the captivating and deliberately paced opening doesn’t grab your attention, the rest of the story certainly will.

This movie is best experienced knowing as little as possible beforehand. Those who watch with patience and an open mind will find it to be one of the most delightful and visually stunning films of recent years.

Overlord Is a Rip-Roaring World War II Zombie Adventure

Okay, so the poster and the basic plot definitely screamed ‘cheap thrills’ when it first came out. Honestly, it looked like a classic B-movie. But I took a chance on it, and I’m so glad I did! It’s a really interesting mix of genres, and it’s surprisingly thoughtful. Plus, it’s cool to see some future big names early in their careers, giving fantastic performances. It’s way better than I expected.

Like the movie From Dusk Till Dawn, Overlord starts as a fairly realistic and gripping World War II story, holding back on any hints of the bizarre things to come. The film centers on a young American soldier (Jovan Adepo) who parachutes into Germany, gets lost from his unit, and stumbles upon a hidden Nazi laboratory where they’re bringing dead soldiers back to life as powerful, zombie-like weapons.

A less skilled director might have made this story overly dramatic, but Julius Avery expertly builds suspense. The film benefits from strong performances by John Magaro and Wyatt Russell, who convincingly portray the story’s events.

Babylon Is the Wolf of Wall Street of Classic Hollywood

The film starts with a shocking scene: workers are covered in elephant waste while struggling to get the animal up a hill for a lavish Hollywood party. If that doesn’t deter you, prepare for a three-hour journey into the excessive and wild world of Los Angeles during the silent movie era.

This movie’s satire isn’t delicate – it’s bold, bizarre, and frequently hilarious. The director, Damien Chazelle, wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, and it’s remarkable he got Brad Pitt to be a part of it.

When the film first came out, reviewers strongly disliked it, describing it as too long and extravagant. However, similar to other over-the-top productions, that excess is exactly what it’s meant to be. The movie presents a wildly chaotic and unsettling vision of Hollywood.

The Empty Man Is the Scariest Film of the Last Decade

Originally released during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic with a somewhat misleading and sensational-sounding title, The Empty Man didn’t get the attention it deserved. However, this genuinely frightening and deliberately paced horror film is worth seeking out, as it delivers some of the most effective scares in recent years.

David Prior, who learned from the renowned David Fincher, directs this tense and intensely gory horror film. While it’s longer than most horror movies—around two hours and twenty minutes—the film justifies its length with a captivating opening and deliberately-built suspense that pays off for attentive viewers.

Alita: Battle Angel Offers Cutting-Edge Sci-Fi Thrills With a Pulpy Atmosphere

James Cameron originally planned to adapt the manga Alita: Battle Angel after Titanic, but the project faced many difficulties for over ten years. Eventually, he handed the directing duties to Robert Rodriguez. After almost 20 years in development, Rodriguez created a visually stunning and exciting science fiction film that feels like a throwback to classic adventures, complete with impressive special effects and characters audiences will remember.

Initially, some viewers were turned off by the appearance of the main character, a cyborg with large, digitally created eyes. While a bold choice, the design ultimately works, making Alita a strong science fiction hero who is also believable and easy to connect with.

You know, this movie totally flew under the radar when it first came out – critics and regular moviegoers just didn’t seem to notice it. But honestly, I’m already seeing a dedicated fanbase pop up, and I have a feeling it’s going to really gain traction over the next few years. It’s got that ‘sleeper hit’ vibe, for sure.

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2026-02-26 07:37