Reddit Picks 5 Most Underrated Movies by Legendary Directors

There are several directors in Hollywood whose names are considered legendary. You all know them and have seen their best movies, we have no doubt about that. But sometimes even the films of the legends can be overlooked for various reasons, and only devoted fans will end up appreciating them.

Here is a list of some hidden gems from big names in the world of cinema, handpicked by Reddit’s cinephiles.

1. Matchstick Men (2003)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Some viewers say they had no idea the movie was directed by Scott until they read about it. This comedy crime thriller follows two small-time crooks, Roy and Frank, and their criminal empire. Roy is a veteran of the con and Frank is his younger partner.

One day, however, their criminal business seems to be threatened by Roy's mental health problems. He decides to seek help by seeing a psychoanalyst, but he finds more than just help. In one session, he finally admits that he has a teenage daughter who is actually eager to get to know him. Surprisingly, their relationship blossoms on very questionable ground.

2. After Hours (1985)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Why does nobody talk about this legendary movie? The fans of it are really offended that the film of the iconic director is so underappreciated. Some of them even call it ‘the saddest movie’, despite it actually being a black comedy.

At the center of the movie is an ordinary word processor from New York City who ends up in the most ridiculous situation after agreeing to meet a girl downtown. While the writing is strong (and surreal) and cinematography is amazing, the movie still lacks some of the director’s staples.

“One of those movies I took a chance on the way back. A diamond in the rough as they say. The movie just never stopped. I think I enjoyed it so much because at that time in my life I could envision the same thing happening to me. Characters were great. Kind of a subdued film, but my god, so funny. Never knew Scorsese made it,” Redditor Sreg32 said.

3. The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Directed by Woody Allen

Another forgotten gem from 1985, but this time it follows the events of 1935 during the Depression. In New Jersey, a movie character leaves the screen and is trapped in the real world.

The movie revolves around a tongue woman Cecilia, who works as a waitress and really hates her life, when she suddenly witnesses Tom Baxter, the star of the movie called The Purple Rose of Cairo, actually leaving the screen and ending up in her life. Will her life change for the better now though?

4. Insomnia (2002)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

This movie has a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but despite the high numbers, is still considered one of the most underappreciated works of the iconic director. At the center of the film, featuring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, are two Los Angeles homicide detectives, who try to do their best to find out the truth behind the mureder of a teenager.

“Everyone mentions Memento as one of Nolan’s greats, but I feel like Insomnia gets quietly overlooked when it comes to great cinema. I rarely hear about it as a movie deserving of honorable mention, but am always on the edge of my seat when I give it another watch. The music, cinematography, acting, setting, it’s all gripping,” Redditor 2u3e9v said.

5. Jackie Brown (1997)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Jackie Brown is a crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, based on the novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard. It stars Pam Grier as Jackie Brown, a flight attendant who makes her living smuggling money between the United States and Mexico. One day she is caught by the ATF and must find a way to secure her future...