10 Underrated Donald Sutherland Movies You Need to Watch

Did you know Donald Sutherland had an iconic career lasting over six decades? While known for major movies like "Klute", he also had great roles in smaller projects, often overlooked!

10 Underrated Movies:

Even after he passed away, Donald Sutherland's talent lives on! He's been such an incredible performer, even with his smaller Movies that might be forgotten!

His movies covered an impressive array of genres: "psychological thrillers" to "historical dramas."

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Apprentice To Murder (1988):

This movie brings us back in time, to 1920s Pennsylvania.

You can't go wrong with this great mix of mystery and thrilling characters.

We meet a young boy!

Played by Chad Lowe,
He takes on an apprentice role and then the master behind it is none other than Donald Sutherland

What really brings out the special magic in this movie? Sutherland plays this unique figure who heals people with powers he gained by "powwows", but does that mean this character has some true power?

"Sutherland" has these supernatural skills but he's also the type to prey on others who seek his help!
This film may have some moments that make people uneasy as Sutherland is in control.

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Threshold (1981):

Donald Sutherland's President Coriolanus Snow at a Capitol party in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Image

For a "medical drama" it seems like there is nothing better than Sutherland and this great story about ethical choices in the face of a crisis! It has some amazing moments as it explores how the science of medicine is a powerful force and often brings complex moments that put those in a tough situation and forces people to make life or death decisions. It turns out this movie might bring you moments where you feel for these medical professionals! It seems that Sutherland's role, in the movie as "Dr. Thomas Vrain" really delves into these life-or-death challenges.

With Sutherland giving such a powerful performance you may start to ask. What exactly makes this film so special? Sutherland delivers an emotional experience as a surgeon. You'll find this to be one of the best parts of this story! What stands out most? It takes audiences on this thrilling journey to experience those choices as if the drama unfolding was very much a part of their lives! This really shows Sutherland's talent as he always takes on those complex roles that are never so simple!

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Space Cowboys (2000):

Threshold (1981) Donald Sutherland Plays Dr. Thomas Vrain talking with Jeff Goldblum Image

With a team that's ready for the stars in Space Cowboys you get another iconic team: A collection of stars.

It's directed by a well-respected Hollywood legend "Clint Eastwood!", who takes a major part in the film.
Eastwood stars alongside some of the biggest movie stars! It really has something to offer fans and it's a fantastic blend of comedy and the kind of moments you may only find in science fiction! You can even find the show giving a glimpse into life and the world!
Tommy Lee Jones plays a pivotal part, as does the awesome "James Garner." The cast is absolutely incredible.

When it comes to this ensemble cast! We get another incredible character in this movie "Jerry O'Neill!" (Sutherland's) You might even find that he brings a special kind of flair to a space adventure! "Sutherland" is truly the best kind of performer!

This role, as this charming, spirited engineer and womanizer, brings tons of great, comedic moments.
You get to see his relationship, which he forms, and what brings this all to a head! He adds more intrigue and excitement that will leave audiences captivated from beginning to end!

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Steelyard Blues (1973):

Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland, and Tommy Lee Jones in Space Cowboys all with ID tags looking like they are listening to somebody Image

This classic film really takes viewers back into a pivotal historical period. Sutherland's character in the story, Jesse Veldini really showcases that special blend of a non-conformist attitude, as well as this great comedy-based performance.

The main idea is that Sutherland in his character wants a different way to live.

It’s as if Veldini was one of those characters from this time period in the early 1970s that just didn’t fit into mainstream America. The great performance, shows just how remarkable this role could be. It’s no wonder that it became a “cult classic."

The First Great Train Robbery (1978):

Donald Sutherland his characters in Klute, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and The Hunger Games Image

A movie like The Great Train Robbery, is known for action. We also get another incredible story.

In the middle of Victorian England, there are plenty of moments that bring this era to life with such incredible details! It's not only full of action! Sutherland joins Sean Connery as the ultimate duo of action heroes. This group takes the Victorian English era into the wild west!

The action takes center stage with the mission: to pull off the most audacious heist! Sutherland brings the right touch as this mastermind with the skills to create one of the most unbelievable plans! There are incredible skills here. But Sutherland's talent in bringing the characters to life is more subtle!

Fellini's Casanova (1976):

Steelyard Blues (1973) Donald Sutherland Plays Jesse Veldini talking to female co-star, Donald wearing a hat with a moustache Image

This Italian story, brings an interesting take on "Casanova," a story of love, adventure, a legend of a "romantic figure!" It doesn't stop there. Fellini, gives this special take on a complex figure who may have lost a part of themselves.

This film's direction is really notable. Fellini's style adds an intriguing dimension, blurring those lines, especially of a surreal experience.

What does "Sutherland" bring to this film? This iconic performance captures a character with contradictions and that means you can get a glimpse of how Casanova felt like he lost himself! Sutherland shows a figure that's charming and attractive. It may seem like the person everyone wishes they could be.

But behind this, is a real emotional struggle and a life of tragedy as well. The whole world he knows is turned upside down and you get to see just what makes this a fascinating role that he was able to so effectively play.

The way he could embody a classic character! He's always got something new, it appears to be one of his greatest performances!

And to think that a great film like this one, with "Sutherland's" incredible role might have just been forgotten about.

Don't Look Now (1973):

The First Great Train Robbery (1978) Donald Sutherland Plays Robert Agar with a top hat and a moustache Image

What makes this psychological horror show really unique is the story. It starts with two partners in mourning! The film follows John Baxter (Sutherland). You can feel the intense emotions and what he must experience after his young daughter, passes.

It becomes so complex and the emotions make a big impression as we also get "Laura Baxter" ("Julie Christie"). We're shown the complexity of these emotions. The story goes into those things that haunt and haunt you with this horror element that everyone loves.

As you watch you might not be able to take your eyes off this role as he experiences visions of the unexplained.
The audience feels the sense of this couple dealing with an important life changing experience.

Pride & Prejudice (2005):

Fellini's Casanova (1976) Donald Sutherland Plays Giacomo Casanova with an unusual haircut and an ornate bird ornament Image

Who doesn't love "Pride and Prejudice,"? And you may know a classic romance! You can catch this modern take and find something new.

Sutherland makes his role as the father in the film! He gets to bring this iconic character, Mr. Bennet. To bring a new perspective to an old story, showing how talented actors, really give audiences so much! The new take might be the perfect twist for fans.

When "Pride & Prejudice" is mentioned, everyone is always thinking about the love stories but what about the parents? This performance highlights the incredible father, and you're able to catch those interactions he has with Elizabeth Bennet. It truly adds another layer to a movie that fans adore!

Eye Of The Needle (1981):

Don't Look Now (1973) Donald Sutherland Plays John Baxter distraught who is cradling the body of his daughter who drowned Image

A world of espionage with tons of suspense. Sutherland's ability as an actor shines when you see the complex figure, Henry Faber.

In this World War II era film. The star, brings his talents as Faber, the infamous, "The Needle," who used his stiletto, in an act of treachery. The movie goes on a super compelling and wild journey! As you watch you might start to ask who is this super complex character who can do whatever he wants? You can feel a combination of the unexpected and thriller genre, that brings us an incredible thriller. The best part? It's almost impossible not to feel the intensity, in his character who has no remorse or compassion, bringing him face to face with what his future holds.

A Dry White Season (1989):

pride & prejudice father and daughter, Donald Sutherland and Keira Knightly embrace Image

Set against an extraordinary setting. It explores the difficulties during apartheid in South Africa, where the world was completely transformed, even making it into an epic adventure, and it shows off the incredible role of "Sutherland's" career, with one of the most amazing roles to have ever been done.

It seems that Sutherland gives one of the best roles in "A Dry White Season

He shows us that he's a talented performer!

This film is about how one individual wants to live a normal life, but has to take on something extraordinary! It's one of those "Sutherland" performances where his role brings an amazing depth.

His performance truly reflects just how amazing of an actor "Sutherland" was! What was most notable is that even when he played those roles of those who wanted a simple, uncomplicated life! Those moments when he had to stand up and challenge that which is unjust in this incredible era, in "South Africa." These powerful moments give the movie such amazing depth.

What really brought this series to the forefront and those of Sutherland's career that is a must-watch and gives fans a good understanding as to how a really powerful performer, never backs down. He embraces every challenge in a unique and amazing way! The world will remember a talented star. We should celebrate the Movies, characters, and most importantly those moments where the actor was willing to explore new things and really push his limits to really make it into one of the most important actors.