The best indie movies on Showmax right now

Movies are all about storytelling – and you don’t need a ton of special effects and a huge budget to tell an incredible story. Independent, or indie movies as they’re usually known, are generally made without the backing of a major studio (although, like breweries jumping on the craft beer trend, a lot of the big studios have independent labels now). They’re generally a bit quirkier, bolder and more unafraid of bucking convention. If that’s your vibe, check out the top independent indie and arthouse movies to stream right now.

Fried Barry (2020)

Barry is a drug-addled degenerate who, after yet another bender, is abducted by aliens. Soon Barry is riding shotgun in his own body as an alien visitor assumes control and takes it for a joyride through Cape Town. Watch now »

Baby Done (2020)

A charming film about a wannabe adventurer dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. While her partner welcomes the idea of parenthood, Zoe worries about her unfinished adventures. Directed by Taika Waititi.

Saint Frances (2019)

A deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the six-year-old girl she’s charged with protecting. It has a 99% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which named it their second best-reviewed comedy of 2020.

The Rest of Us (2019)

A touching drama about grief. When an unforeseen tragedy leaves her ex-husband’s wife and daughter destitute, single mom Cami offers them a place to stay.

The Dressmaker (2016)

A quirky Australian indie movie about change and acceptance, starring Oscar winner Kate Winslet. A woman returns to her small town to silence her naysayers and transform its people.

Lady Bird (2017)

Saoirse Ronan is amazing in this coming-of-age film that gives a fresh insight into the turmoil of adolescence as it explores the relationship between a teen and her mother.

Greta (2018)

Young naive Frances becomes friends with a lonely widow named Greta, unaware of Greta’s dark secret. This psychological thriller stars Chloë Grace Moretz and French star Isabelle Huppert.

Booksmart (2019)

On the eve of their graduation, two high school girls realise they spent too much time working and too little time playing. They’re determined to make up for lost time by cramming as much fun as possible into one night.

The Old Man and the Gun (2018)

Based on the true story of Forrest Tucker and his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public.

Juliet, Naked (2018)

Annie feels stuck in a long-term relationship. Then she has a chance romantic encounter with a washed-up rocker, who happens to be the subject of her boyfriend’s musical obsession. Based on the Nick Hornby novel, and starring Rose Bryne, Chris O’Dowd and Ethan Hawke. This movie will suit fans of Brit films looking for a light-hearted way to spend an evening.

The Big Sick (2017)

Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings. This is loosely based on the real-life story of Kumail and his wife, Emily V Gordon and was the top-earning independent film of 2017.

A young couple has their romance turned on its head by societal pressure that leads them to an awkward and fateful wedding night. Adapted from the Ian McEwan novel of the same name and starring Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle.

Colette (2018)

In this biopic starring Keira Knightley, a young woman marries a struggling author who convinces her to ghostwrite for him. When her work becomes a hit she fights against gender norms to claim the recognition she deserves.