Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Movies No One Saw That Everyone Should See

As an out-and-proud movie snob, I've come upon many a diamond-in-the-rough film that seemingly no one else has ever seen. Most of the movies usually were never advertised very heavily by the studios, and thus never given a chance. Others weren't received warmly by critics or perhaps opened during a particularly competitive box-office weekend.

In any case, I've found myself wanting to defend these movies to friends on multiple occasions. The following 10 films are the ones most deserving of a second chance at love.

(Note: These are listed alphabetically, not on a qualitative scale.)

Australia (Pg-13)

Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman

This is a straight-up EPIC movie set down under during World War II. It follows an English socialite who must travel to the Australian outback to care for her murdered husband's investments. She enlists the help of a freelance cattle drover and ends up getting in deeper than she planned.

Honestly, it probably could have made two equally entertaining films. Which, in retrospect, is probably why it wasn't heavily seen- it's super-long. It also opened against the last James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, and the first Twilight entry.

But for as long as it is, it keeps you engrossed in the story. Jackman is one of the greatest entertainers of our time, in my opinion, and he doesn't disappoint here. Kidman can be grating, but she pulls up right before she gets too insufferable. Plus, there's a cute kid!

Fanboys (PG-13)

Sam Huntington, Dan Fogler, Kristen Bell, Jay Baruchel

For any Star Wars fans, this movie is a must-see. The story, set in 1998, follows a group of friends as they road-trip to Skywalker Ranch to steal a copy of The Phantom Menace before it hits theaters. The hi-jinks they get themselves into are hilarious, and astute SW buffs will be able to recognize homages everywhere.

The reason this one never found its footing was that its release got pushed back more than once. Films that sit on the shelf usually are never ones the studio has confidence in. Once it did come out, it was only to limited release, and was shuffled off to the DVD shelfs fairly soon after.

If you do see this one, make sure it's with friends. Watching this one alone won't do you or the movie any favors.

The Holiday (PG-13)

Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black

This movie is probably the best low-key romantic comedy I've ever seen. Centered around two women who decide to get out of their respective ruts by switching homes for Christmas, the film hits every note in the rom-com handbook, but

somehow never feels rote.

If you ask me, that is because the film has a little cheekiness to it. Black and Winslet never let their scenes feel too drippy or saccharine. Diaz is used well, with her overcompensating kept in check by Law's obvious ease.

Admittedly, the movie is not original at all, which definitely hurt its critical reception. Just looking at the poster, you could probably tell me the entire plot of the movie.

But like I said, there's a spry spirit underneath it all. And hey, at the holidays, isn't all we're looking for just some warm, familiar comfort food?

Inkheart (PG)

Brendan Fraser, Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren

Okay, this one is a little embarrassing. By all accounts, no one should ever enjoy a Brendan Fraser movie. Ugh, that guy. Even so, this movie is pretty fun.

It's all about a father and daughter team who can, by reading a book out loud, make the characters of that book come alive. Naturally, someone lets loose a villain, and now they must defeat him.

It sounds cheesy to say, but literature-lovers should enjoy this movie. There's several chances to see cameos of famous literary scenes and characters, and the acting isn't always awful. There's even a subplot about predestination that could spark some thoughts.

This is another movie that got pushed back repeatedly. It was filmed in 2006, but didn't see US theaters until 2009. New Line Cinema had the distributing rights, and they had been on the prowl for their next fantasy franchise after their Lord of the Rings gamble paid off so well. Sadly, after The Golden Compass was dead on arrival, they relegated Inkheart to a quiet January death.

You'll definitely have to turn off the discerning part of your brain for this one, but I promise it's worth it.

Just Friends (PG-13)

Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris, Chris Klein

I saw this one on a whim during my freshman year of college in the middle of the night with some friends. From there, it became a cult classic in our little Scooby gang.

The movie tackles that giant question of whether two good friends could ever possibly become more than that. Chris, a high school nerd, has moved on from his lame-o past, but is forced to return to his old stomping grounds at Christmas and decides to test the waters with his old BFF, Jaime. Holiday hilarity ensues.

Reynolds wasn't quite to his household-name status as a leading man when this was released, and none other major cast members had ever carried a movie before either, so it's no surprise that this one got overlooked. It also may have been given the silly moniker of "Christmas movie," but I assure you, Christmas is not the theme of this film. Faris steals every one of her scenes as a bat-crap-crazy popstar, and Reynolds shows the range of his comedic ability. Case in point: during the credits, Reynolds' character, in his 90's fat suit, sings "I Swear" by All-4-One.

Peter Pan (PG)

Jeremy Sumpter, Jason Isaacs, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Olivia Williams

I cannot express how happy this movie always makes me. As the most familiar expression of J.M. Barrie's story is the animated Disney film and NOT the actual book, many folks probably found this one too unfamiliar. But that's the reason I love this movie: it keeps closely to the original text, which meant including themes that Disney and his team forwent.

The visuals in this movie are right out of a storybook. The music is great, too. The break-out performance from Hurd-Wood as Wendy is what all child actors should strive for. Add in Isaacs as a boss Mr. Darling/Captain Hook and you've got a breathtaking film. In particular, the scene where Peter is convincing Wendy to fly away with him never fails to give me shivers.

As far as why this one never made a dent with audiences, we have a little-train-that-could named The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King to blame. No other films stood a flippin' chance.

A word of caution for those who are familiar with the original tale of Peter Pan, however: During the finale, Hook flies. That's right. Hook. Flies. Aside from that WTF moment, damn I love this movie.

Serenity (PG-13)

Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk

Based on the fantastic-but-canceled Joss Whedon show Firefly, this movie is our chance to see some of what shoulda-woulda-coulda happened if the show had been given more of a chance. It follows a group of outlaws throughout space, as they uncover a mystery about one of their own.

The chief issue with this movie is plain-and-simple lack of familiarity. No one knew who these characters were, and since the film doesn't spend much time on character exposition (watch the TV show, noobs!), newcomers never really get a chance to get the characters. It also stars a cast full of unknowns, which doesn't help with advertising.

I saw this movie also for the first time as a freshman in college, going with a group to a random movie. Turned out to be this one, and I was hooked. The action is rollicking, the dialogue sharp and witty, and there's even a pretty shocking death. This last thing is why I advise you to watch the series before the movie. Do yourself a favor and get attached to the characters. You won't be sorry. And seriously, it's about ACTUAL space cowboys. How could you not like it?

Stardust (PG-13)

Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro

This movie is the only one on this list that has a 100% success rate. Every person I tell to watch it has loved it. Based on a Neil Gaiman story, the film tells the story of a boy who catches a star, and vows to take her to his true love. Unbeknownst to him though, is that a witch and a ruthless prince each have their own less-than-valiant plans for the star.

I love love love this movie. It's got a fantasy feel to it, but a modern sensibility that gives it credit. Everyone involved is obviously having a great time, with camp and ham coming together wonderfully. The set pieces are truly impressive as well (especially during the finale).

Opening in late summer meant this movie came out during the collective sigh we were all heaving after a summer full of heavy hitters. Still, it was warmly received by most critics, and remains a cult classic today.

This movie is our generation's Princess Bride. It's totally conceivable.

The Switch (PG-13)

Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Patrick Wilson, Jeff Goldblum

Anyone who knows me knows I'm an Aniston apologist, and I'm not (totally) ashamed to say I've seen most of her movies. This one stands out as her best, in my opinion. It's about two best friends who part ways when one of them decides to have a baby and no longer wait for her Mr. Right. A secret, born out of a drunken mistake, comes back to haunt the pair several years later.

I blame this movie's lack of success on false advertising. Marketed as a generic rom-com, most people probably shrugged and said, "Been there, done that, Aniston." BUT while there are definite moments where those tropes sneak in, this film actually mines some deeper emotions. Aniston in particular gets a chance to play at a wider range, and she and Bateman have excellent chemistry. It's a comedy that doesn't shy away from subjects a lesser movie would just gloss over.

By the way, watch this movie and I dare you to tell me Bateman's character doesn't remind you of me. I dare you.

Zack and Miri (Make a Porno) (R)

Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks

Okay, bear with me for this one. It's about another pair of best friends (trend!) who live together and decide to solve their financial woes by entering the adult film industry.

I'm a huge fan of Judd Apatow, and he's a director/producer who has been very instrumental in catapulting many in-demand comedic actors to fame in the last few years (Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Jason Segel). Movies with his influence always tend to strike an incredible balance between insensitive raunch and sincere sentimentality (see: Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bridesmaids).

This one is no exception. Although Apatow had nothing to do with this film, it still fits within his mold. Rogen and Banks are believable as down-on-their-luck slackers who can't think of anything better than porn to solve their money problems. The supporting players are all disgusting and hilarious. And the ending is one you'll root for.

Be warned, the movie is pretty raunchy, but nothing you haven't seen if you've seen any of the others I mentioned above.

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So those are the 10 movies you need to see if you haven't yet. Have you seen any of these? What did you think? Did I forget one of your favorites? Let me know!

I'm gonna go eat at Panda Express now!

-Danul