15 Underrated Movies Buried on HBO Max

The library holds many hidden film gems that didn’t make big splashes in theaters. These movies often feature fresh directorial talent or offer surprising performances from well-known actors. If you’re looking for something unique, these films provide compelling stories, great acting, and impressive filmmaking.

Below you’ll find a selection of films, each with a brief description and key information like the director, writer, and other important details. We’ve included a variety of genres and films from different eras – everything from animated favorites and stylish mysteries to cult classics and thought-provoking science fiction. Think of this as a resource to help you discover something new when you’re browsing the app and want more than just the typical recommendations.

‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)

Directed by Brad Bird, this animated movie tells the story of a boy in a Cold War-era town who finds a huge robot that crashed to Earth. The film draws inspiration from Ted Hughes’s novel and stars the voices of Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., and Vin Diesel. Michael Kamen created the music, and the film uniquely blends classic hand-drawn animation with computer-generated visuals, especially for the robot.

Warner Bros. Feature Animation produced the movie, which was initially shown in theaters and later updated with scenes originally planned by the artist during its creation. The film’s visual style combines influences from mid-20th century American design and science fiction art, and features a unique blend of traditional hand-drawn animation with large-scale mechanical movements.

‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’ (2007)

Andrew Dominik’s film, based on Ron Hansen’s novel, follows the last days of Jesse James and the changing allegiance of Robert Ford. Brad Pitt stars as James, and Casey Affleck plays Ford, alongside supporting actors Sam Shepard, Sam Rockwell, and Paul Schneider. Cinematographer Roger Deakins used special lenses to give certain scenes a vintage look with subtle color tints.

Filmed in various locations across Canada, the movie depicts late 1800s Missouri and Kansas. The music was composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and the film was praised for its beautiful visuals and authentic historical accuracy, particularly in the costumes which were made using original patterns and specially aged materials.

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (2005)

This crime comedy, written and directed by Shane Black, follows a small-time thief and a private investigator as they team up to solve a mystery in Hollywood. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer lead the cast, supported by Michelle Monaghan and Corbin Bernsen. The film uses a clever, self-aware narration style and a non-traditional storytelling approach reminiscent of classic detective novels from the mid-20th century.

Filming happened on location in Los Angeles, utilizing studio sets and residential areas. John Ottman was responsible for both editing and the musical score. The movie featured exciting car chases filmed on tight streets and dramatic nighttime scenes, achieved through skilled stunt work and driving, along with creative lighting.

‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006)

Richard Linklater’s film is based on a Philip K. Dick novel exploring themes of identity and being watched, set in a Southern California of the near future. The movie stars Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert Downey Jr., and Woody Harrelson. It’s visually unique, using a digital animation technique called rotoscoping that combines live-action footage with artistic layers to create a fluid, dreamlike style.

Filming started with high-definition video, and then a team of animators spent months meticulously adding details frame by frame. The sets and costumes were designed to look like typical suburban homes and featured everyday technology. This realistic style was intentionally used to create a strong contrast with the later animation, which features distorted faces and surroundings, giving it a dreamlike quality.

‘Midnight Special’ (2016)

Jeff Nichols’s latest film is a fast-paced science fiction story centered on a father’s desperate efforts to keep his son safe, as the boy displays extraordinary powers. The movie stars Michael Shannon, alongside Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, and Jaeden Martell. It’s structured like a road movie, keeps explanations to a minimum, and relies on realistic lighting for nighttime scenes.

Filmed in Louisiana, New Mexico, and Florida, the movie prioritized practical effects whenever possible, using subtle visual effects to enhance natural light and explosive moments. David Wingo created the music, and the editing style focuses closely on cars and motel settings to keep the story moving quickly.

‘The Fountain’ (2006)

Darren Aronofsky’s film tells a complex story about love, death, and scientific breakthroughs, jumping between three different time periods: a historical expedition, present-day medical research, and a distant future. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play multiple roles throughout these timelines, with recurring themes and visual elements connecting them. The filmmakers used close-up photography of chemical reactions to create stunning visuals resembling nebulae and outer space.

Clint Mansell’s score includes performances by the Kronos Quartet and Mogwai. The filmmakers aimed for a realistic look, using real textures instead of relying heavily on computer-generated effects for the space scenes. The set design blended contemporary labs with architecture inspired by the Mayans, using recurring shapes and colors to connect different time periods.

‘The Hidden’ (1987)

This suspenseful thriller follows an LAPD detective and an FBI agent as they hunt a criminal who’s constantly changing bodies. Starring Kyle MacLachlan and Michael Nouri, the story blends classic police investigation techniques with sci-fi elements, centering around a fugitive from another planet. The action is fueled by realistic stunts and exciting car chases through the streets of Los Angeles.

I was really impressed with how they brought the transformations to life in this movie – it wasn’t all CGI, they actually used practical effects like animatronics and prosthetics, which felt so much more real! And the music? Totally took me back to the late 80s, a great mix of rock and electronic sounds. The way the story unfolded was also really effective, constantly cutting between the crime scenes and the thrilling chases as the villain jumped from person to person. It kept me on the edge of my seat!

‘Dark City’ (1998)

Directed by Alex Proyas, this science fiction film blends the style of classic noir with a mysterious story. It follows a man who finds himself with amnesia in a strange city that transforms each night. The film stars Rufus Sewell, alongside Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland, and William Hurt. Visually, the movie is striking, featuring unique, expressionistic buildings and a constant darkness created by orange sodium lamps and realistic lighting.

The film expands the city setting with detailed miniatures and visual effects, showing buildings and streets that seem to move and change. Trevor Jones created the music, and the editing style features quick cuts to give the impression of time being altered. A director’s cut was later released with a revised narration and restored footage to create a smoother, more complete story.

‘Shoot ’Em Up’ (2007)

Michael Davis directs a visually striking action thriller starring Clive Owen and Monica Bellucci, with Paul Giamatti playing the villain. The story centers on a mysterious stranger who ends up protecting a baby, leading to several complex and exciting gun battles. The filmmakers carefully planned out all the action sequences, including stunts and special effects, using detailed storyboards.

The second unit team handled all the practical effects – like simulated explosions, easily broken props, and air-powered devices for spins – during scenes filmed in warehouses and city locations. The music combines hard rock with impactful sound effects, timed to match the fast-paced editing. The filmmakers used handheld cameras to create energetic and immersive close-up action sequences.

‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ (1996)

As a big action movie fan, I recently checked out this Renny Harlin film, and it’s a fun ride! The script is by Shane Black, and it’s about a teacher who suddenly can’t remember anything, but her past quickly catches up with her. Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson are fantastic in it. What I really liked is how it mixes the cozy vibes of the holiday season with a spy thriller plot, and they take this road trip across all sorts of interesting locations – small towns and these gritty industrial areas. It’s a really unique blend of genres!

Filming took place in Canada, standing in for American locations. The production team used real explosions and impressive bridge stunts. The editing alternates between conversations and fast-paced action like car chases and fighting. Alan Silvestri’s music enhances the film’s changing mood, moving from suspenseful moments to large-scale action sequences.

‘House of Wax’ (1953)

This classic horror film features Vincent Price as an artist who creates a wax museum filled with incredibly realistic figures. It was a pioneering production, utilizing early color and stereo sound technologies, and was famously shown in 3D. The film’s sets carefully recreated detailed Victorian rooms and impressive wax displays.

Director André De Toth collaborated with his camera team to create visual tricks that made the 3D effect more impressive, using things like depth and objects in the foreground. The film was a hit in theaters, helping to make 3D movies popular in the early 1950s. Creating the special effects, like melting wax, needed special equipment to control heat and lighting.

‘The Right Stuff’ (1983)

Philip Kaufman’s film is based on Tom Wolfe’s book about the early days of the space race and the brave test pilots who paved the way for the Mercury program. It follows their journey from breaking speed records to achieving America’s first orbits around Earth. The movie stars Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Scott Glenn, and Barbara Hershey, and the filmmakers went to great lengths to accurately recreate the cockpits and spacesuits of the era.

The film used a combination of real planes and models equipped with cameras to capture shots from the air. For scenes of rocket launches and capsule returns, the special effects team created detailed miniature sets and used real flames for a realistic look. Bill Conti’s music enhances both the calm moments in the hangar and the dramatic launch sequences.

‘Thir13en Ghosts’ (2001)

This scary movie centers around a family who moves into a unique house made of glass. They soon discover it’s actually a machine run by the spirits of those trapped inside. The film stars Tony Shalhoub, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Lillard, and Shannon Elizabeth. The house itself is a visually striking creation, featuring clear hallways covered in special markings and filled with intricate machinery.

The makeup and costume teams created unique appearances for each ghost using special effects like prosthetics, full-body suits, and colored contact lenses. Filming took place on detailed, physical sets, and the crew carefully planned each shot to control how light and reflections appeared on the glass surfaces. Visual effects were then added to create ghostly images and activate the set’s traps.

‘Constantine’ (2005)

Directed by Francis Lawrence, this movie is based on a comic book and follows an investigator who gets caught in a battle between heaven and hell. Keanu Reeves leads a cast that includes Rachel Weisz, Tilda Swinton, Djimon Hounsou, and Peter Stormare. The story is inspired by DC’s Hellblazer comics and features elements of exorcism and urban legends.

The production combined realistic creature effects with digital imagery to create the demonic settings and wings. Visually, the film features striking, high-contrast nighttime shots and a unique color style. The sound design enhances scenes with portals and possession by using subtle whispers and deep, rumbling sounds.

‘The Majestic’ (2001)

Directed by Frank Darabont, this movie tells the story of a Hollywood screenwriter who suffers amnesia and is mistaken for a war hero by the residents of a small town. Jim Carrey stars alongside Laurie Holden, Martin Landau, and Bob Balaban. The film is set in 1950s coastal California and features a classic single-screen movie theater as a key location.

The film’s art team carefully recreated the look of the period by restoring original signs and decorating interiors with furniture and lighting from the time. Costumes featured subtle colors and uniforms inspired by the era. Composer Carter Burwell created the music, and filming often took place during the warm, soft light of sunrise and sunset to enhance the film’s nostalgic feel.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)

Directed by Shane Black and co-written with Anthony Bagarozzi, this detective story is a 1970s-set buddy cop film taking place in Los Angeles. It stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, with Angourie Rice and Margaret Qualley appearing in supporting roles. The filmmakers used actual locations and studio sets to accurately capture the look and feel of the era, including period-correct billboards, cars, and buildings.

The filmmakers relied on real-life action – coordinated chases and fights – instead of relying heavily on computer effects. They also carefully selected music from the correct time period to enhance the club and party scenes, and the costumes – like wide-lapel suits and patterned shirts – accurately reflected the era.

‘Michael Clayton’ (2007)

Tony Gilroy’s thriller centers on a lawyer who specializes in crisis management, as he navigates the aftermath of a major corporate disaster. Starring George Clooney, alongside Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, and Sydney Pollack, the film unfolds across various locations – from corporate boardrooms to rural farms and New York City offices – with a subtle visual approach and deliberate pace.

Filming took place in Manhattan and the surrounding upstate New York areas, often relying on natural light inside buildings. James Newton Howard created the score with simple, understated musical pieces. The film’s editing focuses on a central explosion and the events that follow, while the story touches on themes of class action lawsuits and business tactics.

Tell us about any great shows or movies you’ve discovered here – share your recommendations in the comments so others can find something new to watch!

2025-10-14 07:48