The Sundance Film Festival 2025 is here, bringing with it a fresh wave of independent cinema that promises to captivate audiences. The Oscars create excitement for well-known films, but Sundance presents us with daring, avant-garde narratives that push the limits of cinema. Park City, Utah, is hosting a number of exciting film premieres this year. Below, we highlight the most intriguing titles, their genres, runtime, and where you can watch them after the festival.
1. By Design
- Genre: Psychological Drama, Experimental
- Runtime: Approx. 105 minutes
- Where to Watch: Likely to be acquired by streaming services post-festival
Juliette Lewis takes on her most unusual role yet—as a literal chair. This surrealist film by Amanda Kramer explores what happens when a woman realizes that society prefers her to be inanimate. Featuring a stellar cast, including Melanie Griffith, Samantha Mathis, and Udo Kier, this is a film that demands audiences suspend their grip on reality.
2. The Dating Game
- Genre: Documentary, Social Commentary
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Where to Watch: Expected release on major streaming platforms
A deep dive into China’s hyper-competitive dating scene, this documentary by Violet Du Feng follows a dating guru’s boot camp that transforms lonely men into supposed catch-worthy partners. The film sheds light on the battle between the sexes in a way that’s both intimate and sociologically grand.
3. It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley
- Genre: Music Documentary
- Runtime: 115 minutes
- Where to Watch: Likely to be picked up by platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime
Exploring the life and legacy of Jeff Buckley, this documentary directed by Amy Berg features rare performances and personal diaries, making it a must-watch for music lovers and newcomers alike. With exclusive access to Buckley’s archive, the film promises an intimate look at the artist’s life beyond his famed cover of “Hallelujah.”
4. The Perfect Neighbor
- Genre: True Crime, Documentary
- Runtime: 110 minutes
- Where to Watch: Likely to be acquired by HBO Max or Netflix
This gripping true-crime documentary examines the shocking case of Ajike “AJ” Owens, whose tragic death after a neighborly dispute became a national headline. With never-before-seen police body-cam footage and firsthand accounts, this documentary is a chilling examination of violence and justice in modern America.
5. Serious People
- Genre: Comedy, Satire
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Where to Watch: Expected indie distribution, with possible streaming release
A hilarious and unconventional comedy, “Serious People” follows a filmmaker who hires a lookalike to attend meetings on his behalf, only for chaos to ensue. With sharp social satire and a uniquely bizarre premise, this film fits perfectly in Sundance’s “NEXT” category.
6. Sorry, Baby
- Genre: Drama, Indie
- Runtime: 107 minutes
- Where to Watch: Possible theatrical and digital release
Eva Victor’s directorial debut tells the story of a literature graduate student struggling to overcome trauma while navigating academia and relationships. Featuring Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges, the film is a prime example of the fresh talent that Sundance champions.
7. Zodiac Killer Project
- Genre: True Crime, Satirical Documentary
- Runtime: 102 minutes
- Where to Watch: Potentially released on streaming platforms like Hulu
This meta-documentary by Charlie Shackleton humorously dissects the tropes of the true crime genre while revisiting one of history’s most infamous unsolved cases. Narrated in Shackleton’s dry, witty style, it’s a fresh take on an overdone subject.
8 Lurker
- Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Where to Watch: Likely to be acquired by Shudder or Netflix
A spine-chilling psychological horror film that follows a woman who becomes obsessed with a shadowy figure watching her from a distance. As paranoia and reality blur, she uncovers dark secrets that tie into her own past. Directed by rising horror filmmaker Lena Cartwright, “Lurker” is expected to be one of Sundance’s standout horror films.
How to Watch Sundance Films
Most Sundance films are initially available only at the festival but are later acquired by major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max. Some receive limited theatrical releases before hitting digital rental services.
Stay tuned for acquisition news and release dates as distributors finalize deals post-festival. Until then, these films are ones to keep on your radar for 2025!
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