Every year, a handful of films dominate the conversation, whether through box office success or awards buzz.
But for every big-name hit, there are just as many incredible films that slip through the cracks.
Some were dismissed because of their unconventional narratives, while others failed to break out beyond indie circles.
However, each one has something special to offer.
She befriends Jeff (Shane Carruth), who claims to have undergone a similar experience.
Upstream Colorisone of the most ambitious indie films ever, and it remains vastly underappreciated.
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Shane Carruth, known for his cerebral time-travel flickPrimer, pushes even further into abstract territory.
He creates a film thatrelies more on visuals and emotions than conventional plotting.
Based onIrvine Welshs novel,the black comedy filmalso starsJamie Bell,Imogen PootsandJim Broadbent.
If you like those two shows,The Eastis an exciting film to check out.
Nicolas Winding Refn’sOnly God Forgivesisone of the most divisive films of the last decade.
Despitean exceptional ensemble cast,Out of the Furnacewas largely overlooked upon release.
Itsa violent, slow-burn thrillerthat values emotional weight over explosive set pieces.
The film also explores economic despair and the cycle of violence in the US.
Made on a small budget with mostly improvised dialogue,Coherenceisa masterclass in indie,high-concept filmmaking.
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Both Affleck and Mara bring their great, understated performances in the leading roles.
However, his lack of experience and planning leads to brutal consequences.
Blue Ruinstrips back the usual Hollywood revenge thriller to its most realistic, human setting.
UnliketheJason Staham-jot down heroes, Dwight is not built for action and only acts on instinct and grief.
Defying all odds, Lauda returns to racing just weeks later, continuing his dramatic showdown against Hunt.
The two leading actors have electrifying chemistry, with Bruhl’s Lauda commanding every scene he’s in.
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Those qualities transcend the film beyond its core fans and to the general audience.
With F1’s popularity today, there’sno better time to revisit this underrated sports drama.
India is both drawn to and unsettled by Charlies charm and unsettling presence.
She realizes that his arrival is not a coincidence as she finds out more secrets about his past.
Written byWentworth Miller(Prison Break),Stokeris a hauntingcoming-of-age thriller with a gothic sensibility.
The unique premise is the perfect vehicle forlegendary Korean directorPark Chan-wookto make his English-language debut.
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He frames every scene with dynamic energy to complement the Hitchcockian tension and actors' performances.
Still, the film remains an unmissable,outstanding psychological thriller.
NEXT:The 10 Most Essential Movies of 2013, Ranked
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