Streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, providing an endless variety of TV shows and movies at our fingertips. While there are many popular titles that grab the headlines, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These underrated shows and movies might not have received the same level of attention as their more well-known counterparts, but they offer something different and unique. For those looking to expand their horizons and explore lesser-known titles, there’s a world of underappreciated content waiting to be found. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the best-hidden gems on different streaming services that are well worth your attention.
Suspiria (2018)
Suspiria is a psychological horror movie directed by Luca Guadagnino. It is a remake of the 1977 Italian horror classic of the same name by Dario Argento and follows a young woman named Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson), who travels to a prestigious dance academy in Berlin, only to discover that it is a coven of witches.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie has become a cult classic, with many horror fans praising its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and overall unconventional approach to the genre.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Deadstream (2022)
Deadstream follows a disgraced content creator attempting to resurrect his career by live streaming himself while spending the night in a notorious haunted house. Starring Joseph Winter and Melanie Stone, the horror movie uses a found footage format, displaying the live stream itself.
Directed, written, produced, and edited by wife and husband Vanessa and Joseph Winter, the movie currently holds a 91% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers calling it a “scarily good bit of B-movie fun” that proves that “there’s still life in the found-footage gimmick.”
Where to stream: Shudder, DirecTV
Dead & Buried (1981)
Starring James Farentino, Melody Anderson, and Jack Albertson, Dead & Buried tells a horror story about a small coastal town in Maine, where the dead mysteriously come back to life and wreak havoc on the living.
Although Dead & Buried has been largely overlooked in favor of more popular horror films of the 1980s, it is considered to be a classic in its own right. This well-crafted and suspenseful film features a unique premise, excellent performances, and a chilling atmosphere. Despite its low budget, it is a technically-accomplished film, with some impressive special effects. It is also notable for its subtle themes of morality and macabre, which are explored without resorting to the usual gore and shock tactics of other horror films.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Vudu, Tubi, Shudder
American Animals (2018)
American Animals is a crime-drama film based on the true story of four friends who attempt to pull off an audacious heist of several rare books from Transylvania University. The film is a unique blend of fiction and reality with interviews of the actual people involved in the heist interspersed throughout the narrative. It is an intense and gripping tale of misguided youth with great performances from its young stars. Starring Evan Peters, Blake Jenner, Barry Keoghan, and Jared Abrahamson, this relatively unknown film deserves more attention.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Fubo, Roku, Tubi, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Topic, Plex
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
When a Stranger Calls is an iconic horror film from 1979 that has been remade several times in the years since. The movie follows Jill Johnson as she babysits two young children and begins to receive anonymous phone calls from a stranger who turns out to be a serial killer. When it’s discovered that the caller is actually inside the house, a sense of terror ensues as he continues his pursuit of Jill.
The tension builds throughout this classic thriller and viewers find themselves on edge right up until the very end when justice is served. This timeless work serves as an inspiration for many modern films and shows why suspenseful horror can be just as effective today as it was over 40 years ago. When a Stranger Calls is definitely a must-see hidden gem worthy of discovery on streaming services!
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Fubo, Peacock, Roku, Tubi, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Redbox, Crackle, Plex
The Eclipse (2009)
What is the 2009 movie The Eclipse and why it is a hidden gem?
Directed by Conor McPherson, The Eclipse is a supernatural drama film set in a small Irish town and tells the love story of two strangers who meet and form a romantic bond based on their shared interest in ghost stories.
It centers on Michael Farr (Aidan Quinn) who discovers strange occurrences around town including ghostly apparitions, shadows of people no longer alive, and unexplainable events happening to him personally. He then meets Emma Galvin (Iben Hjejle) who has recently moved back to her hometown after living abroad for some time, and together they try to uncover the secrets behind this eerie eclipse looming over their lives.
The film is praised for its unique blend of genres, subtle yet powerful performances, beautiful cinematography, and exploration of themes such as grief, death, and the power of storytelling. The film is a quiet, reflective piece that captures the beauty of the Irish countryside and the mystery of the supernatural.
Where to stream: Roku, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, PlutoTV, Plex
El Marginal (2016)
A hit in Latin America, the first season of El Marginal follows a former police officer Miguel Palacios who is jailed at San Onofre under a fake name and a fake judicial case to infiltrate a criminal gang of prisoners and prison guards and gather information about the daughter of a judge kidnapped by the said gang. What starts off as a simple mission quickly becomes more than he bargained for as he finds himself embroiled in the dangerous and often violent world of the criminal underworld.
This Argentinian series features stylish cinematography, intense plotlines, and action-packed sequences. It also provides insight into how criminals operate within Argentina’s justice system – making it much more than your average crime thriller.
Where to stream: Netflix
On My Block (2018)
If you’re looking for a high-energy, coming-of-age comedy with plenty of heart and laughs, On My Block might be just the hidden gem you need to discover.
This 2018 Netflix original series follows four friends—Monse, Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar—as they navigate their freshman year of high school in South Central Los Angeles while dealing with everyday teenage issues like crushes, jocks, bullies, and street gangs.
The show captures both the struggles and joys of growing up in an urban environment with its unique blend of humor and drama.
Praised for its diverse cast, the series also features an amazing soundtrack that will have you singing along as these characters grow together through all the triumphs and tribulations they face. On My Block is sure to captivate viewers from start to finish – no matter what age or background you come from!
Where to stream: Netflix
Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965)
Gamera: The Giant Monster is a Japanese sci-fi kaiju film directed by Noriaki Yuasa. The film follows the story of a giant, prehistoric turtle that is unleashed in the Arctic by an atomic bomb. The movie stars Eiji Funakoshi, Harumi Kiritachi, Junichiro Yamashita, and Yoshiro Uchida, who plays the role of a young boy who becomes obsessed with the creature.
Although not as well-known as some of the other more popular kaiju movies from the 1960s, Gamera: The Giant Monster has an impressive visual style and special effects, which have earned it a cult following.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV, Arrow
A League of Their Own (2022)
Co-created by Will Graham (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Abbi Jacobson (Broad City), A League of Their Own is an adaptation of Penny Marshall’s 1992 sports comedy-drama film of the same name featuring new characters and storylines, about the formation of a World War II-era women’s baseball team. Graham and Jacobson received Marshall’s blessing on their updated take on the movie before she passed away.
Set in 1943, the series is about the formation of the Rockford Peaches, a women’s team in the nascent All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. While her husband is away at war, Carson Shaw (Abbi Jacobson) leaves her small-town life to pursue her dream of playing professional baseball. Meanwhile, Maxine Chapman (Chante Adams), an African-American woman obsessed with baseball, who cannot even get people to allow her to try out., struggles to get considered for any baseball team
The first season of A League of Their Own received generally favorable reviews. Praised for its perfect blend of humor and drama, the series currently boasts a 94% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 89 reviews. It also has an 87% audience score based on over 2,300 viewer ratings.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Thelma (2017)
Thelma is a Norwegian supernatural psychological thriller film written and directed by Joachim Trier. It follows the story of a young woman, Thelma, who moves from a small rural town to attend college in Oslo, only to discover she has mysterious, dangerous, and uncontrollable powers.
It is a hidden gem because this underrated movie offers an incredibly unique and thought-provoking story that is both visually stunning and emotionally captivating. It is a film that defies genre conventions, combining elements of horror, romance, and science fiction to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With its lyrical and dreamlike visuals, complex and nuanced characters, and a story that takes unexpected turns, Thelma is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Where to stream: Tubi, Kanopy, Viaplay
The Empty Man (2020)
Directed by David Prior and written for the screen by Matthew Greenfield, this film follows a retired police officer, who upon an investigation into a missing young girl, discovers a secret cult. What ensues is a thrilling journey through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
The Empty Man offers viewers plenty of thrills, tension, and surprises; its plot twists are unpredictable and often unsettling. Its visuals are stunningly rendered and make great use of sound design – something horror fans will appreciate greatly.
In addition, the performances from cast members Stephen Root, Joel Courtney, James Badge Dale, Marin Ireland, and Robert Aramayo bring ample intensity to their characters’ arcs. All in all, it’s truly one of those movies you should definitely add to your watch list!
Where to stream: Fubo, DirecTV
The End of the F***ing World (2017)
This darkly comedic coming-of-age story will make you laugh, cry, and cringe all at once. It follows James and Alyssa, two troubled teenagers who embark on an adventure filled with self-discovery and recklessness as they attempt to escape from the monotony of their everyday lives. Although the show only ran for just two seasons, The End of the F***ing World effectively paints a heartbreaking portrait of teenage life while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
Where to stream: Netflix
Smithereens (1982)
Smithereens follows a narcissistic young woman named Wren (Susan Berman) from New Jersey who comes to New York City to join the waning punk subculture, only to find that she’s gravitated towards Los Angeles. In order to pay her way across the country, she engages in a number of parasitic relationships, shifting her allegiances to new “friends” as part of her ultimate plan of endearing herself to someone who will finance her desired lifestyle.
The movie is often praised for its realistic portrayal of the punk rock scene in the early 80s and its honest depiction of loneliness, heartache, friendship, and teenage angst. The movie is underrated due to its limited distribution at the time of its theatrical release and its lack of notoriety outside of its cult following.
Where to stream: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel, Kanopy
The One I Love (2014)
The One I Love is a captivating romantic drama that explores the complexities of relationships. It stars Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss as Ethan and Sophie, a couple struggling through their marriage. They are sent away for a weekend to try and mend things between them, only to discover something unexpected when they arrive at their destination.
The film is a unique exploration of how couples can react differently when faced with unusual circumstances. The performances from Duplass and Moss are powerful and believable, making you root for these two characters even in the most difficult moments.
Directed by Charlie McDowell the movie has an intriguing premise filled with twists and turns that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. This hidden gem of a movie is worth discovering if you’re looking for a thought-provoking romance/drama hybrid.
Where to stream: DirecTV, Cinemax
Return to Oz (1985)
Although Disney is known for owning some of the biggest franchises in the world, like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the entertainment giant actually has a number of underrated movies. One of those is Return to Oz. This classic film follows Dorothy who embarks on a quest to save Oz from evil forces threatening its future.
The movie showcases breathtaking visuals and a captivating score that transports viewers into an enchanting world full of adventure and danger. Featuring memorable characters such as Jack Pumpkinhead, the Wheelers, and Princess Mombi, it’s no wonder this childhood favorite has been enjoyed by generations of families. This timeless classic offers something for everyone – whether you’re looking for laughs or scares, there is surely something in Return to Oz that will keep audiences engaged until the very end.
Where to stream: Disney+
Derry Girls (2018)
Set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles of the 1990s, this comedy-drama series follows four teenage girls as they navigate their way through school, family life, and all the drama it entails. From dealing with religious divides to working around curfew, there’s never a dull moment with these girls.
The show not only offers up plenty of laughs but also provides an interesting look at the complexities surrounding living through conflict. With heavy topics such as police raids, bombings, and censorship addressed within each episode, it’s remarkable how well-balanced the series feels between lightheartedness and sincerity.
In short: if you’re looking for something funny yet thought-provoking that will make your heart swell with laughter and emotion – Derry Girls should be on top of your list!
Where to stream: Netflix
Raised by Wolves (2020)
With its vibrant visuals and captivating narrative, this sci-fi series will make you question religion, morality, and humanity in ways that no other show has done before. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where two androids are tasked with raising human children, it explores complex themes such as faith versus reason while simultaneously managing to be entertaining.
The performances from Amanda Collin and Abubakar Salim as the android parents, Mother and Father respectively, were absolutely mesmerizing as they both captured their characters’ inner struggle between compliance or rebellion towards their programming. Moreover, Travis Fimmel’s performance as Marcus was also outstanding; his character serves as an example of what humans can become when left unchecked.
Although canceled after two seasons, Raised by Wolves is truly revolutionary in more ways than one.
Where to stream: DirecTV
Maid (2021)
Inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive, this series focuses on a young mother (Margaret Qualley) who escapes an abusive relationship and struggles to provide for her daughter by getting a job cleaning houses. The miniseries received critical acclaim, with praise going towards the writing, tone, and performances, especially that of Qualley.
Where to stream: Netflix, DirecTV
Murderville (2022)
Murderville is a comedic murder-mystery series with improvised elements. Set in the town of Murderville, the show stars Will Arnett as Terry Seattle, a senior detective of the Murderville Police Department. In each episode, a guest star plays the role of a rookie detective who is assigned to team up with Terry. However, the guest is not given a script beforehand and must improvise their way through the episode as they try to solve who the true killer is.
In addition to guest stars who try to solve the case, the show also features celebrity special appearances. Some of the celebrities that have appeared as themselves in the series include Sharon Stone, Conan O’Brien, Ken Jeong, Pete Davidson, Maya Rudolph, and more.
Where to stream: Netflix
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness (2020)
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path show to binge-watch on a streaming service, look no further than Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.
This documentary series delves into the outrageous world of private zoos in America – and its eccentric cast of characters. From Joe Exotic, the mulleted gun-toting polygamist who ran his own zoo, to Carole Baskin, the animal rights activist determined to shut him down; this wild ride will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The docu-series also provides insight into how these wild animals are treated behind closed doors. It’s truly eye-opening and disturbing at times.
The first season was so successful that it was followed by a second season and a third season, titled Tiger King 2 and Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story, respectively.
Where to stream: Netflix
One Day at a Time (2017)
One Day at a Time offers up a heartfelt and funny take on modern family life. The show follows three generations of the Alvarez family as they navigate love, loss, and everything in between. Led by matriarch Penelope, played with warmth and grace by Justina Machado, this Cuban-American household manages to stay strong through it all thanks to their tight-knit bond.
It features layered storylines that tackle issues such as immigration, racism, mental illness, addiction recovery, and more. The show’s clever writing is matched by its talented cast including Rita Moreno as Penelope’s vivacious mother Lydia who helps keep her daughter grounded; Isabella Gomez as Elena, the older teenage daughter whose coming out story arc provides an honest look at the struggles LGBTQ+ kids face today; and Marcel Ruiz as Alex, the youngest sibling whose charm will have you laughing one minute and then tearing up the next.
Together these characters create a truly special show that is not afraid to explore difficult topics with heartwarming results.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Invitation (2015)
Directed by Karyn Kusama, The Invitation follows a group of friends who are invited to a dinner party by a man and his new wife. As the night progresses, the guests become suspicious of their host and his motives.
The Invitation is praised for its slow-burn suspense that builds up to a thrilling climax. The film also has a great cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives, which adds to the tension and suspense. Overall, the film is a great example of how to craft an effective, intense horror film without relying on jump scares or cheap thrills.
Where to stream: Netflix
Super Dark Times (2017)
Super Dark Times is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows two teenage boys, Zach and Josh, who are best friends growing up in a small town in 1995. After an accident involving a mysterious object leads to dark consequences, they find themselves trying to cover up what happened while their lives spiral into increasingly dangerous territory.
The movie perfectly captures the friendship between these two characters as well as the tension that builds throughout its runtime. Super Dark Times is not only an incredibly suspenseful film but also one with heart-wrenching moments that make it hard to look away from. With its clever writing and strong performances by Owen Campbell and Charlie Tahan, the film is sure to make a mark.
Where to stream: Fubo, Roku, Tubi, Kanopy, Shudder, Plex
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Jonathan Evison, the film stars Paul Rudd as Ben, a retired writer who becomes a caregiver for a teenage boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Craig Roberts).
Featuring a heartfelt and uplifting story about friendship, resilience, and courage, the film touches upon the difficult topics of disability, depression, and grief with a lighthearted and humorous touch. The performances of Rudd and Roberts, as well as the supporting cast, make The Fundamentals of Caring an emotionally rewarding experience. Despite its emotionally heavy subject matter, the film still manages to be funny and entertaining. This blend of comedy and drama makes it a must-watch for any movie fan.
Where to stream: Netflix
![The Fundamentals of Caring | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix](https://geekspin.co/wp-content/cache/flying-press/BSXn-lIs4Y0-hqdefault.jpg)