The Top 10 Overlooked Gems Directed by The Coen Brothers

It is somewhat challenging to argue that many movies by the Coen Brothers are truly underrated. Since their emergence as a highly regarded writer/director duo in the 1980s, Joel and Ethan Coen have consistently created films that are considered classics at best, and intriguing and entertaining, albeit partially flawed, at worst. Similar to the scarcity of seriously underrated Coen Brothers movies, there are also incredibly few genuinely bad ones.

That being said, among the 20 feature films and short films they have directed, some receive more recognition than others, while others remain slightly hidden gems. Below, we highlight these under-the-radar films. While most film enthusiasts have likely watched acclaimed movies like Fargo, The Big Lebowski, True Grit, and their Best Picture-winning No Country for Old Men, delving a bit deeper reveals a wealth of additional titles worth exploring. Though not all are extremely underrated, they deserve attention from anyone who has enjoyed any of the duo's more well-known films.

10. 'Raising Arizona' (1987)

The Coen Brothers' second feature film, Raising Arizona, showcased their versatility beyond expectation. This uproarious comedy stands among the most entertaining and imaginative works of the 1980s. Its exceptional ensemble cast, including Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, and Frances McDormand, adds depth to the film, which is consistent with the Coen Brothers' signature style seen in various other movies.

Raising Arizona is an absurd and exaggerated fusion of comedy and crime, serving as the duo's first notable achievement in the comedy genre. Centered around a botched kidnapping, the film maintains a lighthearted and energetic tone, devoid of any bleak or gritty elements. Its sole purpose is to elicit laughter and keep viewers engaged with its ceaseless momentum.

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9. "Tuileries" from 'Paris, Je T’Aime' (2006)

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Paris, Je T’Aime, also known as Paris, I Love You, is a captivating film that revolves around a collection of romantic tales set in and around the enchanting city of Paris. It is one of the remarkable anthology films in which the Coen Brothers participated, contributing their segment alongside 17 others. Their segment, aptly named "Tuileries," features the exceptional Steve Buscemi portraying an American tourist exploring the wonders of Paris. This collaboration between the Coen Brothers and the renowned character actor has once again resulted in an extraordinary cinematic experience.

The story unfolds in the titular station of the Paris Métro where Buscemi's character unintentionally becomes entangled with a bickering couple due to an accidental glance. In a matter of minutes, this brief film captures the essence of Coen Brothers' style, presenting a straightforward plot that escalates into an enjoyable chaos. Within the anthology film Paris, Je T'Aime, this particular short stands out as one of the finest and is definitely a must-watch for Coen Brothers enthusiasts.

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8. 'The Hudsucker Proxy' (1994)

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While many Coen Brothers movies are often described as strange or slightly unconventional, The Hudsucker Proxy takes this to another level. Released during a point in their career where they were established, the film showcases their willingness to push boundaries and challenge viewers and critics alike. The Hudsucker Proxy draws inspiration from a style of comedy popular in the mid-20th century and is set in the late 1950s. It tells the story of a young man manipulated by an older man in an elaborate stock market scam, blending comedy and drama seamlessly. Although its unconventional creative choices and stylistic touches may not appeal to everyone, it is still worth watching at least once.

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7. 'The Man Who Wasn't There' (2001)

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While No Country for Old Men may be considered the most somber and bleak film in the Coen Brothers' repertoire, their 2001 underrated gem The Man Who Wasn't There could easily vie for the second spot. This movie takes the classical elements of film noir and amplifies the bloodshed, moral depravity, and shadowy themes to uncharted and more distressing territories. It unravels the tale of a man who, through a series of punishing and protracted events, discovers firsthand that engaging in violent criminal activities does not yield favorable outcomes.

Beyond featuring Coen Brothers regular Frances McDormand, the cast also boasts a stellar performance by Billy Bob Thornton as the protagonist. Additionally, James Gandolfini delivers a small yet unforgettable performance, coinciding with the release of the movie during The Sopranos' airing. The Man Who Wasn't There manages to inject freshness and excitement into the neo-noir genre, making it a film that you should definitely experience.

6. "World Cinema" from 'To Each His Own Cinema' (2007)

One year after Paris, Je T’Aime, the Coen Brothers participated in another anthology film titled To Each His Own Cinema. This film was released in the same year as their aforementioned modern classic, No Country for Old Men. It is also linked to that film through the inclusion of Josh Brolin, who appears in both movies. In the Coen Brothers' segment titled "World Cinema" in To Each His Own Cinema, Brolin portrays the same character as in No Country for Old Men, namely Llewellyn Moss.

5. 'Miller's Crossing' (1990)

In "World Cinema," Brolin's character visits a cinema in California and goes through the process of selecting a movie to watch. While the concept is straightforward, it aligns with the overarching theme of the film's anthology. To Each His Own Cinema challenges various filmmakers to encapsulate their thoughts and emotions about cinema in three minutes or less. Although it may not rank among the finest or most cohesive anthology movies, it certainly presents an intriguing perspective.

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Released in 1990, Miller's Crossing stands out among the numerous remarkable crime movies of that year. This gripping gangster film, set during Prohibition, is regarded as one of the Coen Brothers' finest works. It intricately weaves together the lives of several characters entangled in a brutal gang war.

4. 'A Serious Man' (2009)

Despite its growing reputation over the years, this particular movie faced unfortunate underperformance upon release. Its box office earnings were disappointingly low, grossing only $5 million against a budget that was two to three times higher. Nonetheless, it received consistently positive reviews. Interestingly, modern audiences have shown significantly greater interest in this film compared to viewers back in 1990. It is worth noting that certain aspects, such as Albert Finney's remarkable performance, were arguably deserving of Oscar nominations, which unfortunately never materialized.

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Those who enter A Serious Man with the expectation of a lighthearted comedy may find it to be fairly amusing. However, labeling it as "fun" in the conventional sense might be misleading. Nevertheless, the film offers a unique and unforgettable experience that manages to blend darkness and unexpected tension. In fact, it could be considered one of the most gripping comedic films since Martin Scorsese's underrated cult classic from 1985, After Hours.

3. 'Barton Fink' (1991)

A modern-day adaptation of the biblical Book of Job, the film centers around a man whose unwavering faith in God is relentlessly tested through a series of hardships. Michael Stuhlbarg delivers a remarkable performance as the unfortunate protagonist, taking on a leading role that showcases his exceptional talent. While he has previously captivated audiences in supporting roles - such as in the acclaimed films Call Me By Your Name and The Shape of Water, both released in 2017 - A Serious Man allows Stuhlbarg to shine in the spotlight.

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While working on Miller's Crossing, the Coen Brothers took a break from the script and shifted their focus to Barton Fink, which they managed to write at a considerably faster pace, resulting in its release the year after Miller's Crossing. This allowed Barton Fink to be interpreted as a film that explores writer's block, with its storyline revolving around a playwright who moves from New York City to Los Angeles in the hopes of becoming a screenwriter, only to face challenges during the transition.

It's a somber yet humorously insightful exploration of the seedy underbelly of Hollywood and the film industry, shedding light on the immense pressures faced by those in the creative field. Similar to Miller's Crossing, this film was unfortunately ignored by the general public but received praise from critics, ultimately attaining a cult following. Its prestigious Palme d'Or victory at the Cannes Film Festival undoubtedly solidified its enduring legacy.

2. 'Hail, Caesar!' (2016)

In their attempt to capture the essence of classic 1950s comedies, the Coen Brothers ventured beyond The Hudsucker Proxy. Their 2016 film, Hail, Caesar!, took on a more explicit approach as it is set in Hollywood during that very decade, particularly the early 1950s. The plot revolves around a fixer who is hired by a studio to locate one of their beloved stars. This star mysteriously disappeared, leaving film production in limbo.

While not their most consistent comedy, this film offers a decent number of entertaining scenes and manages to maintain a good level of energy throughout. It cleverly parodies and deconstructs mystery/crime movies, similar to The Big Lebowski, although not quite as successfully. Nevertheless, the remarkable cast assembled for Hail, Caesar! is undeniable, with Josh Brolin in the lead role and an ensemble including George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, and Channing Tatum, among others.

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1. 'Blood Simple' (1984)

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Blood Simple is an astonishing debut for the Coen Brothers, instantly establishing their prowess as directors. Released amidst a remarkable year for cinema, it may have been slightly overshadowed by other acclaimed films of 1984. However, like many of the Coen Brothers' works, it has gained greater recognition and admiration over the years.

This film exemplifies the very best of the neo-noir subgenre, presenting a gripping tale of revenge gone awry, filled with crime, suspense, and death. In certain aspects, it evokes a darker version of Fargo, with a palpable sense of escalating tension and impending doom, albeit with less comedic elements. Additionally, it shares the distinction of featuring Frances McDormand, who made her debut in Blood Simple and later married Joel Coen in 1984, a partnership that remains strong to this day.

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