Let’s be real: sometimes a film just doesn’t click the first time. Perhaps you saw it on a bad day, perhaps the marketing was terrible, or perhaps it simply got lost in the shuffle of streaming services. But then, on a subsequent viewing—or because of a friend’s non-stop badgering—you discover you’ve found an underground treasure. If you enjoy the excitement of discovering a new favorite film in the bargain bin, then you’re at the right site. Following is a list of 10 of the most underappreciated flicks that need another go-around, no matter if you are a fan of crime capers, horror frights, or simply a good ol’ fashioned song and dance number.
10. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)
Three scouts, a waitress, and a zombie epidemic go into a party—no, it’s not the beginning of a terrible joke, it’s a delightfully amusing horror-comedy that walks the line between gory violence and a heartwarming friendship plot. The film is “pure fun comedy. Keep your expectations low and watch it when you need some mindless comedy to relax your mind,” says Movbeans.
9. Little Monsters (2019)
Go on a kindergarten field trip, introduce zombies, and include Lupita Nyong’o as the coolest teacher in the world. And what you have is a horror-comedy that is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud movie that’s half about safeguarding innocence and half about splattering brains. Sharp writing and a light tone, even when things turn grave.
8. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
If you believe that all zombie films are created equal, you haven’t seen this punk rock cult classic. It’s campy, bloody, and provided us with the timelessly great line, “Send more paramedics.” As Movbeans says, “This movie made the ‘zombie eating brain’ scene popular and gave one of the greatest lines in a zombie film.”
7. Planet Terror (2007)
Robert Rodriguez’s contribution to the Grindhouse double feature is a tribute to B-movie violence, with a heroine who possesses a machine gun as a leg. It’s campy, and oh-so-over-the-top, and just the kind of midnight movie that’s improved by friends and popcorn.
6. One Cut of the Dead (2017)
A subversive Japanese zombie-com that upends the genre, the movie begins life as a cheap zombie movie and evolves into something far smarter and more sentimental. The less you know going in, the better—just have faith that you’ll be smiling come the end.
5. Pontypool (2008)
Zombies through psychological horror: In this Canadian independent film, the virus is spread through the use of language itself. It’s slow-burn, brainy horror that’s ideal for those who enjoy their fright with a side of existential terror.
4. Dead Snow: Red vs. Dead (2014)
Nazi zombies. Russian zombies. A snow-covered battle royale. This sequel to the Norwegian original raises the stakes with even more action, more humor, and a concept so insane you just can’t help but adore it.
3. REC (2007)
Found-footage horror done properly, this Spanish horror film holds you hostage in an apartment complex with a virus epidemic and a television crew. It’s terrifying, it’s claustrophobic, and it’s evidence that zombies still can frighten.
2. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
A zombie musical set at Christmas? Yes, and it works. Catchy songs, clever comedy, and plenty of undead action make this a holiday treat for horror fans who want something different.
1. Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)
Imagine Mad Max with zombies, and you’re halfway there. This Australian action-horror flick is packed with gore, wild stunts, and a plot that never lets up.