Indie films might not always dominate box office charts, but they’re the heart and soul of filmmaking. They bring originality, daring storytelling, and emotional depth to the screen in ways big-budget blockbusters often don't. This year has been a shining year for indie cinema, with filmmakers breathing life into deeply personal stories, challenging traditional film norms, and tackling complex issues with grace and ingenuity. There have been tales of family drama, historical perspectives, and time-traveling twists. These films remind us why the indie scene is such a great space for creativity to flourish. These indie gems might just reignite your love for film if you’ve fallen into a rut of predictable Hollywood formulas.. Here’s a roundup of the best indie films of 2024 and why they’ve left such a mark on everyone.

A Real Pain

Star and director Jesse Eisenberg wears two hats in A Real Pain. The story focuses on two American cousins, David and Benji, who travel to Poland to connect with their family history during a Holocaust commemoration. Eisenberg’s portrayal of David, an anxious individual grappling with guilt and identity, feels honest and deeply raw. Kieran Culkin’s Benji is the perfect contrast, an extroverted wild card who brings humor and tension into the mix. Together, their clashing personalities unravel complex layers of grief, healing, and self-discovery. The film wowed audiences at Sundance, offering a moving reminder of how history shapes us even generations later. Its blend of quiet drama and humor ensures it leaves a lasting emotional impact.

All We Imagine as Light

Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light masterfully tells a tale of working-class sisterhood in Mumbai, capturing the unseen struggles and joys of women from different walks of life. Kapadia blends poetic visuals with a subtle political touch, framing Mumbai as a city of dreams and harsh realities. The main characters, played by a trio of powerhouse actors, explore themes of migration, social alienation, and resilience. Unlike fast-paced mainstream films, this one takes its time with deeply reflective cinematography that pulls you into its world. Its win at the Cannes Film Festival solidifies it as a must-watch for anyone craving a meaningful, thought-provoking narrative.

Anora

Did we call this one or what? Sean Baker has a knack for turning overlooked corners of American life into compelling cinema, and Anora is no exception. This Palme d’Or winner spins a love story between Ani, a Brooklyn exotic dancer, and Vanya, the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch. What starts as a romance evolves into chaos, sprinkled with Baker’s signature mix of humor and gritty realism. The opulent and fantasy-like world Ani enters is unlike anything Baker has explored before, making Anora both a critique of the American Dream and an entertaining comedy of errors. It shows how indie films can flip familiar themes into something heartfelt and refreshingly unique.

The Brutalist

Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist will feel like a gift from a bygone era of cinema for fans of big, sprawling epics. Think Gandalf arriving at Helm’s Deep levels of epic (but with architecture). This immigrant saga dives into the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian Jewish architect fleeing the horrors of World War II to start anew in America. Powerhouse Adrien Brody leads in The Brutalist and explores ambition, identity, and the lure of power. Its visually stunning sequences and 70mm presentation scream “cinematic spectacle,” but beneath the grandeur is a profound human story about staying true to one’s art.

Dahomey

Mati Diop brings something truly inventive to the table with Dahomey. This partly documentary narrative immerses viewers in a fascinating story about reclaiming stolen African artifacts. Diop doesn’t just show the logistics of restitution. She dives into its soul, giving voice to one of the stolen statues as it narrates its memories and thoughts centuries later. The blend of historical perspective, speculative storytelling, and cultural commentary is haunting in the best way. This Golden Bear-winning film punches way above its runtime at just an hour long, leaving a lasting impression about identity, colonialism, and resilience.

Dìdi

Coming-of-age stories are a dime a dozen, but Dìdi stands out for its sincere handling of difficult subjects. Sean Wang’s debut feature explores the nuances of adolescence through Chris Wang, a 13-year-old boy caught between his American upbringing and Chinese heritage. The film doesn’t shy away from Chris’s flaws but treats them with compassion, showing how our messy teenage selves are shaped by the cultural limits and expectations around us. Focusing on family dynamics, youthful longing, and the search for one’s identity, Dìdi achieves a balance between sweetness and emotional depth. It’s one of those rare indie films that feels personal and universally relatable.

Hit Man

Richard Linklater delivered pure entertainment gold with Hit Man. Inspired by real events, the story follows Gary, a mild-mannered college professor who helps law enforcement catch people soliciting murders by pretending to be a hit man. Glen Powell owns the zany tone of the film as both co-writer and lead actor, delivering a performance brimming with wit and charm. Between outlandish disguises, hilarious cons, and unexpected romance, Hit Man finds a way to mix absurdity with heartfelt introspection. It’s the kind of indie film that doesn’t just impress critics but delights audiences looking for escapist fun with some narrative meat on its bones.

Sasquatch Sunset

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Bigfoot? Sasquatch Sunset might be the closest you’ll get. Part nature documentary and part comedy-drama, this wild and bizarre film follows a pack of Sasquatches as they travel the wilderness, exploring life as an endangered species. Although its potty humor may not appeal to everyone, there lies a surprisingly profound story beneath all the fur and antics. Directors David and Nathan Zellner somehow craft a film that’s both ridiculous and touching, reminding us why we root for the underdog or under-creatures, in this case.

Things Will Be Different

Who needs big CGI when a tight script and clever direction could do the trick? Michael Felker’s Things Will Be Different proves that great sci-fi doesn’t have to be big-budget. This time-hopping story of two siblings on the run keeps its focus small and grounded, creating emotional stakes alongside its mind-bending twists. Felker’s use of simple locations and practical effects proves creativity can shine even with limited resources. At its core, the film is about family and second chances, wrapped in a thought-provoking science fiction narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.