Are you craving some extraordinary and out-of-the-box films to watch? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the most captivating and unique indie movies currently available on Netflix. These hidden gems often struggle to find their audience, but luckily, Netflix offers an amazing collection of the most unforgettable indie films ever made. Prepare to be mesmerized as you explore a world filled with laughter, tears, suspense, and everything in between.
One of the incredible things about these independent movies streaming on Netflix is that they showcase many familiar faces. Did you know that before Kevin Spacey became the infamous Frank Underwood in House of Cards, he played the worst boss ever in the 1994 film Swimming with Sharks? Prepare to be blown away by his performance! Another absolute treat on Netflix is Four Rooms, a four-part masterpiece that brings together the creative genius of Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Allison Anders, and Alexandre Rockwell.
When it comes to independent cinema, Rosemarie DeWitt is an absolute standout. Her movies Touchy Feely, Your Sister’s Sister, and Nobody Walks are all waiting to be discovered on Netflix, showcasing her incredible talent and versatility. And here’s a fascinating fact: Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind the Dark Knight series, actually kickstarted his career with the low-budget film Following, which is also available for streaming. Prepare to be amazed by his early brilliance!
Now, we can’t wait to hear from you! Do you have a favorite independent movie that you absolutely love watching on Netflix? Share your top picks with us and let us know which films from this list have stolen your heart. And of course, don’t hesitate to recommend any other hidden independent gems that we might have missed. Let’s embark on this exciting cinematic journey together!
1. Beasts of No Nation
In the midst of a raging civil war in Africa, there is a story of a determined warlord and a young orphan who find themselves intertwined. Played by the talented Idris Elba, the warlord takes on the responsibility of training this orphan, portrayed by Abraham Attah, to become part of his group of guerrilla soldiers.
Released: 2015
Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Actors: Idris Elba, Abraham Attah, Opeyemi Fagbohungbe
2. 20th Century Women
Hey, have you heard of this movie called 20th Century Women? It came out in 2016 and it’s a comedy-drama directed and written by Mike Mills. The story revolves around a badass single mom named Dorothea Fields, played by Annette Bening. She’s doing everything she can to raise her teenage son, Jamie, portrayed by Lucas Jade Zumann. The film is set in 1979 Santa Barbara, and Jamie is starting to spread his wings and discover his independence.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Mike Mills
Actors: Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig
3. Frances Ha
Frances, played by Greta Gerwig, navigates through different apartments in Brooklyn while searching for both employment and a steady romantic partner.
Released: 2012
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Actors: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Michael Zegen
4. Blue Is the Warmest Color
Blue Is the Warmest Colour, released in 2013, is a French romantic coming-of-age drama film directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. It is based on the graphic novel written by Julie Maroh. The story revolves around a French teenager named Adèle, played by Adèle Exarchopoulos, who becomes fascinated by a painter with blue hair named Emma, portrayed by Léa Seydoux. As their relationship develops, Adèle starts to discover and embrace her own sexuality.
Released: 2013
Directed by: Abdellatif Kechiche
Actors: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Alma Jodorowsky
5. Blue Valentine
Blue Valentine is a movie that delves into the complexities of love and heartbreak. It revolves around the lives of Dean and Cindy, played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams respectively. Their relationship goes through ups and downs, moving between the initial excitement of their early days together to the harsh realities they face in the present.
The story takes place in suburban Pennsylvania and is told through a series of flashbacks. These flashbacks gradually unveil the transformation of their once perfect romance into a painful and bitter ordeal. Director Derek Cianfrance skillfully captures the intensity of their struggles, creating a raw and emotional drama.
The film received recognition for its honest portrayal of love, earning Michelle Williams an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This acknowledgment highlights the exceptional performance she delivers, bringing depth and authenticity to the character of Cindy.
Released: 2010
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Actors: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Faith Wladyka
6. The Spectacular Now
In The Spectacular Now, we meet Sutter Keely, a charismatic high-school senior who loves a good drink or two. After going through a tough breakup with his girlfriend, Sutter sets off on a wild journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he unexpectedly crosses paths with the introverted Aimee Finicky. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely friendship that evolves into something more meaningful. This film is a coming-of-age drama that combines elements of romance and comedy, touching on the universal themes of adolescence, love, and the challenges of growing up. It received a Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, which just goes to show how captivating its storyline and performances are.
Released: 2013
Directed by: James Ponsoldt
Actors: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson
7. Unicorn Store
Unicorn Store is a comedy film released in 2019, with Brie Larson at the helm as director and co-producer. The story revolves around Kit, played by Brie Larson herself, a struggling artist who ends up moving back in with her parents. To make ends meet, she reluctantly takes up a job as an office worker. But everything takes a whimsical turn when Kit receives an intriguing letter from an unidentified salesman, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. This letter invites her to a peculiar establishment called ‘The Store,’ known for selling whatever one may truly need.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Brie Larson
Actors: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Bradley Whitford
8. Super Dark Times
Super Dark Times” is a gripping thriller flick from 2017, directed by Kevin Phillips. It delves into the lives of two best friends, Zach (played by Owen Campbell) and Josh (played by Charlie Tahan), who find themselves caught in a web of secrets after a horrifying accident.
In this intense drama, Zach and Josh face the daunting task of concealing the gruesome incident they were involved in. As they grapple with the weight of their secret, their once unbreakable bond is put to the test. The film takes us on a rollercoaster ride as we witness the strain that this hidden truth places on their friendship.
With Phillips at the helm, “Super Dark Times” immerses viewers in a world shrouded in suspense and tension. The film explores the psychological toll that keeping such a dark secret can have on individuals, particularly when it threatens to tear apart the very fabric of a close-knit friendship.
Through powerful performances by Campbell and Tahan, the movie delves into the complexities of human emotions, friendship, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. “Super Dark Times” takes audiences on a gripping journey, where the boundaries between right and wrong blur, leaving us questioning the lengths we would go to preserve our own safety and sanity
Released: 2017
Directed by: Kevin Phillips
Actors: Owen Campbell, Charlie Tahan, Elizabeth Cappuccino