Empire's The 50 Greatest American Independent Movies

Empire's The 50 Greatest American Independent Movies's icon

Created by BaalMan.

Favorited 22 times, disliked 1 time, added to 16 watchlists.

"As much as blockbusters can thrill us, beyond the well-tended flowerbeds and spacious corner offices of Hollywood there's a world bubbling with creativity, free spirits and up-and-coming talent. Some of the heroes of American indie cinema have gone on to try their hand at multiplex fodder; some have stayed resolutely outside the mainstream. This roll of honour celebrates both, as well as some of the names that didn't achieve the acclaim they deserve. But how you define 'indie'? Do big studios' independent arms count? Should Miramax's output qualify? Our criteria is aesthetic rather than financial: if it feels like an indie, it's in; if it's The Phantom Menace, it's not. Ultimately though, whether they're made for millions or 50p and bits of pocket fluff, it's about great movies that are worth celebrating again..."

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  1. 2 -

    Reservoir Dogs

    1992, in 26 top lists Check
  2. 3 -

    Donnie Darko

    2001, in 21 top lists Check
  3. 9 -

    Blood Simple

    1984, in 10 top lists Check
  4. 14 -

    Memento

    2000, in 27 top lists Check
  5. 18 -

    Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

    1971, in 12 top lists Check
  6. 22 -

    Pi

    1998, in 6 top lists Check
  7. 24 -

    THX 1138

    1971, in 5 top lists Check
  8. 28 -

    The Usual Suspects

    1995, in 24 top lists Check
  9. 42 -

    Black Swan

    2010, in 12 top lists Check
  10. 47 -

    Cube

    1997, in 5 top lists Check
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Last updated on Jan 6, 2012; source