Indie movies are generally synonymous with a quirkiness or outlandish plot that strays from traditional Hollywood troupes, where they do not shy away from violence, grotesque sexual nature, and other taboos that are rarely explored in Hollywood blockbusters. But, that is only one small part of what actually defines the type of film produced. Indie movies - or independent movies - are films that are produced by small, independent entertainment companies, and/or were produced with a smaller budget, where even big-time actors are willing to take pay-cuts if they see the merit in the work.
Asides from becoming popular - and often high-grossing - some indie films make a significant impact on society and the entertainment sector. Occurring through encapsulating popular quotes that become meme-worthy, changing perceptions about particular topics, creating unique cinematographic or narrative techniques, or even influencing mimicry, many indie films have withstood the test of time to stay relevant through their individual characteristics. FromNight Of The Living DeadtoNapoleon Dynamite, here are 10 indie movies that went on to become significant in popular culture.
The term ‘zombie’ was not recognized until after the release ofNight Of The Living Dead, with the concept still being referred to as ‘ghouls’ instead, following the Haitian voodoo folklore. However, the idea that the undead becomes hungry for living flesh became a naturalized version of zombies that is now prevalent in popular films such asWorld War ZandTrain To Busan. The film also became a significant template for splatter films - a sub-genre of horror that depicts gruesome violence - that inspired other hit-horror movies such asNightmare On Elm StreetandFriday The 13th.
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Prior toNight Of The Living Dead’s popularity, horror films encapsulated mostly rubber masks, cardboard sets, and hidden villains lurking in the shadows. Through George A. Romero’s creativity, other horror films followed suit by upping the scare factor. Under the production management of the small company Image Ten,Night Of The Living Deadbecame one of the most infamous horror films in history.
2The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Considered to be one of the longest-running releases in film history,The Rocky Horror Picture Showbegan in humble beginnings as a stage show, to becoming a multi-faceted influence within the film and stage industry, as well as having profound effects on embracing sexual liberation and androgyny within society.
Combining the humor of B horror films and science fiction,The Rocky Horror Picture Showtruly followed the idea of “don’t dream it, be it”; garnering its infamous status from its immersive experience, where many fans dressed up in inspired costumes, and engaged in audience participation - despite an initial negative reaction. Perfectly capturing the transition from art-house to grind-house style,The Rocky Horror Picture Showallowed the niche market to expand into the world of low-budget, splatter & exploitation films, and has been featured in many films and television series since its release.
3The Terminator (1984)
The Terminatoris the film that madeJames Cameronturn heads and become one of the most renowned directors in the world and created a name forArnold Schwarzenegger; but it also held significance by meeting universal acclaim, after it was believed to be a box-office failure. Within the early 80s, action films began to demise in popularity, and a low-budget slasher/horror and sci-fi blend weren’t expected to be popular in any sense.
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In fact, Orion Pictures only held one press screening forThe Terminatorbut was quickly proven wrong when in its first week, the film grossed $4 million in the United States. With an incredibly limited amount of lines, the film is remembered by Arnold’s iconic line, “I’ll be back”, as well as the groundbreaking imagery created from stop-motion scenes and laser work.
4The Breakfast Club (1985)
The film that popularized viewers’ interest in the complicated lives of teenagers,The Breakfast Clubstarted from humble beginnings and launched the careers of “Brat Pack” membersMolly Ringwald,Emilio Estevez,Ally Sheedy,Anthony Michael HallandJudd Nelson. At the time,John Hugheswas ill-regarded as a director, for he lacked filmmaking experience. To convince investors to fundThe Breakfast Club, he had to assure them that the small $1 million budget and single location was to produce an inoffensive film that may not succeed, but shouldn’t flop either.
The idea of a simplistic plot that instead focuses on deeper levels of characterization became a fundamental template for the exploration of high-school films that come afterThe Breakfast Club. Seen as the quintessential coming-of-age story,The Breakfast Clubcontinues to be adored by those who value heartfelt movies that are easy to watch.
5Pulp Fiction (1994)
The 1990s have been defined as the decade of indie films, marked by changes such as smaller production companies being owned by larger companies; big-name actors engaging in the traditional studio and indie films, and a general thirst for explorative movies that defy conventions. At this time,Quentin Tarantino’sPulp Fictionquickly had a massive effect on independent cinema. Initially dropped by other production companies for its vulgarities, the newly Disney-acquired studio Miramax saw the film’s potential, and fully funded its production.
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Argued to be the template of what postmodern films should explore, the ingenious use of unconventional structure, pop-culture references, and its brazen depictions of violence and other taboo subjects allowed the movie to make an imprint on viewers’ minds.Pulp Fictioninspired other directors to push the boundaries of on-screen violence, which proved to be a successful, albeit controversial part of the film’s legacy.
6The Blair Witch Project (1999)
One of the most successful independent films of all time,The Blair Witch Projectwas certainly a wildcard production that had everything against it, which turned into a significant poster child for horror films to follow.
The Blair Witch Projecthas pioneered the ways in which technology can be utilized: highlighted by being both the first film widely marketed by the internet and the reason that hand-held camerawork resurfaced as an effective way to shoot horror films. The found-footage style was heightened by the idea of never revealing the horrific figure, which creeped out viewers in the same way thatJawsdid for most of its running time.The Blair Witch Projectinspired many renowned horror films - fromParanormal ActivitytoRec.
7Memento (2000)
Anything produced byChristopher Nolanis sure to be successful, andMementois the film that put him on the map. Indie company Newmarket Films funded the production and ended up distributing the film too after many other companies feared thatMementowas too niche to appeal to a wider audience.
But, after success through word-of-mouth press after playing through film festivals,Memento’s popularity only soared more through their online marketing techniques, inspired byThe Blair Witch Project’s realist website. A movie that is constantly analyzed in terms of its plot devices, themes of self-deception and memory, and ability to confuse audience members,Mementomanaged to capture a wider audience after all.
8American Psycho (2000)
How can a film that had so many hardships in its making remain a success for years to come? A defining character of the 21st Century, madman Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) has carriedAmerican Psychothrough over twenty years of relevance; with the film’s popularity soaring on mediums such as Tik Tok, where monologues and iconic scenes are shared, analysis is discussed, and meme-culture thrives through the movie’s content.
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Adapted from the book byBret Easton Ellis, the film had rewrites and recasting choices, and althoughAmerican Psychohad a decent budget behind its production, fear of its reception became a huge contender in whether it was to be produced. But, despite the controversies of the plot,American Psychowent on to become one of the most notable films of all time.
9Donnie Darko (2001)
The movie about a boy (Jake Gyllenhaal), an evil bunny (James Duval) and a lot of time travel started with the wish to combine a science-fiction genre with a coming-of-age story alikeThe Breakfast Club, that was funded byDrew Barrymore’s production company Flower Films.
Initially, a bomb at the box office due to the plot’s unfortunate links with the recent September 11 attacks,Donnie Darkowent on to earn $7.5 million worldwide, and further success when released on DVD. The film’s uniqueness and inherent counter-culture allowed it to stay relevant, maintaining its status as a cult-classic through an active fanbase that still discusses its contents.
10’Napoleon Dynamite' (2004)
Napoleon Dynamitereinvigorated the teen-comedy genre with its deadpan humor and inspired other films such asJunoandLittle Miss Sunshineto venture into smaller towns to truly make a mark. Taking a stereotypical geeky archetype, the film subverts some troupes of the nerd by creating a quirky confidence in Napoleon (Jon Heder) who unapologetically is himself despite lacking in typical protagonist traits that viewers admire (looks or socially acceptable skills for example).
Another important factor inNapoleon Dynamite’s cult-classic status within pop culture can also be attributed to its lack of controversy among its timeliness. Featuring a diverse cast that celebrates minorities - the social outcast, the immigrant, and the independent girl -Napoleon Dynamitehas survived a new culture of canceling problematic movies and has lived on to become a family favorite.
