Reddit Users Pick 5 Best Hidden Gems with High Rotten Tomatoes Scores

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Reddit users asked a question 10 years ago: "What's the best film that most people don't know about?"

And now, years later, the discussion has generated an incredible number of options. From little-known and underground works to films that were popular when they came out but are barely remembered today.

In this discussion thread from user James999111, you can find both surrealist and dramatic films: from a crime drama featuring a young Helen Mirren to a surreal horror about a magical village.

I've picked five of the most interesting films from the movie buffs' discussion:

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)

Starring: Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

This French film by Peter Greenaway is packed with brutal aesthetics and irony. The plot revolves around a restaurant owned by a criminal baron who throws nightly parties with his wife and her lover.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover trailer
After she finds herself a lover, events begin to unfold, leading to dramatic and absurd consequences.

Manon Des Sources (1986)

Starring: Yves Montand, Daniel Auteuil

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%

The story follows Manon, daughter of a farmer who couldn't find water on his land. After his death, the farm gets seized by a wealthy family, and Manon, now grown up, decides to get revenge after learning about the real crime.
Manon Des Sources trailer
Not your typical revenge film – it's packed with intense emotional power.

Whale Rider (2002)

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Young Pai from the Maori tribe is determined to prove to her grandfather that she can become a chief. To do this, she needs to master martial arts and ancient spells. In the climactic scene, she must ride a whale to show her strength.
Whale Rider trailer
This film combines adventure spirit with deep family values, making it perfect for watching with kids.

Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970)

Cast: Jaroslava Schallerová, Helena Anýžová

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%

This surreal coming-of-age film stands as one of the strangest entries in the Czechoslovak New Wave. It follows young Valerie as she finds herself in a magical village, encountering vampires, witches, and adult problems she's never faced before.
A man with a blackened face wearing white gloves stands beneath a bird-shaped chandelier
Scene from Valerie and Her Week of Wonders
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The film's fairy-tale atmosphere creates a truly unique viewing experience that builds to a psychedelic finale you won't forget.

Vengeance Is Mine (1979)

Cast: Ken Ogata, Rentaro Mikuni

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Based on Ryuzo Saki's book, this film tells the story of criminal Iwao Enokizu and his internal battle between revenge and morality.
A man in glasses and a black shirt stands in front of a window with a girl sitting behind him, she's blurred
Scene from Vengeance Is Mine
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The story explores what happens when the desire for revenge takes over, examining the criminal's relationship with society and raising tough questions about justice and punishment.

These films never achieved mainstream success, but they've become cult favorites among viewers who seek out unusual and unforgettable stories. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered how Reddit users named 6 films that completely crushed fans' hopes.