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Best indie films and cult classics on streaming services right now
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With so much content being produced, it's getting harder to find those indie films on streaming services that have that special something. I'm always on the lookout for cult classics on streaming that have developed devoted followings but never got mainstream attention.
I feel like the streaming service deep cuts are where you find the most interesting storytelling. These overlooked streaming movies and hidden gem comedy series often take more risks than big budget productions. The problem is they get buried under algorithm-driven recommendations.
What are your favorite streaming service sleeper hits in the indie and cult categories? I'm talking about those hidden gem TV series that maybe only had one season but was perfect, or those overlooked streaming series that deserved way more seasons. Also interested in hidden gem documentaries that explore niche subjects in fascinating ways.
For indie films on streaming services, The Assistant on Hulu is absolutely brilliant. It's about a day in the life of a junior assistant to a powerful entertainment executive (clearly based on Weinstein). Quiet, tense, and incredibly well-observed. Exactly the kind of overlooked streaming movies that stick with you.
Another great indie find is Shiva Baby on HBO Max. It's this anxiety-inducing comedy about a college student who runs into her sugar daddy at a shiva. Only 77 minutes but packed with tension and dark humor. Perfect cult classics on streaming material.
For something completely different, The Vast of Night on Amazon Prime is a low-budget sci-fi mystery set in 1950s New Mexico that's all atmosphere and clever filmmaking. Definitely streaming service sleeper hits territory.
Cult classics are my specialty. The Death of Stalin on various platforms is political satire that's both hilarious and horrifying. The cast is incredible and the writing is sharp. It's developed a real following but still feels like streaming service deep cuts.
Another one is Sorry to Bother You on Hulu. That movie is WILD in the best way. Satire about telemarketing that goes places you absolutely cannot predict. Definitely cult material that people either love or hate.
For older cult classics now streaming, Withnail & I is on various services. British comedy about two unemployed actors that's endlessly quotable. We've gone on holiday by mistake!" Classic example of cult classics on streaming that new generations can discover.
I want to mention some hidden gem comedy series that have cult followings. Joe Pera Talks With You on HBO Max is the most wholesome, strange, beautiful show. It's like ASMR meets comedy meets documentary. Definitely streaming service hidden treasures material.
Another is How To with John Wilson on HBO Max. Documentary series where the filmmaker explores everyday topics in New York City. It's funny, profound, and uniquely New York. Has that cult classics on streaming vibe.
For something completely different, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson on Netflix is absurdist sketch comedy that's developed a massive cult following. The humor is so specific and weird that it either clicks with you immediately or not at all. Perfect example of streaming service sleeper hits in comedy.
For hidden gem documentaries in the indie/cult space, Minding the Gap on Hulu is incredible. It follows three young men growing up in Rockford, Illinois, using skateboarding as escape. Started as a skate video and became this profound documentary about trauma and masculinity. Exactly the kind of hidden gem documentaries that change how you see the world.
Another is The Act of Killing on various platforms. Documentary where Indonesian death squad reenact their killings in film genres. It's one of the most disturbing and important documentaries ever made, but definitely streaming service deep cuts material.
More accessible: Jiro Dreams of Sushi on various platforms. Documentary about an 85-year-old sushi master that's meditative and beautiful. Has developed a real following among food and documentary lovers alike.
I'll add a few more indie/cult recommendations. The Florida Project on various platforms is beautiful indie film about childhood poverty near Disney World. Stunning cinematography and incredible child performances. Definitely overlooked streaming movies that deserve more attention.
For something completely different, Under the Silver Lake on various platforms is this neo-noir conspiracy thriller that's divisive but has developed a cult following. It's messy and weird in the best way, like if David Lynch made a movie about LA conspiracy theories.
Animation cult classic: The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl on various platforms. Japanese animated film about one magical night in Kyoto. Visually stunning and full of life. Perfect example of indie films on streaming services that take creative risks.
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