We're in the thick of the fall movie season, yet the box office is thinner than usual and the chatter around new releases feels muted. Simply put: where have all the indie hits gone? Not long ago, fall's slate was defined by buzzy, prestige-grade indie films that critics championed and audiences flocked to. That energy shaped conversations, sparked awards-season talk, and gave the fall slate lasting momentum. This year, however, indie titles seem less visible on screens and in streaming catalogs alike. There are several factors at play. Production delays and tighter budgets have slowed some independent projects, while streaming has altered how and when audiences discover indie cinema. Some prestige titles premiere at major festivals and then roll out to streaming or limited theatrical runs weeks or months later, which can blunt the instant box office impact once common for a strong fall indie lineup. As a result, moviegoers may need to search a bit deeper to uncover indie gems, and box office headlines may not reflect the quality on the screen. What this means for viewers: there are standout indie movies to find if you know where to look—festival coverage, regional releases, indie distributors, and streaming services that champion independent titles. For fans of bold storytelling and creative risk-taking, the fall slate remains worth exploring even if headlines aren’t as loud as they used to be. Tips to catch indie cinema this season: follow film festival calendars, track credible trade outlets, and keep an eye on distributors and studios known for prioritizing independent cinema. You’ll still find the kind of inventive storytelling that defined fall prestige cinema, just in a different format. In short, the dip in indie hits on the fall slate isn’t a disappearance, but a shift in how and where indie films reach audiences. Staying flexible—mixing theater visits with streaming and festival viewings—will help you discover the same inventive, boundary-pushing work that once defined autumn prestige.