2025's Most Underrated Films!

In yet another year dominated by franchises and prestige dramas tailor-made for awards traction, some of 2025’s best films slipped under the radar. These films aren’t neatly categorized and require active consumption from audiences. These 5 films are the unfortunate rarities in today’s media landscape as films that embrace risks and privilege artistic vision. Their underappreciation says less about their quality than about the current entertainment landscape, which frequently overlooks films that may cause discomfort or deep emotional resonance in audiences. Together, these works represent some of the best filmmaking of 2025. 

1. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (dir. Mary Bronstein)

Starring Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a claustrophobic portrait of motherhood. The film follows a therapist navigating her daughter’s unexplained illness as her home quite literally collapses around her, mirroring her own psychological unraveling. Underrated for its lack of catharsis, the film is a raw look at motherhood and is anchored by a career-best performance from Byrne. (Available on VOD/Digital)

2. Hedda (dir. Nia DaCosta)

Hedda is a sapphic reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler, set in the 1950s. The film follows a restless aristocratic woman (Tessa Thompson) trapped in a marriage she never wanted, whose boredom leads her to manipulate those around her. The film’s most radical departure from the play is the gender-swapping of her husband’s rival, now also revealed to be Hedda’s former lover. Hedda is a fresh reworking of a classic that was sadly given a limited theatrical run before moving to streaming. (Stream on Prime Video)

3. The Ballad of Wallis Island (dir. James Griffiths)

A charming British comedy-drama about a defunct folk duo summoned to perform on a remote Welsh island, reuniting old lovers under odd and emotional circumstances. Unfortunately, despite being a much-needed feel-good movie, it was overshadowed by the bigger 2025 films. (Stream on Prime Video)

4. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (dir. Rungano Nyoni)

Produced by A24, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a surreal Zambian dark comedy that follows Shula (Susan Chardy) after she finds her uncle’s body. As the funeral unfolds, Shula and her cousin uncover the family’s generational abuse rooted in patriarchy. The film is a blend of dark humor and social critique, depicting how tradition and family loyalty can conspire to sustain gendered violence. (Stream on HBO Max)