The Best Indie Movies To Watch In 2025

The Bear’s breakout star Ayo Edebiri makes her horror debut in former GQ editor Mark Anthony Green’s first feature film, a twisted tale about a faded pop star named Moretti – played by a brilliantly sinister John Malkovich – who returns to the public eye decades after going missing. There is something of a Midsommar feel to it, as Edebiri (a Moretti superfan) is ushered away to a secluded campsite with a gaggle of fans, where a series of strange events unfolds. In movie theaters from March 14

Sean Baker is well on his way to becoming one of the great indie directors thanks to his latest award-winning film, Anora. It’s the anti-Cinderella tale of Ani – played by an outstanding Mikey Madison – a sex worker in New York swept off her feet by the degenerate son of an oligarch. A shotgun wedding and extravagant honeymoon follows before her dream life quickly unravels. Not to be missed. In movie theaters now

Josh O’Connor helms this heartbreaking film about Dusty, a Colorado rancher, who loses his entire estate to a devastating wildfire. The story moves beautifully through loss, grief, acceptance and resolve as both Dusty and his wife – played by The White Lotus’ Meghann Fahy – start from scratch, rebuilding their home, emotionally and physically. Writer and director Max Walker-Silverman’s last movie, A Love Song, was one of the best-reviewed at Sundance 2022, so expect great things. In movie theaters from spring

This new movie by comedian Tim Key is a tongue-in-cheek homage to musical romance movies like Yesterday and Begin Again. When Charles, a kooky lottery winner, dreams of reuniting his favorite band for a private gig, his fantasy comes true when both the former bandmates accept. With Carey Mulligan playing a Stevie Nicks-inspired lead singer and Tom Basden (After Life) her estranged ex-bandmate, it’s a joyous comedy sure to put a smile on your face. In movie theaters from March 28

This Luca Guadagnino-produced directorial debut from newcomer Hailey Gates took home the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance for good reason. It’s an unsettling satire, following a wannabe actress (Alia Shawkat) who lands a job in a military roleplaying facility. When she falls in love with a soldier playing a rebel (Callum Turner), their unscripted chemistry puts everyone in danger. It’s a mind-bending meta tale, following closely in the footsteps of The Truman Show. In movie theaters from spring

Demi Moore leads this Kubrick-esque satirical horror, along with a cast that includes Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, about the price we pay for eternal beauty – and the extreme lengths people will go to achieve it. The film had a riotous reception when it showed at Cannes Film Festival, so expect brilliant, albeit twisted, things from this nightmarish project. In cinemas now

Based on Amy Liptrot’s haunting memoir of the same name, Saoirse Ronan deftly tackles the complex role of a young woman grappling with her troubled past and addiction. With indie director Nora Fingscheidt (The Unforgivable) at the helm and Paapa Essiedu playing the companion to Ronan’s lead role of Rona, this has all the hallmarks of a future classic. In cinemas now

Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn make the dream duo in this compelling debut by buzzy new director Christy Hall. The script, which plays out almost entirely inside a taxi, is a verbal tennis match between two total strangers – pivoting between pleasantries, heartbreaking revelations and their deepest secrets. With echoes of cult classics like Taxi Driver before it (albeit less dark), Penn and Johnson each give the performance of a lifetime. Available to stream now

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