327 Essential Indie Films
323 titles
- 301
Fantastic PlanetMovie · 1973 · 72m · Animation, Science FictionOn the planet Ygam, two species coexist in a world of inequality: the spiritually advanced Draags, who see the human-like Oms as inferior beings to be used for amusement, and the Oms, struggling to survive. Some Oms seek refuge in the planet's wilderness, but face deadly, organized hunts. The film explores themes of prejudice and power, set against the backdrop of a strange, new world.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 302
Pom PokoMovie · 1994 · 119m · Adventure, Animation, FantasyAs cities expand and destroy their natural home, a group of raccoons in Tama Hills fight to survive as housing developments and shopping malls take over. With food and shelter disappearing, they team up for an unusual journey to take back their lost territory.
Along the way, they discover a hidden ability to transform. Through hard work, the raccoons learn to change their bodies and even become human, leading to funny situations. Working together, these determined animals realize that even when things look impossible, community and perseverance can help them overcome any obstacle.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 303
Henry's CrimeMovie · 2010 · 108m · Crime, ComedyA man drifting through life is wrongly convicted and imprisoned. Meanwhile, a former convict sets his sights on the very bank where the wrongly accused man was sent for his crime.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.8 - 304
SaltMovie · 2010 · 100m · Action, Mystery, ThrillerCIA officer Evelyn Salt dedicated her life to her country. That loyalty is shattered when a Russian defector claims she's a sleeper agent for Russia. Suddenly a fugitive, Salt must use all her training and experience to evade capture, safeguard her husband, and outmaneuver her colleagues at the CIA. Her attempts to clear her name only deepen the suspicion surrounding her, as the search for her true identity intensifies. The question remains: who is Evelyn Salt?IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 305
Kick-AssMovie · 2010 · 118m · Action, CrimeDave Lizewski is a typically overlooked high school student and avid comic book reader who impulsively decides to become a superhero, despite lacking any special abilities, training, or real motivation.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 306
GreenbergMovie · 2010 · 107m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceRoger Greenberg, a musician who didn't make it big, now works as a carpenter in New York. He goes to Los Angeles to look after his brother's house, but can't leave since he doesn't drive. His brother's assistant, Florence, helps him out of this situation. Both are feeling lost, and they develop a strong connection that brings Roger a renewed sense of happiness.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 307
CashbackMovie · 2007 · 102m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceFollowing a difficult breakup, Ben struggles with insomnia. To pass the sleepless nights, he takes a job working the late shift at the supermarket, and his creative mind begins to flourish.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 308
Little BoyMovie · 2015 · 106m · Comedy, Drama, WarAn eight-year-old boy is determined to bring his father home from World War II, willing to do anything to achieve that goal. The film explores the profound love between a father and son.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 309
That Sugar FilmMovie · 2014 · 97m · DocumentaryA man's quest to uncover the harsh reality about sugar. Damon Gameau undertakes a personal experiment, documenting how a diet high in sugar affects a healthy body, while eating only foods typically considered "healthy." This engaging and educational journey reveals problems within the sugar industry and exposes where sugar is hidden in everyday grocery stores.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 310
Mr. TurnerMovie · 2014 · 150m · History, DramaIn his final 25 years, the unconventional British painter J.M.W. Turner embraces life with passion. He secretly develops a relationship with a woman who runs a seaside inn, while his devoted housekeeper harbors a hidden affection for him.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 311
The GovernessMovie · 1998 · 115mAfter her wealthy father's sudden, violent death, Rosina da Silva assumes a false identity as a woman of noble birth and takes a job with a family in Scotland. She and the family patriarch, Charles, quickly develop a passionate, secret relationship.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8 - 312
Uncut GemsMovie · 2019 · 136m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeA charming New York City jeweler, constantly searching for his next big opportunity, takes a series of risky bets that promise a life-changing fortune. Howard navigates a dangerous path, trying to manage his business, his family, and growing threats from rivals as he chases the ultimate prize.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 313
The Midnight Meat TrainMovie · 2008 · 98m · Horror, Mystery, FantasyA photographer becomes increasingly drawn to dark subjects and finds himself on a collision course with a serial killer. The killer targets people commuting late at night, brutally murdering them.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2 - 314
Lorenzo's OilMovie · 1992 · 135m · DramaFollowing a devastating loss, Augusto and Michaela Odone begin a transformative journey as they confront their young son Lorenzo’s rare, incurable disease. Determined to find a cure, the couple’s strong faith and persistence lead them to explore unusual medical possibilities. Their efforts result in a significant breakthrough that saves Lorenzo's life and changes medical science. This moving story highlights the profound strength of parental love when facing unimaginable hardship.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 315
EraserheadMovie · 1977 · 89m · Science Fiction, HorrorWacky Races is a lively animated series created by Hanna-Barbera and first shown in 1968. It humorously mocks classic car races with a group of odd characters and unusual vehicles racing across varied landscapes for victory.
The show features eleven racers, each with a unique vehicle and personality. Dick Dastardly and his dog Muttley are known for their sneaky plans to cheat, but they always fail. Other notable racers include Penelope Pitstop, a determined driver; Red Max, a brave adventurer; and the Slag Brothers, who race in a huge, rocky car. This chaotic competition is full of laughs as these eccentric racers compete for first place.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 316
FreewayMovie · 1996 · 102m · Comedy, Crime, ThrillerVanessa Lutz sets out on a perilous search for her grandmother after her mother is arrested. She meets Bob Wolverton, a helpful school counselor who hides a dark secret as the I-5 Killer. As Vanessa learns the truth about Bob, she must fight to escape him in a terrifying chase reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood.
While traveling across the state, Vanessa uncovers disturbing family secrets that threaten her safety. The film is a suspenseful blend of horror, drama, and psychological thriller, as Vanessa struggles to survive and find security in a dangerous world.
This updated version of a classic story explores themes of family, trust, and hidden dangers within a small community. With shocking surprises, the film keeps audiences captivated as Vanessa’s fight for safety becomes a desperate struggle between innocence and experience.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 317
3 IdiotsMovie · 2009 · 171m · Drama, ComedyRancho is a unique college student – a rascal, a dreamer, and undeniably brilliant. His unconventional approach to life shakes up India's top university and impacts the lives of his two close friends. The trio targets the school's strict and uncaring dean, known as "Virus," with their antics. However, when Rancho attracts Virus’s daughter's attention, the dean becomes determined to expel Rancho and his friends.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.0 - 318
Another YearMovie · 2010 · 129m · Drama, ComedyOver the course of a year, a happily married couple nearing retirement are visited by friends and family who are struggling with their own dissatisfaction.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 319
LoreMovie · 2012 · 109m · Drama, War, ThrillerAt the close of World War II, five German siblings are abandoned by their Nazi parents and must navigate a devastated homeland. The children, guided by their 14-year-old eldest sister Lore, face the consequences of their parents' choices and the harsh realities of a changed world. They are compelled to confront the legacy of their family and find their way forward.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 320
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 BruxellesMovie · 1976 · 202m · DramaIn a quiet suburban neighborhood, a lonely widow maintains a strict routine as a homemaker, caring for her teenage son and working to make ends meet through occasional encounters. Her carefully ordered life begins to fall apart, exposing hidden emotional struggles.
Balancing motherhood and survival, the film examines loneliness, vulnerability, and strength in the face of hardship. It explores the complexities of relationships – both personal and fleeting – as the protagonist confronts her past and present to find her way forward. This moving story is a thoughtful look at one woman's journey through life, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of everyday domesticity.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 321
Kinky BootsMovie · 2005 · 107m · Comedy, Drama, MusicCharles Price, raised in his family's shoe business in Northampton, England, never anticipated taking over the company. A chance meeting with the vibrant drag queen Lola dramatically alters his path.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 322
Let the Right One InMovie · 2008 · 115m · Horror, DramaTwelve-year-old Oskar, a shy and often bullied boy, befriends his new neighbor, Eli, a mysterious and somewhat withdrawn girl. Their friendship begins tentatively, but Oskar and Eli gradually grow close. However, it soon becomes clear that Eli is not like other children.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 323
Adam's ApplesMovie · 2005 · 95m · Drama, Comedy, CrimeA man with neo-Nazi beliefs is ordered to do community service at a church, where he finds himself in conflict with the deeply devoted priest.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
