Letterboxd has rapidly established itself as the ultimate platform for contemporary and youthful film enthusiasts, serving as a remarkable hub to both share and discover the latest cinematic offerings as well as hidden indie gems. Among the most celebrated films featured on this platform are the iconic top 250 narrative films, which represent the pinnacle of cinematic excellence and receive high praise from dedicated users. This list encompasses a diverse selection of critically acclaimed and beloved films from various eras, showcasing a blend of timeless classics such as The Godfather and Seven Samurai, alongside modern masterpieces like Parasite and Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Nevertheless, achieving a high rating and securing a position on this prestigious list does not necessarily ensure that a film will gain widespread visibility or appreciation from the Letterboxd community. Even some of the most lauded films of all time remain underwatched and underappreciated. The undeniable quality of these films is overshadowed by the sheer volume of exceptional choices available, rendering these hidden treasures as overlooked gems within a sea of remarkable cinema.

10

‘The First Slam Dunk’ (2022)

Letterboxd Rank #222

In the wake of the significant popularity of stylized 3D animation that has dominated recent Hollywood animated films, such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, it was only natural for Japan to explore this innovative style as well. Just as these films successfully captured and translated the essence of 2D art and animation into 3D, The First Slam Dunk brings the vibrant 2D art from the original manga to life in a stunning 3D format.

However, this film transcends mere visual excellence; it also boasts a strikingly engaging non-linear narrative that maximizes the impact of its high-stakes basketball action. It effectively retains the narrative brilliance of the original manga, delivering an exhilarating experience that stands as the definitive adaptation of this legendary sports tale. Despite the overwhelming acclaim that propelled The First Slam Dunk into the Letterboxd top 250, it remains overshadowed in popularity when compared to other major anime releases of the 2020s, such as The Boy and the Heron and Look Back.

9

‘Funeral Parade of Roses’ (1969)

Letterboxd Rank #130

The emergence of LGBTQ+ filmmaking has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary cinema, rendering the early explorations of such themes even more impactful and legendary. One of the most profoundly moving and emotionally charged LGBTQ+ films, which also stands as one of the earliest examples, is Funeral Parade of Roses, an avant-garde Japanese art drama that delves into the underground gay culture of 1960s Tokyo. The narrative intricately weaves the lives of various characters, revealing their intersecting stories filled with jealousy, love, and the pain of the past.

The blend of deeply emotional subjects with experimental visual techniques and elements of both arthouse and documentary filmmaking has cemented Funeral Parade of Roses as a defining arthouse experience within Japanese cinema. Despite its groundbreaking nature, the film was largely overlooked and forgotten by many film historians when compared to other Japanese arthouse projects of the same era due to its then-controversial content. Recently, as Funeral Parade of Roses has started to receive renewed recognition and appreciation among younger, more socially aware Letterboxd users, it remains an underrated gem when positioned alongside its contemporaries.

8

‘Napoleon’ (1927)

Letterboxd Rank #224

As one of the most groundbreaking and innovative historical epics of the early 20th century, Napoleon presents a profound and expansive exploration of the infamous French general, chronicling his journey from humble beginnings to his rise to power. Even though contemporary biopics like Oppenheimer and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon feature extended runtimes, none can rival the grandeur and ambition of the original Napoleon. With a staggering runtime of 5 hours and 30 minutes, certain versions of the film extend beyond 9 hours.

This very length has led to the film being both celebrated and undervalued, as its substantial duration has deterred many viewers from experiencing its cinematic brilliance. Nevertheless, the mastery exhibited in this silent film is indisputable, weaving a rich and multifaceted narrative about one of history’s most significant figures, influencing countless generations of historical epics that followed.

7

‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ (2024)

Letterboxd Rank #111

Despite the tendency of the Letterboxd user community to gravitate towards modern releases and the latest cinematic achievements, there exists a notable bias favoring Hollywood productions, often leading to the overshadowing of exceptional foreign films. Nevertheless, a truly remarkable contemporary foreign film can still break into the Letterboxd Top 250, as evidenced by How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which has resonated deeply with many users on the platform.

This poignant Thai drama follows a university dropout who finds himself in a dire financial situation and volunteers to care for his terminally ill grandmother, hoping to secure a portion of her inheritance. The film’s heartfelt narrative and enduring charm have endeared it to viewers who seek out and appreciate its emotional depth. Regrettably, outside the confines of Letterboxd, the film has not received the recognition it deserves, notably being overlooked for the Best International Feature award at the 97th Academy Awards.

6

‘Millennium Actress’ (2001)

Letterboxd Rank #244

Among the most revered anime directors, the late Satoshi Kon is celebrated for his groundbreaking works like Perfect Blue and Paprika, which are regarded as seminal contributions to the genre of mature, high-concept anime filmmaking. While Millennium Actress may not have achieved the same level of widespread recognition as his other masterpieces, it possesses an intrinsic quality that merits appreciation on par with his most celebrated films. The storyline follows a documentary filmmaker who tracks down a legendary actress who mysteriously disappeared at the height of her career, engaging her in a deeply personal interview where she recounts her life story.

While Kon’s other acclaimed films are often distinguished by their darker themes and psychological depth, Millennium Actress excels by connecting with the human experience and the various ups and downs of life. This film delivers a poignant message about the resilience of the human spirit and finding peace with the life one has lived. Although it stands apart from the majority of his body of work, this overlooked animated gem is flawless from beginning to end.

5

‘Taste of Cherry’ (1997)

Letterboxd Rank #127

While Taste of Cherry has received universal acclaim from critics worldwide, highlighted by its prestigious Palme d’Or win, its challenging themes and minimalist execution as an Iranian film have made it a difficult watch for mainstream audiences. The narrative follows a middle-aged man from Tehran, Mr. Badii, who is resolutely determined to end his life but is in search of someone willing to bury him after his death. As he navigates the city, he encounters various individuals, ultimately finding someone willing to assist him, yet that person tries to dissuade him from his decision.

The emotionally harrowing subject matter of Taste of Cherry serves as both a profound artistic achievement and a barrier to broader audience engagement, despite its exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling. While this remarkable film is widely acknowledged and celebrated among those who appreciate its finer nuances, many casual viewers have overlooked this masterpiece due to its profound and contemplative exploration of suicide and the human condition.

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