5 Under the Radar Movies Still Coming in 2019

2019 is setting up to be a movie-goer’s dream so far, with a swathe of high-quality movies releasing throughout the year. Beyond the obvious hits, though, there are also a few movies that may not catch everyone’s eye immediately, but that might end up being sleeper hits. Let’s see which unassuming titles might end up stealing the show.

Us

Release date: 22 March 2019

Jordan Peele’s Get Out was a massively surprising success that had a rather subdued release, but quickly garnered cult status and a box office return that few expected. Us seems to follow very similar beats, with Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke playing a couple who head out on vacation, only to become victims of some horrifying events. Fans of Peele’s Get Out are obviously curious to see if Peele’s capable of making it two out of two releases that end up being smash hits. The trailer definitely sells the horror, and it will likely feature healthy doses of Peele’s signature social commentary that made Get Out a notable discussion piece.

Captive State

Release date: 29 March 2019

Featuring the talents of John Goodman and Moonlight‘s Ashton Sanders Captive State looks to be one of the most intriguing movies of 2019, but isn’t getting the attention it deserves. Set 10 years after an alien invasion, the film follows Chicago residents who must decide whether to continue to live under alien rule or support the resistance.

Brightburn

Release date: 31 May 2019

What is Superman arrived on Earth, but was evil? This is basically the premise behind Brightburn, the latest James Gunn-produced horror which flips the hero-from-another-planet scenario on its head, following a young boy from an unknown world who begins to lean towards his darker side rather than becoming Earth’s saviour. Elizabeth Banks and David Denman star as the young, troubled boy’s parents who have to decide whether to protect or fight their adopted extraterrestrial child.

Rocketman

Release date: 7 June 2019

Judging by the breakout success of A Star is Born as well as Oscar-claiming Bohemian Rhapsody, musical bio-pics are clearly a building trend right now, so the iron is hot for a few more to be released. What better story to tell than Elton John’s then, right? Kingsman’s Taron Egerton takes the role as Elton John, which should be one of the more eye-catching aspects of the movie, since this gives him a fantastic opportunity to put his acting range on display. It also looks like this is likely to depart a little from being strictly biographical and incorporate some fantastical, stylised elements.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Release date: 9 August 2019

Although ‘under the radar’ and Quentin Tarantino don’t generally go in the same sentence, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a bit of a return to old-school Tarantino that doesn’t have the massive scope associated with his blockbusters, so it’s not getting the same press. It follows a former Western TV star and his stunt double as they try and remain relevant in a changing Hollywood landscape, playing out against the backdrop of Charles Manson’s harrowing atrocities. The initial opinion seems to be that this is returning to Tarantino’s roots with many Pulp Fiction elements, and it also boasts arguably his most acclaimed and decorated cast: Brad Pitt, Dakota Fanning, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kurt Russell, Al Pacino, Timothy Olyphant, and James Marsden. Definitely one for the Tarantino fans to get excited about!

Which movie are you most excited for? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.