Roger Ebertwas one of the most influential film critics of the 20th century and the first to win the Pulitzer Prize. His reviews radiate a love of film and life, which he retained to the end, even as he battled thyroid cancer. After he passed away in 2013, the outpouring of affection for Ebert was unlike any accorded to a movie reviewer before.Robert Redfordcalled him “one of the great champions of freedom of artistic expression,” whileBarack Obamasimply said, “Roger was the movies.”
Over his career, Ebert published thousands of reviews. In the process,he famously compiled a listof “great movies” he considered the best, including classics and obscure gems. His list is worth exploring in its entirety, but for those in a rush, here are a few of the top underrated movies that many viewers may not yet have seen. Roger Ebert’s list of Great Movies is extensive, meaning there are plenty of gems for viewers to enjoy.Those looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path might like some of the more under-the-radar filmsthat he championed over the years. These films might not be widely appreciated, but Ebert gave them two thumbs up.
20’After Dark, My Sweet' (1990)
Directed by James Foley
In this neo-noir, a former boxer named Collie (Jason Patric), recently escaped from a mental institution, drifts into the lives of a down-on-her-luck widow named Fay (Rachel Ward), and a cynical ex-cop, Uncle Bud (Bruce Dern). Together, they hatch a plan to kidnap a wealthy child for ransom, but things quickly spiral out of control as Collie’s unstable mind and complicated feelings for Fay make him both a threat and a pawn.
The film is atmospheric and moody, anchored by strong direction fromJames Foley(Glengarry Glen Ross,Fifty Shades Darker) and winning performances from the leads.Patric is especially strong; flawed, complex, often unlikable, always compelling. Finally, the gorgeous cinematography holds it all together. Despite these strengths, the movie made a loss at the box office and largely went unnoticed. “After Dark, My Sweet[…] has been almost forgotten [but] remains one of the purest and most uncompromising of modern film noir,“Ebert wrote of it.
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19’The Grey Zone' (2001)
Directed by Tim Blake Nelson
The Grey Zoneisan under-seen Holocaust dramadirected by character actorTim Blake Nelson. It focuses on the Sonderkommandos—Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis in operating the gas chambers at Auschwitz. Some of these men plan a revolt, hoping to destroy one of the crematoriums and impede the killing machine. The main cast is headed up bySteve BuscemiandDavid Arquette, withMira SorvinoandNatasha Lyonnein supporting roles.
The film did not find many viewers on release, grossing only a little over half a million dollars. Nevertheless,it was praised by several historians, who were impressed by its realism and dedication to accuracy. For example, an 80 percent scale replica of the Birkenau camp was constructed for filming. Ebert praised the dialogue, score, and the way the film explores the various moral dilemmas the characters face. For these reasons, he included it on his list of all-time “Great Movies.”
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18’The Terrorist' (1998)
Directed by Santosh Sivan
The main character of this Indian drama is 19-year-old Malli (Ayesha Dharker, most well-known for playing Queen Jamilia of Naboo inAttack of the Clones), a devoted member of a militant organization. Haunted by memories of her brother’s martyrdom, Malli volunteers to carry out a suicide bombing to assassinate a politician. However, as she spends time in a rural safe house waiting for the day of the attack, she learns that she is pregnant, prompting reflection and inner turmoil.
The Terroristis very much a character study, focusing on Malli’s psyche rather than the broader conflicts and politics at play. It features a limited cast and locations, in large part due to the paltry budget, with the cinematography and Darker’s performance doing most of the heavy lifting. There’s also little dialogue, instead relying on facial expressions, breathing patterns, and subtle gestures to communicate the protagonist’s emotions. Despite the limited resources,the film skillfully ratchets up the tensionand delves deep into the motivations behind violent extremism.
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17’A Year of the Quiet Sun' (1984)
Directed by Krzysztof Zanussi
Set in the aftermath of World War II,A Year of the Quiet Suntells the story of an unlikely love between a Polish widow, Emilia (Maja Komorowska), and an American soldier, Norman (Scott Wilson), who is stationed in Poland as part of the war relief efforts. Despite their language barrier and the devastation surrounding them, the two form a gentle connection. But Emilia, still grieving for her husband and caring for her ill mother, is torn between her duty and her desire for personal happiness.
The result is a poignant, heartfelt, and sincere movie, poetic in tone and rich in symbolism. It’s also unusually subtle and realistic for a love story, avoiding cheesy moments or overused tropes. A deep sense of melancholy runs through the whole thing. This is complemented by the graceful cinematography and its deft use of light and color. It all builds up to a powerful, fantastical conclusion that takes place in Monument Valley, the famous backdrop of many iconic Westerns.
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16’The Blue Kite' (1993)
Directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang
The Blue Kiteis a Chinese drama set during the 1950s and ’60s, a time of political turmoil in the country. The struggles and changes of the era are portrayed through the eyes of a young boy named Tietou (Chen Xiaoman). The film is divided into three parts, each reflecting a different political movement—the Hundred Flowers Campaign, the Anti-Rightist Movement, and the Cultural Revolution. As Tietou’s family is repeatedly torn apart by these events, he contends with loss, betrayal, and repression.
The film was bannedin its home country but was screened at several international film festivals, where it scooped up a few awards. Nevertheless, most viewers probably won’t have heard of it.The Blue Kitewill likely be of interest to those who want to learn more about China and its history; the fact that the authorities disliked it is revealing in itself. Ebert praised the way the filmmakers addressed politics while also placing the humanity of the characters front and center.
15’Ripley’s Game' (2002)
Directed by Liliana Cavani
Tom Ripley (John Malkovich) is a retired criminal living a lavish life in Italy. After he finds out that his partner Reeves (Ray Winstone) is planning to cheat him, Ripley convinces a dying man in need of money (Dougray Scott) to carry out a hit for Reeves on a rival mobster. However, not everything goes according to plan.
Ebert calledRipley’s Game"one of Malkovich’s most brilliant and insidious performances;a study in evil that teases the delicate line between heartlessnessand the faintest glimmers of feeling.” He later added the film to his Great Movies list.
Ripley’s Game
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14’The Pledge' (2001)
Directed by Sean Penn
The Pledgeis a psychological thriller directed bySean Penn.Jack Nicholson stars as Jerry Black, a retiring detective who becomes deeply invested in solving the murder of a young girl found dead in the snow. Haunted by the failure to capture the killer, Jerry makes a solemn vow to the victim’s grieving mother that he will find the culprit.
As the investigation progresses,Jerry descends into a psychological abyss, grappling with the thin linebetween justice and obsession. “Sean Penn shows himself in this film as a sure-handed director with great empathy for performance,“Ebert wrote in his review, adding that “The Pledgemay be Nicholson’s finest performance.”
13’Heart of Glass' (1976)
Directed by Werner Herzog
Heart of Glassis a lesser-known early project from filmmakerWerner Herzog. It takes place in an 18th-century Bavarian village known for its precious ruby-red glass. When the village glassblower dies, he takes with him the secret formula for making the glass. The once-thriving glass industry collapses, leaving the townspeople in despair.
The film is meditative and lyrical, with a premium on striking imagery. “Herzog fascinates me,“Ebert wrote on his site.“I feel a film likeHeart of Glasscomes as close to any single one of his titles to expressing the inchoate feelings in his heart.”
12’Santa Sangre' (1989)
Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky
Santa Sangre(Spanish for “holy blood”) is a phantasmagoric horror from cult directorAlejandro Jodorowsky. It stars Jodorowsky’s sonAxelas Fenix, a young man who was a magician in a circus as a child. Jodorowsky’s other son,Adán, plays the young Fenix in flashbacks. We learn that Fenix had a traumatic upbringing, witnessing all kinds of violence. Eventually, Fenix’s armless mother manipulates him into murdering several people.Santa Sangretells the story of Fenix’s fight to reclaim control.
Jodorowsky is undoubtedly one of the most creative directors of the 20th century, and that is on display inSanta Sangre. He has an eye for striking images and genuinely unsettling plots.Ebert calledSanta Sangreone of the best horror movies ever made.It’s perfect for fans of gruesome horrorfilms à la Lars von Trier.
Santa Sangre
11The ‘Up’ Docuseries (1964)
Directed by Michael Apted
1964’sSeven Up!is aunique must-see documentarythat looked at the lives of fourteen British children; ten boys and four girls. The filmmakers then checked in on the kids every seven years for a follow-up film. Nine films in the series have been made, spanning 56 years, with the most recent entry premiering in 2019. The result is among the most detailed, intimate portraits of real life ever filmed.
The first film was conceived as an exploration of class in the UK. But as the films progressed, they became less political and more personal. They include in-depth interviews with participants regarding their work, family, relationships, and spiritual views.Ebert listed theUpdocumentariesamong his ten favorite movies of all time, calling them “an inspired, even noble, use of the film medium.”
