10 Must-See Independent Movies in Theaters Right Now

Independent movies in theaters offer an experience that streaming platforms can’t replicate—fresh perspectives, daring storytelling, and a closer connection to filmmakers’ vision.

If you’re searching for standout films that break the mold, this curated list highlights ten essential indie releases currently showing on the big screen, with a focus on titles distributed by Level 33 Entertainment and other champions of unconventional cinema.

Discover new stories and see what indie filmmaking looks like right now.

1. Chasing Amy

Let’s set the scene: You want a breakthrough indie film that’s more than nostalgia. “Chasing Amy” delivers. This isn’t just a ‘90s time capsule—it’s a blueprint for unapologetic storytelling. For fans craving dialogue that shakes the status quo, you get a film that rewrote the rules for LGBTQ+ stories and comic-book culture on screen.

Where “Chasing Amy” Raises the Bar:

• Sparks authentic debate with its fearless, talk-forward scenes.

• Launches big questions about identity and relationships in nuanced, confrontational terms, not glossy clichés.

• Standout acting from Ben Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams anchors a script that still inspires indie filmmakers today.

• Earned recognition at the Independent Spirit Awards and GLAAD Media Awards.

• Best for viewers who want cinema that challenges, provokes, and encourages authentic conversation—especially in a theater Q&A.

Taking part in a “Chasing Amy” screening, particularly one with a post-film discussion, isn’t just entertainment. It’s living film culture at its most passionate. The impact isn’t just in the storyline—it’s in the aftershock of questions it leaves behind about identity, belonging, and uncomfortable truths.

Art house screenings with Q&As or director commentary reinvigorate classics and spark powerful conversations.

2. Finding Tony

Ready for something bold? “Finding Tony” delivers unique storytelling with emotional punch. We brought this title to theaters because it embodies everything indie cinema should be: inventive, visually striking, and unafraid to wrestle with identity and transformation.

Real-World Indie Thrills: How “Finding Tony” Stands Out

• Showcases inventive framing and bold color palettes, making each scene a visual experience in itself.

• Draws you into themes of personal reinvention, pushing you to question what’s possible—not what’s routine.

• Built buzz across film festivals, thanks to audience enthusiasm and industry respect.

• Brought to you through our direct commitment to getting unconventional stories on the big screen—beyond the festival circuit and into your local art house.

• Best for filmgoers seeking fresh character-driven films that surprise even the sharpest indie fans.

“Finding Tony” thrived because we know how to get word-of-mouth going. By backing films at both festivals and indie theaters, we help transform buzz into accessible screenings nationwide—making sure the stories that matter reach the right audiences.

3. Facing Monsters

What happens when raw adventure meets deep vulnerability? You get “Facing Monsters”, a documentary that refuses to fake the stakes. Through sweeping, wild landscapes and intimate human moments, this film pulls you straight into someone else’s epic journey.

Why “Facing Monsters” Works in a Theater:

• Unscripted moments—triumph, fear, and resilience—feel bigger when you’re with a roomful of strangers.

• Told through large-format visuals, every shot immerses you in the wildness not just seen, but felt.

• Accolades from several documentary festivals signal its impact resonates across continents, not just one region.

• Theatrical showings boost engagement, with audiences often craving Q&As and extended discussions.

• For documentary lovers who want cinematic scale and experiential depth, not just content to stream and forget.

Live events add another layer: guests, post-film panels, and discussions that give every screening a sense of urgency. “Facing Monsters” fits this trend, with communities coming together around outstanding real-life stories.

4. Past Lives

If you hunger for emotional depth, “Past Lives” offers an experience you won’t shake off. It’s a festival breakout that stitches themes of destiny, nostalgia, and displacement into quietly powerful drama.

What Makes “Past Lives” a Must-Watch

• Restrained-led performances bring emotional layers that stay with you long after the credits roll.

• Builds word-of-mouth momentum—friends bring friends back, critics rave, and campus programming picks it up.

• Elegantly crafted in its quiet power, it invites you to reflect, not just escape.

• Resonates with those chasing rich, subtle, internationally-minded stories that mainstream cinema often skips.

Festival success matters because it means wider access—and “Past Lives” doesn’t disappoint on the big screen. This is the kind of film that moves a community, one quiet moment at a time.

Sleeper hits build loyal audiences with each screening, fueling conversations and critical acclaim.

5. A Thousand and One

Looking for indie drama with grit and heart? “A Thousand and One” zeroes in with its raw take on motherhood and the hard edges of urban life. A Sundance winner, it turns intimate family struggles into urgent, cinematic storytelling.

Why It Hits Home

• Lauded at Sundance for its honest, location-driven look at changing cityscapes and complicated bonds.

• Features a lead performance that gives weight, not just sentiment—memorable and real.

• Rooted in gritty realism, thanks to authentic casting and on-location shooting.

• Ignites empathy and discussion, drawing crowds looking for more than surface-level drama.

• Perfect if you crave films that shine a spotlight on marginalized stories and city-life realities.

This is the type of film that thrives with community screenings, especially when paired with nonprofits or post-film panels. Indie cinema has power when it brings overlooked stories right to your neighborhood screen.

6. Emily the Criminal

Craving tension and relevance in your indie picks? “Emily the Criminal” lands like a punch. Aubrey Plaza transforms, leading a gritty thriller that unpacks job insecurity and the lure of the grey zone.

Where “Emily the Criminal” Delivers

• Tight, noir-inspired storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat—every second counts.

• Explores the side of economic struggle often ignored by the mainstream, with consequences you can’t ignore.

• A festival circuit favorite, praised for its sharp pacing and layered characters.

• Leaves you questioning what choices you’d make under pressure, raising tension that only a theater can amplify.

• Strong choice for viewers demanding edge, urgency, and substance all at once.

These kinds of films—part indie thriller, part social commentary—pull in fans looking for more than cheap adrenaline rushes. They reward attention, discussion, and community just as much as spectacle.

7. Aftersun

Yearning for an indie discovery that lingers? “Aftersun” sets a new standard. This Cannes standout dives into memory and family with a style you feel as much as you see. It’s quiet but far from forgettable.

Why “Aftersun” Cut Through the Noise:

• Impressionistic storytelling lets you climb inside the characters’ world—not just watch from the outside.

• Visual and sound details reward big-screen viewing. You catch subtle performances and layered soundtracks you’d miss at home.

• Earned status as “the indie discovery of the year” among critics for a reason.

• Best for those who appreciate atmospheric stories and emotional nuance over spectacle.

This film is a magnet for cinephiles and festival communities. It evolves with every viewing, making it a perfect candidate for repeat screenings and thoughtful group conversations.

Theater experiences raise films like “Aftersun” from watchable to unforgettable.

8. The Unknown Country

Searching for films that blur borders between documentary and drama? “The Unknown Country” leads that charge. It’s not just a movie—it’s a journey through identity, loss, and vast landscapes. Presented by Level 33 Entertainment, the film’s collage-like approach and focus on personal healing reach audiences thirsty for authenticity.

Distinctive Elements of “The Unknown Country”

• Uncovers hidden stories set against the American expanse, amplifying both landscape and emotion.

• Fuses real encounters and scripted moments for a genre-defying style.

• Lauded for authenticity and hybrid storytelling, praised at major indie festivals.

• Ideal for viewers eager to discover innovative narrative forms and directorial voices often missed in larger releases.

We champion films like this because they challenge expectations. Our goal is to bring these layered stories to screens that value meaning over marketing.

9. Blue Jean

Need indie cinema that brings hidden history into sharp focus? “Blue Jean” paints a vivid portrait of 1980s England and LGBTQ+ struggle with sensitivity and truth. This film goes beyond headlines, diving deep into everyday courage in oppressive times.

Why “Blue Jean” Draws Loyal Audiences

• Period-perfect production immerses you in a moment of political and cultural tension.

• Grounded in a schoolteacher’s double life, showing how policy shapes personal risk.

• Winner at the British Independent Film Awards and frequently discussed at academic screenings.

• Powerful for audiences who seek underrepresented voices and historical depth in film.

This is the type of indie that becomes the centerpiece for LGBTQ+ history events, educational programming, and nights where movie conversations matter as much as the screening.

10. How to Blow Up a Pipeline

Want your indie films with urgency? “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” delivers. It’s an eco-thriller with pulse and purpose—stirring debate everywhere it screens.

• Rapid pacing and edgy ensemble cast crank up the suspense.

• Tackles activism and ethical risk, daring you to rethink what counts as “heroic.”

• Inspires post-show conversations, often co-hosted by campus and environmental groups.

• Perfect for bold viewers who want relevance, action, and big questions from indie cinema.

These are the stories that transform theaters into hubs of discussion and activism. The experience doesn’t stop with the credits.

Great indie films don’t just entertain—they provoke action and dialogue that ripple outwards.

How to Get More Out of Independent Movies in Theaters

Watching indie films isn’t passive—it’s a choice to engage, discover, and support film culture. Here’s our practical approach:

Maximize Your Experience

• Target theaters known for independent films and check their Q&A or event lineups. Special guests or 35mm showings enhance value.

• Use festival guides and respected distributor sites, like ours, to find what’s actually playing in your market.

• When a film resonates, share your reactions in your circles or online. Word of mouth sustains indie communities.

Making moviegoing a ritual builds real connection. Invite a friend the next time you see an indie showing that catches your eye.

Quick Tips for Independent Film Lovers

• Focus on the unique—seek titles with social buzz or festival awards.

• Engage with filmmaker interviews or post-screening panels for deeper understanding.

• Explore films handled by distributors dedicated to authentic storytelling, like Level 33 Entertainment. This ensures you’re seeing cinema with intent, not just content.

• Check local theater websites for curated schedules and special events.

Choosing to see independent movies in theaters is supporting bold voices and fueling fresh storytelling.

Conclusion

Don’t settle for recycled blockbusters or endless scrolling. The independent movies in theaters right now offer stories that challenge, uplift, and expand your world. Find the screening that excites you, bring a friend, and step into a space where your voice and presence matter. Every ticket, every conversation, and every new perspective you gain shapes not just your own film journey, but the future of independent cinema. The screen is waiting—what will you discover next?