Let’s be real—some of the best indie movies ever made don’t have explosions, superheroes, or talking raccoons. Crazy, right?
But here’s the thing: indie movies aren’t about flashy stuff. They’re about real stories, weird plots, deep feels, and characters that stick with you. They’re the kinda movies that make you sit quiet after the credits roll, like “dang… what did I just watch?”
So I made this big list of indie movies to watch. Most of ’em are kinda hidden, but they’re awesome. Some are funny, some are sad, and some are just plain weird—in a good way.
💭 Why Indie Movies Hit Different
Big movies are fun, sure. But indie movies hit your heart. They feel more personal—like someone just told you a story that mattered to them. And now it matters to you too.
Plus, they don’t always play by the rules. They take risks. They show people you don’t usually see in movies. They’re full of surprises. That’s why they stick with you longer than a big studio flick.
💡 Not sure what makes a movie “indie”? Here’s a quick explainer from MasterClass.
🎥 25 Indie Movies To Watch Right Now
Each one’s got the goods: where to watch, the vibe, and why you should care. 👇
1. Short Term 12 (2013)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 36m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s powerful but not super well-known.
Quick Plot Summary: A girl works at a group home for teens and hides her own trauma.
What Makes It Special: Raw emotions, deep characters.
👉 Watch
2. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Genre & Runtime: Comedy, Sci-fi | 1h 26m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Goofy but meaningful.
Quick Plot Summary: A guy says he can time travel and needs a partner.
What Makes It Special: Quirky and heartfelt.
3. The Station Agent (2003)
Where to Watch: Max
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 28m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Small story, big feels.
Quick Plot Summary: A loner meets unlikely friends in a tiny town.
What Makes It Special: Slow, simple, and sweet.
4. Fruitvale Station (2013)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 25m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Based on a real, heartbreaking story.
Quick Plot Summary: Follows the last day of Oscar Grant.
What Makes It Special: Powerful and real.
👉 https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/157354-fruitvale-station
5. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 2h
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Visually stunning.
Quick Plot Summary: A man wants to reclaim his family home.
What Makes It Special: Soulful and poetic.
6. The Rider (2017)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 44m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Not much action, but super deep.
Quick Plot Summary: Two strangers bond in a city full of architecture.
What Makes It Special: Beautiful shots and quiet moments.
7. In a World… (2013)
Where to Watch: Tubi
Genre & Runtime: Comedy | 1h 33m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s super funny and smart.
Quick Plot Summary: A woman tries to break into the movie voiceover world.
What Makes It Special: Strong female lead and clever story.
8.Loving (2016)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Genre & Runtime: Romance, Drama | 2h 3m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: True story that changed history.
Quick Plot Summary: An interracial couple fights for their right to be married.
What Makes It Special: Quiet courage and love.
9. Wadjda (2012)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 38m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: First movie from Saudi Arabia directed by a woman.
Quick Plot Summary: A girl wants a bike. Society says no.
What Makes It Special: Empowering.
10. Paterson (2016)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 58m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Feels like poetry.
Quick Plot Summary: A bus driver writes poems about his daily life.
What Makes It Special: Calm, artsy, peaceful.
11. Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Fantasy | 1h 33m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Magical and wild.
Quick Plot Summary: A girl survives in a strange land called “The Bathtub.”
What Makes It Special: Epic soundtrack and visuals.
12. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Where to Watch: Disney+
Genre & Runtime: Comedy, Drama | 1h 45m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Super underrated.
Quick Plot Summary: Two guys make films for fun and befriend a girl with cancer.
What Makes It Special: Funny, sad, honest.
13. The Spectacular Now (2013)
Where to Watch: Max
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Romance | 1h 35m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Real teenage love without the fluff.
Quick Plot Summary: A party guy falls for a shy girl.
What Makes It Special: Honest, messy, beautiful.
14. The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Genre & Runtime: Comedy, Thriller | 1h 44m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Dark and weird in the best way.
Quick Plot Summary: A shy dude joins a creepy karate class.
What Makes It Special: Totally unpredictable.
15. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Adventure | 1h 37m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Heartwarming without being cheesy.
Quick Plot Summary: A guy with Down syndrome runs away to become a wrestler.
What Makes It Special: Full of heart.
16. Once (2007)
Where to Watch: Max
Genre & Runtime: Romance, Music | 1h 26m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Music and love collide.
Quick Plot Summary: Two musicians bond over songs.
What Makes It Special: Music that hits deep.
17. The Way Way Back (2013)
Where to Watch: Disney+
Genre & Runtime: Comedy, Drama | 1h 43m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Summery and sweet.
Quick Plot Summary: A shy teen finds confidence at a water park.
What Makes It Special: Nostalgic and fun.
18. Ruby Sparks (2012)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Genre & Runtime: Romance, Fantasy | 1h 44m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Creative and different.
Quick Plot Summary: A writer’s dream girl comes to life.
What Makes It Special: Thought-provoking and romantic.
19. Take Shelter (2011)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Thriller | 2h
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: You think it’s about storms but it’s deeper.
Quick Plot Summary: A dad sees scary visions and tries to protect his family.
What Makes It Special: Makes you think—is it all in his head or not?
👉 Wanna learn more about indie thrillers? Check this out
20. The Mend (2014)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Comedy | 1h 51m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Almost nobody knows it, but it’s wild and messy like real life.
Quick Plot Summary: Two brothers crash into each other’s lives in a small apartment.
What Makes It Special: It feels kinda raw and real.
21. I Am Not a Hipster (2012)
Where to Watch: Tubi
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Music | 1h 30m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Weird name, but it’s got heart.
Quick Plot Summary: A sad musician deals with family and life.
What Makes It Special: The music and emotions are deep.
22. It Felt Like Love (2013)
Where to Watch: Kanopy
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 22m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Real and kinda hard to watch sometimes.
Quick Plot Summary: A teen girl wants to grow up too fast.
What Makes It Special: It’s raw and super honest.
👉 Got a library card? Watch on Kanopy for free
23. Krisha (2015)
Where to Watch: Max
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 23m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Made by a real family, it’s intense.
Quick Plot Summary: A woman returns to family for a holiday, but stuff gets awkward.
What Makes It Special: Super real, super uncomfortable.
24. The Selfish Giant (2013)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Genre & Runtime: Drama | 1h 31m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: British and heartbreaking.
Quick Plot Summary: Two poor boys mess with metal and trouble.
What Makes It Special: It’ll break your heart, no joke.
12. The Dish & the Spoon (2011)
Where to Watch: Tubi
Genre & Runtime: Drama, Romance | 1h 12m
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Super short but kinda sweet.
Quick Plot Summary: A sad woman and a random guy hang out in a beach town.
What Makes It Special: Kinda awkward, kinda cute.
💖 Best Romantic Indie Films You’ll Totally Love
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Once – Soft music and sweet love
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Paterson – Everyday romance with poems
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Loving – Real love that broke rules
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Ruby Sparks – Love meets weird magic
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The Spectacular Now – Honest teen love
Wanna see more? 👉 Check this list
📍 Where to Find Good Indie Movies
Not sure where to look? Try:
🧠 Why Indie Movies Are Good for Your Brain (Seriously!)
For real, watching indie movies can actually make you smarter. They show different lives, cultures, and choices. You think more. Feel more. They’re like brain food with cool soundtracks.
🎯 Tips for Finding Indie Movies on Streaming Sites
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Search “indie drama” or “hidden gem”
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Use The Movie Database to look by genre
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Follow film pages on Instagram or Reddit
🎤 Final Thoughts
Alright—that’s it. 25 of the best indie movies you probably missed but should totally check out. Grab popcorn, invite a friend, and dive into something new. You might just find your next favorite movie hiding right under your nose. 🍿🎬
📎 Internal Link: Blogs You May Find Helpful
Hidden Gems: 10 Must-See Films You Might Have Missed: https://whatishouldwatch.com/hidden-gems-10-must-see-films-you-might-have-missed/
How to Choose What to Watch: https://whatishouldwatch.com/how-to-choose-what-to-watch-the-ultimate-mood-genre-movie-guide/
❓ FAQ Section: Best Indie Movies
5. How do I find hidden gem indie movies?
Use The Movie Database (TMDB), follow film lovers on Reddit or TikTok, and bookmark www.whatishouldwatch.com for regular hidden gems!
4. Are indie movies better than Hollywood films?
Not always better, just different! Indie films focus on deeper stories and emotions. If you like movies that make you feel something, you’ll love indies.
3. What’s the best romantic indie film?
Depends on your vibe! Once, Loving, and Ruby Sparks are romantic indie favorites. Want more? Check our list of romantic indie films.
2. Where can I watch indie movies for free?
Try Tubi, Kanopy, or check out our post on free movie streaming sites.
Any questions or suggestion, please send us a comment!!
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