Last Updated on Sunday, January 12, 2025 by TrialForFree

Sundance Now offers a rich selection of captivating films that cater to all tastes, from thrilling dramas to thought-provoking documentaries. Dive into our curated list of the top 20 must-watch movies on Sundance Now that promise to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.

1. Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

Runtime: 117 minutes

This documentary captures the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a pivotal but overlooked moment in music history. With performances by icons like Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone, it delves into the social upheaval of the time. It’s a must-watch for music lovers and history buffs alike, blending exceptional footage with deep cultural insights.

2. The Farewell

IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Runtime: 100 minutes

“The Farewell” is a heartfelt story about a Chinese-American woman who returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to say goodbye to her beloved matriarch. It’s a humorous yet poignant exploration of culture, family, and the little white lies that bind them together.

3. Mandy

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Runtime: 121 minutes

Nicholas Cage delivers a haunting performance in this psychedelic horror film. Set in 1983, the story follows Red Miller, a man out for revenge after a cult destroys his life. With its mesmerizing visuals and intense storyline, “Mandy” is a wild cinematic experience not for the faint-hearted.

4. Hunt for the Wilderpeople

IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

Runtime: 101 minutes

A delightful adventure comedy from New Zealand, this Taika Waititi gem follows a rebellious kid and his foster uncle on the run in the wilderness. It’s full of humor, heart, and stunning landscapes, capturing the essence of quirky, feel-good storytelling with its unique charm.

5. A Ghost Story

IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Runtime: 92 minutes

“A Ghost Story” is a poetic meditation on grief and the passage of time. Following the spectral journey of a white-sheeted ghost, it explores themes of legacy and love in the most unexpected ways. It’s a contemplative and visually striking film that lingers long after the credits roll.

6. Whiplash

IMDb Score: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Runtime: 107 minutes

This intense drama focuses on a young drummer attending an elite music conservatory, where his dreams of greatness are mentored by a ruthless instructor. With electrifying performances and relentless tension, “Whiplash” is a gripping exploration of ambition and the cost of excellence.

7. First Reformed

IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Runtime: 113 minutes

Ethan Hawke stars in this riveting drama about a pastor facing a crisis of faith. As he becomes entangled with an environmental activist, the film delves into themes of despair and redemption. It’s a powerful narrative that challenges viewers with its moral complexity and profound performances.

8. The Babadook

IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Runtime: 94 minutes

This Australian horror film is a masterclass in psychological tension, following a mother and her troubled son as they confront a sinister presence in their home. “The Babadook” combines horror with a deep dive into themes of grief and motherhood, making it both chilling and emotionally resonant.

9. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Runtime: 121 minutes

A beautifully crafted tale of friendship, identity, and gentrification, this film follows Jimmie and his quest to reclaim his childhood home. With stunning visuals and a soulful narrative, it paints a poignant picture of belonging and loss in a rapidly changing cityscape.

10. Hereditary

IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Runtime: 127 minutes

Toni Collette stars in this chilling horror film that delves into the sinister secrets of a family’s ancestry. As grief unravels their lives, supernatural forces emerge. “Hereditary” is a nerve-wracking masterpiece that redefines horror with its intense atmosphere and extraordinary performances.

11. The Big Sick

IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Runtime: 120 minutes

Based on a true story, this romantic comedy is as touching as it is funny. It chronicles the cross-cultural romance between Kumail and Emily and the medical crisis that brings their families together. “The Big Sick” offers genuine laughs and heartfelt moments, capturing the complexities of love and family.

12. Sorry to Bother You

IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Runtime: 111 minutes

This satirical comedy is a wild ride through an alternate version of Oakland, where a telemarketer discovers a magical key to professional success—and chaos ensues. With its biting social commentary and surreal humor, “Sorry to Bother You” is a bold and imaginative critique of capitalism and race.

13. Moonlight

IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Runtime: 111 minutes

Moonlight is a tender, heart-wrenching story of a young African-American man grappling with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. This Academy Award-winning film is beautifully shot and performed, offering a profound, empathetic look at human connection and self-discovery.

14. Eighth Grade

IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

Runtime: 93 minutes

Bo Burnham’s directorial debut is a candid and heartfelt look at the trials of adolescence. Following Kayla’s life in her final week of middle school, it captures the awkwardness and excitement of teenage life with humor and honesty. It’s a relatable exploration of growing up in the digital age.

15. Leave No Trace

IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Runtime: 109 minutes

In this touching drama, a father and daughter are forced to leave their woodland home, embarking on a journey of survival and self-discovery. With its quiet intensity and powerful performances, “Leave No Trace” explores themes of freedom, family, and the search for belonging.

16. The Rider

IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

Runtime: 104 minutes

A visually stunning and emotionally poignant film, “The Rider” tells the story of a young cowboy navigating life after a near-fatal rodeo accident. Blending fiction and reality, it offers a meditation on identity, purpose, and resilience against the breathtaking backdrop of the American West.

17. 20th Century Women

IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Runtime: 119 minutes

Set in 1979, this coming-of-age film follows a teenage boy and the three women who guide him on his path to adulthood. With compelling performances and a nostalgic touch, “20th Century Women” is a heartfelt exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of modern life.

18. Lady Macbeth

IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Runtime: 89 minutes

A gripping period drama, “Lady Macbeth” follows a young bride trapped in a loveless marriage as she finds passion and power in unexpected places. With its intense performances and dark undertones, the film is a chilling exploration of societal constraints and personal liberation.

19. Florida Project

IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Runtime: 111 minutes

Set in the shadows of Disney World, this vibrant film paints a vivid portrait of childhood wonder amidst poverty. Through the eyes of a spirited six-year-old, it captures the magic and harsh realities of life on the brink, offering an intimate look at the struggles and joys of marginalized communities.

20. The Souvenir

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Runtime: 119 minutes

“The Souvenir” is a semi-autobiographical exploration of a young filmmaker’s tumultuous romance with a charismatic yet troubled man. With its delicate storytelling and evocative visuals, it offers a nuanced look at love, art, and self-discovery. Its introspective nature makes it a compelling watch for those who enjoy character-driven narratives.