9 indie movies on Netflix that are *so* worth watching

Sometimes it feels like we’ve watched pretty much everything worth watching on Netflix. Like, we’ve spent a lot of time scrolling through the latest and greatest. Maybe too much, TBH. But there’s actually a secret goldmine hiding in a lesser-visited section of the platform: indie movies! Yeah, we know, it can be hard to figure out which indie movies on Netflix will actually hold our attention, especially since we haven’t heard of so many of them. That’s why we decided to round up some of our faves.

From drama to romance to comedy, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our absolute favorite indie movies on Netflix!

1Camp X-Ray

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1MDrwqjeGo?feature=oembed

Featuring Kristen Stewart, this is a deep and sometimes heavy film, but it’s absolutely beautifully done.

2Tallulah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WSz2s-Gemc?feature=oembed

We’ll basically watch anything with Ellen Page in it, so that’s how we ended up totally falling for this movie. She stars alongside the amazing Allison Janney, we have nothing but huge love for this film.

3Tangerine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSwWTb88ZU?feature=oembed

Tangerine was one of the most beloved films of 2015, and we get why. It’s as heartbreaking as it is hilarious, and it’s really like no other film out there.

4Pariah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbBiTlGhrPY?feature=oembed

Another heavier film, this is an absolute work of art about a young queer teenager hiding her sexuality from her family.

5Elena Undone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9ulJ39qhQ?feature=oembed

This is one of those guilty pleasures that we know probably isn’t the most artful film, but that we find ourselves going back to time and time again. It tells the story of two women who shouldn’t, but do, fall in love.

6Fruitvale Station

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxUG-FjefDk?feature=oembed

We’ll be honest, here: this movie WILL make you cry. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s especially relevant considering our current political and cultural context. We’re keeping things vague as not to spoil it, but, wow. This movie.

7Echo Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9_-cD240Gg?feature=oembed

This is a slow and calming watch, and it feels very much like An Indie Movie. If you’re into thrillers and action, this isn’t for you, but if you’re more about pacing and artful shots, you’ll probably love this as much as we do.

8That’s Not Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtQfwLe5tNM?feature=oembed

Three couples, two queer, one straight, go on vacation at a beach house. Drama follows. It’s funny and shocking and also deeply sad at times, but more than anything it’s relatable AF. This will make you feel all the things.

9Mississippi Damned

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA5f47ihycs?feature=oembed

Yeah, this isn’t the happiest film. But it’s gorgeous, and important, and well-told. It tells the story of three poor black children seeking a better life.