W2TCH

24 Experimental & Underground Films to Watch

23 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 1Ménilmontant posterMénilmontantMovie · 1926 · 38m · DramaTwo sisters leave their rural home for the city after their parents are mysteriously murdered with an axe. The film explores survival, sisterhood, and strength as the young women struggle with the difficulties of city life and the pain of their loss. Told with suspense and a chilling atmosphere, the story follows their harrowing journey to find peace in a new world. Facing danger and hardship, the sisters' bond is tested, highlighting the importance of family in the face of darkness.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3
  2. 2Ballet Mécanique posterBallet MécaniqueMovie · 1924 · 19m · Documentary, FantasyThis visually striking short film immerses viewers in a world where movement and sound intertwine. Vibrant colors and shapes dance across the screen, synchronized with an energetic musical score. The film features repetitive mechanical elements, yet also offers moments of calm. A simple garden provides a space for quiet reflection within the busy environment. It’s a celebration of the beauty found in both motion and stillness, creating a captivating and memorable experience.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5
  3. 3Scorpio Rising posterScorpio RisingMovie · 1969 · 28m · MusicThis provocative film plunges viewers into a disturbing world centered on a group of menacing Nazi bikers preparing for a high-stakes motorcycle race. Throughout the film, intense tension builds alongside the sound of roaring engines, punctuated by graphic and disturbing depictions of sexual acts, sadism, and occult practices. The film offers a daring look into the minds of these dangerous people, creating a chilling atmosphere that challenges viewers to consider the depths of human depravity. It presents uncomfortable truths and unforgettable images, immersing audiences in a dark underworld where pleasure and pain become indistinguishable.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6
  4. 4Song of Love posterSong of LoveMovie · 1972 · 26m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceTwo prisoners are separated by walls in cold cells, highlighting their isolation. Despite this, they find a creative way to communicate, moving beyond simple messages to share empathy and understanding. This unusual connection offers hope and solace, potentially even redemption, as they cope with confinement and build an unexpected bond. The film explores themes of isolation, humanity, and the power of connection in difficult circumstances, presented through a moving and thought-provoking story.Stream onKanopyIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0
  5. 5Blue posterBlueMovie · 1993 · 79m · DramaThis artistic film follows Derek Jarman's life as he confronts AIDS, using a distinctive visual style. The film is set against a plain blue screen, highlighting its sound design. A rich soundscape blends voices, effects, and music to depict Jarman's experiences with the illness. This approach allows audiences to connect with his personal struggles and explore the deeper meaning of blue – representing sadness, peace, and spirituality. The film breaks from typical storytelling by prioritizing sound while examining complex emotions linked to a single color.Stream onHooplaKanopyTubi TVIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  6. 6Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son posterTom, Tom, the Piper's SonMovie · 1969 · 115mThis experimental film rephotographs the 1905 Biograph short, *Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son*.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0
  7. 7Flaming Creatures posterFlaming CreaturesMovie · 1963 · 42m · Comedy, Horror, FantasyFlaming Creatures is a surreal film that mixes humor, horror, and fantasy, questioning what's real. It takes place in a strange movie studio and features characters with unclear gender identities. The film starts with a funny parody advertisement, but then becomes darker when a cross-dressing character attacks a woman. This leads to a party among the main characters, which unexpectedly causes an earthquake. Afterward, a vampire-like woman dressed as an old Hollywood star awakens and brings the dead back to life. Despite the disturbing events, the film ends with the undead dancing happily together. However, the possibility of another party and earthquake suggests a chaotic feeling throughout this unusual movie.IMDb 4.5TMDB 4.5
  8. 8Chelsea Girls posterChelsea GirlsMovie · 1966 · 210m · DramaSet in 1966 New York City, the film captures the diverse lives of people at the Chelsea Hotel through Andy Warhol's camera. It presents a direct, unfiltered look at these characters, avoiding a traditional story structure. Using dual projectors creates an immersive experience, blurring the lines between reality and art as it explores themes of art, life, and the bohemian culture within the hotel's walls.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.6
  9. 9À propos de Nice posterÀ propos de NiceMovie · 1930 · 24m · DocumentaryThe film starts like a travel documentary, showcasing the beautiful scenery and attractions of Nice, France. It quickly becomes a satire, focusing on the wealthy residents and their lavish lifestyles. The movie highlights the difference between Nice's stunning beauty and the shallowness of its people, inviting viewers to appreciate the visuals while considering the hidden social realities. Combining scenic views with sharp humor, the film offers a unique look at the seemingly perfect world of Nice, providing both entertainment and food for thought.Stream onCriterion ChannelFawesomeIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8
  10. 10Film posterFilmMovie · 1965 · 20m · DramaA man is relentlessly watched, feeling like he's under constant scrutiny. Instead of giving up, he sets out to evade his unseen observer. The film explores the struggle between freedom and being controlled, and the mental game between the one being hunted and the one doing the hunting. As he navigates a growing maze of lies and secrets, he begins to question what privacy and independence really mean in a world saturated with surveillance. The movie makes audiences consider the unclear boundaries between safety and being watched, all while keeping them suspensefully engaged.Stream onCriterion ChannelApple TV StoreIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0
  11. 11The Crazy Ray posterThe Crazy RayMovie · 1925 · 59m · Comedy, Science FictionAn ordinary night watchman at the Eiffel Tower experiences a surreal event that transforms his life. During his patrol, the city of Paris freezes: everyone is instantly still, frozen in place. Suddenly alone in a deserted Paris, the watchman cautiously explores the silent streets, trying to understand what caused this strange phenomenon. Driven by duty and curiosity, he searches for answers to restore life to the city. The film examines isolation and survival in a normally bustling city. Confronted with eerie stillness, the watchman faces his fears and the strength of the human spirit. His journey to unravel the mystery leaves audiences questioning how they would react to the inexplicable.Stream onCriterion ChannelIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  12. 12Meshes of the Afternoon posterMeshes of the AfternoonMovie · 1943 · 14m · Mystery, FantasyA woman returns to her hometown and is haunted by intense dreams that make it hard to tell what's real. The film unfolds with scenes that jump around in time and place, suggesting her unconscious mind is revealing hidden desires. The audience is left wondering what's real and what's imagined as the dreamlike atmosphere creates a sense of unease. Through its exploration of memory, desire, and the human experience, the movie invites viewers to explore the depths of one woman’s mind.Stream onCriterion ChannelKanopyIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6
  13. 13Born in Flames posterBorn in FlamesMovie · 1983 · 80m · Drama, Science FictionTen years after a war fought for gender equality reshaped New York City, the fight for true equity continues. The film follows a diverse group of women who come together to spark a powerful feminist uprising. United by their experiences and determination, they challenge deeply ingrained social norms. Their journey highlights both the strength found in unity and the obstacles they face in striving for lasting change.Stream onOVIDAmazon VideoFandango At HomeIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1
  14. 14Prelude: Dog Star Man posterPrelude: Dog Star ManMovie · 1962 · 25m · Drama, FantasyStan Brakhage's experimental film begins with a black screen, gradually revealing streaks of light and vibrant colors, interwoven with intricate squiggles and patterns. The film unfolds as an immersive visual experience, blending images with silence to create a unique artistic effect. The images shift from celestial bodies like the Sun to Earth, depicting scenes of nature, woods, and a woman giving birth. Each frame suggests movement through time, prompting reflection on our place in the universe. Part of the Dog Star Man series, the film employs innovative techniques to challenge traditional storytelling. This visually compelling work explores creation and demonstrates the power of experimental filmmaking.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
  15. 15Wavelength posterWavelengthMovie · 1967 · 45m · Drama"Wavelength" is an experimental film using minimalist visuals and a unique story approach. The movie mainly shows a fixed, long shot of a bedroom, as if seen through a telescope. Time appears to slow down within the room, marked only by subtle changes in light. The film includes three scenes with people that blend reality and surrealism. In one, two people talk while The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" plays. A third person enters, then suddenly falls to the floor and dies inexplicably. Later, the apartment's owner is heard on the phone, casually talking about the dead man she never met. This unusual film encourages viewers to focus on the visuals and sounds, rather than traditional action. "Wavelength" is a haunting and unconventional experience that questions how stories are told in movies.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.2
  16. 16A Movie posterA MovieMovie · 1958 · 12m · DramaBruce Conner's innovative film assembles a collection of diverse footage into a cohesive whole. By skillfully editing these found materials together, the film creates a striking visual experience. It pushes the limits of conventional narrative and encourages viewers to reconsider filmmaking. Accompanied by a compelling new score, the film becomes a powerful study of visual style, ideas, and the impact of artistic vision.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5
  17. 17The Smiling Madame Beudet posterThe Smiling Madame BeudetMovie · 1923 · 43m · DramaA woman unhappy in her marriage makes a calculated plan to escape. She carefully uses lies and manipulation, changing from a passive wife into someone who takes control of her life. The film examines control, deception, and the difficulties of relationships. It creates a tense atmosphere and uses strong visuals to draw the audience into the woman's experience, questioning ideas about love, loyalty, and sacrifice. As her plan progresses, we are asked to consider the rightness of her choices while understanding her longing for freedom. The acting is compelling, especially the lead actress's portrayal of a character hiding inner struggles. The cinematography effectively conveys the story’s underlying tension and unease. This film explores a world of hidden truths and consequences, following one woman's journey to find herself and gain her independence.Stream onKanopyPublic Domain MoviesIMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8
  18. 18Dog Star Man: Part II posterDog Star Man: Part IIMovie · 1963 · 7m · DramaA determined man battles treacherous mountain terrain in deep snow, accompanied by his dog. The film's visuals mirror his internal struggle with warped images and blurred scenes. Throughout these perilous moments, the face of an infant appears – vulnerable yet linked to the climber’s trials. This contrast between innocence and hardship creates a haunting story about new life and pushing human limits. As the man struggles onward, the film becomes surreal, using paper cutouts and microscopic views to explore themes of triumph and loss, love and pain, birth and death. With its experimental style and striking visuals, the film encourages viewers to consider time, space, and the human experience, leaving a lasting sense of wonder about life's complexities.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.5
  19. 19Anemic Cinema posterAnemic CinemaMovie · 1926 · 7m · DramaThe film presents a visually engaging, repeating pattern: a spiral design paired with a spinning disk. Each disk displays different French phrases, using puns, rhymes, and alliteration. As the viewer follows these wordplay sequences, they'll notice how each phrase relates to the visual design. The film concludes with a closer look at the spiral itself, providing a thoughtful reflection on the film’s playful and distinctive nature.Stream onKanopyIMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2
  20. 20Un Chien Andalou posterUn Chien AndalouMovie · 1929 · 16m · Horror*Un Chien Andalou* is a highly influential European surrealist film that revolutionized cinema with its experimental approach. Director Luis Buñuel and artist Salvador Dalí collaborated to create a film that blurs reality and dreams, prompting viewers to reconsider their understanding of the world. The movie presents a series of seemingly unrelated yet unsettling scenes and images, defying conventional storytelling and offering a distinctive cinematic experience that remains impactful. Its provocative visuals and innovative style solidify *Un Chien Andalou*'s place as a key moment in the development of film as an art form.Stream onPhiloBrewEternal FamilyIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  21. 21Dog Star Man: Part I posterDog Star Man: Part IMovie · 1963 · 30mA bearded man and his dog undertake a difficult journey to climb a snow-capped mountain in a remote forest. The film visually depicts the stunning landscape and the obstacles they encounter. Without dialogue or music, the story relies on the power of nature and the characters' determination. The man’s strenuous efforts and struggles against the weather are shown through close-ups of blood, highlighting human vulnerability in the face of nature. The camera alternates between wide shots of the mountain and detailed views of the environment – mossy rocks, icy streams, and tall trees – emphasizing both the scale and harshness of the natural world. This film explores endurance, survival, and the connection between humanity and nature as the pair tirelessly work to reach the mountain's peak, navigating snow and forests and strengthening their bond against the silent wilderness.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2
  22. 22Entr'acte posterEntr'acteMovie · 1924 · 22m · Comedy, FantasyClair's debut film is a bizarre exploration of dadaist cinema, using stop-motion animation and slow-motion to create a surreal world where reality and fantasy mix. The film presents interconnected scenes, including a chess match between Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray on a rooftop, set against an unusual backdrop. A hearse pulled by a camel and chased by its pallbearers provides a comical, illogical chase. The movie ends with a dizzying roller coaster sequence, showcasing audacious creativity. Clair's dada film balances contradiction and harmony, offering viewers an unforgettable journey into imagination and absurdity.Stream onCriterion ChannelFawesomeIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
  23. 23The Seashell and the Clergyman posterThe Seashell and the ClergymanMovie · 1928 · 41m · Drama, FantasyA clergyman becomes consumed by an intense obsession with a general's wife. He is tormented by disturbing visions that blend death and desire. The story explores obsession, morality, and the conflict between spiritual beliefs and physical urges. As he fights his desires, a growing sense of dread leads him deeper into a dangerous and alluring world. The film is a study of a man struggling with his conscience and confronting the darker side of himself.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6