FandomWire Looks Back at 20 Most Underrated Gems of 2024

2025 is here, and it’s buzzing with excitement for all the epic movies and shows set to drop. But before jumping headfirst into this year’s entertainment, let’s pause and ask, did we miss out on any hidden gems from 2024?

Last year gave us a flood of TV shows and movies, some creating waves while others quietly slipped under the radar. These underrated gems may not have made headlines, but they’re absolute must-watches for anyone who loves discovering stories that are truly unforgettable.

So, why not start 2025 by catching up on these must-watches? We’ve rounded up 20 incredible films and series from 2024 that deserve way more love. Trust us, once you dive in, you’ll be glad you gave them a chance. Get ready to find out what you’ve been missing!

20 Wolfs

The movie Wolfs brings George Clooney and Brad Pitt together as rival fixers who must team up for a high-stakes mission. Directed by Jon Watts the film delivers a fun and thrilling experience which is complete with the duo’s undeniable chemistry from their Ocean’s Eleven days. However, despite its star power and engaging premise, Wolfs didn’t quite get the recognition it deserved.

The film was hampered by a limited theatrical release and a quick shift to Apple TV+, cutting short its potential box-office run. These factors overshadowed its strengths, even though it offered a solid dose of entertainment.

Surprisingly, Wolfs later became Apple TV+’s most-viewed movie, proving it found an audience after all. Though it started slow, this action-packed flick has become a hidden gem of 2024.

19 Oh, Canada

Oh, Canada is yet another masterpiece by writer-director Paul Schrader, proving he hasn’t lost his storytelling touch.

The film follows a documentary filmmaker, portrayed by Richard Gere, as he looks back on his younger self, played by Jacob Elordi. Through this introspective journey, he grapples with his decision to dodge the Vietnam War draft, questioning if it was the right choice.

Gere delivers a career-defining performance that has already sparked buzz for a potential Best Actor Oscar nomination. While Schrader’s films often deal with dark and unsettling themes, Oh, Canada takes a more contemplative route. It offers a heartfelt exploration of aging and artistic legacy. With its powerful performances and unforgettable plot, this film is a must-watch and is now available to stream on Prime Video.

18 Presumed Innocent

Presumed Innocent, based on Scott Turow’s novel, brings Jake Gyllenhaal to the small screen as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor tangled in a murder case, his own colleague’s. As secrets unfold, the show dives into a web of twists and turns, leaving you guessing who’s truly innocent.

While the plot occasionally slows down, the intense performances, especially from Gyllenhaal, keep the dark and steamy atmosphere alive. The series balances mystery and drama, but despite its stellar cast, it didn’t quite capture the audience’s attention as expected.

Still, it’s worth a watch for fans of legal dramas packed with tension and surprises. You can stream Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+.

17 Manhunt

Manhunt is a gripping historical crime thriller that focuses on the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

The series focuses on Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, played by Tobias Menzies, as he leads the intense search for John Wilkes Booth, portrayed by Anthony Boyle. Packed with suspenseful moments, the show sheds light on the lesser-known details of Booth’s manhunt and eventual arrest.

Despite its fascinating premise, Manhunt remains under the radar, likely due to Apple TV+’s low-key promotion strategy. With minimal marketing, the series hasn’t reached as wide an audience as it deserves. Nevertheless, it’s a must-watch for history buffs and crime drama enthusiasts alike.

Stream it now on Apple TV+.

16 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Based on Holly Jackson’s popular book series, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder tells the story of Pip Fitz-Amobi. She is a determined teenager played by Emma Myers.

For her senior project, Pip decides to revisit the murder of Andie Bell, which shook her town five years ago. With Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh blamed for the crime but no longer alive to defend himself, Pip teams up with Sal’s brother, Ravi, to find out the truth and clear Sal’s name.

This intense and emotional series is packed with heavy themes and uses a teen drama format to explore Pip’s life and the darker realities of her school and town. Filled with twists, it’s a gripping mystery that delivers a powerful message. Despite being one of Netflix’s most underrated shows, it’s already been renewed for a second season. It is a hidden gem worth watching.

15 Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point

Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point is a heartwarming yet bittersweet holiday comedy that turned out to be a major milestone for director Tyler Taormina and the L.A.-based Omnes Films collective. The story revolves around an Italian American family reuniting in their ancestral Long Island home. They are determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, as it might be their last together.

The film blends humor and poignancy, with the camera weaving through the ensemble cast to capture each character’s quirks. Even the family dog gets its moment to shine. As the night passes, the teenagers escape into the town for their own adventures. This added a fun twist to the family gathering.

This inventive take on the holiday movie genre makes Miller’s Point a standout, offering a fun perspective on the meaning of Christmas.

14 Death and Other details

Mandy Patinkin shines as the charismatic detective Rufus Cotesworth in Hulu’s Death and Other Details. The story begins aboard a luxurious cruise ship, where Rufus’s assistant is shockingly murdered.

The main suspect, Imogene played by Violett Beane, unexpectedly becomes his partner in crime-solving as they race to clear her name. Their dynamic takes a personal twist since Imogene’s mother’s unsolved murder was Rufus’s greatest failure.

As the duo navigates the ship, they discover hidden agendas and secrets among both the wealthy passengers and the hardworking crew revealing a much bigger conspiracy.

Patinkin and Beane’s chemistry makes them a memorable team, and the sharp storytelling keeps viewers hooked. Though Hulu didn’t renew the show, the thrilling first season is a must-watch.

13 Ghostlight

Ghostlight is one of those small indie gems that could easily slip under the radar. Released quietly during the summer, without big stars to draw attention, it still managed to leave a profound impact on the viewers.

The film follows a grieving father as he grapples with the devastating loss of his son. His journey toward healing begins unexpectedly when he joins a modest theater production of Romeo & Juliet. Through this creative outlet, he starts to confront his pain and rebuild his broken sense of self.

At its core, Ghostlight is about finding hope in the darkest times. It beautifully shows how art and creativity can become powerful tools for coping with trauma. This deeply personal and relatable story is bound to resonate with anyone who has faced loss, making Ghostlight a quiet but unforgettable cinematic experience.

12 Elsbeth

Elsbeth, the latest addition to Robert and Michelle King’s The Good Wife universe, brings Carrie Preston’s quirky attorney Elsbeth Tascioni to the Big Apple.

Tasked with monitoring the NYPD after allegations of misconduct, Elsbeth can’t resist jumping into cases herself. Her quirky charm and unconventional tactics often leave suspects off guard, allowing her to outsmart them with ease.

The show embraces a “howcatchem” style, where viewers know the culprit from the start. This setup lets audiences fully enjoy Elsbeth’s clever maneuvers as she unravels each case. Despite her impressive success rate, Elsbeth’s offbeat nature keeps her feeling like an underdog, making her victories all the more rewarding.

The season also has a compelling subplot as Elsbeth secretly investigates Captain C.W. Wagner played by Wendell Pierce, for corruption, adding more spice to the already spicy plot. With its mix of humor, mystery, and charm, Elsbeth is a delightful watch, now streaming on Paramount+.

11 Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos followed up the vibrant and whimsical Poor Things with Kinds of Kindness.

This was a stark shift back to his signature dark humor and cryptic storytelling. Premiering at Cannes shortly after Poor Things, this film’s cooler, more unsettling tone caught audiences off guard.

Kinds of Kindness is a sharp, wicked triptych of loosely connected stories set in suburban America. It explores toxic power struggles in a twisted and thought-provoking way. Jesse Plemons stands out with a brilliant performance, portraying multiple characters with a dry wit that earned him the Best Actor award at Cannes.

The film received respectful but muted reviews. Its complex themes and biting satire were enough to woo the critics. It’s not the warm embrace of Poor Things, but a darker, more cynical experience that acts as a palate cleanser.

10 The Outrun

In The Outrun, Saoirse Ronan delivers a powerful performance as Rona, a woman navigating life after battling alcoholism.

Directed by Nora Fingscheidt and based on Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir, the film takes a creative approach. The film intertwined three timelines: Rona’s turbulent years in London, her journey toward recovery back in Scotland’s Orkney Islands, and her introspective “nerd layer,” filled with scientific musings that mirror her struggles.

The story is a raw and intimate look at healing, as Rona reconnects with her roots and herself. Ronan’s portrayal is deeply emotional, bringing vulnerability and strength to the character. The film’s realism shines through her interactions with Orkney locals and even her hands-on experience lambing sheep, which adds an earthy authenticity.

9 Dead Boy Detectives

If you’re into supernatural stories, Dead Boy Detectives is a hidden gem worth checking out.

Based on the DC comic, this underrated 2024 series introduces Edwin (George Rexstrew) and Charles (Jayden Revri), two ghostly teens who’ve skipped the afterlife to run their own detective agency.

The duo has a knack for solving eerie mysteries, but things get even more intriguing when they team up with Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson), an amnesiac medium who adds a twist to their adventures. Together, they tackle strange cases while navigating their unusual afterlives.

The show blends lighthearted moments with spooky undertones. It is a perfect binge-watch for anyone craving a mix of mystery and the supernatural. Despite its charm and unique concept, Dead Boy Detectives didn’t get the attention it deserved. But it’s a must-watch for fans of quirky, horror-tinged detective tales.

8 Masters of the Air

Masters of the Air, produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, is a World War II drama that serves as a companion to the iconic Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

This limited series focuses on the US fighter pilots of the 100th Bomb Group, stationed in England.

Led by Major Gale “Buck” Cleven (Austin Butler), the group features the daring and rebellious Major John “Bucky” Egan (Callum Turner) and the nervous but determined navigator Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle). The show has some breathtaking aerial combat sequences. It also focuses on the emotional bonds formed among the crew.

The dynamic between Buck and Bucky adds heart to the story. While the visually stunning yet harrowing air battles capture the intensity of their missions, the friendships and struggles of these pilots make Masters of the Air an unforgettable watch.

7 Thelma

Thelma is a comedy-meets-pseudo-thriller that brings a quirky twist to a serious issue.

The story revolves around 93-year-old Thelma, played by the ever-charming June Squibb, who gets swindled out of $10,000 through a voice phishing scam. Squibb shines as the witty and spirited lead, navigating the challenges of being scammed while delivering moments of humor and heart.

Though the plot highlights struggles that older adults might encounter, Thelma isn’t just for seniors. It’s a delightful ride for audiences of all ages, thanks to its engaging storytelling and heartfelt character dynamics. The movie beautifully explores Thelma’s journey, peppered with tender relationships and humorous encounters that feel both relatable and touching.

From laugh-out-loud moments to scenes that tug at your emotions, Thelma has something for everyone. You can stream it on Hulu or rent it on Apple TV+ for a dose of charm and entertainment.

6 Touch

Touch, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, offers a gentle, heartfelt story of love and reconciliation. Adapted from Olaf Olafsson’s novel, the story follows Kristófer (Egill Ólafsson), who learns he’s in the early stages of memory loss just as the 2020 pandemic begins.

With time slipping away, he embarks on a deeply personal journey to reconnect with Miko (Kôki), his first love from 50 years ago, who left without explanation.

The plot flows between the 1960s when a young Kristófer (played by Palmi Kormákur) met Miko at her father’s restaurant in England, and his present-day quest across Iceland, England, and Japan. The film’s grandeur lies in its intimate exploration of emotions, not just the sweeping landscapes.

Kristófer’s journey isn’t about seeking closure but cherishing memories and moments. With its tender tone and lush visuals, Touch captures the lasting impact of first love. Its a must watch for all the romantics out there.

5 Good one

Good One is a heartfelt drama that tells the story of Sam, a young girl played by Lily Collias, who joins her dad, Chris (James Le Gros), and his best friend, Matt (Danny McCarthy), on a camping trip.

What begins as a fun getaway quickly turns into a surprising reality check for Sam, as she realizes she’s the most responsible one in the group.

With stunning visuals and relatable storytelling, this 2024 gem beautifully captures the ups and downs of human connection. Often overlooked, it’s a must-watch and is available to rent on Apple TV+.

4 Geek Girl

Geek Girl, inspired by Holly Smale’s popular book series, tells the story of Harriet Manners (Emily Carey), a neurodivergent teen who unexpectedly gets into the world of fashion.

Harriet is bright and full of enthusiasm, but her unique personality often makes her the target of teasing at school, leaving her with just one close friend. Everything changes during a school trip to London Fashion Week when modeling agent Wilbur Evans (Emmanuel Imani) spots her potential.

Though Harriet never dreamed of being a model, she decided to give it a shot, hoping for a fresh start. As she navigates her new world, she finds joy in embracing her own style with Wilbur’s support. The show also explores her relationships, including a sweet connection with fellow model Nick Park (Liam Woodrum). “Geek Girl” is an uplifting story of self-discovery, though it’s still awaiting a well-deserved second season.

3 Dinosaur

Dinosaur is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy series that became a standout in 2024.

The story centers on Nina (Ashley Storrie), an autistic paleontologist who embraces her quirks and is comfortable in her routine. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her sister and best friend, Evie (Kat Ronney), announces her engagement to Ranesh (Danny Ashok). Ranesh was the man she’d only known for six weeks. This sudden change shakes Nina’s carefully balanced world, but she steps up to support Evie, even when she’s skeptical about the whirlwind romance.

The series has laugh-out-loud humor with tender, emotional moments. Ranesh’s well-meaning but overly enthusiastic attempts to bond with Nina provide plenty of comedy. With Ashley Storrie’s spot-on comedic timing and relatable storyline, Dinosaur is a hidden gem that should be watched at least a few times.

2 My Lady Jane

My Lady Jane is a wildly imaginative and criminally overlooked series from 2024 that reimagines the tale of Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader) in a fantastical version of England.

In this world, society is divided into the Ethians, who can shapeshift into animals, and the Verity, who cannot. The show blends history, humor, and fantasy to create a story that feels fresh and unique.

Jane’s journey is captivating as she transforms from a reluctant young noblewoman into a bold leader fighting for herself and her people. Her relationship with Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel), starting as an awkward arranged marriage, evolves into a beautiful romance that makes the show swoon-worthy.

With a clever narrator (Oliver James) and witty twists on historical events, the show is a true gem. Its cancellation after just one season was a major loss for fans of inventive storytelling.

1 St. Denis Medical

St. Denis Medical brings a dose of humor to the world of hospital-based TV, filling the gap left by medical sitcoms like Scrubs.

This Peacock original explores the chaotic lives of the doctors, nurses, and admin staff working in the emergency department of St. Denis Medical Center. While it’s still in its first season, the show has already made a splash with its quirky humor and unique mockumentary style.

The series hilariously captures the oddities of hospital life, from bizarre patient cases to the staff’s petty squabbles. A standout moment comes in Episode 5, where doctors Ron (David Alan Grier) and Bruce (Josh Lawson) hilariously feud over a candy bar, leading to Bruce hoarding them and turning them into a stool.

Full of strange antics and laugh-out-loud moments, St. Denis Medical is an underrated gem of 2024. Stream this hilarious series now on Peacock and thank us later.