9 Underrated Mandy Patinkin Movies Fans Need to See

1. "Yentl" (1983)
Let's kick things off with some retro vibes! Set in an Ashkenazi shtetl in Poland, Yentl, played by the iconic Barbra Streisand, is a young Jewish girl with a passion for studying the Torah. But hey, it's a time when women were prohibited from religious study. Solution? She disguises herself as a man named Anshel.

Patinkin shines as Avigdor, the man Yentl (as Anshel) befriends and almost marries. The story spins around romance, friendship, and gender boundaries. Packed with heart-wrenching songs and twists, this film is a beautiful reminder of Patinkin's early cinematic talent.

2. "Alien Nation" (1988)
Switching gears to sci-fi, Patinkin becomes an extraterrestrial in this one. Earth welcomes Newcomers, alien refugees from a distant planet.

Detective Matt Sykes, a bit of a skeptic about these aliens, partners up with Patinkin's character, Sam Francisco (Yeah, you read that right). Throughout their mission to solve a homicide, our dynamic duo learns more about prejudice, trust, and friendship. And Patinkin? Unrecognizable and fantastic as ever!

3. "Dick Tracy" (1990)
Golden oldie alert! In a city filled with mobsters and villains, enter Detective Dick Tracy. But our main focus here? 88 Keys, a piano player with some shady ties, and Patinkin's there to give him life.

While the film primarily revolves around Tracy's battle with the main antagonist, Big Boy, the nuanced role of 88 Keys reminds us that sometimes the secondary characters steal the show. Plus, those classic tunes? Timeless.

4. "The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland" (1999)
Ever lost something super dear to you? Elmo sure has. His beloved blanket gets lost in Grouchland, a place where everything is, well, kinda yucky.

Now, where does our man Patinkin fit in? He's Huxley, the greedy villain of Grouchland. Seeing Patinkin embrace a role in a children's movie, dancing and singing, proves his versatility. While it's a playful flick, Huxley's role has its layers, and it's an absolute treat to watch.

5. "Wish I Was Here" (2014)
Ready for some family drama? Aidan, an actor, father, and husband, is at a crossroads in life. And while Aidan's life decisions and adventures take center stage, Patinkin's character, Gabe, plays a pivotal role. As Aidan's ailing father, Gabe has to reconnect with his family amidst his health battles.

The scenes between father and son are pure gold, blending humor with raw emotion. Mandy, once again, shows why he's a gem in the world of cinema.

6. "Before You Know It" (2019)
Two sisters, Rachel and Jackie, discover a rather shocking truth after their father's death – their mother, previously believed to be deceased, is alive and... wait for it... a soap opera star! Insert Patinkin as the theater-loving father, Mel.

The movie is a roller... oops, I mean, it's a whirlwind of family secrets, identity crises, and fresh beginnings. The scenes with Patinkin are genuine, often touching the heartstrings with the right balance of drama and humor.

7. "Last Embrace" (1979)
Alright, who's up for some espionage? After the tragic death of his wife, secret agent Harry Hannan suffers a nervous breakdown. When he gets a mysterious death threat, things take a dark turn.

While Patinkin isn't the main man here, his role as the young, eager agent is noteworthy. The thriller elements combined with Patinkin's portrayal make it a must-watch for fans who love some edge-of-the-seat moments.

8. "The House on Carroll Street" (1988)
Suspense galore! Set in the 1950s, Emily Crane, played by Kelly McGillis, stumbles upon a conspiracy that might be bigger than she ever imagined. Now, where's Patinkin? He's Cochran, the man tailing Emily to figure out just how much she knows.

The movie's aura, combined with Mandy's "cat and mouse" chase scenes, make this an underrated gem.

9. "Maxie" (1985)
Last but not least, let's jump back in time, quite literally. When a couple moves into a new home, they find it's haunted by the ghost of a 1920s starlet named Maxie. She wants one last shot at fame and might just take over the wife's body to do it.

Patinkin, as the husband Nick, tries to navigate this spooky situation with humor, love, and a pinch of exasperation. It's light, it's funny, and it's pure Patinkin magic.