5. SLC Punk (1998)

Loosely based off writer/director James Merendino’s life, Punk made just under $300,000 at the box office but is well worth renting. From the perspective of a young, punk rock, anarchist, Matthew Lillard never fails to deliver a quirky, relatable and passionate character as he always does. One thing you’ll gain from this comedy-drama-documentary style film, is not only that some things are too good to be true, but hopefully a new appreciation for your own off-beat qualities.

4. Waking Life (2001)

This thought provoking film follows a young man on his quest to try to understand philosophical issues relating to dreams, reality, free-will, and other meaning-of-life like topics. The whole film was done in a rotoscoping technique, in which the movie was filmed with live actors and then animators overlaid the live action with hand drawn images, adding to the dream like ambiance of the film. Life catches its audience off guard as it never truly lets us figure out when the main character is dreaming or not. Definitely not for the casual movie watcher, this is the kind of movie you may need to watch several times to catch each of its nuisances and clever script. Although this Sundance film challenges logic and generally accepted notions of consciousness, Life engulfs its audience with mindbending graphics and scenes throughout the entire film.

3. Spun (2002)

A tweaked out roller coaster of a film, Spun is the first feature film by director Jonas Åkerlund’s, usually known for his music videos.  With an all star cast including the late Brittany Murphy, Jason Schwartzman, Mickey Rourke, Menu Suvari, and John Leguizamo, this dark comedy follows the lives of several partiers involved in a methamphetamine drug ring. From the cook, to the dealer, to the cops after them, the fast paced, raw and often hilarious antics of Spun make it a unique film that lends itself to a rather realistic depiction of junkies on uppers. With its crazy visuals and intertwining plots, this film should be watched in good company on a big screen.

2. The Wackness (2008)

Director Jonathan Levine introduces Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck), a drug dealer struggling with girls, money, family, and graduating high school. Sony Pictures Classics brings a strikingly realistic film about being 18 in the early 90s, set in New York City. Shapiro has some interesting customers, from a therapist who he trades drugs for chair time, to a hippie dreadlocked Olsen twin. Despite its eclectic characters, The Wackness proves that no matter how many people you know, you can still feel alone. With a soundtrack more than worth downloading, and such a lovable cast, this movie should definitely be on your radar.

1. CatFish (2010)

This documentary is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. What starts out as a casual online encounter, turns into director Ariel Shulman’s hunt for the truth. The film will have you guessing until the very end as to what exactly is going on, and the shocking ending will leave your jaw on the floor. More of a suspense/thriller documentary, CatFish gives a twist to today’s typical internet romance and will change what you thought about internet creeps.