Here’s our list of the top 5 most overlooked movies from last year. If you missed them in the theaters, you should definitely take the time to rent them.

1. King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

This is an awesome documentary about Donkey Kong–yes, Donkey Kong; but, this is one documentary that no one should miss! I’m not exaggerating–you do not need to be an 80s gamer, or even just a gamer, to enjoy this documentary.

I was doubtful when I heard it was about Donkey Kong; but, with some arm twisting by my gamer-boyfriend, I went to see it. The result? I loved it…. and I now own my own copy…and I make all my friends watch it….and, in turn, they all love it!

Synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes: There’s more drama in this small documentary than in most serious Oscar contenders. A marriage is on the line, integrity is tested, and friendships falter–all in the name of a video game called, Donkey Kong…

For more on King of Kong: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/king_of_kong/

2. Stardust

Okay, this is a fantasy movie that was largely overlooked in 2007 even though it had Hollywood heavy-hitter, Robert De Niro, starring in it, along with Claire Danes and Michelle Pfeiffer. Again, this was another movie I was doubtful about; but, then one of my movie-buff friends said, “How can you pass up a movie that stars Robert De Niro as a gay space pirate?” That totally sold me…so, I saw it….and, again, I loved it….So, you should also not miss this movie–it encompasses fantasy, fairytale, adventure, humor, and more.

For more on Stardust: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/stardust/

3. Hot Fuzz

Are you in the mood for ridiculousness? Good–then rent Hot Fuzz…a great combination of comedy and action all surrounding the most ridiculous plot that just adds to this films brilliance. This was one enjoyable film that way too many people missed out on!

Critic quote from Rotten Tomatoes:

It’s a movie that is literally, painfully funny, insofar as I occasionally laughed so hard that I thought my chest was about to collapse.

For more on Hot Fuzz: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hot_fuzz/

4. Atonement

If it’s romance and drama that you’re looking for, then definitely check out Atonement; a movie that was adapted from a book….Critic, Margaret Pomeranz, had this to say about the adaption of the film:

This is one fine film and I found it even more moving than the book.

How often do you hear that? Um, like never! As great as many movies are, the books are always better. Atonement stars the gorgeous Keira Knightly and the wonderful James McAvoy…Critic, MaryAnn Johanson, said:

Knightley is exquisite, shouldering…old Hollywood glamour…McAvoy positively simmers with the kind of emotion…that old Hollywood trained us to love in romantic heros…

For more on Atonement: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/atonement/

5. The Band’s Visit

Do you want to be moved? And perhaps expand your mind? Even if you don’t want to be moved, or you’re not in the mood to expand your mind, you still must see this little known drama that strategically intermixes an appropriate amount of silliness into it. The Band’s Visit is a cinematic event that doesn’t shy away from the difficult and complex cultural divides in the Middle East; but, rather shows that humanity can prevail in the most uncertain of circumstances. Critic, David Kaplan, poignoantly said,

This is one movie where words can do little justice to the quality of the film itself.

He got it just right–you just have to see this film. And just in case that quote wasn’t convincing enough, here’s another from Ty Burr of the Boston Globe:

It’s a small, profoundly satisfying movie that keeps echoing long after it’s over.

Movies with echo are almost always amazing…this one will get you and your friends talking for sure.

For more on The Band’s Visit: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bands_visit/