61 Sundance Films to Watch
61 titles
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Young and WildMovie · 2012 · 92m · Comedy, DramaDaniela, who grew up in a very strict Evangelical household, is now grappling with her parents' disapproval after they discovered she's been having premarital sex. She's trying to find her own way to feel spiritually at peace.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.3 - 2
Your Sister's SisterMovie · 2011 · 90m · ComedyFollowing his brother's death, Jack is invited by Iris to spend time at her family's secluded island home. While there, a night of heavy drinking leads to an unexpected encounter between Jack and Iris' sister, Hannah, sparking a series of emotionally charged days.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 3
Middle of NowhereMovie · 2012 · 101mAfter her husband receives an eight-year prison sentence, Ruby leaves medical school to dedicate herself to his care while he's behind bars. This unexpected path becomes a journey of personal growth and self-discovery for her.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 4
Shut Up and Play the HitsMovie · 2012 · 108m · Music, DocumentaryThis film offers a personal look at LCD Soundsystem's final performance on April 2, 2011. It documents both the band's energetic, three-hour farewell concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the 48 hours leading up to it, focusing on frontman James Murphy's reflections during that time.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 5
The OratorMovie · 2011 · 110m"The Orator" is a drama about courage, forgiveness, and love. Saili, a small and unassuming man, lives a simple life with his wife and daughter in a remote Samoan village. When he's compelled to defend his land and family, Saili must confront his fears and find the strength to speak for those he cares about.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 6
Monsieur LazharMovie · 2011 · 94m · Drama, ComedyIn the depths of a brutal Montreal winter, an elementary school class is devastated by the suicide of their teacher. Bachir Lazhar, a compelling Algerian immigrant, becomes their substitute, tasked with guiding the traumatized children. He carefully hides his own struggles: seeking political refuge in Quebec and carrying the weight of a profound personal loss, mirroring the children's pain.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 7
Wuthering HeightsMovie · 2011 · 124m · Drama, RomanceIn the Yorkshire moors of late 18th-century England, young Heathcliff is taken in by Mr. Earnshaw at Wuthering Heights, a remote farm. He grows up with a consuming and destructive passion for his foster sister, Cathy, a love that is fated to have a tragic outcome.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.9 - 8
Where Do We Go Now?Movie · 2011 · 110m · Drama, ComedyIn a secluded Lebanese village, Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully despite being surrounded by landmines. As civil war erupts in the wider country, the women of the village attempt to shield their husbands from the escalating conflict. They do this by secretly disabling the village radio and then destroying the television. Their efforts to keep the men uninformed are met with mixed results.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 9
The SessionsMovie · 2012 · 95m · Drama, Romance, ComedyMark O'Brien, who uses an iron lung due to childhood polio, works as a journalist and poet. A writing project about sex and disability leads him to consider having a sexual experience. After a failed attempt with a caregiver, he arranges to meet with a sex surrogate, Cheryl Cohen-Greene, to lose his virginity.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 10
That's What She SaidMovie · 2012 · 84mBest friends Bebe and DeeDee are both navigating complicated love lives. Bebe is happily dating someone new, while DeeDee struggles to move on from a past relationship, often making things difficult for herself. While waiting for DeeDee at their usual coffee shop, Bebe meets Clementine, a young woman also dealing with romantic troubles. Soon, Bebe and DeeDee find themselves caught up in a wild adventure through New York City, together with Clementine.IMDb 3.9TMDB 5.1 - 11
ArbitrageMovie · 2012 · 100m · Drama, ThrillerA wealthy hedge fund manager, struggling to finalize a major business deal, makes a mistake that requires him to seek assistance from someone unexpected.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 12
I Am Not a HipsterMovie · 2013 · 90mBrook, a gifted singer-songwriter, is struggling to succeed, trapped by a self-destructive pattern. He's deeply affected by his mother's death and his own emotional distance is hindering his career. His sisters and estranged father arrive to scatter his mother’s ashes, and their presence begins to break through Brook’s defenses, offering a chance for healing and a hopeful future.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 13
The House I Live InMovie · 2012 · 110m · DocumentaryFor the last four decades, the War on Drugs has led to 45 million arrests, turning the United States into the world's leading jailer and devastating communities both domestically and internationally. Despite this, drugs are now cheaper, purer, and more readily accessible than ever before. What went wrong?IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 14
The Invisible WarMovie · 2012 · 93m · Documentary, War, CrimeThis documentary is a powerful investigation into the widespread issue of sexual assault within the U.S. military. It examines the systems that enable and conceal these crimes, and explores the devastating impact on individuals and society as a whole.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 15
Corpo CelesteMovie · 2011 · 99mMarta, a self-reliant and curious 13-year-old who spent her childhood in Switzerland, moves with her mother and sister to a city in southern Italy. She enrolls in a catechism class at a local church, hoping to learn more about her faith. But the class's activities and religious songs fail to ignite her interest. Feeling out of place, Marta begins to challenge the rules of the class, the priest, and the church itself.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 16
Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar MovieMovie · 2012 · 94m · ComedyTwo friends receive a billion dollars to create their dream film, but their vision begins to unravel as the project takes unexpected turns.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.5 - 17
2 Days in New YorkMovie · 2012 · 91m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceMarion and Mingus, both recovering from past heartbreak, have built a peaceful life together centered around their children. Their domestic tranquility is disrupted when Marion's father unexpectedly arrives with his flirtatious daughter and her unusual partner. The unconventional guests' behavior challenges the couple's boundaries, forcing them to re-evaluate their relationship.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.6 - 18
Kid-ThingMovie · 2012 · 83mIn the Austin suburbs, ten-year-old Annie spends her days causing trouble. She rides her BMX bike recklessly, throws dough at cars, and breaks things with her baseball bat. Her father, a former goat farmer now a demolition derby driver, offers her little guidance. Lacking friends, Annie fills her time with solitary acts of mischief. While playing in the woods, she hears a woman calling for help from an abandoned well. Compelled to return to the well every day, Annie struggles to know how to assist the woman in distress.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 19
28 Hotel RoomsMovie · 2012 · 82m · Drama, RomanceTwo people, a novelist and an accountant, meet while on a business trip. They end up spending the night together. Both are in relationships – she is married, he is seeing someone – but they feel a strong connection. This one night leads to an unexpected relationship and a break from their everyday routines. The story follows their developing connection through a series of moments, both meaningful and lighthearted, as they explore the possibility of something truly important.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.5 - 20
Ai Weiwei: Never SorryMovie · 2012 · 92m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the challenges faced by Ai Weiwei, the Chinese artist renowned for his provocative art and outspoken political views, between 2008 and 2011. It follows his ascent to international recognition through online platforms, culminating in his widely reported arrest as a result of his repeated and bold challenges to the Chinese government.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 21
5 Broken CamerasMovie · 2011 · 90m · War, DocumentaryFive broken cameras hold powerful stories. These cameras, found among the damaged remains of digital technology, reveal the experiences of Emad Burnat, a Palestinian farmer from the village of Bil’in. Bil’in became known for its peaceful resistance against the Israeli army's expansion into the village, which aimed to create space for Jewish colonists. Emad bought his first camera in 2005 to document the birth of his fourth son, Gibreel. The film follows him as he becomes the quiet recorder of a growing conflict: olive trees are destroyed, lives are lost, and a wall is constructed to divide Israeli settlements.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 22
Violeta Went to HeavenMovie · 2011 · 110m · Drama, MusicThis film explores the life and work of Violeta Parra, the celebrated Chilean singer-songwriter and folklorist, through her music, personal reflections, relationships, and ambitions. It portrays both her successes and challenges, revealing Parra's artistic journey as she worked to protect and update traditional Chilean folk music while navigating a male-dominated music scene in 20th-century Latin America. The film showcases her passion, vulnerability, and strength, allowing viewers to understand Violeta through her lyrics and deeply emotional melodies.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 23
BacheloretteMovie · 2012 · 87m · Comedy, RomanceThree friends receive an unexpected request: to be bridesmaids at the wedding of a woman they bullied during their high school years.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.4 - 24
Beasts of the Southern WildMovie · 2012 · 93m · Drama, FantasyHushpuppy, a spirited six-year-old, lives with her father, Wink, in a remote Delta community called 'the Bathtub'. Wink's strict upbringing prepares her for a future without his protection. When Wink falls ill with a strange disease, the natural world begins to change—temperatures soar and the ice caps melt, releasing prehistoric creatures called aurochs. As the waters rise, the aurochs appear, and Wink’s health declines, Hushpuppy sets out to find her mother, who disappeared long ago.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 25
The PactMovie · 2012 · 89m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerFollowing their mother's death, sisters Nicole and Annie return to their childhood home for the funeral. During a night spent in the house, they become aware of a strange presence: unexplained noises, objects shifting, and a picture of a woman they don't recognize appearing next to their mother's portrait. Annie then begins having vivid, unsettling dreams – visions that reveal a dark secret from her mother's past that is now coming to light.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 26
Lay the FavoriteMovie · 2012 · 94m · Drama, ComedyA woman who used to be a stripper discovers she has a knack for mathematics and gets hired by a professional gambler in Las Vegas who operates a sports betting business.IMDb 4.9TMDB 5.2 - 27
Liberal ArtsMovie · 2012 · 97m · Romance, Comedy, DramaJesse Fisher, 35 and recently divorced, feels his life is lacking direction. He's dissatisfied with his job and fears he's past his prime. Despite trying to escape into reading, life keeps interrupting him. When his former college professor invites him to speak at the professor's retirement dinner on campus, Jesse eagerly accepts.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 28
Black RockMovie · 2012 · 79m · Thriller, HorrorThree friends from childhood put aside their differences for a girls' weekend on a secluded island in Maine. Their getaway takes a dangerous turn when a mistake forces them to fight for their lives.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.8 - 29
California SoloMovie · 2012 · 93mLachlan MacAldonich, a former guitarist from a 1990s rock band now working on an organic farm in Los Angeles, lives a quiet, self-destructive life. He drinks heavily and records podcasts about the deaths of famous musicians. After being arrested for DUI, a past drug conviction threatens his ability to stay in the U.S. To avoid deportation, Lachlan must prove his absence would cause hardship for someone, forcing him to confront relationships he'd long forgotten.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.7 - 30
Love Free or DieMovie · 2012 · 82mIn June 2003, the Episcopal Church in New Hampshire sparked controversy by electing Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, as a bishop – a first for the denomination. Since then, Robinson has been a central figure in the ongoing and often heated debate about achieving full acceptance for LGBTQ+ people within the church.IMDb 7.4TMDB 3.5 - 31
CanMovie · 2012 · 106mAyşe and Cemal's world feels incomplete without a child. Unable to conceive naturally, they make a desperate decision to illegally obtain a baby. This pursuit of a perfect life unravels their relationship, pushing them toward separate paths. The couple’s growing distance mirrors the film's other story: a detached mother struggles to connect with her son, Can.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.0 - 32
Indie Game: The MovieMovie · 2012 · 103m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the intense experiences of video game developers as they bring their creations to life and release them to players worldwide. It’s a story about the process of making video games, fundamentally exploring the act of creative expression and the vulnerability inherent in sharing one's work with the public.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 33
Celeste & Jesse ForeverMovie · 2012 · 91m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceCeleste and Jesse fell in love in high school and married soon after. They share a close connection, easily understanding each other and often completing each other's thoughts. To their friends, they seem like the ideal couple – Celeste is a successful businesswoman and aspiring author, while Jesse embraces spontaneity. Now, they've made the decision to divorce. Will their strong bond be enough to overcome this challenge?IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 34
Mosquita y MariMovie · 2012 · 85mTwo Chicana high school students, partnered for a study project, develop a connection that leaves them feeling uncertain.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 35
Declaration of WarMovie · 2011 · 100m · DramaRomeo and Juliet are young actors who quickly fall in love, move in together, and have a child. Their story is one of love and building a life, like so many others. But their son, Adam, develops unusual behavior. Initially, his parents try to ignore it, but as time goes on, they can no longer deny something is wrong. A battle begins: a war against illness, against death, and against despair.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.1 - 36
My Best DayMovie · 2012 · 75mOn a beautiful Fourth of July, Karen is disappointed to be working as a receptionist when she receives a call from her estranged father. This unexpected contact triggers a series of events that dramatically alter life in a small town. At the same time, Megan struggles with a choice between the security of her long-term relationship and the excitement of a new romance. Meanwhile, Ray navigates school bullies and competitive sports as he tries to win the heart of the girl he likes. In this close-knit community, everyone's life is intertwined, and soon secrets and relationships become entangled.IMDb 5.1TMDB 4.5 - 37
ComplianceMovie · 2012 · 90m · Drama, ThrillerDuring a hectic shift at a fast-food restaurant in suburban Ohio, manager Sandra takes a call from a police officer. The officer informs her that one of her employees has stolen money from a customer.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 38
My Brother the DevilMovie · 2012 · 111m · DramaMo, a lonely and sensitive fourteen-year-old, often gets into trouble trying to fit in with friends. He looks up to his older brother, Rashid, a charismatic figure in a local gang who earns money through drug dealing to support their family. Yearning to be tough like Rashid, Mo takes a job that sets off a chain of events, forcing the brothers to face their own struggles. The film explores how easy it is to harbor hatred, and how true courage lies in love and understanding.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 39
Chasing IceMovie · 2012 · 74m · DocumentaryNational Geographic photographer James Balog sought to capture climate change with his camera, focusing on ice. His subsequent cover story on glaciers became the magazine's most popular in the past five years. This project, however, was just the start of a much larger, long-term undertaking of epic scope.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 40
DetropiaMovie · 2012 · 93m · DocumentaryDetroit's history reflects a key story of the United States over the past century: African Americans' Great Migration away from racial segregation, the growth of industry and a prosperous middle class, a strong connection to cars, the pursuit of the American dream, and now... economic decline and a weakening of that dream.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 41
The Law in These PartsMovie · 2011 · 101mDoes justice exist for Palestinians under Israel's legal system in the West Bank and Gaza? This documentary examines the history of Israel's military legal system in the occupied territories.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 42
ExcisionMovie · 2012 · 81m · Drama, Horror, ComedyPauline, a socially isolated teenager, develops advanced surgical skills and becomes consumed by disturbing, sexually charged fantasies involving violence.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 43
Price CheckMovie · 2012 · 92mA middle-aged man, a former music industry executive now working at a supermarket, lives a comfortable life with his wife and son. His world changes when a dynamic new boss arrives at work, bringing both opportunities and challenges. This shift elevates his career and increases his responsibilities, but also stirs up conflict in both his professional and family life.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.1 - 44
Pursuit of LonelinessMovie · 2016 · 96mFollowing the death of a patient in the hospital, a nurse's attempts to reach the family are unsuccessful. A social worker continues the search, eventually finding only the neighbor who cared for the patient's dogs. A county investigator finds no relatives and is left to handle the deceased's possessions. Separately, the film follows a frail man's discharge from the hospital and an elderly woman navigating errands and the heat during a heat wave.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.6 - 45
The WordsMovie · 2012 · 96m · Drama, Thriller"The Words" centers on Rory Jansen, a young writer who achieves literary fame with what's hailed as the next great American novel. The catch? He didn't write it. As the truth about the novel's origins surfaces, Jansen must grapple with the consequences of plagiarism while his career skyrockets. He's forced to confront the high cost of sacrificing integrity for ambition and success, and the importance of genuine connection.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 46
The Queen of VersaillesMovie · 2012 · 100mThe Queen of Versailles is an epic story about billionaires Jackie and David Siegel and their pursuit of the American dream. The film begins with the construction of their extravagant, 90,000-square-foot mansion, modeled after the Palace of Versailles. Fueled by a successful time-share business built on the real estate boom, their fortunes are shattered when the economic crisis halts construction and threatens their future. Over the next two years, the film captures the effects of this sudden change, depicting the couple's struggles with delusion, denial, and dark humor.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 47
For a Good Time, Call...Movie · 2012 · 87m · Comedy, DramaAfter a breakup and losing their apartment, college friends Lauren and Katie decide to move in together. They share Katie's late grandmother's NYC apartment and initially clash. However, a late-night discovery of a secret changes everything, forging a deeper bond. Lauren, the practical one, and Katie, the creative one, then launch a surprisingly successful business. As their profits grow, they reconsider their futures, realizing that even college drama doesn't define lasting friendships.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.9 - 48
Robot & FrankMovie · 2012 · 89m · Science Fiction, Comedy, DramaFrank, a grumpy widower, lives a solitary life centered around his daily trips to the library, where he shares a friendly connection with the librarian. His adult children, worried about him, purchase a caretaker robot. Frank is hesitant at first but gradually comes to appreciate the robot's help with things like meals and housework. He starts to see the robot as a companion. With this new assistance, Frank rediscovers his enthusiasm for his past, unconventional work – for good or ill.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 49
Red Hook SummerMovie · 2012 · 125mFlik, used to a comfortable life in Atlanta, is sent by his mother to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather in a Brooklyn housing project. Feeling isolated and bored, he finds his strict grandfather, Enoch, a passionate preacher, determined to convert him. The only bright spot is Chazz, a spirited girl from church. As the summer heats up and Enoch's sermons fill Sunday mornings, tensions rise and various conflicts erupt among the residents.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.5 - 50
GoatsMovie · 2012 · 92m · ComedyFifteen-year-old Ellis Whitman has been raised by a unique guardian: "Goat Man," a wise, free-spirited man who lives off the land and grows marijuana. Ellis's self-centered mother and absent father have shaped his life away from mainstream society. But when Ellis chooses to leave Goat Man's desert home for a traditional East Coast prep school, he's about to experience a world of significant change.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.5 - 51
Safety Not GuaranteedMovie · 2012 · 86m · Comedy, Romance, Science FictionThree magazine workers accept an assignment: interview a man who advertised in a classifieds section looking for someone to travel through time with him.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 52
GrabbersMovie · 2012 · 94m · Science Fiction, Comedy, ThrillerA dark presence arrives off the coast of Ireland, disturbing the peaceful fishing village of Erin Island. Fishermen disappear, followed by the discovery of whale carcasses on the shore. When murders begin, two unlikely police officers – a troubled alcoholic and his disciplined new partner – must defend the town from giant, tentacled aliens that feed on the inhabitants. They find their only advantage is alcohol, and survival depends on everyone getting extremely drunk to fight back.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 53
Searching for Sugar ManMovie · 2012 · 85m · Music, DocumentaryTwo South Africans travel to the United States to uncover the story of Rodriguez, a little-known rock musician from the 1970s who achieved a surprising level of fame there. They aim to find out what became of him.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 54
Putin's KissMovie · 2011 · 85mMasha Drokova is a promising young member of Nashi, a popular nationalistic youth organization in Russia. Driven and eager, she wholeheartedly supports Vladimir Putin's vision for a stronger Russia, and her organizational skills earn her a university scholarship, an apartment, and a position as a spokesperson. However, her optimistic political path is threatened when she befriends a group of liberal journalists who criticize the government. Among them is blogger Oleg Kashin, who labels Nashi a "group of hooligans." Masha is then confronted with the organization's troubling, even violent, methods.IMDb 6.5TMDB 4.9 - 55
Shadow DancerMovie · 2012 · 101m · ThrillerSet in 1990s Belfast, a woman makes a difficult choice, compromising her principles to protect her son.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.9 - 56
Sleepwalk with MeMovie · 2012 · 81m · ComedyA comedian on the rise faces mounting pressure as his career hits a standstill. His relationship feels stagnant, and he's battling increasingly intense episodes of sleepwalking that he's trying to keep hidden.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 57
Red LightsMovie · 2012 · 114m · ThrillerDr. Margaret Matheson, a seasoned paranormal hoax investigator, and her assistant, Tom Buckley, investigate strange occurrences, seeking to expose them as fakes. Simon Silver, a famous blind psychic who disappeared for 30 years, returns and challenges both scientific beliefs and skeptical investigators worldwide. Tom becomes increasingly fixated on Silver, drawn to his compelling presence as unexplained events unfold. As Tom delves deeper into Silver's world, he faces growing tension and a fundamental shift in his understanding of reality.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 58
Teddy BearMovie · 2012 · 92m · Romance, Drama, ComedyDisheartened by his lack of romantic success in Denmark, a socially awkward bodybuilder travels to Thailand. He's seeking an escape from his controlling mother and hoping to find a wife.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 59
The RaidMovie · 2012 · 101m · Action, Thriller, CrimeHidden within Jakarta's slums is a heavily guarded safe house for the world's most dangerous criminals. This dilapidated apartment building has long been considered impenetrable. Under the cover of darkness, an elite SWAT team attempts a raid to capture the notorious drug lord who controls it. However, a chance encounter alerts the drug lord, and the building goes into lockdown. Trapped on the sixth floor with no escape, the team must fight for survival against the city's deadliest inhabitants to complete their mission. Starring Indonesian martial arts star Iko Uwais.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 60
V/H/SMovie · 2012 · 116m · Thriller, HorrorA group of unlikely people takes on a job to break into an isolated house and steal a single, valuable VHS tape. They soon find themselves facing far more than they expected – a disturbing amount of pre-recorded footage.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1 - 61
Valley of SaintsMovie · 2012 · 82mDal Lake, Kashmir's most beautiful attraction, is often overshadowed by political unrest. Gulzar, a young boatman, wants to leave with his friend for a better future, but a military curfew delays their plans. While stuck, he works with Asifa, a scientist studying the lake's water. As they explore the floating community and collect samples, an unexpected connection forms. Asifa’s research uncovers dangerous pollution, and Gulzar understands the lake's fragile ecosystem and the traditional way of life are in danger, changing his perspective on everything.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9
