The Most Underrated Directors Who Deserve More Recognition

If you’re into movies that make you feel something a little deeper than the usual blockbuster, you’re gonna love this. There are so many underrated directors out there doing amazing work—films that leave you thinking for days or feeling a little shaken. They’re not always the ones getting the biggest shout-outs but trust us, they should be. So if you’re looking to dive into some serious gems, here are some filmmakers you definitely shouldn’t sleep on.

Lynne Ramsay

Okay, Lynne Ramsay is that director who knows how to make you uncomfortable in the best way possible. We Need to Talk About Kevin is intense, but there’s something about how she makes tension feel so real and raw—it’s like you’re living in the characters’ headspace. If you like slow burns that leave you haunted, she’s your go-to.

Karyn Kusama

If you’ve seen The Invitation, you know Kusama has a knack for building tension that you can practically feel in your stomach. She’s got this way of making everyday situations freaky and weird in a way that makes you question everything. Plus, Jennifer’s Body? It’s a masterpiece. Don’t sleep on her.

Mike Leigh

Mike Leigh’s films are like the cinematic version of eavesdropping on someone’s life. They’re deeply grounded in the messiness of genuine relationships. Secrets & Lies and Another Year are full of people living their ordinary lives, but they have this deep, almost uncomfortable authenticity. They’re low-key, but in a way that’s like a gut punch.

Kelly Reichardt

Reichardt’s films are so… quiet but in the best way. You know those movies that don’t rush things, and you have to lean in to get what’s going on? First Cow and Wendy and Lucy are perfect examples of that. They take their time to tell stories that are simple but really, really beautiful. It’s like a slow, reflective walk through a world you didn’t know you needed to see.

Ramin Bahrani

Ramin Bahrani’s films are full of real-world grit. Chop Shop is all about kids hustling to survive, and The White Tiger tackles class struggles in a captivating way. He’s one of those directors who doesn’t sugarcoat anything—his work feels raw and honest, and for whatever reason, he doesn’t get the mainstream credit he deserves.

Céline Sciamma

You know how some films stick with you? Portrait of a Lady on Fire is that film. Sciamma is about making stories that feel deeply emotional without going over the top. She knows how to craft characters and relationships that stay with you long after the movie ends. Give her a watch if you want a film that’ll break your heart in the most beautiful way.

Satoshi Kon

Satoshi Kon made some of the most mind-bending animated films ever, and if you’re not familiar with him, you’re missing out. Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that’ll mess with your head, and Paprika is just straight-up a visual feast. The guy was a genius, and his films aren’t just for anime fans—they’re for anyone who wants their brain to be blown.

Debra Granik

Granik’s films are about survival, resilience, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. Winter’s Bone gave Jennifer Lawrence her breakout role, and Leave No Trace is this beautifully quiet film about a father and daughter living off the grid. She’s got this way of telling stories that feel so grounded in reality, and it’s almost like you’re living in them.

Andrea Arnold

If you like raw, unfiltered storytelling, Andrea Arnold is for you. Her films, like Fish Tank and American Honey, follow messy, lost characters trying to figure themselves out. Arnold doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable stuff—her characters are real, flawed, and deeply human.

Richard Linklater

Richard Linklater is that rare director who can turn the most ordinary conversations into something meaningful. The Before trilogy and Boyhood are all about the passage of time, relationships, and just living through the moments that make us who we are. It’s a little slower, but it’ll make you feel things you didn’t expect.

Kasi Lemmons

Lemmons is one of those filmmakers who flies a bit under the radar, but her films pack a punch. Eve’s Bayou and Harriet are both full of strong, complicated women navigating complex, sometimes painful, situations. She knows how to dig deep into the human experience without getting preachy or overdramatic.

Taika Waititi (Pre-Marvel)

Before Taika became a Marvel darling, he was making quirky, emotional films like Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Those movies have this perfect mix of heart and humor—it’s like he’s a magician when it comes to balancing the two. If you’ve only seen his superhero stuff, you need to go back and check out his earlier work.

Maren Ade

Toní Erdmann is one of those films that feels awkward and uncomfortable but in a totally brilliant way. Maren Ade knows how to make you laugh, cringe, and think all at the same time. She’s got this knack for exploring relationships that are both funny and painfully real.

Hirokazu Kore-eda

If you’re in the mood for something that’ll tug at your heartstrings, Kore-eda is your guy. Shoplifters is a perfect example of his ability to create these tender, emotional stories about family and human connection. His films feel so touching and natural as if you’re witnessing someone’s life take shape in front of you.

Ruben Östlund

Ruben Östlund’s films are like a mirror to society. Force Majeure and Triangle of Sadness hold up a lens to the absurdity of human behavior, class divides, and social norms. His films are sharp, darkly funny, and will leave you questioning things long after they’re over.

Agnes Varda

Agnes Varda was a total legend; her films still feel so fresh. She was one of the key figures of the French New Wave, and her movies, like Cleo from 5 to 7, are playful, thoughtful, and complete of life. If you want to understand the roots of modern cinema, Varda’s the way to go.

Jim Jarmusch

Jim Jarmusch’s films are like hanging out with someone with an incredible, laid-back perspective on life. Paterson and Coffee and Cigarettes are all about small, meaningful moments—nothing flashy, just characters having conversations. His films aren’t for everyone, but if you’re into that understated, reflective vibe, he’s got a lot to offer.

Asghar Farhadi

Farhadi’s films are like emotional rollercoasters but in a super grounded, authentic way. A Separation and The Salesman dive into complex moral dilemmas that leave you thinking for days. He’s a master at showing the nuances of human behavior, and his films will stay with you long after you finish them.

Béla Tarr

Béla Tarr’s films are slow, meditative, and totally atmospheric. If you’re ready to settle in for a long, heavy watch, Satantango and The Turin Horse are the kind of films that feel like a deep dive into the human experience. It’s not for everyone, but for the patient viewer, his films are like a journey into something profound.

Ana Lily Amirpour

Amirpour’s A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is one of the most unique films out there. It’s part horror, part western, part vampire flick—and all kinds of awesome. She’s got this bold, fearless style that makes her stand out in modern filmmaking. If you want something different and exciting, she’s one to watch.