Blockbuster movies aren’t always the ones we talk about years later. Some films made huge waves in their time, but as the years passed, they slipped out of the spotlight. Their presence in today’s era creates ripples when compared with modern cinema. These underrated Hollywood movies didn’t always get the fame they deserved, but they changed how stories are told.
1. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
This is an epic Hollywood war film directed by David Lean and based on the novel The Bridge over the River Kwai, written by Pierre Boulle. The British POW are for forced to build a railway bridge the Japanese but the allied prisoners plan to blow it up. Its tense climax remains one of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: War
- Runtime: 2h 41m
- Director: David Lean
- Main Cast: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
2. The Great Escape (1963)
The Great Escape is a famous World War II story about Allied soldiers who are held in a German prisoner-of-war camp. The prisoners secretly plan a bold and risky escape. They dig tunnels with each other’s help and prepare one of the most daring escapes in the history of war. Based on a true story, it shows their bravery, teamwork, and unbreakable spirit.
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Genre: War/Adventure
- Runtime: 2h 52m
- Director: John Sturges
- Main Cast: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, MGM+
3. Laura (1944)
Laura (1944) is an Holywood film noir, produced and directed by Otto Preminger, based on Vera Caspary’s novel. A detective investigates the murder of Laura Hunt, a woman who is admired in the society by everyone. When he studies her portrait, he falls in love with her image. One day Laura unexpectedly returns, alive. The detective must find the truth that who really wants her dead. This film is often mentioned among underrated Hollywood movies but Laura stands out as mystery classic.
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Mystery/Noir
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Director: Otto Preminger
- Main Cast: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, Judith Anderson
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
4. North by Northwest (1959)
This is an American spy thriller film produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This movie follows follows Roger Thornhill, a New York advertising executive. He is mistakenly framed for a murder for which he has to flee across the country to hide from police and spies. This movie is considered to be one of the Hitchcock’s finest thrillers. It is also praised among underrated Hollywood movies that shaped modern spy thriller and adventure movies.
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Genre: Thriller/Action
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Main Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
5. The Ten Commandments (1956)
This is an American epic religious drama directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film tells how Moses rises from Pharaoh’s palace to lead the Hebrews to freedom from Egyptian slavery. The Ten Commandments are a set of moral and religious laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, as described in the Bible. They serve as foundational principles for Judaism and Christianity.
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Adventure/Drama
- Runtime: 3h 40m
- Director: Cecil B. DeMille
- Main Cast: Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
6. The Sound of Music (1965)
This is a 1965 Hollywood musical drama film produced and directed by Robert Wise. The movie follows a young Nun named Maria, she is sent to take care for the seven children of Captain von Trapp. Through music and love, she transforms the family’s life and wins the Captain’s heart. This movie is often appreciated yet sometimes listed among underrated Hollywood movies.
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Genre: Musical/Romance
- Runtime: 2h 52m
- Director: Robert Wise
- Main Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
- Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Also Read: Underrated Nordic Noir on Hulu
7. Ben-Hur (1959)
The story revolves around Judah Ben-Hur a nobleman, who is betrayed by his adopted brother Messala and falsely accused of treason and forced into slavery. Later he returns to seek revenge, facing Messala in the legendary chariot race.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: Adventure/Action
- Runtime: 3h 32m
- Director: William Wyler
- Main Cast: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
8. The Great Dictator (1940)
This movie is a comedy drama movie directed and starring Charlie Chaplin. The story of this movie is of a poor Jewish barber who is mistaken for a ruthless dictator. This movie is ranked among underrated movies in Hollywood but the humor used in this movie is to deliver a powerful message for peace and humanity.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Genre: Comedy/War
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Director: Charlie Chaplin
- Main Cast: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
9. The Red Shoes (1948)
This is a musical romance British film directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.This movie tells the story of a young ballet dancer who has fallen in love with her composer. She has to choose between her love for dance or her love for a composer. She must choose between her love for dance and her personal life.
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: Musical/Romance
- Runtime: 134 minutes
- Directors: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
- Main Cast: Moira Shearer, Marius Goring, Anton Walbrook
- Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video
10. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
This is an British epic historical drama directed by David Lean. It tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who unites Arab tribes during World War I. His journey shows both the greatness of his achievements and the heavy price of war.
- IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
- Genre: Adventure/War
- Runtime: 222 minutes
- Director: David Lean
- Main Cast: Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
These underrated Hollywood movies may not top today’s charts, but they shaped the blockbusters of today’s that we love. Add them to your watchlist and rediscover the roots of modern cinema. Which of these hidden gems have you watched—or which one are you adding to your list tonight? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take.
