The 2020s have already proven to be a rich era for cinema, with countless films making waves on the big screen and streaming platforms alike. But beyond the blockbusters and award darlings, there exists a treasure trove of lesser-known movies—hidden gems that showcase remarkable storytelling, inventive filmmaking, and unforgettable performances. These films may have flown under the radar, but they’re brimming with creativity and deserve a spot on your watchlist. Here’s a curated selection of hidden cinematic treasures from the 2020s that are waiting to be discovered.
These are the 50 Greatest Hidden Gems of the 2020s (So Far).
30. On the Count of Three (2021)
In his directorial debut, Jerrod Carmichael demonstrates a strong sense of tone, which normally wouldn’t be noteworthy but considering this is a black comedy all about suicide, it’s a minor miracle it isn’t the most depressing movie in existence. On the Count of Three is about two best friends (Christopher Abbott and Jerrod Carmichael) who, at rock bottom, make a pact to end their lives by the end of the day. What unfolds is a series of unexpected events that force them to confront their pasts, their relationship, and their desire for meaning. While the director gets the lion’s share of credit for keeping this film from collapsing under the weight of its own premise, the dynamic between the two leads is the heart of the film, showcasing the healing and destructive potential of close relationships. Carmichael and Abbott deliver emotionally layered performances, portraying their characters’ pain, humor, and camaraderie with authenticity. The film is not too dissimilar from Four Lions in the sense that it’s about some friends who continuously get cockblocked by the universe every time they try to kill themselves but instead of four bumbling wannabe suicide bombers, it’s two sad sack losers. If you found the humor in the former, you will most likely love the latter.
29. Some Kind of Heaven (2020)
Some Kind of Heaven is a visually striking and emotionally poignant documentary that peeks behind the facade of The Villages, a massive retirement community in Florida marketed as “America’s Friendliest Hometown.” While the setting promises endless sunshine and perpetual leisure, the film delves into the lives of four residents grappling with personal challenges, loneliness, and the search for fulfillment. The film focuses on deeply personal stories—ranging from a widowed woman seeking connection to a rebellious man living in his van—highlighting the contrast between the community’s glossy image and its residents’ struggles.
Director Lance Oppenheim’s meticulous framing and dreamlike cinematography transform the suburban setting into a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. But beneath its polished exterior, the film offers an unflinching look at aging, unfulfilled dreams, and the universal desire for purpose and belonging. Some Kind of Heaven is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking documentary that juxtaposes the idyllic image of retirement with the complex realities of its residents. Lance Oppenheim’s debut is both visually mesmerizing and emotionally profound, offering a meditation on life’s later chapters and the pursuit of happiness.
28. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023)
In terms of quality and quantity, there may not be a better year for horror than 2024. Since there were so many horror films released within that year, there were bound to be a couple of gems that fell through the cracks. Your Monster, Exhuma, The Devil’s Bath, Red Rooms and The Vourdalak are just a handful of films the majority of horror fans missed but if I was to crown the most underseen buried treasure, it’s Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person.
The film is about Sasha, a 68-year-old vampire who, despite her age, retains the appearance and emotional depth of a teenager. Struggling with the moral implications of taking human lives to satisfy her need for blood, Sasha encounters Paul, a young man grappling with suicidal thoughts. Their ensuing relationship delves into themes of existentialism, consent, and the search for connection. The film offers a fresh and introspective take on the genre by intertwining vampire lore with profound human issues, offering a narrative that is both thought-provoking and original. It feels like the director cherry picked the best elements of Let the Right One In, Only Lovers Left Alive and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night in the creation of this and that’s not a negative.
27. Smoking Causes Coughing (2022)
Quentin Dupieux is a mad man. He makes WTF movies for an audience hungry for the bizarre. His most famous movie is Rubber, about a sentient killer tire that goes around blowing up people’s heads. And it’s not even the weirdest thing he’s done. Smoking Causes Coughing is about the oddest version of a superhero film you’ll ever see. It’s a Mighty Morphing Power Rangers type group called Tobacco Force that all represent a deadly chemical in cigarettes. They use their powers to fight alien lizards sent by Lézardin, Emperor of Evil on his quest to annihilate the planet. If that sounds like a wacky action movie to you, you’re about to be bitterly disappointed because they fight exactly *one* alien and spend the rest of their time at a company retreat to strengthen their decaying group cohesion.
While there, they tell various stories and those stories make up the bulk of the film. These stories have nothing to do with them or crime fighting and have zero action in them. I bet you didn’t think this was an anthology film based on that plot synopsis, did you? But that’s Dupieux for you, always keeping you on your toes. The segments are strong and the bits between them weird and engaging (a lot of inner conflict between the female team members and their boss, who’s a rat puppet), so you’ll most likely engaged throughout. That is, of course, if you dig his unique brand of filmmaking.
26. Manticore (2022)
Manticore is a Spanish psychological drama that delves into the complexities of human desire, isolation, and the darker facets of the psyche. The film centers on Julián (Nacho Sánchez) a video game designer in Madrid, who becomes romantically involved with Diana (Zoe Stein), a young woman bearing physical scars. As their relationship deepens, Julián grapples with disturbing impulses, leading to a tense exploration of morality and inner conflict. It’s the kind of film that forces the viewer to confront some hard topics, while also presenting a deeply flawed character that will certainly test their capacity for pity. Do past traumas excuse unforgivable actions? If the saying “hurt people hurt people” is true, how much hurt is acceptable before the victim turns into a monster themselves? Manticore is a provocative and intelligently handled film that explores the impact of isolation and social dislocation on a troubled soul. Carlos Vermut continues to be one of the most original directors currently working in Spain, unafraid to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.
25. The Empty Man (2020)
I’m not familiar with the comic this movie is based on but if it’s anything like this movie, I’m going to hunt it down immediately. What starts off as a tale about a Bloody Mary-esque boogeyman ala Slenderman or the Bye Bye Man, turns into something altogether different. An ex cop (James Badge Dale) gets pulled into a mystery involving his friend’s missing daughter. He uncovers a supernatural entity and a cult that worships it who’s secrets will change everything he knows about reality. It’s a hard movie to discuss because the hook (the titular Empty Man) only makes up a fraction of the film. Every twenty minutes or so, a thing will be revealed that changes the trajectory of the story. At no point did I know where it was going and I’m still not 100% sure I know everything that did happen. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a movie that took me on a ride without me knowing the destination ahead of time and that alone makes it worthy of recommendation.
24. Red Rocket (2021)
Sean Baker really has a knack for capturing life on the fringes of society and just making it feel intimately real. In the case of Red Rocket, that isn’t always comfortable as our “protagonist” Mikey courts and manipulates a 17-year-old girl who he sees as his ticket back into the porn industry. Simon Rex is hilarious and charming in the role, but ultimately detestable as he just seeks how he can use the next person to get himself by. But he’s not a monster, he’s still human. And Susannah Son makes a brilliant debut as Strawberry. Red Rocket is not as good as Baker’s A24 debut (more on that later), but it’s a solid follow-up that has us waiting on what he’ll do next.
–Jacob Holmes
23. After Yang (2021)
Despite sounding like a band from the early 2010s your pretentious friend just won’t shut up about, After Yang is actually a deeply nuanced film that explores the relationship between a family and their robotic member, an AI caregiver named Yang, who malfunctions and eventually dies, leading the family on a journey to find answers and closure. The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous cinematography and breathtaking locations that emphasize the emotional weight of the story. The futuristic architecture and sleek technology of the film’s world are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making it feel both familiar and foreign. This is a credit to Kogonada’s meticulous attention to detail, which makes the film’s world-building feel authentic and immersive.
However, the true heart of After Yang lies in its poignant exploration of grief and loss. The relationship between the family members, particularly the father (Farrell) and daughter (Richardson), is touching and authentic, and their reactions to losing Yang are palpable and heart-wrenching. The film takes a nuanced approach to the idea of AI as a replacement for humans, which adds to the emotional complexity of the story. The performances in After Yang are universally strong, with each actor bringing their A-game to the table. Farrell (who was on fire this year) delivers a subtle and layered performance as the grieving father, while Richardson shines as the daughter struggling to come to terms with the loss of her companion. Turner-Smith is also fantastic as the AI specialist who helps the family in their search for answers.
While the film’s pacing is deliberate, it never feels slow or meandering. Instead, it allows time for the characters and the story to breathe, making the emotional payoff all the more satisfying. The film’s climax is both cathartic and bittersweet, providing a satisfying resolution without tying everything up in a neat bow. Overall, After Yang is a poignant and thought-provoking sci-fi drama that explores themes of grief, loss, and humanity with nuance and sensitivity. Kogonada’s direction, the stunning visuals, and the strong performances make this film a must-see for fans of the genre and those looking for an emotionally resonant story.
22. The First Slam Dunk (2022)
Directed by Takehiko Inoue (the creator of the original Slam Dunk manga), The First Slam Dunk is an electrifying adaptation of the beloved basketball series. The film centers on Ryota Miyagi, the Shohoku team’s agile point guard, whose backstory takes the narrative forefront. Through flashbacks, we learn about his struggles with family loss and his journey to find purpose through basketball. This focus on Ryota adds emotional depth and personal stakes, expanding the story beyond a simple sports rivalry. The movie highlights themes of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth, which have always been hallmarks of the original manga. Inoue weaves these themes seamlessly into a high-stakes match between Shohoku and Sannoh, blending thrilling action with introspection. This is a long running sports drama that few in the west are aware of, which makes this the perfect entry point. It captures the essence of the manga while infusing fresh energy and emotion, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.
21. The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon (2023)
The Pig, The Snake and The Pigeon is a Taiwanese black comedy action thriller about a terminally ill hitman (Ethan Juan) seeking to eliminate the nation’s top two criminals. That plot synopsis is vague enough that your mind can visualize a number of variations of basically the same movie but with radically different tones. There are a million and one hitman movies spread across every genre imaginable and yet, this one somehow feels unique and original. It’s funny but it’s not an outright comedy. It’s intense but doesn’t rely on action to maintain the momentum.
The performances are great across the board and the characters, while cliché in some ways, still feel like they belong to this movie and this movie alone. The Coen Brothers have been the go to reference point for any crime film that’s even slightly weird. Since they damn near perfected the balancing act of black comedy, they’re the Northstar many a director takes influence from. Wong Ching-po directs five more movies as good as this one and they won’t be the only ones up and coming directors will try and emulate.
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What are some underrated, overlooked, or hidden gems from the first half of the 2020s that you enjoy? Maybe they’ll show up later in the list!
