Netflix can feel like a digital jungle—an endless stream of content where finding the good stuff is more about luck than logic.
That’s where this list swoops in like a trusty guide. These 20 underrated gems cover everything from brutal action to heartfelt documentaries, and each one deserves a place on your must-watch list.
Whether you’re in the mood for thought-provoking indie cinema or you just want to see Jackie Chan smash things, this lineup has you covered.
1. The Shadow Strays
Let’s kick things off with chaos—the kind of chaos only Indonesian martial arts films can deliver.
The Shadow Strays channels the hyper-violent energy of The Raid, but it doesn’t settle for imitation.
With a slick, slightly sci-fi twist, this film packs plenty of jaw-dropping fight choreography, like watching a high-speed chess match where the pieces are fists.
While it may not be as polished as its predecessor, its raw energy and adrenaline-soaked narrative make it unmissable.
2. The Foreigner
Jackie Chan unpacks a version of himself you’ve likely never seen. Forget playful banter and acrobatic hijinks—this is Chan with his game face on, delivering a performance filled with grit and surprising intensity.
The film’s tightly wound pacing makes the revenge storyline hit hard, and the action sequences—more bruising than flashy—feel like they’ve been ripped straight from a hard-edged noir.
3. Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Bardo is less a movie and more a sensory overload.
A kaleidoscopic dive into memory and identity, this film invites you to lose yourself in a dreamscape where visuals speak louder than words.
It’s the kind of cinema that doesn’t care if you “get it” but rewards those who lean into its hypnotic rhythm.
4. Till Death
Megan Fox anchors this survival thriller, proving she’s more than just a genre staple.
While the premise—handcuffed to a dead husband while killers circle—sounds pulpy, Till Death turns it into a tension-filled game of cat and mouse.
Think Gerald’s Game meets Fargo, but with Fox bringing an edge you don’t see coming.
5. Spy Game
Brad Pitt and Robert Redford make an irresistible duo in this espionage thriller that trades flashy gadgets for authentic spycraft.
Directed by Tony Scott, Spy Game is sleek, tightly edited, and masterfully paced.
It’s proof that not all spy movies need explosions every five minutes to keep you hooked.
6. Don’t Move
Here’s a thriller that messes with your nerves in the best way. Don’t Move traps its protagonist in a paralysed state—a terrifying predicament that only gets worse as danger closes in.
The pacing might feel slow at times, but its unique spin on survival horror ensures it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
7. Filth
James McAvoy is unhinged and magnetic in this adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel.
It’s chaotic, darkly hilarious, and yes, filthy in all the right ways.
The film walks a tightrope between absurd comedy and devastating drama, with McAvoy delivering one of the most layered performances of his career.
8. Phantom Thread
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread unfolds like a slow-burning fuse.
Daniel Day-Lewis is both mesmerising and maddening as a designer consumed by his craft, but it’s the unexpected twists in the story that make this one a standout.
Stick with it, and the film’s crescendo will leave you breathless.
9. Pain and Gain
Michael Bay’s chaotic energy is on full display here, but instead of giant robots, we get gym bros attempting a crime spree they are comically under qualified for.
Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie bounce off each other brilliantly, delivering a mix of absurd humour and moments that’ll make you wince.
10. Patriots Day
A gripping retelling of the Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath, Patriots Day blends raw emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension.
The film handles its subject matter with respect, while its cast—led by Mark Wahlberg—delivers performances that feel grounded and genuine.
11. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
This documentary about a boy who touched lives from behind a keyboard is a tearjerker in the best way.
Through his online presence, Ibelin became a beacon of light for others, proving that meaningful connections transcend physical limitations.
12. It’s What’s Inside
A group of friends swapping bodies via experimental tech? Sure, it sounds like a wacky party game, but It’s What’s Insideturns this concept into a clever, mind-bending narrative.
It’s equal parts cerebral and humorous, with a dash of sci-fi flair that keeps things unpredictable.
13. Midnight Run
Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin make an iconic odd couple in this ’80s road movie.
Packed with sharp dialogue and unexpected detours, Midnight Run is proof that buddy comedies can be both hilarious and heartfelt.
14. House of Flying Daggers
This wuxia epic is a visual feast, blending breathtaking action sequences with a poignant love story.
Every shot feels like it belongs in an art gallery, and the story’s emotional beats land with precision.
15. Ballerina
South Korea brings its A-game to the revenge thriller genre with Ballerina.
The film’s protagonist isn’t invincible, which makes her journey all the more compelling.
Combine that with a haunting score and a striking visual style, and you’ve got a film that breathes new life into familiar tropes.
16. Logan Lucky
Steven Soderbergh’s NASCAR heist comedy is as clever as it is charming.
Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Daniel Craig lead a cast of lovable misfits, each with their quirks.
It’s a heist movie for people who don’t take their crime capers too seriously.
17. Senna
Even if you don’t care about Formula One, Senna is a masterfully crafted documentary that dives deep into the life of Ayrton Senna.
The racing sequences are thrilling, but it’s the personal drama that keeps you glued to the screen.
18. Cinderella Man
This Depression-era boxing drama hits with the force of a heavyweight champion.
Russell Crowe delivers a career-defining performance, while the film’s meticulous attention to its period setting adds an extra layer of authenticity.
19. Brawl in Cell Block 99
This prison thriller doesn’t play by the rules. Vince Vaughn is a revelation, delivering a nuanced yet ferocious performance.
The slow buildup pays off in a jaw-dropping second half that refuses to hold back.
20. Upgrade
A near-future sci-fi action flick with brains and brawn, Upgrade takes familiar tropes and spins them into something fresh.
Logan Marshall-Green delivers a dual-layered performance that perfectly captures the film’s unsettling vibe. It’s violent, smart, and endlessly entertaining.
Whether you’re in the mood for cinematic elegance or straight-up chaos, these films remind us that there’s always more to Netflix than meets the eye.
Go ahead—take a chance on something underrated. You might just find a new favourite.
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