Are you craving some good movies to watch this summer? Well, you should look for the indie movies that often do not get enough recognition that they deserve.
If you are someone who likes to watch good movies other than just Marvel superhero flicks, then you have to try the options that do not always get huge commercial success. A good story that can keep you hooked from the beginning till the end is something that can offer you the greater pleasures of life. Good films always do not have a big production or gigantic star casts, but what they offer is a captivating cinematic experience. Let’s find some great indie movies from the 21st century to watch.
Top 15 Indie Films from the 21st Century
- Under The Silver Lake
This charming thriller movie offers a gripping story with nail-biting suspense that can keep you glued to your seat the whole time. Thanks to Andrew Garfield’s amazing performance which makes this movie one of the greatest indie works ever made. The narrative of the movie challenges the traditional methods of storytelling and it is truly intriguing for all kinds of audiences. Andrew plays the role of a young man who is bamboozled and obsessed with a woman who disappears after his meeting by the swimming pool. It was released in 2018 and is considered one of the best neo-noir works.
- Columbus
Colombus offers a coming-of-age story that deals with two different stages of life. The story revolves around Casey, a young working person in a dead-end job who dreams of a life that she believes she does not deserve. And then, there is Jin who is a successful man from South Korea who came back to Columbus to deal with his past. The two characters meet each other and come across what they have looking for all their life. Just like the name suggests, the movie has a theme of the city, and architectures play a vital role here. It is a sublime movie that you will definitely enjoy.
- The Broken Circle Breaks Down
Also known as the Alabama Monroe, this devastating movie is an ode to love and country music. The film is filled beautiful country numbers along with a heartfelt tragedy that can put everyone in tears. The story revolves around two happily married musicians namely Elise and Didier whose life changed with an unexpected pregnancy. While they welcome their daughter, the struggles of malignant cancer diagnosis tear them apart. It is a hard-hitting folk drama that can stir the deeper emotions inside you.
- Paterson
One of the best things about indie movies is that they are based on common man stories. No superpower but a determination to live life with passion and compassion as well. Paterson deals with everyday life as the central character is a bus driver who is very passionate about writing poems. Adam Driver offered a remarkable performance as the driver or the poet who drives people around the whole day and always supports his wife and her impulsive ideas. And then he writes about the beauty and the mundane essence of life. It is a beautiful movie with a soothing essence to it. The movie will make self-contemplate.
- Anomalisa
Anomalisa is one of the most underrated works by Charlie Kaufman who is a revered director in the indie movie scene with his amazing works like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Synecdoche, New York. It is a stop–motion animated movie that deals with the existential crisis of the narrator. The central character is Michael Stone who struggles to navigate through his lonely life. But soon, he meets Lisa Hesselman, a lonely whom he could relate the most. The movie is unique and intimate and deals with human psychology and its vulnerabilities. Hats off Charlie!
- Sing Street
When there is a teenage band in the movie with full of energy, it can never be a bad movie. Sing Street was released in 2016 and it made its way to the audiences’ hearts with a captivating story and beautiful music creations. John Carney is the director of the movie who created a set of 1980s Dublin. The movie offers the ultimate teenage experience that involves humor, romance, sincerity, friendship, and a lot of music. The invigorating essence of the movie can make you feel nostalgic. Can make a band and perform for your girl? If not, learn from Sing Street.
- The Way Way Back
This is a coming-of-age story that involves humor, poignancy, and a whole lot of heartfelt moments. Liam James played the character of an awkward teenager who spends his summer days at his mom’s boyfriend’s beach house. Struggling with self-esteem and trying to open up, the family tension is one of the main parts of the movie. Steve Carell as usual offered an incredible performance as the reluctant local guardian or the boyfriend. It is a critically acclaimed movie that should be a part of pop culture and every teenager must watch including the adult.
- Green Room
Green Room is A24’s one of the best movies that offers a gripping thriller story survival against a ruthless gang. It is a about punk band that gets trapped in a remote venue after witnessing a brutal murder by some of the worst criminals in today’s society. The tension and unpredictability keep evolving with time and the claustrophobic setting creates an unrelenting atmosphere of dread. The cinematography of the film will not make you feel like it is an indie work. It is amazing and horrific at the same time.
- Searching
This film falls under the category of a unique mystery thriller that deals with the concept of found-footage film. Searching offers a gripping story that is set within the computer screens around the main character David Kim. The character is played by John Cho who is a father looking for her missing daughter through the intricacies of the Internet and social media. The screen plays a vital role here and the movie is shown from a different perspective which makes it even more intriguing and catchy.
- Tangerine
Tangerine deserves a lot more attention than it has already got. Other than its technical brilliance, Sean Baker has done a great job in telling the story which is deeply personal and empowering. The story revolves around Sin-Dee, a transgender sex worker who is ready to storm through the whole city of Los Angeles in order to find the cheating boyfriend of her best friend. Emotional, humorous, and with plenty of vulnerable moments; this movie speaks of life in shades that you have never imagined.
- Eight Grade
Bo Burnham is versatile persona with dynamic talents and ‘Eight Grade’ is his first ever feature film. The movie is based on the story of Kayla Day, an awkward teenager who is finding it very difficult to navigate through life. A lot of audiences believe that the movie is based on Burnham’s own experiences which portrayed cinematically. While the movie is hilarious and cringes at some point, the bright side is also filled with potential dark spots that everyone can relate to.
- Mid90s
The director of the Mid90s is none other than American actor Jonah Hill. And guess what? He did a great job. The movies deal with raw and nostalgic feelings that can deeply intrigue the human mind with hard hitting emotions. The story develops around a 13 year old kid named Stevie who finds a sense of belonging among a group of skaters. Other than friends, he also comes across the best and worst parts of friendship that teach about life. The authentic portrayal of youth in this movie is truly remarkable.
- Peanut Butter Falcon
You might have already heard about this movie where the brother bonding between two characters can make you cry. The story revolves around a young man with Down syndrome named Zak who has a dream of becoming a professional wrestler. He escapes his facility and becomes friends with a fisherman named Tyler. They embark on a journey down the American South’s waterways the bond grows stronger among the brothers.
- Swiss Army Man
This movie will take you on an emotional journey where the central characters are being played by Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe. The film takes audiences through an extraordinary journey that goes even beyond realism. The aesthetic, acting, sound of island and chemistry among the actors; everything is picture perfect in this emotionally drenched movie which makes it highly underrated.
- Three Billboards Outside
Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, this movie takes the audience to the small town of Ebbing, Missouri. The central character is played by Frances McDormand who is a mother who rents three billboards to call attention to her daughter’s unsolved murder. Soon enough, the quite town slowly grows into chaos and its darkly comedic tone and genre makes the movie even more intriguing for everyone. This movie is a must watch for everyone!
Stay tuned to find out more indie movies that are actually good!
