It takes vision, determination, and raw talent to become a truly masterful movie director. Names like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Ridley Scott are legendary in Hollywood and have brought us some of the most memorable and acclaimed films of all time. Some would argue they have even changed the landscape of filmmaking, almost becoming their own genre.

With every great director comes a great body of work, and naturally, there are films that are more celebrated than others. Psycho, Lost In Translation, and Do The Right Thing are all masterpieces in their own right, but there are many films from Hollywood heavyweights that are buried under the headliners and don’t get as much attention. Despite this, these films are just as good, if not even better than their more iconic counterparts.

15 'On the Rocks' (2020)

Director: Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola may be the daughter of the imitable Francis Ford Coppola, but she is a masterful director in her own right and has established her own path. Coppola is a storyteller with range, helming meditative dramas like Somewhere as well as lavish period pieces like Marie Antoinette and Priscilla. One of her more recent films, On the Rocks, is a prime example of the director’s subdued yet sharp approach to her craft.

The film is a simple dramedy following Laura (Rashida Jones), a mother who reconnects with her larger-than-life father (Bill Murray) after she suspects her husband (Marlon Wayans) of cheating. Jones and Murray make for a great pair and a believable father-daughter duo, as they adventure through New York City and rekindle their relationship. The film is a soothing and endearing adventure, filled with Coppola’s aesthetically pleasing signature cinematography.

Watch on Apple TV+

14 'August 32nd on Earth' (1998)

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Known for his epic, visually-stunning movies like sci-fi masterpieces Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and, most recently, Dune, Denis Villeneuve has set himself apart through his unique style and otherworldly stories. He has also shown he's capable of delivering popular riveting thrillers like Sicario, Prisoners, and Enemy, and is one of the most in-demand directors in Hollywood today.

While fans are eagerly waiting for the upcoming film Dune: Part Two, it's worth checking out Villeneuve's directorial debut, August 32nd on Earth. The intriguing film follows model Simone (Pascale Bussières) who convinces her best friend Philippe (Alexis Martin) to conceive a baby, which could give her life some meaning. While the movie's awkwardness shows Villeneuve hasn't found his footing, it's a must-see for viewers who appreciate his creativity and undeniable love for the bizarre and quirky.

Watch on Amazon Prime

13 'Da 5 Bloods' (2020)

Director: Spike Lee

Spike Lee has cemented himself as a fearless and vital voice in filmmaking, often shining a light on social issues relating to race. His films are both entertaining and enlightening, and Lee isn’t afraid to shy away from uncomfortable discussions. From the groundbreaking Do The Right Thing to biopics like Malcolm X and BlacKkKlansman, he’s covered plenty of important ground through his work, and continues to do so.

Netflix’s Da 5 Bloods is another powerful outing from Lee, which follows four Black vets who return to Vietnam to seek the remains of their fallen leader and a lost fortune. It’s a thematically rich film that explores PTSD and the Vietnam War from the Black experience, and also features Chadwick Boseman in one of his final performances. Due to being released on the streamer during the pandemic, some may have missed it, but it’s an important movie to seek out.

Watch on Netflix

12 'Yesterday' (2019)

Director: Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle has become one of the most successful English directors of the last twenty years, with hits ranging from the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire to zombie thriller 28 Days Later. A filmmaker usually met with critical acclaim, his most recent film Yesterday divided critics upon release. While it isn’t at the level of Slumdog Millionaire or his cult classic, Trainspotting, this film deserves a whole lot more love.

The critical response is questionable, considering the film is an unabashed crowd-pleaser and a celebration of the cultural impact of The Beatles. When aspiring musician Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) becomes the only person to remember who the legendary English group are after a blackout, he reminds us how powerful their music is by using his talent to bring it back into the world. Are there a few plot holes? Sure, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a total delight that will have you singing along to some of the best songs of all time.

Rent on Apple TV

11 'Panic Room' (2002)

Director: David Fincher

David Fincher is arguably at his best when tackling psychological and crime thrillers. Flicks like Se7en, Fight Club, and Zodiac are always at the top of audiences' lists when discussions about the genre come up. Fincher has also successfully ventured out into other territories, with the historical Mank and fantastical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While it may not always be mentioned in conversation, 2002’s Panic Room deserves just as much acclaim.

The film follows a divorced woman (Jodie Foster) and her diabetic daughter (Kristen Stewart), who hide out in their new home’s panic room when three men break-in looking for money. It’s a tight and clever ride that makes use of its single location and production design to increase tension. The genius is in its simplicity, and Forest Whitaker and Jared Leto deliver strong supporting work alongside Foster and Stewart.

Rent on Apple TV

10 'Frankenweenie' (2012)

Director: Tim Burton

Stop-motion animation and Tim Burton are practically synonymous, with the eccentric director often using the medium to tell stories and to produce one of the most beloved films of its kind – The Nightmare Before Christmas. Another one of Burton’s stop-motion gems is 2012’s Frankenweenie, which is a feature-length version of his 1984 live-action short film of the same name.

The black-and-white flick isn’t as appreciated as Burton’s other stop-motion directorial effort, Corpse Bride, but deserves to be met with just as much praise. It’s a creepy yet heartwarming take on the classic Frankenstein story, with young Victor (Charlie Tahan) bringing his beloved dog Sparky back to life through science. It’s got an abundance of charm and weirdly wonderful character design, like all of Burton’s best films. Frankenweenie is one to add to the family Halloween watchlist.

Watch on Disney+

9 'Bottle Rocket' (1996)

Director: Wes Anderson

The modern-day auteur known for visual masterpieces like The Royal Tenenbaums, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs, and The French Dispatch, Wes Anderson is a genuine standout in the industry. He has only refined and improved his eccentric style, which includes attention to the smallest details, incredible symmetry, rhythmic dialogue, quirky characters, specific color palettes, and subversion of narrative conventions.

While hints of these hallmarks can be seen in his directorial debut, Bottle Rocket, the film is much more grounded compared to Anderson's most recent works. The crime-comedy film is centered on three friends who want to escape suburban life through crime, but don't realize they're in over their heads. It's a must-see for fans of Anderson's work, as it's an interesting glimpse into characters and a story viewers can feel invested in.

Watch on Mubi

8 'The Host' (2006)

Director: Bong Joon-ho

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho became a household name after his international hit, Parasite, shocked and stirred audiences around the globe and swept the Oscars in 2020. The film was truly a game changer for foreign films being recognized in Western countries. Its biting social commentary and hard-hitting narrative style are also evident in his other critically acclaimed works like Snowpiercer and Okja.

An underrated movie by the talented director is The Host, which tells the story of a monster in a river that kidnaps a man's daughter. More than just a monster film, the director's talent for weaving messages into his movies is seen in the way The Host criticizes how pop culture has shaped South Korea. It also touches on themes like environmentalism, the importance of found family, and gentrification.

Watch on Fubo

7 'Detroit' (2017)

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow is a huge deal in Hollywood, being the first woman to ever win Best Director at the Oscars in 2009 for her film The Hurt Locker, which also won Best Picture. She went on to follow that success with Zero Dark Thirty in 2013, and previously directed ‘90s hits including Strange Days and Point Break. Despite her success over the years, her most recent film, Detroit, truly didn’t get the love it deserved.

The film is a dramatic retelling of the 1967 Detroit riots, which was the result of a racially charged police raid that ended with the death of three black men. It features John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, and Will Poulter in his most despicable role yet as a bigoted cop. The film unfortunately reflects elements of today’s political climate, making it all the more urgent.

Rent on Apple TV

6 'Chef' (2014)

Director: Jon Favreau

Actor and director Jon Favreau has directed beloved feature films like Elf, Iron Man, and the two remakes of Disney classics, The Jungle Book and The Lion King. He has proven that he can create box-office hits, but it's his low-budget and underappreciated comedy-drama, Chef, that shows how talented and versatile he really is as a filmmaker.

His attempt to go back to the basics is an underrated success. Favreau directed, wrote, co-produced, and starred in the film, which follows the head chef Carl Casper's (Favreau) journey as he follows his food dreams and strengthens his bond with his son (Emjay Anthony). It's a touching movie that also happens to be a love letter to cooking and food. Chef features a starry cast, including previous Marvel collaborators Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr.

Watch on Starz

5 'Ready Player One' (2018)

Director: Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg is a director who needs no introduction. Responsible for iconic works like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, and the Indiana Jones movies, just to name a few, Spielberg is a renowned figure in the industry. But even a director as famous and popular as Spielberg has a few titles that don't necessarily have a large impact or gain a significant amount of traction.

One of his more recent entries, Ready Player One, has been criticized for its lack of depth and creativity. Based on the eponymous novel by Ernest Cline, the movie depicts a future where people depend on simulated reality to escape their grim lives. It may not be as deep or innovative as his previous films, but it undeniably showcases Spielberg's talent for creating mindless escapist blockbusters that can entertain and excite viewers.

Rent on Apple TV

4 'The Last Duel' (2021)

Director: Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott knows how to create a historical epic, that’s for sure. If he’s not making sci-fi classics like Alien and Blade Runner, he’s bringing sprawling battles to life with films like Kingdom of Heaven and Napoleon. 2021’s The Last Duel had all the ingredients to be the next Gladiator, but due to poor marketing and a COVID-impacted cinema landscape, it, unfortunately, fell under the radar for a lot of audiences.

The underrated Ridley Scott film tells the true story of the duel between Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) after Jean’s wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) accuses Jacques of rape. The narrative tells three different versions of the same events – the truth according to Jean, Jacques, and finally, Marguerite. In another reality, The Last Duel would have been an Oscar darling and box office triumph, but circumstance made it not to be.

Watch on Hulu

3 'The King of Comedy' (1982)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly one of the greatest directors of all time, and an undying champion of the cinematic experience. With his latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese proves he’s not slowing down anytime soon. When you hear his name put together alongside Robert De Niro’s, you may think of classics such as Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, or Raging Bull. However, the iconic director-actor pair’s best collaboration might just be 1982’s The King of Comedy.

It stars De Niro as Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring comedian who desires the spotlight and success, and kidnaps talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis) in order to achieve this. The film is the perfect balance of dark comedy and drama, and served as a huge inspiration for 2019’s Joker, which is also produced by Scorsese. The King of Comedy is an underrated gem in both the director’s and actor’s filmographies.

Watch on Hulu

2 'Rebecca' (1940)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense himself, may perhaps be the most influential director of all time. Many after him have tried to recreate the tension and mystery in cinema he is so well known for, but have unsurprisingly failed. With his knack for visual flair and compelling narratives, there’s no one who does it quite like he did.

Rebecca is one of Hitchcock’s earliest hits, and despite winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 1941, many people don’t even know he directed it. The thriller is based on a novel and follows a woman (Joan Fontaine) who is haunted by the presence of her aristocratic husband’s (Laurence Olivier) deceased ex-wife. It’s a stunning piece of film-noir and a romantic ghost story, with all the unease you know and love from Hitchcock.

Buy on Criterion

1 'Memento' (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Memento, one of Christopher Nolan’s earliest films, may seem like an odd choice to classify as ‘underrated.’ If you’re a film buff, odds are you’ve seen it multiple times, and it even sits in the first half of IMDb’s Top 250 Movies. However, when we talk about Nolan’s work, films like The Dark Knight, Inception, or Interstellar are the first to be mentioned. Most recently, Oppenheimer has topped the discussion list also.

Though Memento may not have the grand scope or budget of those films, it remains Nolan’s most intelligent and structurally brilliant film. A man (Guy Pearce) with short-term memory loss makes for the perfect unreliable narrator, as well as the perfect tool for the film to remain one step ahead of its audience. While Nolan is largely celebrated for his technical skills and style, Memento is a reminder of his ability to tell a truly compelling and unpredictable story.

Watch on Peacock

NEXT: Great Underrated Movies Recommended by Roger Ebert