Attack the Block is a phenomenally underrated film with a large cult following (and it’s personally one of my favorite films of all time). The film has a simple premise—a group of teens from South London has to protect their block from an alien invasion—but don’t confuse “simple” with “dull”, as the film is anything but. If you haven’t seen this film, you’re definitely missing out.

Attack the Block is directed by Joe Cornish and stars John Boyega as the protagonist, Moses. The film helped launch Boyega’s career and he’s since received notoriety in other films such as Pacific Rim Uprising, Detroit, and in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

Much of what makes Attack the Block such a hit with movie lovers is how it cleverly takes inspiration from other cult classic films such as Walter Hill’s The Warriors, and John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13. But part of what separates Attack the Block from other sci-fi action films is its social and racial “wokeness”. With a young, predominantly Black and brown cast, the film addresses real issues around social class and discrimination all while fighting fictional monsters. I can’t stress enough just how entertaining, skillful, and incredible this film is—add it to your watchlist today before the highly-anticipated sequel comes out.

Bamboozled