Movie-goers rejoice, and hipsters—hide your eyes. While the annual Sundance Film Festival casts the spotlight on the world’s quirkiest (and coolest) independent films, some Sundance stars break out as mainstream hits well past the 10 day festival. Though each of these films premiered at Sundance, that’s only where their story started. Here are our top five runaway hits from Sundance that captivated mainstream audiences (and festival-goers swore they saw before it was cool).
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006)
Killer cast? Check. Impossible goals? Check. Classic hippie van? Check. It’s no surprise that shoving this expertly cast family into a van for the road-trip from hell would dazzle Sundance critics, but turns out that the rest of the world can handle its fair share of dark comedy, too. One part depressing and one part inspiring, Little Miss Sunshine premiered at the festival in 2006 but has remained an iconic film ever since. Check it out for a tour-de-force comedic showcase, or simply to wonder—was Abigail Breslin ever so young?
ONCE (2007)
Everyone loves a love story, but add in an award-winning soundtrack and you’ve got a sure-fire hit. After premiering at Sundance in 2007, this film didn’t just pull in substantial box office numbers despite its small production budget, but even attracted the attention of Broadway for an equally successful stage adaptation. If you’re looking for a heart-warming film, look no further—just be ready to have the soundtrack on repeat.
(500) DAYS OF SUMMER (2009)
Let’s face it—we all idealize relationships, especially the infamous ‘One That Got Away’. Joseph Gordon Levitt pulls us through his remembered romance with the Zoey Deschanel—Hall & Oats sing along dance number included—only to be yanked back to startling reality. This 2009 Sundance hit’s deserved standing ovation was just the start for the sleeper hit, taking hearts everywhere on a wild ride.
THEY CAME TOGETHER (2014)
Leave it to top-tier comedieans Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd to parody the mainstream audience’s obsession with rom-coms so well that it becomes a hit with... well... the mainstream audience. Sharp and down-right-hilarious, the chemistry between Poehler and Rudd dazzled both Sundance critics and general audiences alike, leading to its critical and commercial success. Rom-com addicts beware—this satire may just make you question your love of When Harry Met Sally.
LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (2016)
Think you know Jane Austen? Think again. Sundance-premiered Love & Friendship quickly attracted Austen enthusiast but soon became a hit with the begrudging cinema-tag alongs. The sharp, witty, and all-out hilarious plot mastered by Kate Beckinsale’s character not only shows Austen at her finest, but comedy at its finest, charming even those who hate Mr. Darcy (gasp!). A masterful concoction of everything that makes Austen films, well, Austen, from clever women, to fabulous costumes, to delightful men, Love & Friendship is sure to be yet another Sundance runaway hit.
Love & Friendship opens in the UK on Friday.
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