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Every year, passionate film fans eagerly anticipate the Oscar nominations, only to be met with frustration when some of the most daring and innovative films are overlooked. The sting of a snub isn’t just about awards — it’s about seeing bold storytelling, diverse perspectives, and artistic risks dismissed in favor of safer, more traditional choices. So while the 2025 Oscars snubbed these groundbreaking films, you absolutely shouldn’t. If you’ve ever felt like the Academy’s picks don’t reflect the best of cinema, this list is for you.
From indie masterpieces to genre-defying dramas, discover five must-watch underrated gems that deserve your attention and where to find them. Yes, that means films like Challengers (2024; Luca Guadagnino) will not be making this list, as projects with such big-time A-listers and directors (and a huge Oscar campaign) hardly qualify as underrated. These films may not have won over Oscar voters, but they’ve won over critics and audiences alike, proving that greatness exists beyond golden statues.
5. A Different Man (2024)
Technically, this bizarre A24 dark dramedy was nominated for the Best Makeup1 category. Its protagonist, Sebastian Stan was even nominated for Best Actor2 but that was actually for his biopic film, The Apprentice (2024; Ali Abbasi)3 However, A Different Man4 wasn’t really recognized in any other categories.
Directed by Aaron Schimberg, this psychological drama with some body horror elements follows a man undergoing reconstructive surgery to overturn a rare facial skin condition called neurofibromatosis as he becomes obsessed with the actor — who suffers from the same condition he had pre-surgery — portraying him in a stage production. Adam Pearson, who plays the actor, actually has neurofibromatosis type I himself.
Critics praised the film’s originality and depth, highlighting its outstanding direction, which while incredibly high-art, wasn’t really aimed at general audiences. “You get an exercise more appealing to film critics and academics than to an amusement-seeking public,” said Variety‘s Peter Debruge.5 However, as niche as this high-concept project is, Stan’s raw performance and the film’s intriguing and complex exploration of the human condition are simply superb.
For those intrigued by films that challenge traditional storytelling and delve into the complexities of identity and self-perception, with a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and performance, this film is unmissable.
Where to stream: Available on Max (subscription required).
4. Heretic (2024)
The only horror film in this list, Heretic6 is a tense psychological horror-thriller featuring Hugh Grant in what is undoubtedly his strongest dramatic performance yet: a charismatic yet sinister religious leader who entangles two young Mormon women in his unsettling world.
Another Scott Beck–Bryan Woods collaboration, this A24 film delves into themes of manipulation, faith, and the dark side of religion.
Critics were blown away by Grant’s departure from his typical roles, showcasing his versatility, with Roger Ebert7 giving the film 4 stars and calling it “his best work in years.” The site also praised his co-stars and breakout stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, particularly the latter. While the film being nominated was a long shot, Grant should have at least received a Best Actor nod.
Unfortunately, this snub is directly linked to this being a horror film, a genre that often struggles to gain recognition8 from the Academy. Viewers who appreciate slow-burn thrillers with complex character studies, religious themes, and mind-blowing social commentary will find Heretic to be both a compelling and deeply unsettling experience.
Where to stream: Available on Amazon Prime Video ($4.99 USD) and Apple TV ($5.99 USD).
3. Ghostlight (2024)
Perhaps the most criminally underrated film on this list, Kelly O’Sullivan’s directorial debut Ghostlight9 explores grief, art, and the healing power of community through a simple premise, yet complex characters whose experiences are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss.
This low-budget10 indie drama follows a grieving construction worker who finds unexpected solace in a local theater’s production of Romeo & Juliet, which also helps him navigate his complicated relationship with his teenage daughter. Earning a breathtaking 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes11, critics praised its authentic storytelling and heartfelt performances. The Australian12‘s Stephen Romei even argued, “Its star should receive an Oscar nomination.”
The film’s indie status and mostly unknown stars may have contributed to its absence from the Oscar nominations, as smaller productions often struggle to gain visibility during awards season. For those seeking a beautifully crafted story about personal growth and the transformative power of art, Ghostlight is an essential viewing.
Fun Fact: Keith Kupferer and Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who play the father-daughter protagonist duo are also father and daughter in real life!
Where to stream: Available on AMC+ and Philo (subscriptions required).
2. The Last Showgirl (2024)
Gia Coppola‘s (yes, as in those Coppolas) stylish indie drama, The Last Showgirl13, follows an aging Las Vegas showgirl navigating a changing industry and her own sense of identity, offering a poignant look at resilience and reinvention in the face of personal and professional challenges.
Critics not only highlighted the film’s stunning cinematography but also its compelling lead performance, with Pamela Anderson finally proving to critics and audiences alike she’s much more than the superficial Baywatch bombshell everyone identifies her as. As brilliantly put by Vulture‘s Roxana Hadadi14, this film “proves how much more Anderson has left to give.”
Despite also taking home the Special Jury Award15 at the San Sebastián Film Festival and earning Anderson a Golden Globe nod16, this gem didn’t make the Oscars’ cut, perhaps due to the “nepo” connotation of Coppola’s name or the ever-present shadows of Anderson’s bombshell reputation.
If you’re fascinated by Vegas culture, feminist social commentary, and powerful character studies, this is the film for you. Plus, it stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Anderson’s scene-stealing former showgirl best friend!
Where to stream: Available in theaters only.
1. Kill the Jockey (2024)
With screenwriter and Spanish-language film connoisseur, Victor Huizar (who kindly agreed to be interviewed by our team) calling it “his absolute favorite film of the last five years,” Argentinian director Luis Ortega’s masterpiece presents a gripping psychological thriller following Remo Manfredini (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart), a jockey whose life spirals out of control after a tragic accident involving a racehorse. On the run from his powerful employer, he disappears into the underbelly of Buenos Aires, where his past demons catch up with him.
The film earned worldwide acclaim for its striking cinematography, bold storytelling, and Biscayart’s mesmerizing performance. Unsurprisingly, it scored an outstanding 95% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes17, and was officially submitted as Argentina’s Academy Award submission18. Ortega’s signature mix of tension and surrealism made it one of the most daring films of the year.
Despite its accolades, Kill The Jockey‘s19 snub was due to its unconventional storytelling and subject matter, as Oscar voters tend to favor more traditional narratives. In Victor’s own words: “For those who appreciate bold, genre-defying cinema, this film is a must-watch. Its haunting visuals, gripping tension, and emotionally raw storytelling ensure it lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.”
Where to stream: Available on Disney+.
Oscar’s ’25: What Oscar Snubs Reveal About Hollywood’s Awards Culture
While blaming snubs on individual tastes is easy, they often point to larger industry trends. In 2025, familiar biases persisted — horror films were once again shut out of major categories, international films struggled to break into non-foreign language categories, and streaming releases faced an uphill battle against traditional theatrical contenders.
Additionally, Oscar campaigns remain a game of money and influence, where studios with the biggest budgets and killer marketing campaigns dominate the race (e.g. films like Emilia Pérez). Many of these overlooked films, despite their brilliance, simply didn’t have the financial backing or industry muscle to secure a nomination. The Oscars may attempt to celebrate the best in film, but year after year, these patterns prove that quality alone isn’t always enough.
From bold genre films to deeply personal dramas, these Oscar snubs represent some of the most unique and compelling storytelling of the year. But awards don’t define a film’s worth — audiences do. By championing these overlooked gems, you’re supporting filmmakers who take risks, tell important stories, and push cinema forward.
So do not let the Academy’s oversight stop you — add these to your watchlist, spread the word, and celebrate the films that truly deserve the spotlight.
Footnotes
- Letterboxd. 2024. “Post.” Threads. Accessed February 3, 2025. ↩︎
- Mason Gross School of the Arts. 2024. “Alum Sebastian Stan, Nominated for an Oscar, Wins Acting Golden Globe.” Rutgers University. January 23, 2024. ↩︎
- The Apprentice. Directed by Ali Abbasi. United States: Briarcliff Entertainment, 2024. ↩︎
- A Different Man. Directed by Aaron Schimberg. United States: A24, 2024. ↩︎
- Debruge, Peter. 2024. “‘A Different Man’ Review: Is Sebastian Stan the Right Person to Play This Part? You Decide in Daring A24 Drama.” ↩︎
- Heretic. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. United States: A24, 2024. ↩︎
- Tallerico, Brian. 2024. “Heretic.” RogerEbert.com, January 25, 2024. ↩︎
- Davis, Clayton. “From Lupita Nyong’o to Bruce Willis, 16 Best Horror Movie Performances the Oscars Should Have Nominated Since 1993.” Variety, February 6, 2024. ↩︎
- Ghostlight. Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan. United States: Runaway Train, 2024. ↩︎
- The Movie Database. 2024. “Ghostlight.” Accessed February 3, 2025. ↩︎
- Rotten Tomatoes. 2024. “Ghostlight (2024) – Critics’ Reviews.” Accessed February 3, 2025. ↩︎
- Rotten Tomatoes. 2024. “Ghostlight (2024) – Reviews.” Accessed February 3, 2025. ↩︎
- The Last Showgirl. Directed by Gia Coppola. United States: Utopia, 2025. ↩︎
- Hadadi, Roxana. 2025. “You Can’t Ignore Pamela Anderson’s Face.” Vulture, January 10, 2025. ↩︎
- Oganesyan, Natalie. 2024. “‘The Last Showgirl’ Wins Special Jury Prize At San Sebastián Film Festival.” Deadline, September 29, 2024. ↩︎
- Golden Globes. 2024. “Pamela Anderson.” Accessed February 3, 2025. ↩︎
- Rotten Tomatoes. 2024. “Kill the Jockey.” Accessed February 3, 2025. ↩︎
- Ntim, Zac. 2024. “Oscars: Argentina Submits Luis Ortega’s ‘Kill The Jockey’ To Best International Feature Film Race” Deadline. September 27, 2024. ↩︎
- Kill the Jockey. Directed by Luis Ortega. Argentina: Rei Pictures, 2024. ↩︎