We all know those classic movies, The Wizard of OZ, Forrest Gump… perhaps even the Hangover and Superbad have weaseled their way onto a more modern version of this list. But these are the movies ingrained into the minds and hearts of our society, and will remain somewhat immortal. Little do we know there are many hidden gems in the film world offering just as much quality and enjoyability as these well-known classics. When you find yourself reaching for a familiar movie you love, but have seen a million times, try one of these under the radar classics!
1. FIDO
Timmy Robinson's best friend is a six-foot tall rotting zombie named FIDO – typical right? But things take a turn when FIDO eats the next-door neighbor, Mom and Dad lose it, and Timmy has to go to great lengths to keep Fido a part of the family. This movie is like nothing you have ever seen, and is certainly nothing you will soon forget. It’s basically a classic man’s best friend comedy with a big twist!
2. Choke
Based on the popular book by Chuck Palahniuk, Choke follows the extremely strange story of a sex addicted medical school dropout who devises a complicated plan to pay for his ill mother’s hospital bills. He “chokes” on food at restaurants, and plays on the sympathies of those who save him, eventually getting the desired financial aid. Sounds strange, but this great plot will keep you engaged.
3. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead
This movie is based on a play written by Tom Stoppard, which is a play based off of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It shows events from the vantage point of two minor characters from Hamlet, and examines fate and if we can really ever know or control what’s going on. This witty and rather hysterical tale is truly appreciated by those at least somewhat familiar with the story of Hamlet, but it is absolutely a must see.
4. The General
This black and white motion picture dating back to the 1920’s is about an engineer and his quest to retrieve his beloved locomotive from Union spies. Oh…and it’s silent. Alright it sounds kind of bizarre, but it is one of the most hilarious movies and definitely a hidden treasure. Comparable to the likes of Charlie Chaplin and The Three Stooges, definitely check this one out!
5. Mysterious Skin
This story is about two boys brought together through a horrific childhood trauma. It is graphic and disturbing at points, but is filled with aspiration and beauty, and is nothing short of an amazing viewing experience.
6. Wristcutters: A Love Story
Distraught over his break up with his girlfriend Desiree, Zia slashes his wrists, ending his life and ends up in a strange sort of afterlife where he gets a job in a pizza joint. Little does he know Desiree also ended her life and is in the same place searching for him. Will these two find each other, and love, in this strange situation? This unpredictable and unexpected story is an awesome replacement for the classic love tale.
7. Death By Medicine
Death By Medicine is an awesome documentary taking a closer look on what is really killing us in this country…the diseases…or the "cures." This will keep you interested and shocked but leave you wondering.
8. Lars and The Real Girl
In this comedy, Lars Lindstrom is a quirky and shy young man in a small northern town who brings home the girl of his dreams, finally, to his brother and sister-in-law's home. The catch is that she's not real. She's a sex doll he ordered off the Internet, not for sex, but rather for a deep, meaningful relationship. You will fall in love with Lars and his sweet character, and watch in shock and laughter as the town simply goes along with his delusions.
9. Sunshine
This sci-fi thriller takes place fifty years into the future when the sun begins to die and threatens the life of the earth. A team of astronauts sets off to complete a mission to revive the sun and save mankind. Sunshine is a great adventure film sure to keep you glued to the screen.
10. The Proposition
In late 19thcentury rural Australia, A lawman catches a notorious outlaw and gives him 9 days to kill his older brother, or else they'll execute his younger brother. I’m usually not one for Westerns, but this Australian drama is really a must see.
