Games Like Indie Game: The Movie

Portal 2 draws from the award-winning formula of innovative gameplay, story, and music that earned the original Portal over 70 industry accolades and created a cult following. For more information on Portal 2 click here.

Why similar: Documentary 70.1% ★, Movie 23.9% ★, Feature Film 2.6% ★, Game Development 1.7% ★, Linear 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is a direct companion piece to the documentary format, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the development of a landmark title.

An immersive, narrative videogame that retells Joel Green’s 4-year fight against cancer through about two hours of poetic, imaginative gameplay that explores themes of faith, hope and love.

Why similar: Documentary 84.7% ★, Great Soundtrack 5.2%, Indie 4.5%, Emotional 2.8%, Story Rich 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A profoundly personal and emotional indie project that reflects the same vulnerability seen in the developers from the film.

Written over the past four years, journalist Geoff Keighley ("The Final Hours of Portal 2") chronicles the making of TITANFALL from Respawn Entertainment. This longform app features never-before-seen photos, video and concept art from early development versions of the game.

Why similar: Documentary 96.8% ★, Feature Film 2.2% ★, Indie 0.6%, Story Rich 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: A detailed documentary-style exploration of the high-stakes development process behind a major project.

A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 47.4%, Indie 20.3%, Story Rich 17.4%, Emotional 11.5%, Linear 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: An emotionally resonant indie RPG that prioritizes storytelling and character depth over complex mechanics.

Manipulate the world around you by editing source code in an adventure game about a burnt out indie game developer's quest to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Why similar: Game Development 37.1% ★, Indie 21.2%, Linear 17.3%, Story Rich 14.3%, Emotional 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A game specifically about the life and struggles of a solo game developer working on their dream project.

The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.

Why similar: Indie 33%, Great Soundtrack 30.2%, Story Rich 24.5%, Emotional 11.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative experience that deeply explores the relationship between a game developer and their audience.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 63.8%, Indie 27%, Story Rich 8.8%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: An artistic, atmospheric indie game that uses its medium to convey complex emotional themes.

In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.

Why similar: Indie 81.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: A simulation game that allows you to experience the highs and lows of the game development industry from a business perspective.

What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 39.9%, Story Rich 34.7%, Indie 19.4%, Emotional 5.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in narrative-driven indie design that focuses on intimate, human stories.

A deep, interactive adventure about love and loss, beautifully depicted and offering an intense cinematic experience. What would you do to save the one you love?

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 43%, Indie 31.6%, Story Rich 18.7%, Emotional 6.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional, story-rich adventure that explores themes of loss and sacrifice.

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

Why similar: Indie 58.3%, Great Soundtrack 28.3%, Story Rich 12.4%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential example of a solo developer's singular vision resulting in a powerful and unique experience.

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Indie 57.9%, Story Rich 40.3%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply personal narrative told through the mundane act of organizing one's life, echoing the intimacy of indie storytelling.

The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.

Why similar: Indie 79.1%, Story Rich 19.6%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-commentary on game design and player agency that challenges the conventions of the medium.

Rocket of Whispers is an award-winning post-apocalyptic adventure that follows two survivors on a journey to launch a space burial for the lost souls of their desolate world. Help them search the snowy wasteland for supplies and the courage to say goodbye.

Why similar: Indie 42.1%, Emotional 30.4%, Story Rich 26.5%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: An emotional, story-driven indie title that focuses on the quiet moments of human connection.

Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.8%, Indie 35.9%, Emotional 26.7%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning and emotionally charged indie platformer that explores themes of growth and loss.

Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Why similar: Emotional 38.6%, Indie 32.9%, Story Rich 27.8%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental indie game that uses unique mechanics to deliver a highly emotional and impactful story.

You are his last hope. The only one who can rescue him. Delve deep into the dreams of Luke Williams, a man diagnosed with depression, unfold the heartbreaking story of his life and prevent him from... fading away.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 47.1%, Indie 22.9%, Emotional 15.7%, Story Rich 13.9%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply psychological and emotional exploration of the human mind, fitting for fans of story-rich indie games.

Featuring a beautiful, detailed open-world and a haunting soundtrack, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is non-linear storytelling at its best.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 58.9%, Indie 27.9%, Story Rich 12.9%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully atmospheric experience that relies on environmental storytelling to convey its emotional weight.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 59.4%, Indie 20.2%, Story Rich 19.7%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A triumph of indie design that showcases the power of a singular, cohesive creative vision.

Discover a world where life is cheap, identities are bought & sold, & a quest for redemption can change the fate of a whole galaxy.

Why similar: Indie 46%, Great Soundtrack 29.7%, Story Rich 23.7%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style indie point-and-click adventure that highlights the importance of strong narrative writing.

Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 46.7%, Story Rich 29.3%, Indie 23.1%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: A character-focused narrative experience that captures the isolation and introspection often felt by creative individuals.

Gods Will Be Watching is a minimalistic “point and click thriller” centered on despair, commitment, and sacrifice as players face intriguing puzzles and tough decisions that will affect their entire crew’s wellbeing.

Why similar: Indie 50.3%, Story Rich 24.7%, Great Soundtrack 24.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging indie game that forces players to make difficult moral choices, reflecting the pressure of game design.

Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.

Why similar: Indie 36.8%, Story Rich 32%, Emotional 30%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A personal, dialogue-heavy indie game that focuses on the intimate connections between people.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 56.2%, Indie 43.1%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A perfect example of a small-scale, passionate indie project that delivers a complete and heartwarming experience.

This is a story of disease and suffering; of medication and adverse effects; of thoracotomy scars and cellular poisons; of the living who cannot help but to die and of the dying who cannot help but to live; of a resting place other than "on 7F" or "at home".

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 48.2%, Indie 27.6%, Story Rich 15.1%, Emotional 8.8%, Singleplayer 0.2%

Why You'll Like It: A raw and emotional indie visual novel that tackles heavy themes with a minimalist approach.

The Last Birdling explores Bimonia and Tayo's struggle to remain friends against all odds.

Why similar: Indie 77.9%, Story Rich 22.1%

Why You'll Like It: A poignant indie visual novel that focuses on the complexities of friendship and perspective.

Carto is a charming adventure game wrapped around a unique, world-altering puzzle mechanic. Use this power to explore mysterious lands, help a quirky cast of characters, and guide Carto on her journey back to her family.

Why similar: Indie 67.2%, Story Rich 31.4%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming indie puzzle game that showcases the creativity and innovation possible in small development teams.

Greetings Enforcer, and thank you for enlisting in the Hypnospace Patrol Department! As the world falls into its slumber, Hypnospace becomes a bustling global village. These virtual streets aren't going to police themselves!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 62.1%, Indie 22.8%, Story Rich 14.5%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A creative and nostalgic indie project that celebrates the spirit of early internet culture.

Yi and the Thousand Moons is a short video game musical written and developed by David Su. Through the course of several original interactive songs, featuring a full cast and live band, the game weaves a story of the archer Yi's journey to save her village.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 41.6%, Indie 34%, Emotional 13.4%, Story Rich 10.4%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: An indie game that blends music and storytelling to create a unique, relaxing experience.

Explore a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.

Why similar: Indie 47.6%, Great Soundtrack 40.7%, Story Rich 11.7%

Rhythm in rains. Realization in dreams. "All the words, belong to a melody of rain. Resonating within ripples, dreams of human remain. Wading through unknown dreams, our understanding shall be gained..."

Why similar: Indie 52%, Emotional 46.9%, Singleplayer 1.1%

'Chasing Light' is the story of the seven days of exploring the physical properties of a game and uncovering an inner world of human beings and society. Have a weird trip!

Why similar: Indie 71.8%, Great Soundtrack 21.1%, Story Rich 7.1%

Experience the epic journey of Nuna and Fox as they search for the source of an eternal blizzard that threatens the survival of everything they have ever known.

Why similar: Indie 48.5%, Great Soundtrack 32.7%, Story Rich 18.4%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 53.8%, Indie 44.9%, Singleplayer 1.4%

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 63.7%, Indie 30.7%, Story Rich 5.6%

Fall into the magically complicated world of Overture as the three main characters embark on an adventure that will shake their lives and the world around them. Will they fan the flames of the growing revolution, or will they be the key to extinguishing it?

Why similar: Indie 49.3%, Great Soundtrack 32.9%, Story Rich 16.9%, Singleplayer 0.9%

A fractured dream of a girl who tried to make something beautiful, and was silenced before she could finish it. Now, her voice resurfaces. A quiet story of memory, loss, and reclaimed authorship—told through fragmented exploration and stark, fragile spaces.

Why similar: Indie 58.8%, Story Rich 39.7%, Singleplayer 1.6%

"KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE" is a rhythm game in which AI girls who were awoken after the apocalypse use special song magic to create melodies with you, in an effort to restart the world. How did the destruction happen? Why do these girls exist? All answers will be revealed...when the music stops.

Why similar: Indie 38.1%, Emotional 35.3%, Story Rich 25.6%, Singleplayer 1%

This is just the story of a young and naive indie dev.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Use the power of music to reawaken long forgotten memories in Distortions, a story-driven journey through a world of unparalleled beauty.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Niko is a spiritual journey through the dreams, where adventure, puzzles and mysteries come together in an oneiric and minimalist world. Dare to dream!

Why similar: Indie 99%, Singleplayer 1%

An entirely different kind of basketball game. A narrative-driven journey told in four quarters.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Modify the world around you with pseudocode as you journey through blended realities and discover why Frank became a game developer in the first place.

Why similar: Game Development 35.3% ★, Indie 19.8%, Linear 19.3%, Story Rich 13%, Emotional 12.2%

The Forest Quartet is a puzzle adventure about a gone, but not forgotten, lead singer. Play her spirit and travel through 3 acts unique to the members of her band for a final farewell concert. Face their emotions, solve puzzles and fight the corruption plaguing their souls.

Why similar: Indie 34.2%, Linear 29.1%, Story Rich 21.3%, Emotional 14.5%, Singleplayer 0.9%

From nobody to famous game producer in 3 years: that’s the journey you will live! Experience the trials and tribulations of game development in this life simulation game: live through the process of founding a small team and learning how to work together to develop a successful game.

Why similar: Game Development 49% ★, Story Rich 27.6%, Emotional 22.2%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Element4l is an immersive and experimental indie platform game, with a strong focus on flow and smooth gameplay, wrapped in an exceptional soundtrack by Mind Tree.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 51.9%, Indie 47.8%, Singleplayer 0.2%

A rogue-like river journey through the backwaters of a forgotten post-societal America. Forage, craft, evade predators.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 66.3%, Indie 33.2%, Singleplayer 0.5%

If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything.

Why similar: Indie 39.2%, Great Soundtrack 36.7%, Story Rich 12.7%, Emotional 10.9%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Bizarre Earthquake is a third-person point & click adventure game. The story is about a seismologist and her assistant who try to uncover the mysteries behind a bizarre earthquake they encounter.

Why similar: Indie 100%

A profound experience that carries players into an unknown and mysterious world surrounded by carefully designed puzzles...

Why similar: Indie 57.7%, Great Soundtrack 41.8%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 63.2%, Indie 33%, Story Rich 3.4%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Welcome to the charming world of Eastward - population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse. Discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger people! Wield a trusty frying pan and mystic powers on an adventure into the unknown…

Why similar: Indie 49.9%, Story Rich 48.1%, Singleplayer 2%

Eternal Hope is a puzzle platformer game that follows the story of Ti’bi – a boy who must embark on a journey of love and hope to find his beloved’s soul.

Why similar: Indie 35.7%, Great Soundtrack 23.6%, Story Rich 22.1%, Emotional 17.8%, Singleplayer 0.8%

A desperate, savage survival experience full of stunning visuals, dynamic creatures, and a haunting soundtrack.

Why similar: Indie 73.6%, Great Soundtrack 25.8%, Singleplayer 0.6%

A game about the short journey of a boy who left home. Experience a dense story in around 2 hours, along with rhythm gameplay and music puzzles. Enjoy live acoustic sounds and a story that feels like a musical film!

Why similar: Linear 30.2%, Emotional 23.9%, Story Rich 22.9%, Indie 22.7%, Singleplayer 0.3%

A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 35.7%, Indie 33%, Story Rich 21.9%, Emotional 8.8%, Singleplayer 0.5%

A pidgeon-doctor in a small town. A broken healthcare system. A heartfelt narrative game. Fall of Porcupine tells an emotional story about a young doctor who struggles to find his place. Accompany Finley in a lovingly illustrated world and uncover the darkest secrets of Porcupine.

Why similar: Indie 31.2%, Linear 24.6%, Emotional 22.3%, Story Rich 21.2%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Discover the secrets of the Calamity, a surreal catastrophe that shattered the world to pieces.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 64%, Indie 25.1%, Story Rich 10.4%, Singleplayer 0.6%