2023 has been a surprising year when it comes to the box office dynamic in the ever-evolving world of cinema. The movies that often made millions at the box office suffered to make amends, while movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer took on the spotlight and received a positive reception from critics and audiences alike. However, this year’s cinematic offerings remind us of the vast and diverse tapestry of filmmaking, where true artistry thrived beyond the limelight.
This article discusses some of these underrated titles that showcase the craftsmanship and skill that deserve recognition. While the Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy starrer thrived at the box office, the following are five of these hidden gems that continued to captivate amidst the earthquake-sized buzz of their blockbuster counterparts.
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5 Most Underrated Movies of the Year
BlackBerry
Directed by Mattew Johnson and starring Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton in the leading roles, BlackBerry follows the incredible rise and tragic fall amid fiercely competitive companies. In the cinematic exploration of the iconic BlackBerry phone, the film director portrays a captivating narrative around inherent problems that plagued both the device and its creator. The story delves into the chaos of the company, with a compelling performance from its cast.
Matthew Johnson’s critically acclaimed movie holds a whopping 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics describing the film as a “cautionary tale of tech-world hubris told with dark humor and a satirical edge.” The movie has also been named one of the top 10 independent movies of 2023 by the National Board of Review. However, it only made $2.7 million worldwide on a budget of $5 million.
BlackBerry is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.
Sick
It is not uncommon for quality movies like Sick to fail to gain recognition among the general public. Released on Peacock, John Hyams‘ slasher film starring Gideon Adlon, Beth Million, and Dylan Sprayberry follows a pair of friends who are threatened by an unexpected visitor while quarantining at her family’s lake house during the pandemic.
Holding an 87% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film received praise for its narrative and incorporating relatable elements from the pandemic. However, it is believed that its release on the streaming service rather than in theaters may have limited its reach to the audience. Despite that, the film itself stands as a rock-solid piece of scary cinema.
Sick is streaming on Peacock.
Past Lives
Written and directed by Celine Song, Past Lives is a radiant romantic drama with a subtle undercurrent of tension. Song crafts a narrative that transcends time, exploring love, the self, complex relationships, and the evolving self in her directorial debut. The film follows Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends who are reunited in New York decades later.
The filmmaker, alongside a stellar cast, navigates unspoken emotions and cultural depths, captivating the audience with its beauty and emotional depth. Past Lives has a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics praised Song’s screenplay and direction. It has also been named one of the top ten movies of 2023 by the National Board of Review. It grossed $20 million worldwide.
Past Lives is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.
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Showing Up
Kelly Reichardt’s comedy-drama Showing Up has also landed a place among the top 10 independent movies of 2023 by the National Board of Review. Starring Oscar-nominated actors Michelle Williams and Hong Chau, the movie revolves around a sculptor navigating the intricacies of daily life as she prepares to unveil a new show, entwined with the dramas of family and friends.
The film has an 88% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Williams’ performance and Reichardt’s direction. Following its world premiere at the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival, it was also nominated for the Palme d’Or, the highest title awarded at the film festival. Falling under one of the most underrated movies of 2023, Showing Up grossed $1.2 million at the box office.
Showing Up is available to stream on Paramount+.
Knock at the Cabin
Renowned filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin follows a family who is greeted by unexpected guests during their vacation into the countryside. Starring an ensemble cast, including Dave Bautista, the movie received positive reviews, with critics praising the cast’s performance and M. Night Shyamalan’s direction.
Based on Paul G. Tremblay’s horror novel, The Cabin at the End of the World, the movie does some altercations from the book. However, it still manages to intensify the viewers with many describing it as one of the best horror thriller movies. It grossed $54 million at the box office and has a 67% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Knock at the Cabin is available on Prime Video.
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