If you’re tired of scrolling through the endless films on the streaming services and having to look up each interesting title to see if it’s even watchable, then here is a handy list of underrated films streaming in the UK right now you might not have seen yet.
Sunlight (2024)
Genre: Dark comedy [dir. Nina Conti]
Sunlight is a delightful road trip romp with a suicidal radio host and a woman who refuses to remove a full body monkey suit. As a self-declared romcom hater, this film is filled with so much genuine humanity I barely even noticed I was watching one – let alone enjoying it! It’s quite quirky and heartfelt but manages to stay out of the corny trap. Sunlight strikes the perfect balance between absurdity and emotional depth.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Dead Talents Society (2024)
Genre: Horror comedy [dir. John Hsu]
Dead Talents Society is a Taiwanese film about ghosts who want to achieve fame so they can stay in the afterlife. If you’re not already sold on the premise, the film manages to blend engaging characters with an entertaining story. It’s a little bit kooky and silly but has enough emotional weight to keep it grounded.
Available on: Netflix
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (2020)
Genre: Sci-fi comedy [dir. Junta Yamaguchi]
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes is a very low budget film based on the Droste effect. Now, if this doesn’t sound compelling, have no fear because this Japanese time travelling comedy is so playful it’s a joy to watch. It’s highly entertaining well worth watching for fans of sci-fi comedy.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Thelma (2024)
Genre: Comedy drama [dir. Josh Margolin]
Watching old ladies get scammed has never been so much fun as it is in Thelma. June Squibb is outstanding in this film as she grabs a mobility scooter and heads off to take on the perpetrators. Thelma is genuinely funny and features beautiful dynamics between the characters to make it exceedingly watchable.
Available on: Netflix
Come to Daddy (2019)
Genre: Horror comedy [dir. Ant Timpson]
Come to Daddy is a bit different tonally to the other films on this list, however, if you also enjoy the mix of fairly brutal violence and quick wit, then this might just be the film for you. Elijah Wood stars as Norval, a character with serious daddy issues. This one is really about secrets and privilege wrapped up in a bloody narrative that bridges the gap from shock value to thought-provoking storytelling.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)
Genre: Crime comedy [dir. Macon Blair]
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore might not be quite as underrated as the other films on this list, and also a second mention for Elijah Wood, but it’s worth watching for Melanie Lynskey’s performance of a woman who’s quiet rage leads her on a chaotic journey to catch burglars after dealing with unhelpful police. It’s relatable, funny, but manages to deliver a commentary on social norms in modern life.
Available on: Netflix
Brian and Charles (2022)
Genre: Sci-fi comedy [dir. Jim Archer]
I often forget to recommend this film because it’s that much of a staple in my household, but it truly is an underrated, hidden gem. A lonely inventor creates a best friend out of a washing machine who happens to love cabbages. Although it’s premise is absurd, it is a genuinely heartfelt film with real stakes, and every watch brings me joy.
Available on: Channel 4
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