90s Indie Movies Everyone Should Watch

The 90s were a great time for indie movies. While Hollywood was churning out blockbusters, smaller films with more personal stories were being made independently and finding an audience. These movies are often overlooked in favor of bigger productions, but they’re well worth watching. Over the decades tastes have changed and a lot of 90s independent movies are getting a spotlight many years after their release. Especially with streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ adding new content to their portfolio, many indie movies of the past few decades have managed to get a whole new audience. If you are looking for the best 90s indie movies or just an idea of what to watch next, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of our favorite independent movies from the 90s, curated by Ciao Amore Mag.

90s indie movie scene

But first let’s take a look at what the movie scene was back then. In the 90s, indie movies were all the rage. There were so many iconic and well-made films that were released during the decade, and they all (or at least a good chunk of them) are worth watching. From “Dazed and Confused” to “Heavenly Creatures”, these 90s indie movies are well worth your time.

So what made the 90s such a great time for indie movies? There were several factors at work. Firstly, the technology was there to make these movies more accessible than ever before. With the availability of VHS tapes and then DVDs, indie filmmakers could reach a wider audience than ever before. Additionally, cable TV was starting to become more popular, which gave these smaller films a chance to be seen by more people.

Another reason for the success of 90s indie movies was the changing social landscape. The Baby Boomer generation was starting to age out, and Gen Xers were coming into their own. This new generation was more open-minded and willing to try different kinds of movies. They were also interested in stories that reflected their own experiences, which is something you see a lot in 90s indie films.

90s indie movies we recommend watching

So if you’re looking for some good old-fashioned 90s nostalgia, be sure to check out some of these great indie films. You won’t be disappointed. We’ve prepared a list of five iconic independent films from the 1990s, let’s dive in!

Heavenly Creatures (1994)

1994’s Heavenly Creatures was a watershed moment for indie movies. The story follows two teenage girls who become obsessed with each other and commit a murder, it was an unflinching look at the power of teenage obsession. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and is still considered one of the best indie movies from the 1990s.

The cast of Heavenly Creatures is stellar, with Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey leading the way. Winslet in particular gave a powerhouse performance that cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.

Heavenly Creatures has held up over the years, and is still just as powerful and disturbing as it was when it first came out. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking indie film, be sure to check out Heavenly Creatures. Heavenly Creatures has a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDb.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Dazed and Confused is a 1993 film about a group of high school kids in the 1970s. It was written and directed by Richard Linklater, and it’s considered to be one of the best teen movies of all time.

The movie was recieved very well when it was first released. It was praised for its humor and its accurate portrayal of teenage life in the 1970s. However, over time Dazed and Confused has become more iconic than ever. It’s now considered to be one of the best teen movies of all time, and it’s a must-watch for anyone who’s interested in 90s indie movies. In fact, you’ll probably find Dazed and Confused mentioned on nearly all “best 90s indie movies” lists around the internet.

So what makes Dazed and Confused so great? Well, for starters, it’s funny. The humor is spot-on, and you’ll find yourself laughing out loud throughout the entire movie. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and relatable. You’ll quickly become attached to them, and you’ll be rooting for them all the way to the end.

Bottom line: if you’re looking for an iconic 90s indie movie, then you need to check out Dazed and Confused. You won’t regret it. Dazed and Confused is rated 7.6/10 on IMDb.

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

The Virgin Suicides is a 1999 film about a group of teenage girls who kill themselves. It was directed by Sofia Coppola and it was based on the novel of the same name by Jeffrey Eugenides.

When The Virgin Suicides was first released, it received mixed reviews from audiences. Some people loved it, while others found it to be boring and pretentious. However, over time its reputation has changed. Now, The Virgin Suicides is considered to be one of the best indie movies that came out of the 90s.

What makes The Virgin Suicides so good? For starters, it’s beautifully shot. Sofia Coppola’s direction is impeccable, and she manages to create a truly atmospheric film. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and relatable. The movie helped cement Kirsten Dunst and Josh Hartnett as staples of their generation.

If you’re into atmospheric and beautifully shot movies, then be sure to add The Virgin Suicides to your watchlist! The Virgin Suicides has a rating of 7.2/10 in IMDb.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

If you haven’t seen it, you’ve definitely heard about it! The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 American psychological horror film that has had a lasting impact on the horror genre to this day. It was written, directed and edited by Dan Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez.

The Blair Witch Project was received very well when it was first released. It was praised for its realism and for its effective use of found footage. To this day The Blair Witch Project is considered to be one of the best indie horror movies not just from the 1990s, but of all time.

So what makes The Blair Witch Project so special? The movie is incredibly realistic, especially for the time when audiences weren’t used to reality type of format. The Blair Witch is a fictional creature, but the movie makes you believe that she’s real. Additionally, the found footage format is incredibly effective, and it will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. In 2016 there was a remake of The Blair Witch Project, however, we strongly recommend watching the original first!

If you’re in the mood for some 90s indie horror, then you need to check out The Blair Witch Project. The Blair Witch Project is rated 6.5/10 on IMDb as it appears the film has been received a bit divisively.

Safe (1995)

Safe is a 1995 indie movie about a suburban housewife who develops a heavy drug addiction. It was written and directed by Todd Haynes, and it was based on the novel of the same name by Carol Shield.

When Safe was first released, it received mixed reviews from audiences. Some people loved it, while others found it to be boring and unoriginal. However, over time its reputation has changed. Now, Safe is considered to be one of the best indie movies from the 90s.

What’s special about the movie Safe? Well, for being an indie movie, it’s very well-made. The direction is impeccable, and the acting is superb. I mean, you wouldn’t expect anything less from Julianne Moore, right? Additionally, the plot is compelling and will keep you hooked until the very end.

If you’re on the lookout for a great 90s indie movie that might not be so well known, then you need to check out Safe! Safe has a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb.

90s indie movies – conclusion

The 90s were a great time for indie movies. There were so many iconic and well-made independent films that were released during the decade, and we think everyone should watch them. From “Dazed and Confused” to “Heavenly Creatures”, these movies are all worth your time. So queue them up on Netflix or your preferred streaming service and enjoy a trip down memory lane! Be sure to check out our other Film and TV articles to get even more recommendations!