Movie ratings don’t always reflect what they deserve. Sometimes, they are cast aside long before audiences praise the films, providing more recognition. Even the best films, like Shawshank Redemption, can slip under the radar until they become popular. But thanks to online users, platforms like Letterboxd provide a voice to movie lovers who are willing to provide their reviews.
Letterboxd
This got one user thinking, what’s the lowest-rated movie you have given five stars? The Letterboxd community rallied to make their case for criminally underrated or unfairly slated films. According to veteran Letterboxd users, these ten films deserve five stars.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
The third installment in the popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, At World’s End, takes Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and his eccentric crew on an epic adventure. Facing a formidable alliance of pirates led by the notorious Captain Sao Feng, Sparrow must navigate treacherous waters, encounter supernatural forces, and confront his arch-nemesis, the treacherous Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).
Despite its 3.3 ratings, one Letterboxd user reckons it should be much higher because all three POTC movies are masterpieces that other blockbusters should take inspiration from. World’s End still holds up today with its stunning visual effects, creative set pieces, charming story, and passionate filmmaking.
2. The Nice Guys (2016)
Set in 1970s Los Angeles, The Nice Guys follows the unlikely pairing of two private detectives, Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe). When a mysterious case involving a missing girl and the death of an adult film star brings them together, they embark on a wild and hilarious journey through the seedy underbelly of the city.
With sharp writing, witty banter, and a healthy dose of action, this was the most controversially underrated film on Letterboxd, according to users of the site. Only rated 3.8. The consensus is that The Nice Guys is a “fiver” for sure. “Anyone that doesn’t give The Nice Guys five stars is wrong,” says one user.
3. Final Destination 5 (2011)
In the fifth installment of the popular horror franchise, Final Destination 5 takes the concept of cheating death to new heights. Film buffs argue that the fifth installment is an underappreciated gem that has one of the best twists in the horror genre.
After a group of coworkers survives a terrifying bridge collapse due to one person’s premonition, they soon discover that death will not be cheated. As fate catches up to them in gruesome and inventive ways, tension rises, and a race against time ensues to uncover the secrets behind their predicament.
4. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
As a departure from the Michael Myers-focused narrative of the original Halloween series, Halloween III: Season of the Witch presents a standalone story. Dr. Daniel Challis (Tom Atkins) investigates a sinister plot orchestrated by a mysterious toy maker.
His search leads him to a small town plagued by Halloween-themed masks that possess a deadly secret. With a unique blend of horror, science fiction, and witchcraft, this underrated entry in the franchise offers a fresh and intriguing take on the Halloween universe. Despite many believing it to be the best of the franchise, it only has a 2.9 rating.
5. It Follows (2014)
It Follows is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that introduces a new kind of terror. After a young woman named Jay (Maika Monroe) becomes the target of a supernatural entity that relentlessly pursues her, she must find a way to break free from its deadly pursuit.
As the tension builds and the sense of dread intensifies, the film explores themes of adolescence, sexuality, and the consequences of choices. It’s rated 3.5 on Letterboxd, which many believe is a gross underrating. However, one cinephile gives it five stars for its concept but only three for its execution. While it may not be a perfect five, most agree that its inventive concept deserves more recognition.
6. Easy A (2010)
This clever and hilarious teen comedy follows Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone), a high school student embroiled in a web of rumors and misconceptions after a seemingly harmless white lie about losing her virginity. Using her newfound reputation to her advantage, Olive embraces her “bad girl” image and navigates the complexities of high school social dynamics.
With a sharp script and charismatic performances, Easy A offers a refreshing take on The Scarlet Letter. Despite being rated an above-average seven on IMDb, it’s only earned a 3.4 on Letterboxd, which fans of the film believe should be much higher. For a teen comedy set in a high school, it has a much more sophisticated social commentary than what first meets the eye.
7. Cloud Atlas (2012)
Cloud Atlas, rated 3.4 on Letterboxd, is a sprawling and ambitious epic that weaves multiple interconnected stories across different periods. The film explores themes of love, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
With an ensemble cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Jim Broadbent, who portray various characters across different timelines, the film takes viewers on a thought-provoking journey through past, present, and future. As the narratives intersect and ripple through time, the film challenges notions of fate, free will, and the enduring power of human connection.
8. Titanic (1997)
James Cameron’s epic romance Titanic needs no introduction. Set against the backdrop of the ill-fated RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage, the film follows the love story between socialite Rose (Kate Winslet) and working-class artist Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio).
As their lives intertwine on the doomed ship, the film immerses viewers in a tale of forbidden love, class divides, and the tragic event that forever altered history. With its breathtaking visuals, unforgettable performances, and timeless narrative, Titanic has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide over multiple generations, despite its 3.8 Letterboxd rating.
9. Annihilation (2018)
Directed by Alex Garland, Annihilation is a science fiction thriller investigating the mysteries of an otherworldly phenomenon known as “The Shimmer.” When a biologist named Lena (Natalie Portman) joins an all-female expedition team into the expanding and mutating zone, they encounter surreal and dangerous creatures and unsettling transformations within themselves.
Annihilation offers a mind-bending exploration of self-destruction, evolution, and the mysterious forces that shape our world. It’s rated a measly 3.6 on Letterboxd, and perhaps that isn’t surprising due to how polarizing the film is. Still, many film buffs find the film unique in its atmosphere and storytelling, claiming other films fail to replicate the same captivating feeling.
10. Mother! (2017)
Darren Aronofsky’s Mother! is a boundary-pushing psychological horror film that defies expectations and has a 3.4 rating. The movie centers around a couple, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, who enjoy a peaceful life in their secluded home. However, their tranquility is shattered when uninvited guests disrupt their existence.
As the situation escalates into chaotic territory, the film delves into themes of creation, artistic expression, and the destructive nature of human desire. With its provocative storytelling, gripping performances, and layered symbolism, Mother! challenges viewers to decipher its enigmatic and divisive narrative.
11. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)Â
Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, with a heavenly cast, is one of those understated movies that gives us that feel-good feeling. It takes on an island off the New England Coast during the summer of 1965. Two pre-teens, Sam and Suzy, fall in love and run away together while scouts lead a search party with family members to locate the runaways. They received a rating of 4, which generated controversy from many who thought this was a perfect 5.
Source: Reddit.
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