The Golden Age of Hollywood produced many beloved classics that are still celebrated today, but some underrated gems were overlooked. In this post, we’ll highlight the top 15 underrated classic Hollywood movies from the Golden Age that deserve more recognition.
Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)
Make Way for Tomorrow is a deeply touching Leo McCarey film about an elderly couple forced to separate due to financial difficulties. Despite its crushing ending, the movie failed to gain commercial success at the time but is now appreciated for its poignant storytelling.
Night of the Hunter (1955)
The only film directed by Charles Laughton, Night of the Hunter didn’t get the recognition it deserved upon release. However, its chilling plot, centered around a murderous preacher, and expressionistic visuals have since earned it a cult following.
Ace in the Hole (1951)
Billy Wilder’s dark tale of media manipulation, Ace in the Hole, was a commercial and critical flop at release but has since been appreciated as a scathing critique of sensationalist journalism. Its tense narrative and Kirk Douglas’s performance are among the elements that make it a compelling watch.
I Married a Witch (1942)
I Married a Witch is a delightful blend of comedy and fantasy that failed to make a big splash at the box office upon release. The story of a witch who enchants and marries a mortal man has since become a cult classic.
Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
Alexander Mackendrick’s Sweet Smell of Success, a tale of ruthless ambition in the world of New York gossip columnists, was initially not well-received. The film, starring Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster, is now regarded as a classic noir featuring razor-sharp dialogue and hard-hitting performances.
Seconds (1966)
John Frankenheimer’s Seconds is a disturbing tale of identity and second chances that didn’t resonate with audiences upon release. Its themes of existentialism and its visually arresting cinematography have since garnered it a cult following.
Sullivan’s Travels (1941)
Sullivan’s Travels was a commercial disappointment upon its release. The film, which follows a successful film director’s journey to experience poverty firsthand, is now lauded as a classic Preston Sturges satire.
In a Lonely Place (1950)
Nicholas Ray’s In a Lonely Place is a gripping film-noir about a temperamental Hollywood screenwriter who becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. The movie initially received lukewarm responses, but its exploration of paranoia and suspicion has since been acknowledged as a masterstroke.
Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948)
Letter from an Unknown Woman didn’t receive much recognition at the time of its release. The film, a heartbreaking tale of unrequited love, is now appreciated as one of Max Ophüls’ finest works.
Detour (1945)
Detour was released with little fanfare as a B-movie but has since been recognized as a film noir masterpiece. The film’s grim narrative and low-budget aesthetic have given it a unique place in cinema history.
The Set-Up (1949)
The Set-Up is a film-noir gem that didn’t receive much attention upon release. Robert Wise’s taut and atmospheric boxing drama has since been recognised as a classic of the genre.
Gun Crazy (1950)
Gun Crazy is an innovative, ahead-of-its-time film about a Bonnie and Clyde-esque criminal couple. Initially overlooked, it is now hailed for its daringly realistic portrayal of crime and sexual tension.
Out of the Past (1947)
While often overlooked in favour of other film noirs, Out of the Past is a masterclass in the genre, with its complex plot, shadowy cinematography and sterling performances, especially from Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer.
Raw Deal (1948)
Raw Deal, a film noir about an escaped convict seeking revenge, was overlooked at the time of its release. Its unique narrative perspective and moody atmosphere have since earned it a place among classic film noir.
Scarlet Street (1945)
Despite having a prominent director in Fritz Lang and a great cast including Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett, Scarlet Street initially flew under the radar. This noir tale of deceit, obsession, and crime is now considered a gem in Lang’s filmography.
