Cinema's Underdog Is Gaining The Upper Hand
Atticus Pleasant
Independent Cinema Revolution
Riding the high of 2026's incredible cinematic experiences, we must face the facts: the underdog is going mainstream. Franchises still dominate the box office (holding seven of the ten top-grossing films of all time), but studios are now investing more in “low-budget” and independent cinema.
Movie theater turnout proved its worth this year, with films like Obsession and Backrooms grossing more than ten times their budgets. Though the answer to why is still unknown. Was it social media driving up marketing? Was it a sudden, unexpected surge in interest? Regardless, the common denominator is clear: being indie.
For the sake of creating a visual, an indie film is best explained as being heavily funded by its own creator, whether financially or physically. This can take the form of a self-budgeted film with less than $500k in funding or a studio low-budget, anywhere from $1 million to $20 million. Though the higher number may seem like enough to create comfortably, a large chunk of it goes either back to the studio or into the film process.
So, the question remains: is it worth it?
Student Testimonials
To grasp the impact of indie films, ask the movie-watcher directly. I spoke with two CCNY students who watched independent cinema this year. Shaf Chowdhury, a fourth-year student, remarked, “I think it’s important to look at what kind of indie films are making a lot of money right now. I think what would be really interesting [...] if a romance or a drama made a lot of money suddenly.”, citing the difference in response to horror films like Weapons (2025) and this year’s political drama, Digger (2026).
Mia Adule, another fourth-year student, commented, “I would like to see more realistic stories [...] that’s what indie films do have compared to franchise films.”, though they personally lean towards investing in franchise films (Marvel, Star Wars, Mission Impossible, etc.).
Even with box-office hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the average ticket buyer is making time and actively searching for things sequel films cannot always deliver: quality, complete originality, and realism. That’s where independent movies hold an advantage.
Film Reviews
Budget and quality are hardly correlated, and three important films are especially highlighted this year:
Matt Johnson’s A24-backed Tony (2026) was budgeted at around $15.5 million, though Johnson’s production company Zapruder also played a big hand in funding. Unlike his previous comedy Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, this drama feels almost too good to see just once. Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers) perfects the teenage dirtbag in this semi-fictionalized “biography” about Anthony Bourdain. Paired with a beautiful soundtrack and food so good you can taste it, you’ll want to stay after one watch.
Walter Thompson-Hernández’s release of If I Go Will They Miss Me was supported by Rich Spirit with only $1 million. Despite the much lower budget, the film effectively explores an age-old divide between past and present, father and son, and right vs. wrong. With monoracially Black leads like Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson, you’ll leave the film with tears in your eyes and a desire to hold the ones you love close.
Jane Schoenbrun’s horror-dramedy Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma opened with a budget of only $8 to $10 million, backed by Mubi. Despite the financial return, there’s no denying the importance of Schoenbrun’s film. To queer movie lovers, Hannah Einbeinder and Gillian Anderson provide an experience you don’t want to miss!
What This Means For Student Filmmakers
Bringing indie films back to the forefront and to the average creator. Nini Marai, a film student studying at CCNY, felt the impact of the uprising much more strongly. In response, she said, “A lot of these indie artists are making the younger generations believe in themselves, knowing anything is possible.” Ryan Higa is mentioned as an inspiration, especially as an Asian American creator, alongside her adding, “Persistence and devotion to your craft are super important. That is what indie creators are doing.”
The demand for original ideas is high, and there is only one way to prove it to the studios: going to the movies. For those who enjoy a good story and for creators looking for a career, consider this: when you’re figuring out what to do next, step away from the sequels and give an indie film a chance.
