Mumblecore is one of those genres that’s difficult to put into words, but you know a mumblecore film when you see it. There generally isn’t a lot of action. The plot’s mainly driven by dialogue that has a naturalistic feeling. They are intimate stories focused on the small parts of existence most people wouldn’t pay a second thought to. While it may sound weird, the best mumblecore movies show you can do a lot with a little.
On this list, we’re celebrating the films that show independent cinema is still alive and well. There’s a healthy mix of mumblecore and post-mumblecore films here, and you should give as many of them a watch as you can to see how the genre has evolved. All you DIY filmmakers should take a cue from best mumblecore movies ever made.
Mumblecore Films
10. Drinking Buddies (2013)
Interview With Joe Swanberg • Drinking Buddies
Drinking Buddies is definitely a product of a more post-mumblecore direction with a cast of big-name actors. However, it retains its naturalistic tendencies in part because the cast actually drank a lot of beer throughout filming, according to Olivia Wilde.
The fact that they’re improvising dialogue while slurring a little bit through major scenes makes it feel all the more real. It certainly could have been a disaster, but when you have strong performers like Anna Kendrick and Jake Johnson, it all comes together wonderfully.
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Surprisingly, Quentin Tarantino named this one of his top 10 movies of 2013. It’s a great character study about four people you’d maybe want to catch a beer with.
Good Mumblecore Films
9. The Puffy Chair (2005)
This Is Duplass • Origin of The Puffy Chair
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
The Puffy Chair is a good introduction to the mumblecore genre. It’s also a good place to see where the Duplass brothers got their start before entering more mainstream fare.
List of Mumblecore Films
8. Mutual Appreciation (2006)
Interview With Andrew Bujalski • Mutual Appreciation
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Mutual Appreciation works best as a critique of lackadaisical 20-somethings drifting through life. This is where the film draws much of its humor.
Post-Mumblecore Films
7. Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2012)
Ed Helms Interview • Jeff, Who Lives at Home
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Jeff, Who Lives at Home is a more whimsical type of mumblecore movie. It’s charming, and while it’s a slow burn, it’s worth it for the laughs and insights.
Mumblecore Films, Ranked
6. Daddy Longlegs (2010)
Q&A With Josh and Benny Safdie • Daddy Longlegs
Before they gave audiences collective anxiety with Uncut Gems,
the Safdie Brothers delivered Daddy Longlegs. It’s a movie about a divorced father making the most of the two weeks he has his kids, which often leads to disastrous consequences. The Safdies based the script off of their own divorced father, which helps give the film a more intimate quality, lending itself naturally to the mumblecore aesthetic.
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Daddy Longlegs showed what kind of filmmakers the Safdie brothers would become. A must-watch for fans of Uncut Gems.
Great Mumblecore Films
5. Joshy (2016)
Joshy Cast • Variety
Writer/director Jeff Baena wrote a 20-page treatment for Joshy. The cast knew where each scene needed to go, but they were left to come up with the actual dialogue. A lot of comedic actors are in the cast, and they’re certainly funny, but what’s so intriguing is that the story itself is incredibly sad. In hindsight, the comedy functions as a mask of these guys who don’t want to address the elephant in the room and would rather just screw off for a weekend.
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Joshy is funny but not quite a flat-out comedy. It finds humor in dark places and will disturb as much as entertain you.
Ranking the Best Mumblecore Films
4. Wendy and Lucy (2008)
Why Watch Wendy and Lucy • Derek Cianfrance
Loneliness and isolation are common themes in 21st century cinema. But few films have touched on those themes in such a unique way as Wendy and Lucy, a movie about a woman traveling to Alaska with her dog who gets stuck in a small Oregon town. It feels like everything is working against her in what should have been a simple quest, and thanks to Michelle Williams’ performance, you empathize immensely with her.
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Spoilers but don’t worry. The dog doesn’t die in the end.
Top 3 Mumblecore Films
3. Appropriate Behavior (2015)
Desiree Akhavan Talks Appropriate Behavior • Sundance
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Appropriate Behavior is an underseen indie gem. More than anything, it shows that Desiree Akhavan should be writing and directing a lot more often.
The Quintessential Mumblecore Movie
2. Funny Ha Ha (2002)
Trailer • Funny Ha Ha
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Funny Ha Ha isn’t as comedic as the title would let on. However, Kate Dollenmayer is fantastic as the lead and keeps things moving as we get a slice of life portrait into a post-college life for recent graduates.
The Best Mumblecore Movie
1. Frances Ha (2013)
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Talk New Film • The New Yorker
Frances Ha takes the conventions of mumblecore and takes them to their fullest potential. You have a driftless character dealing with relatable conflicts like a romantic relationship that fizzles out for no real reason, a falling out with a best friend, and the struggle to get a dream job. But none of this ever feels aimless. The titular lead makes mistakes and finds solutions, and while she doesn’t figure everything out, we know she’ll be okay.
BEST MUMBLECORE MOVIES
Conclusion
Frances Ha transcends the mumblecore label. It’s a great film that showcases what an immense talent Greta Gerwig is.
UP NEXT
A brief history of mumblecore
All of these movies showcase the best of mumblecore. But if you need a primer on what exactly that entails, then make sure to check out our blog running down the definition of mumblecore films. You may be surprised to see how the genre has evolved over the years.
Up Next: Mumblecore origins →
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