15 Somewhat Forgotten Movies From The Past We Shouldn't Forget About!
Film lovers, it's time to embark on a cinematic journey through the annals of movie history. While some of these titles may be underrated gems, others have simply been forgotten or overshadowed by time, despite deserving their place in the spotlight. At Rewind Zone, we believe it's our responsibility to keep the memory of these classics alive and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. So get ready to add a few fresh picks to your must-watch list as we revisit 15 films that demand a spot in your viewing rotation!
Fearless (1993)
Director: Peter Weir
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rossellini, Rosie Perez
This underappreciated gem deals with the aftermath of a horrific plane crash and how it impacts the lives of the survivors, especially Jeff Bridges' character. Fearless explores deep philosophical themes about the value of life and finding inner strength in the face of trauma.
I still vividly remember the first time I watched Fearless back in the 90s. That film just completely blew me away and stuck with me for days afterward. Jeff Bridges' performance was so raw, visceral and powerful - I'm still baffled that it didn't receive more acclaim and accolades.
The China Syndrome (1979)
Director: James Bridges
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Main Cast: Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas
Almost a decade before Chernobyl, this prescient thriller warned about the dangers of nuclear power plants. When a news crew witnesses a potential meltdown, they're caught up in a web of corporate corruption and cover-ups. With stellar performances and a gripping plot, The China Syndrome is a thought-provoking watch that feels just as relevant today.
Making Love (1982)
Director: Arthur Hiller
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kate Jackson, Michael Ontkean, Harry Hamlin
In the early 80s, this movie caused quite a stir for its groundbreaking portrayal of a married man coming to terms with his homosexuality. While the themes might seem tame by today's standards, Making Love was a bold and compassionate exploration of LGBTQ+ issues at a time when they were still largely taboo in mainstream cinema.
Richard Wells
Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
Director: Héctor Babenco
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga
This adaptation of a beloved novel is a feast for the senses, blending stunning visuals with powerful performances. William Hurt and Raul Julia play cellmates who bond over their shared love of movies and storytelling, exploring themes of freedom, sexuality, and the human condition. Kiss of the Spider Woman is a poignant and unforgettable cinematic experience.
A Perfect World (1993)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Genre: Drama, Crime
Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Laura Dern, Clint Eastwood
In this gritty crime drama, Kevin Costner shines as an escaped convict who takes a young boy hostage. But it's more than just a tense thriller. A Perfect World is a character study that explores the bond between the criminal and the child, with Costner delivering one of his most nuanced performances.
I'll never forget the hush that fell over the theater when I first watched the emotional climax of A Perfect World unfold. Despite being marketed as more of a tense crime thriller, Clint Eastwood's nuanced character study completely blindsided me with its raw poignancy. Kevin Costner was amazing in this.
Strange Days (1995)
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Main Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, Juliette Lewis
Before The Matrix, Strange Days gave us a glimpse into a futuristic world where people can experience others' memories and sensations through a virtual reality device. With its mind-bending premise and Bigelow's stylish direction, this underrated sci-fi gem is a wild ride that tackles themes of voyeurism, power, and the commodification of human experience. See where Strange Days ranked recently in our Top 10 Kathryn Bigelow Movies.
Bringing Out The Dead (1999)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John Goodman
In this gritty Scorsese flick, Nicolas Cage plays a burnt-out paramedic haunted by the lives he couldn't save. Bringing Out The Dead is a gripping character study that immerses you in the chaotic streets of 90s New York, with Cage delivering a tour-de-force performance that'll leave you breathless.
Nicholas Cage, in a recent interview, said:
I’m looking forward to maybe doing an interview for the movie with Martin Scorsese for Paramount+, because I think the movie is worth another look. I really believe that that is one of my best movies. It was perhaps the most abstract I’ve seen Martin Scorsese get with his style, and for me as well. But I think it was misinterpreted. The movie was marketed in such a way—probably because I had been making adventure films—that people thought it was going to be an ambulance action/adventure movie. Well, that’s not what it was. It was a very painful character analysis of a burned-out paramedic, based on a very good book by Joe Connelly. But it was misunderstood, and I think that movie, maybe when it goes to high definition, will get another breath of life .
Kalifornia (1993)
Director: Dominic Sena
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Main Cast: Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, David Duchovny
Before becoming a household name, Brad Pitt delivered a chilling performance as a serial killer in this twisted road trip thriller. Kalifornia is a dark and unsettling ride that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, thanks to its clever storytelling and stellar cast.
Brad Pitt's Se7en before Se7en...
Billy Liar (1963)
Director: John Schlesinger
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Tom Courtenay, Julie Christie, Wilfred Pickles
This charming British classic follows a young man with a vivid imagination who escapes his dreary life through elaborate daydreams. Billy Liar is a delightful blend of humour and pathos, with Tom Courtenay's charismatic performance at its centre.
3 Women (1977)
Director: Robert Altman
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Shelley Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Janice Rule
Trust Robert Altman to deliver a mind-bending psychological drama that defies easy explanation. 3 Women is a surreal exploration of identity, delusion, and the complexities of human relationships, with haunting visuals and enigmatic performances that'll leave you pondering long after the final credits.
Don't Look Now (1973)
Director: Nicolas Roeg
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Main Cast: Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie
This chilling supernatural thriller is a masterclass in atmospheric tension and visual storytelling. Don't Look Now follows a couple grieving the loss of their child, only to be drawn into a web of mystery and supernatural occurrences in Venice. With its iconic twist ending and haunting imagery, this underrated gem is a must-see for horror fans.
Reds (1981)
Director: Warren Beatty
Genre: Drama, History
Main Cast: Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson
This sprawling historical epic from Warren Beatty charts the lives of John Reed and Louise Bryant - two infatuated Americans caught up in the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution in the early 20th century. At over 3 hours long, Reds is an immersive, meticulously-crafted labor of love that vividly recreates that volatile era with lush visuals and incredible attention to detail. Beatty and Diane Keaton give career-best performances as the passionate leads, and the outstanding ensemble cast includes scene-stealers like Jack Nicholson, Maureen Stapleton and Gene Hackman. An ambitious and riveting cinematic achievement.
Breaking Away (1979)
Director: Peter Yates
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern
This charming coming-of-age tale follows a group of working-class friends in Indiana who become obsessed with cycling and Italian culture. Breaking Away is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of friendship, ambition, and finding your place in the world.
The Cell (2000)
Director: Tarsem Singh
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Main Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D'Onofrio
The Cell is a visually stunning and nightmarish thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer. With its surreal and grotesque imagery, The Cell is a feast for the senses that'll stick with you long after the credits roll.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Director: Sydney Pollack
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Main Cast: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson
In this taut political thriller, Robert Redford plays a CIA analyst who finds himself on the run after uncovering a deadly conspiracy. Three Days of the Condor is a gripping cat-and-mouse game that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with Redford's charismatic performance at its center.
So there you have it, folks – 15 flicks that might've slipped under your radar but are well worth a watch. From thought-provoking dramas to mind-bending thrillers, these gems offer something for every cinematic taste. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to rediscover some hidden treasures of the silver screen!
