Underrated Hollywood Movies to Watch This Weekend

Looking for great films that flew under the radar? From 1990s cult classics to recent indie hits, here are underrated Hollywood movies across comedy, drama, thriller, and sci-fi that are perfect for a weekend binge. Each of these films earned critical praise or cult status, even if they didn’t break box-office records. Below is a quick summary table of our picks, followed by detailed notes on each movie.

The Hard Way (1991)—Action/Comedy

Directed by John Badham, starring Michael J. Fox and James Woods. This buddy-cop comedy pairs a naive Hollywood star (Fox) with a tough NYC detective (Woods) in a meta, entertaining caper. Michael J. Fox was “at the height of his fame” during this film, and his on-screen chemistry with James Woods earned praise for its “charisma and chemistry.” In The Hard Way, Fox’s character forces himself into the cop’s investigation of a serial killer, leading to hilarious mismatches. The film’s strength lies in its witty banter and the actors’ interplay; reviewers note that Fox and Woods “play off each other beautifully, the tension and humour bursting off the screen”. For fans of polished action comedies with strong leads, The Hard Way is an overlooked gem. Streaming: Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.

Living in Oblivion (1995)—Comedy

Directed by Tom DiCillo, starring Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener, and Dermot Mulroney. A hilarious indie satire about the chaos of low-budget filmmaking. Steve Buscemi plays a beleaguered director trying to shoot a scene that keeps going wrong, all while actors misbehave (including a frustrated Catherine Keener). This movie is often cited as “the finest film ever made about filmmaking”. Critics praise Buscemi’s performance as his “tormented filmmaker” persona is “fantastic” and ranks among his best. Living in Oblivion offers sharp humour, quirky characters, and clever commentary on Hollywood’s indie era. It remains a cult favourite for insiders and comedy fans. Streaming: Available on Peacock and other speciality streaming services.

Mad Dog and Glory (1993) – Comedy/Drama

Directed by John McNaughton, starring Robert De Niro, Bill Murray, and Uma Thurman. This offbeat romantic dramedy is largely forgotten today but boasts a memorable cast. Robert De Niro plays Wayne Dobie, a shy crime-scene photographer who saves gangster Frank Milo (Bill Murray) and is oddly rewarded with the tender-hearted Glory (Uma Thurman). Bill Murray’s performance against type (as a villainous mobster) surprised many, and De Niro is noted for delivering one of his “finest performances of the 1990s.” Mad Dog and Glory mixes humour with sweetness, and critics have called it a “wonderful little comedy drama that deserves more appreciation.” With its unique premise and strong cast chemistry, it’s a cult classic that’s worth rediscovering. Streaming: Often available on Amazon Prime Video (rent).

Short Term 12 (2013) – Drama

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr., this deeply moving indie drama follows Grace (Brie Larson), a young supervisor at a home for troubled teens, as she balances caring for others with her own traumatic past. Critics lauded Short Term 12 as an “award-winning drama”—it won both the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature at SXSW 2013. Brie Larson earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her raw, empathetic performance. The film is known for finding “truth and humor in unexpected places” despite its heavy subject, making it an uplifting and poignant watch. Short Term 12 has gained a dedicated following for its authentic storytelling and outstanding acting. Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

Primer (2004)—Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by Shane Carruth, starring Shane Carruth and David Sullivan. A minimalist sci-fi mind-bender, Primer follows two engineers who accidentally invent time travel. Made on a shoestring budget, it quickly became a cult favourite for sci-fi fans who appreciate hard-concept puzzles. Reviewers call it “one of the decade’s most challenging pieces of film”, noting its dense scientific dialogue and intricate plot. Carruth’s direction didn’t dumb down the time-travel mechanics—viewers are expected to pay close attention. With its gritty realism and nonlinear storytelling, Primer earned a devoted following even if it “slipped under many viewers’ radars.” It’s an indie classic that invites rewatching to catch every detail. Streaming: Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.

Locke (2013)—Thriller/Drama

Directed by Steven Knight, starring Tom Hardy. A “one-man movie,” Locke takes place entirely inside a moving car. Tom Hardy plays Ivan Locke, a construction foreman whose life spins out of control during a series of tense phone calls on a drive to London. Critics praised this minimalist thriller for Hardy’s riveting performance; one reviewer notes Locke “ascends far beyond its gimmicky set-up to be an enthralling saga” about loyalty and responsibility. Hardy carries the film with a tour-de-force performance as the sole on-screen character. With its claustrophobic tension and emotional stakes, Locke delivers a compelling character study that few mainstream films attempt. Streaming: Available on Netflix (region-dependent) or Amazon Prime Video.

Coherence (2013)—Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by James Ward Byrkit, with an ensemble cast. This mind-bending indie thriller centres on eight friends at a dinner party who encounter strange events when a comet passes overhead. Low on effects but high on imagination, Coherence thrives on tension and twists. Critics call it “a true indie gem” for its creative use of limited resources. The official synopsis reads, “Eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of events due to the malevolent influence of a passing comet.” The film’s clever narrative and improvisational style earned it cult status among sci-fi fans. It keeps viewers guessing with its multiverse implications and character drama. Coherence is highly praised for turning a simple premise into a thrilling, smart mystery. Streaming: Available on Peacock and other platforms.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)—Comedy

Directed by David Wain, starring Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, and an ensemble cast. This absurdist summer-camp comedy has become a midnight-movie cult classic. Set during the final day of camp in 1981, it satirises teen movies with an all-star cast playing exaggerated characters. What makes it stand out is its “purely comedic nature” and “insane line-up of actors” who later became comedy legends. Though initially a flop, Wet Hot American Summer gained a devoted fan base (and inspired a Netflix prequel/sequel series). Its over-the-top humour and memorable one-liners mean it has “endless replays” in cable reruns and beyond. For outrageous laughs and a nostalgic ‘80s vibe, this camp comedy deserves a spot on your weekend watchlist. Streaming: Originally on Netflix.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)—Western/Horror

Directed by S. Craig Zahler, starring Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins. This genre-blending western-horror is a gripping, gruesome ride. Kurt Russell plays an Old West sheriff leading a posse to rescue kidnapped townspeople—only to discover a tribe of cave-dwelling cannibals. The film is praised as an “exceptional example of Western and horror genre hybrids,” combining gritty frontier action with genuine horror atmosphere. Russell anchors the film with a stoic, commanding turn, supported by a strong cast (Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins). Bone Tomahawk’s slow-building dread and brutal finale have made it a cult favorite for those seeking something darker than the typical cowboy film. Streaming: Available on Netflix in many regions.

Each of these films offers a unique experience and has earned praise from critics or fans. They may not be household names, but they’re well worth the watch for any movie lover seeking hidden gems. Enjoy discovering (or rediscovering) these weekend-worthy films!