Exploring each year of the 2010s reveals a treasure trove of cinematic gems that dared to venture outside the confines of mainstream Hollywood. These films, often created with significantly lower budgets and without the backing of big studios, resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike. Here is a celebration of the best indie movies that each year of the 2010s had to offer:

2010: “Blue Valentine”

Directed by Derek Cianfrance, this intimate portrayal of a married couple’s relationship featured powerful performances by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Its raw and realistic depiction of love and heartbreak earned it critical acclaim.

2011: “Take Shelter”**

Jeff Nichols crafted a spellbinding tale about a man plagued by apocalyptic visions. Starring Michael Shannon, ‘Take Shelter’ masterfully blended family drama with psychological thrills, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

2012: “Beasts of the Southern Wild”**

Benh Zeitlin’s directorial debut told a powerful story through the eyes of a young girl named Hushpuppy, living in an isolated bayou community. The film’s magical realism and strong performances made it stand out.

2013: “Short Term 12”

Destin Daniel Cretton delivered this poignant film about staff members at a group home for troubled teenagers. Brie Larson’s breakout performance added depth to an already emotionally rich narrative.

2014: “Boyhood”

Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking project took over twelve years to shoot, capturing the life of a young boy as he grows up. ‘Boyhood’ is both an ambitious technical undertaking and a beautifully woven story of adolescence.

2015: “Room”

Adapted from Emma Donoghue’s novel, ‘Room’ tells an extraordinary story about a mother and her five-year-old son who plot their escape after being held captive for years. Brie Larson won an Academy Award for her performance.

2016: “Moonlight”

Barry Jenkins’ ‘Moonlight’ is a profound narrative on identity, sexuality, and masculinity, set against the backdrop of Miami’s vibrant landscape. It garnered critical praise and won the Best Picture Oscar in an unforgettable Academy Awards moment.

2017: “The Florida Project”

Sean Baker’s film, which takes place in the shadows of Disney World, portrays the carefree summer of six-year-old Moonee. It contrasts childhood innocence with sobering adult themes through stunning visuals and compelling characters.

2018: “Eighth Grade”

Bo Burnham’s directorial debut perfectly captures the anxiety and awkwardness of adolescence in the digital age. Elsie Fisher delivers a remarkably authentic performance as a teenage girl struggling to finish her last week of middle school.

2019: “Parasite”

Bong Joon-ho’s darkly comedic thriller took the world by storm with its sharp social commentary on class struggle. ‘Parasite’ made history at the Academy Awards by being the first non-English language film to win Best Picture.

These films are just a snapshot of independent cinema’s excellence throughout the 2010s—a decade replete with stories that pushed boundaries and showcased filmmaking as an art form unfettered by convention or expectation.