There is a subtle charm to independent films — a genuineness that permeates every shot, created through sheer passion and unadulterated artistic vision. These movies aren’t motivated by box office figures or streaming figures like mainstream fare; they simply are

because their creators have something to say. This dedication to art causes the resulting films to be raw, provocative, and extremely personal. While not all indie movies are brilliant, each one has a unique voice that makes watching them worthwhile. Happily, Netflix is home to many such movies — little-known gems that dive into deep themes and provide viewers with beautifully original cinematic experiences.

30. Cobalt Blue (2022)

Sachin Kundalkar directed ‘Cobalt Blue,’ which is a moving portrayal of love, self, and family expectations. The movie revolves around Tanay (Prateik Babbar), who wants to be a writer, and his bohemian sister Anuja (Anjali Sivaraman), who both fall in love with the mysterious paying guest (Neelay Mehendale) staying with their family. Against the background of a traditional Marathi family, the narrative explores how their feelings get entangled, defying conventional norms and exposing long-repressed desires. Based on Kundalkar’s own novel of the same title in 2006, ‘Cobalt Blue’ is an elegantly shot, close-up exploration of love and heartache. The film’s haunting photography and Babbar’s impressive performance pull viewers in, and it’s a must-watch for audiences looking for an intensified, emotionally complex indie experience. You can stream it here.

29. Something Necessary (2013)

Judy Kibinge’s ‘Something Necessary’ is an evocative drama that explores the psychological impact of political violence in Kenya. The movie chronicles the life of a woman called Mary (Mediatrix Wanjiru), who is left to restore her life after surviving an attack by a gang in 2007 post-election violence. She grapples with the trauma of her loss as well as its effect on her family and has to deal with a society in conflict. The movie sensitively captures themes of resilience, forgiveness, and healing with an unflinching and powerful observation of how communities heal after traumatic events. With exceptional performances and an intimate depiction of post-conflict life, ‘Something Necessary’ is a must-see for anyone interested in African cinema and narratives of personal and communal healing. Watch the movie available here.

28. Alex Strangelove (2018).

‘Alex Strangelove,’ written and directed by Craig Johnson, is a loving coming-of-age comedy that chronicles Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny), a high school senior who has to come to terms with the rightness of right and wrong as he attempts to figure out love and sex. Alex is thrilled about losing his virginity to his girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein), but all this changes when he meets Elliot (Antonio Marziale), a cute classmate. As Alex grapples with his feelings for Elliot, he must come to terms with his own identity and the pressures of societal expectations. With its mix of humor, tenderness, and honesty, the film offers a fresh perspective on the LGBTQ+ coming-out experience. Alex Strangelove stands out for its lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of self-discovery, relationships, and the challenges of teenage life. If this interests you, watch the movie here.

27. Drifting Home (2022)

Hiroyasu Ishida’s ‘Drifting Home’ is a fantasy, adventure, and emotionally engaging Japanese animated film. The film revolves around Kousuke (voiced by Daiki Yamashita) and Natsume (voiced by Kana Hanazawa), who are childhood friends and become stuck in a bizarre, drifting structure after a curious incident. Surrounded by an infinite ocean, they are forced to tackle their own demons and unresolved feelings amidst the difficulties of adolescence. The film explores deeply into themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time, with its beautiful animation heightening the emotional impact of the experience. Drifting Home is a poignant exploration of adolescence and coming of age, and as such, it is a must-see for engrossing, emotionally resonant indie film enthusiasts. Watch the film here.

26. NYAD (2023)

Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, ‘NYAD’ is a motivational biographical drama that takes us through the incredible life of Diana Nyad (Annette Bening), the only individual to ever swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. The movie charts Nyad’s single-minded quest for her aspiration, in the face of repeated setbacks, bodily frailty, and age, as she drives herself to the brink of endurance. With the unflinching support team of her best friend and coach Bonnie (Jodie Foster) by her side, Nyad overcomes her own self-doubt, as well as the stereotypical expectations of what an aging competitor can do. The movie not only depicts the physical and psychological drain of the experience but also addresses issues of determination, friendship, and resilience. Stream this heart-warming movie here.

25. Tigertail (2020)

Alan Yang’s ‘Tigertail’ is a powerful drama that delves into the life of Pin-Jui (Tzi Ma as older Pin-Jui, Hong-Chi Lee as younger Pin-Jui), a Taiwanese immigrant reminiscing about his past decisions and compromises. The movie traces his path from an ardent youth in Taiwan to a solitary, work-centric life in America, where he fails to relate with his estranged daughter Angela (Christine Ko). When Pin-Jui reflects about his lost love, Yuan (Yo-Hsing Fang), Tigertail explores the issues of regret, cultural identity, and the psychological price of pursuing the American Dream. Stream this touching drama here.

24. Malcolm & Marie (2021)

Directed by Sam Levinson, ‘Malcolm & Marie’ is a high-intensity, talky drama that probes the intense relationship between director Malcolm (John David Washington) and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya). Set over the course of one evening, the movie unfolds after Malcolm forgets to mention Marie in his acceptance speech at a movie premiere, leading to a gut-wrenching and emotionally charged fight. Now the couple discovers the conflicts between love, ego, and creative drive as their long-buried resentments become manifest. Filmed in vivid black and white, ‘Malcolm & Marie’ is a painfully beautiful and emotionally searing exploration of love and resentment. You can watch the film here.

23. Emily the Criminal (2022)

Emily the Criminal’ is an intense crime thriller based on the life of Emily (Aubrey Plaza), a young woman with a criminal record and student loans that make her unable to get stable employment. Desperate for funds, she becomes embroiled in an underground credit card fraud operation operated by the charming Youcef (Theo Rossi). As she goes deeper and deeper into the underworld of crime, Emily embarks on more and more perilous adventures. Directed by John Patton Ford, the film blurs the lines between desperation and moral compromise, delivering a tense and thought-provoking take on economic struggle and survival in modern America. The movie can be streamed here.

22. I’m No Longer Here (2019)

In ‘I’m No Longer Here,’ director Fernando Frías de la Parra crafts a deeply moving coming-of-age drama that follows Ulises (Juan Daniel García Treviño), a teenager from Monterrey, Mexico, whose life revolves around the local counterculture of “Kolombia” music and dance. After a misunderstanding with a cartel, he is forced to flee to the US, leaving behind his friends and identity. Struggling to adapt to life in a foreign land, Ulises longs for the vibrant world he left behind, making ‘I’m No Longer Here’ a poignant exploration of displacement, cultural identity, and the search for belonging. Find the movie here.

21. Of Good Report (2013)

Jahmil X.T. Qubeka’s ‘Of Good Report’ is a grim and disturbing psychological thriller which tracks Parker Sithole (Mothusi Magano), an apparently mild-mannered and respectable educator who conceals a malevolent secret. When he embarks on an illegal and all-consuming affair with one of his scholars, Nolitha (Petronella Tshuma), his outwardly controlled persona disintegrates, with horrific repercussions. Shot in stark black and white, the film creates a neo-noir mood while presenting a fierce critique of power, morality, and corruption. Daring and unsettling, ‘Of Good Report’ is a boundary-pushing take on storytelling in South African cinema. Watch the film here.

20. Call Me Chihiro (2023)

Through ‘Call Me Chihiro,’ director Rikiya Imaizumi creates a deeply reflective drama of human connection and the quiet force of kindness. The film revolves around Chihiro (Kasumi Arimura), a former prostitute who now toils at a small bento shop in a coastal town. Though distinguished by her past, she lives life with an open heart, befriending the lonely individuals surrounding her — a shy schoolgirl, a homeless man, and a delinquent boy. Based on the manga ‘Chihiro-san’ by Hiroyuki Yasuda, the movie provides a poignant commentary on acceptance, healing, and the beauty of ordinary encounters. This touching story is available here.

19. I Lost My Body (2020)

Jérémy Clapin’s ‘I Lost My Body’ is a breathtakingly beautiful and intensely poetic animated drama that weaves two tales together: one about Naoufel (Hakim Faris), a solitary young man who grapples with loss and desire in Paris, and the other about a severed hand embarking on an incredible odyssey across the city to find its owner. Once Naoufel falls for Gabrielle (Victoire Du Bois), his past and present are in collision in an existential quest for meaning and belonging. Adapted from Guillaume Laurant’s novel Happy Hand, the movie mingles surrealism with raw emotion in an original meditation on fate, love, and humanity. Stream the film here.

18. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

With ‘The Fundamentals of Caring,’ director Rob Burnett creates a poignant road-trip dramedy of odd pairings and healing. The movie revolves around Ben (Paul Rudd), a grieving author who is hired as a caregiver for Trevor (Craig Roberts), a quick-witted teenage boy suffering from muscular dystrophy. What begins as a run-of-the-mill job becomes a wild road adventure, where they encounter Dot (Selena Gomez), a tough-as-nails runaway. As they traverse the physical and emotional territories, the odyssey compels them to meet their pasts halfway and live life in ways least expected. Based on Jonathan Evison’s novel ‘The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,’ the movie gets the perfect balance between humor and pathos in a heartwarming exploration of resilience and human connection. You may watch the film here.

17. The Half of It (2020)

Alice Wu’s ‘The Half of It’ is an original and genuine coming-of-age drama that retells the classic Cyrano de Bergerac tale in the context of teenage identity and exploration. The movie chronicles Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), a quiet but genius high school student in a conservative town who earns cash by writing essays for her peers. When Paul (Daniel Diemer), a sweet but klutzy jock, enlists her help to pen love letters to his dream girl Aster (Alexxis Lemire), Ellie consents, then discovers she’s got the hots for Aster too. With knotted feelings revealed, the movie delves into love, friendship, and becoming one’s true self. You can watch this heartwarming film here.

16. His Three Daughters (2023)

Directed by Azazel Jacobs, ‘His Three Daughters’ finds an improbable bond among three estranged sisters who “reunite” at their childhood house to take care of their dying father. Of course, reunited means old rancors surface with the hurt of separation. Is a dying father the elixir that “his three daughters” so badly need? Starring Carrie Coon, Jay O. Sanders, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne, ‘His Three Daughters’ is a finely scripted screenplay performed to perfection by powerful performances and tender direction. You can watch it here.

15. The Disciple (2020)

With ‘The Disciple,’ Chaitanya Tamhane brings us a thoughtful and highly contemplative drama that probes the travail of artistic striving and self-doubt. The movie traces Sharad Nerulkar (Aditya Modak), a passionate classical Indian musician who has dedicated his life to the strict traditions of his art. Even after years of discipline and sacrifice, becoming great is still an elusive dream, which pushes him to cope with the disparity between his dream and actuality. The Disciple presents a powerful comment on passion, persistence, and the burden of pursuing an unrealized dream. This evocative film is available here.

14. Sing Street (2016)

John Carney’s ‘Sing Street’ is a colorful coming-of-age musical that combines teenage rebellion with the transformative power of music. In 1980s Dublin, Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) forms a band to win over the mysterious Raphina (Lucy Boynton). Music is an escape from his dysfuntional home life, and overbearing Catholic school as he and his bandmates test different styles and sounds. With catchy original tunes and a poignant tale, Sing Street embodies the joy of self-expression, first love, and the aspiration of breaking through the constraints. You can stream here.

13. I Used to Be Funny (2024).+

In ‘I Used to Be Funny,’ Rachel Sennott gives a great performance as Sam, a Toronto stand-up comedian who struggles with depression and PTSD after Brooke (Olga Petsa) went missing, a young girl she used to nanny. The film explains Sam’s inner conflict and how her trauma affects her professional life as well as personal relationships. Ally Pankiw, whose television series credits include ‘Feel Good,’ directs this film for its feature directorial debut, tastefully balancing humor and tearful drama. Sabrina Jalees, Caleb Hearon, Ennis Esmer, Dani Kind, and Jason Jones provide a fine supporting cast to this compelling exploration of mental illness and resilience. Catch this story here.

12. Outside In (2017)

Lynn Shelton’s ‘Outside In’ is a tender and deeply emotional drama that explores second chances and the complexities of human connection. The film follows Chris (Jay Duplass), a man who has just been released from prison after serving 20 years for a crime he didn’t fully commit. Grappling with adaptation to life outside, he finds comfort in Carol (Edie Falco), a former high school teacher who crusaded for his release. Their bond is given a new emotional complexity, compelling each to reconsider past decisions and dubious futures. With tender care, Shelton writes a powerful tale of desire, redemption, and seeking place. You may view this sensitive film here.

11. Falling in Love Like in Movies (2023)

In ‘Falling in Love Like in Movies,’ Indonesian director Yandy Laurens brings a touching romantic comedy that explores the intricacies of love and storytelling. The story revolves around Bagus Rahmat (Ringgo Agus Rahman), a screenwriter working on his first original script based on his own experiences. He discovers himself reconnecting with Hana (Nirina Zubir), his best friend from high school who has recently lost her husband. As Bagus struggles to accept his emotions and the line dividing reality and fiction, the movie provides a heartwarming investigation of love, mourning, and imagination. Laurens’ direction adds nuance and truthfulness to this story of rediscovery and emotional development. Watch the movie here.

10. A Sun (2019)

Chung Mong-Hong’s ‘A Sun’ is a powerful Taiwanese family drama that dissects the profound cracks within a family following a tragic incident. The movie revolves around A-Ho (Wu Chien-Ho), a rebellious adolescent whose reckless behavior gets him in juvenile detention, while his older brother A-Hao (Greg Hsu) is regarded as the perfect son. Their father (Chen Yi-Wen) is unable to accept A-Ho, opening a rift that reveals buried emotions, secrets, and regrets. By the interweaving of tragedy and redemption, ‘A Sun’ is a powerful exploration of family, forgiveness, and the burden of expectations, all exquisitely captured by Chung Mong-Hong’s superb direction. Watch the movie here.

9. Three of Us (2023).

Directed by Avinash Arun, ‘Three of Us,’ is a quiet and deeply introspective drama that delicately explores memory, longing, and the passage of time. The story follows Shailaja (Shefali Shah), a woman diagnosed with early-onset dementia, who embarks on a journey to her childhood town with her husband (Swanand Kirkire) and reconnects with an old friend (Jaideep Ahlawat). Arun’s directorial tact takes this bare premise and makes it into a deeply affecting experience, capturing the ache of unexpressed emotions and undeveloped histories. The film lingers like a half-forgotten dream through its slow, meditative pace, naturalistic acting, and evocative imagery. Three of Us is presented with the warmth and sorrow of a dissipating memory, making it a deeply human indie film that is felt long after it is over. You can view it here.

8. The Power of the Dog (2021)

Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ is a gripping psychological Western that deconstructs masculinity, repression, and power relations masterfully. The film is set in 1920s Montana and revolves around Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch), a charming but sadistic rancher whose life turns topsy-turvy when his brother George (Jesse Pleums) gets married to Rose (Kirsten Dunst), a widow with a taciturn but steadfast son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). As tensions bubble, Phil’s dominating personality looms over the family, yet unforeseen depths in his character start to materialize. Based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same title, the movie peels away moments of suppressed longing and inner torments, vividly realized by Campion’s careful direction and Ari Wegner’s stunning photography. You can watch the film here.

7. Bad Genius (2017)

‘Bad Genius’ is an intriguing Thai heist film that makes high school examination cheating a suspenseful, high-stakes affair. Lynn (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying), a clever pupil, concocts a complex scam to assist affluent peers in acing their examinations for a premium price. Nattawut Poonpiriya’s directorial acumen turns such a seemingly straightforward premise into a heart-stopping thriller as the operation gets blown up to an international scale with the high-profile STIC exam, putting Lynn in over her head. Drawn from life, the movie seamlessly integrates tension, high-gloss cinematography, and a thumping score to make it feel like a genuine heist film. Aside from its thriller suspense, Bad Genius provides biting social commentary on class inequality and academic stress, one of the most thrilling indie thrillers of the decade. Catch the riveting story here.

6. The Outrun (2024)

Saoirse Ronan stars in Nora Fingscheidt’s ‘The Outrun’ as Rona, a young woman attempting to cure herself of her alcohol addiction by going back to her hometown on the Scotland-based Orkney Islands. The quiet drama toys with the ears of silence as we observe Rona employed with a bird conservation society and is assigned the job of sighting a rare bird. Certain of her recent actions have wreaked havoc with her, and the result manifests itself in the shape of a huge desire to drink. But locating the corn crake becomes an anticipation, particularly after she relocates to a new community with new faces. A bittersweet yet comforting drama, ‘The Outrun’ is sustained by Ronan’s understated but compelling performance and can be watched right here.

5. White Noise (2022)

The satirical play ‘White Noise’ revolves around the ups and downs of a quirky family as a leak of a poisonous gas results in an evacuation order for the town. Jack Gladney teaches the subject of Hitler without knowing a word of the German language, and his wife appears to be a drug addict, while their children, including those from Jack’s former wives, are as quirky as the couple. With hallucinations, secrets, a pandemic, and a resultant evacuation as points in the plot, director Noah Baumbach does make ‘White Noise’ seem like it is going to be a crazy rollercoaster ride where something constantly happens and the audience is not done with something when another thing begins to happen, which is also, if not more, deranged. With Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, Raffey Cassidy, Sam Nivola, and Don Cheadle, the film promises a thrilling experience. You may watch it here.

4. Roma (2018)

Alfonso Cuarón’s intensely personal and visually dazzling film, ‘Roma,’ is a moving tribute to the unheralded domestic workers who mold lives behind the scenes. Set in 1970s Mexico City, the drama revolves around Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), an indigenous live-in housemaid employed by a middle-class family while political agitation simmers in the background. Cuarón’s masterful direction elevates this personal story to a sweeping film experience, conveying Cleo’s quiet strength through individual and societal turmoil. Breathtakingly photographed in black and white, the film transports audiences into nostalgia while presenting a moving treatise on love, loss, and social standing. Inspired by Cuarón’s childhood and his caretaker family, ‘Roma’ is an emotionally deep and visually poetic indie success that solidifies itself as an influential work of media within indie cinema. You can see this story here.

3. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

Directed by Charlie Kaufman, ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is a surreal psychological drama that dissolves the lines between reality, memory, and existential horror. The film is set on a road trip during which a young woman (Jessie Buckley) joins her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) to visit his parents (Toni Collette and David Thewlis) at their isolated farmhouse. As night falls, time and identity start to falter in disturbing fashion, uncovering a very introspective and fractured story. Adapted from Iain Reid’s novel of the same title, Kaufman’s directorial take expands on the book’s surreal, intellectual resonance and turns it into a haunting exploration of isolation, loss, and the passage of time. The film’s somnambulistic cinematography and disorienting tone make for an experience that haunts well after credits are over. ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is an essential watch for those who appreciate mind-bending, thought-provoking indie cinema that challenges traditional storytelling. Find the movie here.

2. Blue Jay (2016)

‘Blue Jay’ is a beautifully understated, black-and-white drama that captures the bittersweet nostalgia of reconnecting with a lost love. Jim (Mark Duplass) and Amanda (Sarah Paulson), high school sweethearts separated for years, run into each other in their hometown and relive their past over the course of a day. Director Alex Lehmann maintains an intimate focus, letting the stripped-down, improvised performances evoke the poignantly tender nature of their common past. Now that old feelings come flooding back, the movie sensitively deals with regrets, what-ifs, and the lasting power of first love. With its sparse setting and emotionally rich narrative, ‘Blue Jay’ is a low-key but immensely powerful independent film that is intensely personal yet also universally relatable. Watch it streaming here.

1. Y tu mamá también (2011)

Alfonso Cuarón’s bold and emotionally charged road drama ‘Y tu mamá también’ is a coming-of-age narrative intermixing youthful abandon with rich social and political undertones. When two adolescent best friends, Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna), hop into a spontaneous road trip with the older and mysterious Luisa (Maribel Verdú), their free-spirited escapade rapidly disintegrates into an investigation of love, lust, and self-discovery. Cuarón’s directorial vision transcends the familiar road movie genre with Mexico’s beautiful landscapes and an omniscient narrator inserted like a subtle needle into the fabric of class divide and transience of youth. Both sensual and melancholic, ‘Y tu mamá también’ is a gritty and poignant indie classic that lingers as a reflection upon the transience of relationships and the inexorable passage of time. This indie gem can be watched here. Read More: Best Feel-Good Movies on Netflix