These classic,  yet underrated movies are definitely worth watching if you want to increase your cultural knowledge. There are plenty more to delve into, so get comfortable and satisfy that wanderlust — you won’t regret it.

SPAIN, “BIUTIFUL”

The main character of the movie, Uxbal, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is reaching the end of his battle. He has a close relationship with his family, especially his young children, and is concerned about who he will leave them with when he dies. Uxbal has the ability to communicate with the dead’s souls as long as they haven’t moved on to the other side. This resembles the darkness that Uxbal feels throughout his cancer battle while trying to transform his life before his death. Though depressing at times, the movie will keep you on the edge of your seat — especially if you love paranormal themes.

AUSTRALIA, “WOLF CREEK”

three college students go on a road trip in the outbacks of Australia to the world-famous crater Wolf Creek, located in the middle of a wasteland of a desert. What they find out there results in bloodshed. The slow-burning pace and sense of increasing isolation the first act creates are only outdone by the arrival of John Jarratt as the faux friendly hermit Mick who harbors some disturbing tendencies. The brutality of the violence in the film after a slow start caused controversy upon release, and it considered by horror fans to be one of the finest entries in the genre in recent memory on par with “The Hills Have Eyes” or “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”

JAPAN, “IKIRU”

Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat, goes on a self-searching journey after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, when he realizes the contributions he has made so far in life are meaningless, and that losing yourself in helping others is a good place to get lost. With an inspirational and uplifting message,the film’s overall tone is comparable to that of “The Pursuit of Happiness,” as they both display instances of great adversity and overcoming the emotions brought forth by them. In terms of being able to keep the viewers attention, a few parts drag on yet the film is still able to retain the storyline’s suspense and can truly enthrall those who enjoy dramas.

FRANCE, “CACHE”

This psychological thriller/horror film from acclaimed director Michael Haneke focuses on a middle-class family torn apart by the past. This sounds incredibly cliché, and while I can’t give anything more away without major spoilers, this is unlike most other titles in the thriller genre. No cheap scares or predictable murders or big climax; just slow-building tensions and secrets. It is a film which cleverly uses France’s troubled history and the bourgeoisie guilt so often felt among France’s middle class to effectively weave into its story. It’s a subtly disturbing film; its implications about how the events have affected the characters will sit with you hours after the film.