When I think of underrated movies, I often think about those films that critics greatly appreciated but general audiences either know nothing about or they have flown under the radar compared to big blockbuster films released in theaters. They are often classified as hidden gems, and these six films are some of the most entertaining, surprising, and smart films that have been released in the last decade. Some are complex, some are heartwarming, and some are completely out there, but one thing all of these films share is that they all deserve to be recognized and seen by a larger audience.

"Short Term 12" (2013)

Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton

"Short Term 12" is one of those movies that is so far under the radar that hardly anybody I know has seen it. This is very disappointing because this film is one of the highest rated on Rotten Tomatoes, has been nominated and won multiple awards at a number of film festivals, including the SXSW Film Festival, and features one of Hollywood's breakthrough actresses, Brie Larson. On top of all that, it was one of the most moving and surprising films I saw last year, and given that I knew nothing about it and just watched it on a whim, I was incredibly shocked as to why this film has not been shared more. The plot centers on a young woman (Brie Larson) who is one of the supervisors for a group home that houses troubled teenagers and youths. This film is handled with so much care, and its ability to tackle more mature themes in such a touching manner leads audiences down a difficult yet heartwarming road until the very last scene.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

"The Prestige" (2006)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

When talking about highly underrated movies, "The Prestige" is one of the first films that comes to mind. Having been directed by Christopher Nolan, one would think this film would be more well-known, but that's not the case. Being overshadowed by Nolan’s more popular films like "The Dark Knight" trilogy and "Inception" many are unaware as to how brilliant "The Prestige" actually is, and that's why I believe it is by far one of Christopher Nolan’s best films. The movie is a period piece that follows two magicians as they dive into a world of competition as they each strive to earn the title as the greatest magician and will stop at nothing to learn each other’s secrets regarding one trick in particular. The amount of mystery, thrills, and suspense that the film brings, as well as fantastic set designs, costumes, and composition makes this film mesmerizing and full of twists that leaves the audience wanting to instantly watch it again the moment it’s over. Plus, it stars Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, Andy Serkis, and David Bowie. Enough said.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%

"Mr. Nobody" (2013)

Directed by: Jaco Van Dormael

After seeing "Mr. Nobody" for the first time, I was shocked by the complexity and quality of the film having never heard about it before in my life. I feel it's the one Jared Leto film that almost nobody is aware exists, which is upsetting because the idea this film plays with is like no other film I have ever seen. The film explores Nemo Nobodys, a 118-year-old man in a world where humans are immortal. At different ages, Nemo is forced to make choices. The film ventures on a journey that explores the consequences of these choices and the possible outcomes that would have transpired had he made several different choices. The tagline for the film is “As long as you don’t choose, everything remains possible,” which is one of the best ways to describe the film. Simply put, it remains one of the most intriguing films I have experienced in a while and the film always remains one step ahead of its audience at all times.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%

"The Spectacular Now" (2013)

Directed by: James Ponsoldt

Receiving critical acclaim and two Sundance Film Festival nominations (winning the Special Jury Award for Acting), "The Spectacular Now" is so much more than it appears to be. Starring two of Hollywood’s talented young actors, Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, the handling of the themes within the film were exceptional, considering how generic this film could have turned out had it not been treated with such maturity from director James Ponsoldt. At first glance, the film seems to be marketed as a romance involving two polar opposite teenagers, but this film is not about romance. It uses it as a tool to tell a deeper coming of age story about 18 year old Sutter Keely. If I could describe this film in one word, it would be real. The realistic nature of the film regarding the acting and situations presented in no way feel like the audience is simply watching a movie, but instead observing realistic life events. It's a movie that should not be missed by film buffs because of the way it differentiates itself from the typical genre.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

"Enemy" (2014)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

I’m going to start this off by saying that this film is not for everybody. If you are looking for a film that you can sit back and mindlessly enjoy on any night of the week, you have seriously come to the wrong place. However, if you like to analyze, extract meaning, and look deeply into films, boy is this one for the books. "Enemy" is one of the most complex, mind blowing, and confusing films I have ever seen. Almost nothing can be taken at face value because this film is trying to say a lot more than what it shows on the surface. The film is about history teacher Adam Bell who after watching a film, spots his doppelganger and becomes obsessed with discovering who this man is as the film deals with the idea of identity. The film stars Jake Gyllenhall, and the film leads the audience down a dark path until the very end, which features one of the most shocking endings that could not have been predicted under any circumstances.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

"Lars and the Real Girl" (2007)

Directed by: Craig Gillespie

Once I describe the plot of this film, you'll think I'm crazy for being such a fan of it. But let me tell you, "Lars and the Real Girl" remains one of the most surprising, heartwarming, and memorable films (to say the least) I have seen in the past few years. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a socially awkward and lonely man who purchases a life-sized sex doll online that he introduces to his family and friends as his new girlfriend. Sounds like the weirdest and probably dumbest film ever, right? Wrong. I don’t think I have ever been so shocked by how a film turned out than I did after reading about and then seeing this film. It could have been put together and treated so incredibly immaturely and could have been done in a raunchy, comedic fashion. Instead this film is largely treated as a drama and is really about a community coming together to accept and open their arms up to a man who just really needed to be loved. Although you have probably never heard of the film in your life, you may be surprised to know it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Writing (Original Screenplay), as well as a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for Ryan Gosling. Give this movie a chance and you'll understand why it's so completely underrated and deserves much more recognition.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%