10 Underrated Woody Harrelson Movies That Deserve More Credit

1. "Rampart" (2011)
Ever wondered how a cop's life could spiral out of control? In "Rampart," Harrelson plays Dave Brown, an LAPD officer in the late '90s. Brown's not your poster boy cop – he's corrupt, volatile, and often violent. His personal and professional life get tangled when he's caught on tape beating a suspect.

The aftermath? A journey of self-destruction, strained family relations, and a department cleanup that leaves Brown in the crosshairs. It's all messy business in the City of Angels.

The film didn't exactly set the box office on fire, but Harrelson's portrayal? Absolute fire.

2. "The Cowboy Way" (1994)
Alright, y'all ready for a dose of cowboy culture clash? Harrelson joins Kiefer Sutherland in this classic fish-out-of-water tale. As Pepper and Sonny, two New Mexico rodeo cowboys, they head to the Big Apple to find their friend Nacho and end up on a wild urban adventure.

Picture this: two cowboys riding their horses in New York's busy streets! They encounter fashion shows, posh parties, and, of course, the gritty underworld. Big city lights with cowboy fights – what's not to love?

3. "Kingpin" (1996)
Bowling comedy, anyone? As Roy Munson, Harrelson sports a mean bowling arm and an even meaner haircut. Once a bowling prodigy, Roy's promising career takes a tumble when a hustle goes awry, leading to his hand being mutilated (ouch!).

Seventeen years later, he discovers an Amish bowling wizard, Ishmael (Randy Quaid). Smelling a chance for redemption and big cash, Roy becomes Ishmael's manager, aiming for a $1 million bowling tournament.

4. "The Hi-Lo Country" (1998)
Set in post-WWII New Mexico, Harrelson plays Big Boy Matson, a cattle rancher with a headstrong attitude. Alongside his best buddy Pete (Billy Crudup), the two take on an unscrupulous cattle baron who aims to monopolize the industry. And to make things spicier, both men fall for the same sultry woman, Mona (Patricia Arquette).

Cowboys, love triangles, and dusty landscapes – it's an old-school western drama that serves as a testament to friendship and love.

5. "Scorched" (2003)
So, bank employees planning a heist of their own workplace might sound like a well-trodden path, but "Scorched" throws in a fun twist.

Harrelson plays Jason 'Woods' Valley, a bank teller who discovers he's not the only one plotting a theft on the same day. Yep, three different schemes by employees, all unbeknownst to each other. Chaos, obviously, ensues.

It's a comedy of errors, really, with money flying everywhere and plans hilariously colliding.

6. "Palmetto" (1998)
In "Palmetto," Harrelson takes on the role of Harry Barber, a former newspaperman who did time for a crime he didn't commit. Once out, he's quickly lured into a kidnap scheme by the seductive Mrs. Donnelly (Elisabeth Shue).

The catch? The kidnapping's fake, meant to swindle money from her rich husband. Harry gets entangled in this web of deceit, love, and murder. If you ever needed a lesson on how not to get double-crossed, this movie's it.

7. "After the Sunset" (2004)
Ever wondered how a thief spends his retirement? Harrelson, playing FBI agent Stan Lloyd, is hell-bent on ensuring it's behind bars. He's chasing Max Burdett (Pierce Brosnan), a master diamond thief chilling in the Bahamas after his last big heist.

The cat and mouse chase turns fun in this tropical backdrop. But is Max really retired, or is he eyeing another dazzling diamond on a cruise ship? Stan's tropical tan and persistent chasing make this movie a sparkling adventure.

8. "Transsiberian" (2008)
Train journeys can be relaxing, or they can be... not. Harrelson, alongside Emily Mortimer, plays Roy, an American couple traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway from China to Moscow. Things take a sharp turn when they befriend another couple, carrying something quite secretive.

This isn't your typical scenic train ride – think deception, crime, and intense cold.

9. "Out of the Furnace" (2013)
Harrelson's role as Harlan DeGroat is nothing short of spine-chilling. Set in the Rust Belt, the film showcases the story of two brothers: Russell (Christian Bale) and Rodney (Casey Affleck). While Russell ends up in prison after a tragic accident, Rodney gets involved in illegal bare-knuckle boxing, eventually crossing paths with the ruthless Harlan.

It's a raw, gripping tale of redemption and brotherhood. Harrelson's portrayal of a cold-blooded crime lord? Criminally underrated, pun intended.

10. "A Prairie Home Companion" (2006)
Harrelson's comedic prowess shines through as Dusty, one-half of a singing cowboy duo, in Robert Altman's ensemble film.

The story revolves around the last broadcast of a beloved radio show, with its cast members coming to terms with its end. As they navigate through the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, Dusty's and Lefty's (John C. Reilly) songs add a touch of humor. The radio waves may have stopped, but the chuckles certainly didn't.