While 2022 may not have been the best year ever for movies, there is no doubt that it was a very exciting one for indie film enthusiasts. That same year, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert's hypnotizing Everything Everywhere All at Once earned a notable spot among the best indie movies of 2022 — it gathered great acclaim, ultimately taking home the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards. This fact undoubtedly highlighted that films made outside the big studios are currently some of the most treasured by both general audiences and critics.

While the year proved that blockbusters like Top Gun and Avatar still rank undeniably high among the most anticipated films, the independent box office hit a decade-long high in 2022, and understandably so. Given its wide range of genres, indie films have captured the attention of many, with some standing out a bit more than others. From Bodies Bodies Bodies to Aftersun, these are the best independent films of 2022.

10 'Bodies Bodies Bodies'

Director: Halina Reijn

Maria Bakalova, Amandla Stenberg, Rachel Sennott and Chase Sui Wonders in 'Bodies Bodies Bodies'
Image via A24

Directed by Halina Reijn, this engaging A24 horror about Generation Z analyzes it to perfection. Satirizing the young all while delivering a compelling storyline, Bodies Bodies Bodies is based on a story written by Kristen Ropuenian and follows a group of 20-year-olds who hop into a party game at a remote family mansion to disastrous results.

Bodies Bodies Bodies is one of the most memorable watches of recent times and makes for an absorbing murder mystery intense enough to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The slasher film's entire screenplay is cleverly written, with a twist towards the end that ranks high among the most unpredictable.

Bodies Bodies Bodies
R

Release Date
August 5, 2022
Runtime
1h 35m

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9 'The Whale'

Director: Darren Aronofsky

A close-up of Charlie looking intently to his right in The Whale.
Image via A24

The talented Brendan Fraser made his way back to Hollywood in Darren Aronofsky's latest movie, which tells the story of a reclusive 600-pound English teacher (portrayed by Fraser) who engages in binge-eating as an effect of his former lover's traumatic death. In the meantime, the English professor attempts to restore his relationship with his teenage daughter (Sadie Sink).

Although flawed and controversial — mostly given that some viewers consider it "fatphobic," and others regard it to be Aronofsky's worst film about self-destruction) — The Whale is an incredibly heart-wrenching, humane, psychological drama feature that reflects on love and empathy. Still, Fraser undoubtedly delivered the finest performance of his career, hence why he understandably took home the Oscar for Best Actor in 2023.

The Whale
R

Release Date
December 21, 2022
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Cast
Brendan Fraser , Sadie Sink , Ty Simpkins , Hong Chau
Runtime
117 minutes

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8 'Cha Cha Real Smooth'

Director: Cooper Raiff

Dakota Johnson and Cooper Raiff in 'Cha Cha Real Smooth'
Image via Apple Studios

Director Cooper Raiff steps into the shoes of a 22-year-old college graduate Andrew in his second feature. Much like the critically acclaimed coming-of-age comedy-drama Shithouse, which Raiff also directed, Cha Cha Real Smooth tackles self-growth themes. The film focuses on Andrew's struggle to find his place in the world while working as a party starter.

While it also depicts the intriguing, blossoming relationship between Raiff's character and Dakota Johnson's 32-year-old mother, what stands out about the film is how authentic the protagonist's struggles feel. A relatable and comforting pick for those who are facing the same anxieties, this underrated 2022 film is a charming and heartwarming watch throughout, even if Cha Cha Real Smooth's premise is mundane and far from innovative.

Watch on Apple TV+

7 'Bones and All'

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet in 'Bones and All'
Image via MGM

Starring talented actors Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet as the main leads, Bones and All is perhaps Luca Guadagnino's second most disturbing film, following 2018's Suspiria, a remake of the classic Dario Argento film. The riveting body horror follows a match made in heaven: two young cannibals who embark on a road trip across the country on a journey of self-discovery.

An unusual and intense love story throughout, this Guadagnino movie features a shocking premise and impeccable performances, even earning breakout star Russell a Marcello Mastroianni Award. Bones and All refers to cannibalism as a form of all-consuming love (hence the title), making for an intensely bizarre and perturbing yet incredibly entertaining watch that explores themes of otherness. Furthermore, it also features stunning cinematography.

Bones and All

A young woman embarks on a 1000 mile odyssey through America where she meets a disenfranchised drifter. But all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether love can survive their otherness.

Director
Luca Guadagnino
Cast
Chloe Sevigny , Timothee Chalamet , Taylor McKenzie , Michael Stuhlbarg , David Gordon Green , Mark Rylance

Watch on Amazon Prime

6 'The Quiet Girl'

Director: Colm Bairéad

Carrie Crowley and Catherine Clinch in 'The Quiet Girl'

The Quiet Girl (originally titled An Cailín Ciúin) is an intriguing Irish domestic drama that follows a little girl named Cáit (Catherine Clinch) who is sent away from her dysfunctional family to live with foster parents for the summer. While everything is seemingly going according to plan, as Cáit passionately discovers her new way of living in gorgeous rural Ireland, a dark family secret arises.

Featuring humane performances and sublime cinematography, this beautifully directed story by Colm Bairéad will not leave viewers indifferent. Seen through the innocent eyes of a child, The Quiet Girl is slow-paced and profoundly enthralling. Its sensitive and reflective premise combined with an absorbing central performance by a talented child actor make it one of the best indie films of 2022.

Watch on Hulu

5 'Triangle of Sadness'

Director: Ruben Östlund

Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean in 'Triangle of Sadness'
Image via NEON
 

Ruben Östlund's brutal satirical black comedy film depicts what would happen if a luxury cruise for the super-rich sunk. Revolving around the celebrity model couple Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean) catastrophic trip and its tragic after-events, Triangle of Sadness is a chaotic, wicked, and fun movie that is guaranteed to make audiences chuckle.

Reflecting on the hierarchy positions of contemporary society and the privileges that come with it, Triangle of Sadness is hardly like anything any viewer has probably ever seen before. Although slightly chaotic for some critics' liking, it is an arthouse "eat the rich" film packed with an excellent build-up and hilarious storyline. It is hard to remain unphased by this social satire, especially considering the heartbreaking passing of its promising lead actor, Charlbi Dean, who left us at only 32 years old and merely three months after the acclaimed film's premiere.

Triangle of Sadness
R

A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.

Release Date
September 18, 2022
Director
Ruben Östlund
Cast
Thobias Thorwid , Harris Dickinson , Charlbi Dean , Vicki Berlin
Runtime
147 minutes

Watch on Hulu

4 'Marcel the Shell With Shoes On'

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Marcel in 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On'
Image via A24

This adorable stop-motion film by Dean Fleischer Camp has successfully stolen a lot of viewers' hearts back in 2022, and rightfully so. Based on a series of shorts of the same name, the emotional animated movie follows a 1-inch-tall shell named Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate) who lives with his grandmother Connie (Isabella Rossellini), and their pet lint, Alan.

Charming and undeniably heartwarming, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is guaranteed to boost anyone's mood. It is a highly entertaining, overall adorable docufiction for viewers to immerse themselves in. With an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 98%, Marcel's story is as uplifting and as sweet as it could possibly get, providing audiences with the warmth of a tight, comforting hug.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
PG

Release Date
September 1, 2021
Director
Dean Fleischer-Camp
Cast
Jenny Slate , Isabella Rossellini , Dean Fleischer-Camp , Thomas Mann , Rosa Salazar , Lesley Stahl
Runtime
90

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3 'The Banshees of Inisherin'

Director: Martin McDonagh

Two men share a beer together, with one of them leaning over to pose a warning to his friend.
Image via Searchlight Pictures

Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, this engaging film starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in two of their best roles (both earned Academy Award nominations) follows two lifelong friends who find themselves at a dead end. When one of them suddenly puts an end to their relationship, agitating consequences inevitably arise.

Given the talented cast and crew, The Banshees of Inisherin was one of the biggest, most anticipated films of 2022. Apart from the astonishing Irish landscapes and compelling storyline (which is equal parts hilarious), The Banshees of Inisherin is a stimulating tragicomedy that perfectly depicts the breakup of friendships, shedding light on how they can be just as painful and heartbreaking as romantic-natured ones.

The Banshees of Inisherin

Release Date
October 21, 2022
Director
Martin McDonagh
Cast
Colin Farrell , Brendan Gleeson , Barry Keoghan , Kerry Condon

Watch on Hulu

2 'Aftersun'

Director: Charlotte Wells

A young girl leaning against her sleeping father in Aftersun.
Image via A24

One of the most awe-inspiring indie directorial debuts in recent film history is Aftersun by Charlotte Wells. The movie is a beautifully told father-daughter tale that follows Paul Mescal's Calum (his career-defining performance, which earned the actor an Oscar nomination) and Frankie Corio's Sophie throughout their stay during their holiday trip in Turkey. Reflecting on unattainable memories and the relationship between both characters, this incredible indie film is a love letter to every father who tries, even when tormented by his own struggles.

Told from young Sophie's innocent point of view (though the viewer is always aware of Calum's breakdowns, which he protects Sophie from witnessing), Aftersun is a poignant, heart-wrenching movie that authentically captures depression and grief. Thus, it is undoubtedly one of the most thought-provoking and reflective films of 2022, as well as a solid effort from independent cinema.

Watch on Fubo

1 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'

Director: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) protecting Joy (Stephanie Hsu) and Waymond (Ke Huy Quan) in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Image via A24

Everything Everywhere All at Once has to be the most surprising and innovative film of 2022, though that is no surprise to anyone at this point. Inviting audiences on a surrealist and trippy ride, the independent film by the indie studio A24 follows a Chinese immigrant (Michelle Yeoh, in her Best Actress winning role) who embarks on an extreme adventure across multiple universes to save the world.

Although this dramedy provides viewers with a silly, funny plot with lots of random (but welcomed) elements, the Daniels' acclaimed genre-bending film also dives a bit deep into philosophical themes — which is what makes it so touching. The way Everything Everywhere All at Once sheds light on the importance of mother-daughter relationships and examines the beauty of finding joy in one's life is among its defining characteristics.

Everything Everywhere All at Once
R

A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.

Release Date
March 25, 2022
Cast
Jenny Slate , Michelle Yeoh , jamie lee curtis , Ke Huy Quan
Runtime
139 minutes

Watch on Showtime

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