The 1990s saw many films that received negative reviews from critics at the time of their release, preventing them from having the long-lasting impact that they deserved. Thankfully, some of these movies were reevaluated over time and gained well-deserved appreciation from audiences with time.

Only You is a romantic comedy starring Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei that had an initial mixed reception, but it has since been recognized for its charming performances and earned its place among the hidden gems of the '90s and the lead stars' extensive filmographies. Another example is The Cable Guy. It was not what audiences expected from a Jim Carrey comedy in 1996, but its satirical take on media obsession was ahead of its time. Together, these films represent an underrated era of cinema whose impact is still felt today.

10 But I’m a Cheerleader Is a Campy LGBTQ+ Narrative

But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 comedy starring Natasha Lyonne as Megan Bloomfield, a high school cheerleader whose parents send to a conversion therapy camp to cure her homosexuality. Jamie Rabbit's directorial debut's supporting cast includes Clea DuVall and RuPaul in a campy satire of gender roles and societal expectations. The 43% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes might repel some viewers, but it's definitely worth a watch.

The dark humor to explore such a serious theme as the impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ youth may feel too acid for some viewers, but the movie has sharp wit and many unapologetic scenes that comment on the absurdity of heteronormativity. The coming-of-age story behind the colorful visuals has its moments of drama and romance that balance the absurdist comedy style. It has gained a cult following recently with its 2020 Director's Cut version, especially for its peculiar art direction and unique exploration of queer identity.

9 The Astronaut’s Wife Is a Sci-Fi Rosemary’s Baby

The Astronaut's Wife is not as good as Rosemary's Baby by any means, but the 1999 sci-fi horror that also explores the idea of being pregnant with evil is definitely underrated. With a surprising 15% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the most common complaint about the movie is that its plot is uninspired and predictable. Although its premise is definitely not one of the most original, the technical aspects that create an eerie atmosphere and the compelling performances by Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron are enough to hook viewers who immerse themselves in the absurd narrative.

A supernatural being takes over the body of an astronaut and uses his wife to reproduce his kind, but there's a chilling mystery behind their intentions for reproducing on Earth. With no jumpscares, the movie builds a scary psychological horror that relies heavily on the well-acted dramatic scenes between Depp and Theron. Its ambiguous ending is divisive, but extremely creepy — arguably the best way to end such a disturbing story.

8 Only You Is a Charming but Forgotten 90s Rom-Com

The 1990s saw the release of many iconic romantic comedy movies, from When Harry Met Sally to Clueless, so some takes on the genre were overshadowed even though they're great films. Despite not being one of the best '90s movies, Only You has its charm. Released in 1994, the film received mixed reviews from critics and didn't achieve significant commercial success. But it doesn't deserve its 53% rate on Rotten Tomatoes.

Fans of classic romantic comedy movies will probably like Only You. Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei both give great performances and have a lot of onscreen chemistry. Set in Italy, it tells the story of a woman who is about to get married when she answers a phone call from a friend of her fiancé who won't make it to the wedding because he'll be in Venice. He's called Damon Bradley, which is the name a Ouija board gave her as her soul mate when she was a teenager. So she goes to Venice, meets him and falls in love —the only problem is that he lied about his name.

7 The Cable Guy Is a Dark Comedy Starring Jim Carrey

The Cable Guy is a 1996 dark comedy directed by Ben Stiller, starring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. The movie was a box office success but had a mixed reception. One of the reasons for the negative reviews is that Jim Carrey was known for his slapstick comedy style from movies like 1994's The Mask and Dumb and Dumber, so this unexpected turn was confusing for some of the audience. His character — the titular cable guy — is also a creepy stalker, which contrasted a lot with Carrey's usual roles.

The plot starts with Matthew Broderick's Steven hiring a cable installer called Chip and offering him 50 dollars to get extra TV channels. Chip is a lonely man raised by television who forces a friendship with Steven, which soon escalates to stalking. The Cable Guy also stars Jack Black, Leslie Mann and Owen Wilson. From the cast to the writing, it's too good to have a 55% rate on Rotten Tomatoes.

6 Shallow Grave Is One of Danny Boyle’s Best

Director Danny Boyle is more often associated with Trainspotting, The Beach, Slumdog Millionaire and other famous titles, making Shallow Grave a bit of an afterthought with many fans. Starring Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox and Christopher Eccleston as three roommates who find a fourth person to share the apartment, the movie is a quirky thriller with some hilarious dark comedy moments.

Set in Edinburgh, the trio finds their new roommate dead from an overdose in his room soon after he moves in. They decide to bury the body and deal privately with the drugs and suitcase full of money the man left behind. This decision sets off a chain of events so well-written, it deserves more praise.

5 Event Horizon Is a Disturbing Space Horror

Event Horizon is a 1997 sci-fi horror set in 2047 about a spaceship that suddenly reappears years after vanishing, with something sinister living in it. It stars Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill, but their characters are not developed much -- a lack of consistence mentioned by critics. Despite not being one of the best movies of the 1990s, Event Horizon is interesting for fans of disturbing horror narratives.

The movie has some unpredictable twists and a story that becomes stranger and stranger by the minute. It stands out for its shocking visuals, with a fair share of gore and fast-paced editing. And although it sits at 34% on Rotten Tomatoes, Event Horizon has grown into a cult classic.

4 Sleepy Hollow Is a Forgotten Tim Burton Effort

Despite being a Tim Burton movie with a star-studded cast including Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, Sleepy Hollow is often forgotten among the artists' filmographies. Based on Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the retelling of the supernatural tale of the headless horseman is a fantasy mystery with moments of horror and romance. It has meticulous art direction, from the foggy set design to the period costume design.

With a 70% rate on Rotten Tomatoes, one of the critics' biggest complaints about the movie is that it has several plot holes and is overall poorly written. Another common comment is that Ricci's performance is disappointing in it. While it's not one of the best Tim Burton movies like Beetlejuice or Big Fish, it's underrated because it's an amazingly creative adaptation of the classic tale. It expands on Ricci's character Katrina, for example, making her refusal of Crane's proposal a key plot point.

3 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me Adds to the TV Show’s Plot