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 69% ★, Movie 25.3% ★, Feature Film 2.6% ★, Game Development 1.5% ★, Linear 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: This interactive documentary provides an intimate look at the development process of a landmark title, mirroring the film's focus on the creators behind the screen.

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 37.5% ★, Indie 21%, Linear 17.3%, Story Rich 14.2%, Emotional 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven game that focuses specifically on the life and struggles of a solo developer trying to realize their vision.

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 85.8% ★, Great Soundtrack 4.9%, Indie 4.1%, Emotional 2.6%, Story Rich 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A profoundly personal and emotional project that exemplifies the power of indie games to tell difficult, real-world stories.

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 96.9% ★, Feature Film 2.2% ★, Indie 0.5%, Story Rich 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: A detailed chronicle of the development of a major project, highlighting the high-stakes pressure and creative challenges faced by developers.

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 48%, Indie 20%, Story Rich 17.3%, Emotional 11.3%, Linear 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential indie title that proves how a small team can create a deeply moving and memorable emotional experience.

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 32.7%, Great Soundtrack 30.7%, Story Rich 24.5%, Emotional 11.5%, Singleplayer 0.6%

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

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%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: This simulation game directly tasks players with managing the highs and lows of the indie development cycle depicted in the documentary.

Construct and design buildings for optimal working conditions. Hire people to design and release software, so you can defeat the simulated competition and take over their businesses. Manage and educate your employees to make sure they are skilled and satisfied with their job.

Why similar: Game Development 66.6% ★, Indie 33.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deep simulation that captures the business and technical realities of running a software development company.

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 64.3%, Indie 26.6%, Story Rich 8.7%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: A stunningly artistic game that reflects the passion and creative vision often found in the indie development community.

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 43.6%, Indie 31.2%, Story Rich 18.7%, Emotional 6.1%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: A poignant, story-rich experience that focuses on emotional resonance and artistic presentation.

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 57.8%, Great Soundtrack 28.7%, Story Rich 12.5%, Singleplayer 0.9%

Why You'll Like It: A perfect example of a solo-developed project that uses unique mechanics to tell a compelling, high-stakes story.

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%, Story Rich 19.7%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental game that deconstructs the relationship between the player and the developer's design choices.

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 37.2%, Indie 35.3%, Emotional 26.9%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful and emotional journey that showcases the high level of craft and artistic intent in modern indie titles.

Uniquely presented as an hour long documentary film, The Mind of Marlo is a narrative driven adventure game focusing on love, loss and silly heads. Laugh and cry with Marlo as he gets to the bottom of his life changing condition, known as Spontaneous Silly Head Syndrome.

Why similar: Documentary 95.1% ★, Indie 3.4%, Story Rich 1.5%, Singleplayer 0%

Why You'll Like It: An indie adventure that focuses on personal narrative and unique character perspectives.

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 49.4% ★, Story Rich 27.5%, Emotional 21.9%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted simulation that explores the day-to-day life of an indie game developer.

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 56.5%, Indie 42.7%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, focused indie project that highlights the beauty of small-scale, personal game design.

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 30.2%, Story Rich 26.7%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply moving story about persistence and legacy that resonates with the themes of the film.

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: Uses environmental storytelling to convey a lifetime of emotional growth, much like the personal journeys of the developers in the film.

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 47.7%, Indie 22.6%, Emotional 15.4%, Story Rich 13.8%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: Explores the human psyche through a unique, story-rich lens that feels deeply personal.

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 36.7%, Story Rich 32.2%, Emotional 29.9%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on intimate, character-driven conversations that mirror the human-centric storytelling of the documentary.

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 32.7%, Story Rich 28%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: An innovative, experimental narrative game that utilizes unique mechanics to deliver an emotional punch.

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 59.5%, Indie 27.4%, Story Rich 12.7%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric narrative experience that emphasizes the creator's vision and environmental storytelling.

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 45.6%, Great Soundtrack 30.2%, Story Rich 23.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic example of a solo-developed passion project that defined the indie point-and-click resurgence.

'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 71.3%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Story Rich 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental indie title that prioritizes artistic expression over traditional gameplay loops.

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 64.3%, Indie 30.2%, Story Rich 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cult-classic indie game that demonstrates the incredible depth of passion and polish found in niche genres.

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 67.1%, Story Rich 31.6%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and innovative indie game that highlights the creative mechanics possible in smaller teams.

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 48.8%, Great Soundtrack 33.5%, Story Rich 16.8%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that emphasizes character development and world-building.

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%, Indie 22.5%, Story Rich 14.8%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the quirky, nostalgic, and deeply personal spirit of early internet-era indie projects.

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%, Great Soundtrack 33.2%, Story Rich 18.4%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on cultural storytelling and the collaborative process between developers and indigenous communities.

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

Why similar: Indie 47%, Great Soundtrack 41.4%, Story Rich 11.6%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 64.5%, Indie 24.7%, Story Rich 10.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%

The miserable journey of a broken man...

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 55.1%, Indie 26.6%, Story Rich 17.5%, Singleplayer 0.7%

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

Why similar: Indie 100%

discover Worlds and characters, laugh cry and find the meaning of life

Why similar: Indie 61%, Great Soundtrack 30.1%, Story Rich 8.5%, Singleplayer 0.3%

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 52.6%, Indie 47.2%, Singleplayer 0.2%

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 49.6%, Story Rich 48.5%, Singleplayer 1.9%

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 52.1%, Emotional 46.8%, Singleplayer 1.1%

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%

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 48.8%, Indie 27.3%, Story Rich 15%, Emotional 8.7%, Singleplayer 0.2%

A surreal post-life adventure

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44.2%, Indie 41.6%, Story Rich 13.8%, Singleplayer 0.5%

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%

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

Why similar: Indie 100%

In a mood for a little journey to a colourful world full of unexpected events and crazy characters? Jump into a feel-good adventure with rogue-lite elements, where action meets cuteness and powers come with friendship. A love letter to anime and quirkiness from two indie developers.

Why similar: Indie 54.9%, Great Soundtrack 44.4%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Before the Echo combines elements of both rhythm and role-playing games to create an entirely unique experience.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 59.6%, Indie 39.8%, Singleplayer 0.7%

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 35.7% ★, Indie 19.6%, Linear 19.3%, Story Rich 13%, Emotional 12%

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 42.3%, Indie 33.6%, Emotional 13.2%, Story Rich 10.4%, Singleplayer 0.5%

A comedic RPG about the cynical and hilarious realities of social interaction, personal growth, and confronting your inner demons.

Why similar: Indie 45.5%, Great Soundtrack 42.5%, Story Rich 12%

Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet.Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left.

Why similar: Indie 68.2%, Great Soundtrack 31.4%, Singleplayer 0.4%

"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 35.1%, Story Rich 25.8%, Singleplayer 1%

Two doctors traverse backwards through a dying man's memories to fulfill his last wish. This is To the Moon's standalone sequel, but can also be played first.

Why similar: Linear 36.9%, Emotional 34%, Story Rich 28%, Singleplayer 1.1%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 66.9%, Indie 32.6%, 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%

Rage in Peace is a story-driven action adventure with elements of surprise and memorization. Unravel the last day of Timmy's life, as he races against time to get back home and fulfill his sole dream of dying peacefully in his pajamas, in the warmth of home, in peace, and with no drama.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 50.2%, Indie 27.7%, Story Rich 11.2%, Emotional 10.6%, Singleplayer 0.4%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 54.5%, Indie 44.2%, Singleplayer 1.3%

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 31.1%, Linear 24.7%, Emotional 22.2%, Story Rich 21.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%

UNBEATABLE is a rhythm adventure where music is illegal and you do crimes. Follow the story of Beat and her band on the run, in a narrative experience full of big emotions powered by arcade-flawless rhythm gameplay.

Why similar: Story Rich 98%, Singleplayer 2%

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

Why similar: Indie 77.8%, Story Rich 22.2%

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

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 63.6%, Indie 32.6%, Story Rich 3.3%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Memory note is a slice-of-life visual novel with meaningful player choices, several endings to explore, and a story that will touch your heart.

Why similar: Indie 52.4%, Great Soundtrack 47.6%