8 Underrated Films From Famous Directors You Probably Missed

4. The Hudsucker Proxy - The Coen Brothers

The Hudsucker Proxy is widely cited as being the Coens at their most mainstream, so there's something ironic about how the film flapped about in 1994 and is rarely discussed in their storied filmography. Sure, it doesn't rank alongside the likes of Fargo, No Country For Old Men and Inside Llewyn Davis (what does?), but it's a fun little yarn that shows early on in their career how their distinct style can apply to any genre or story.

90s man Tim Robbins is a simpleton brought in to be CEO of Hudsucker Industries to tank the stock price and make all the exec board rich, but he accidentally invents the hula hoop and finds widespread success. It's all framed in a very kooky, faux-40s style that tries to send up the American Dream with toothy-grinned cynicism.

It's hammy, but it's hammy on purpose. Again, it's not a masterwork, but it's a good, fun movie.