The 10 best films in Sundance Film Festival history
The Sundance Film Festival is back, highlighting the finest achievements in independent film.
For over 40 years, Sundance has served as a platform for groundbreaking filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, David O. Russell, and Wes Anderson, as well as a slew of notable indie films. The festival has been home to Academy Award-nominated works like “CODA,” which is the only Sundance selection to win Best Picture, and quirky classics like “Napoleon Dynamite,” along with a number of horror hits, ranging from the original “Saw” to the summer smash “Talk to Me” in 2023.
This year’s lineup includes fresh premieres aimed at making an impact, featuring a musical reboot of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (starring Jennifer Lopez) and the pop thriller “Opus,” as well as highly anticipated documentaries like “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley,” “Sly Lives!” and “Pee-wee as Himself.”
Tickets for virtual screenings (starting Jan. 30) are available for cinema enthusiasts wishing to enjoy from home. However, if you want to commemorate the festival’s rich legacy, here are the top 10 all-time films from Sundance that you can stream to catch the essence of its greatest moments:
‘Sex, Lies and Videotape’ (1989)
Before claiming the Palme d’Or at Cannes, Steven Soderbergh’s debut film captivated audiences at Sundance. It stars James Spader as a man who films women talking about their sexual fantasies while involving his old college friends. This movie played a crucial role in igniting the indie film movement, paving the way for Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” just two years later.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon
‘Clerks’ (1994)
Featuring renowned films like “Hoop Dreams” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” this year’s program also showcased Kevin Smith’s low-budget comedy that stands out for its relatable portrayal of two convenience store clerks (Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson) in the everyday grind.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, Pluto TV
‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)
The original found-footage film that kickstarted the trend can be traced back to this classic. The terrifying story involves filmmakers who venture into a Maryland forest to explore a local legend, terrifying audiences with its shaky cam and lingering sense of horror.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Starz
‘American Psycho’ (2000)
Forget about Batman; Christian Bale truly shined as Patrick Bateman, a serial killer obsessed with Huey Lewis, in Mary Harron’s darkly humorous and violent thriller. This film not only features a remarkable cast, including Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto, and Reese Witherspoon, but it also delivers a razor-sharp satire of the 1980s.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon, Hulu
‘Brick’ (2005)
Known for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and the “Knives Out” series, writer/director Rian Johnson first gained recognition in the indie circuit with this brilliant teen noir. Joseph Gordon-Levitt portrays a gritty high school detective unraveling the mystery of his ex-girlfriend’s murder.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)
A comedic and heartfelt adventure unfolds as a quirky family embarks on a road trip in a VW bus to support their youngest member (Abigail Breslin) in a beauty pageant. The cast, featuring Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette as feuding parents, Steve Carell as a depressed gay uncle, and Alan Arkin as the coolest grandpa ever, makes this film unforgettable.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Hulu
‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013)
In their initial collaboration before “Creed” and “Black Panther,” director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan created a poignant biopic chronicling the last day of Oscar Grant (played by Jordan), a young man tragically killed by police in 2009. This emotionally impactful film continues to resonate today.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Max
‘Whiplash’ (2014)
In Damien Chazelle’s pre-“La La Land” production, music is portrayed as a grueling yet beautiful art. Miles Teller plays a freshmen drummer at a prestigious conservatory aiming to emulate Buddy Rich, while J.K. Simmons shines, earning an Oscar for his role as the punishing jazz instructor.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon, Netflix
‘Get Out’ (2017)
Jordan Peele revitalized the social commentary in horror films with his directorial debut, which stands as one of the best recent horror offerings. Daniel Kaluuya plays a Black photographer who visits his white girlfriend’s family, only to uncover the disturbing truth behind his invitation.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon
‘CODA’ (2021)
This touching dramedy features Emilia Jones in a breakout role, alongside a standout performance by Troy Kotsur, who won an Oscar. The film provides a thoughtful glimpse into the dynamics of a deaf family with one hearing child.
Where to watch: Apple TV+