The hipster subculture has become especially prevalent in recent years among young people between the ages of 18 and 30. The common idea of a typical hipster is built around the thought that they think they are basically too cool for anything mainstream.
Others view hipsters as independent, trendsetters who enjoy being culturally aware. Some individuals might label a person a hipster if he or she wears ironic t-shirts found in the dollar bin at Goodwill, smoke American Spirits and claims to know a lot about music, literature, fashion and films. So, whether you admire or abhor the hipster subculture, here is a list of the films made in the last 10 years that the typical hipster or atypical individual might enjoy:
2012: Perks of Being a Wallflower
The hipster film of 2012 is “Perks of Being a Wallflower”, based on the novel written by Stephen Chbosky that has garnered a large cult following. “Perks of Being a Wallflower” has a great soundtrack, plenty of references to classic novels and a leading lady with an edgy haircut. Plus, quotes from the novel and gifs from the movie are popular posts on Tumblr, a social network very much utilized by the textbook hipster.
2011: Midnight in Paris
Rife with historical characters from both classic literature and art, any hipster would love “Midnight in Paris.”
2010: Never Let Me Go
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian science fiction novel, “Never Let Me Go” is an emotional drama with an intriguing premise and mournful tone that inspires a lot of self-reflection among a viewer, which would attract any hipster. Carey Mulligan also has an edgy haircut for most of the film and it stars Andrew Garfield, a celebrity with considerable Tumblr popularity.
2009: (500) Days of Summer
“(500) Days of Summer” has a great soundtrack, dominated by the Smiths. Zooey Deschanel has perfect bangs and wears stylish dresses and Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in it. Actually, Joseph-Gordon-Levitt is all anyone, hipster or not, needs to know about this film.
2008: Milk
A biographical film about the first openly gay person to be elected to public office, any socially conscious, progressive hipster would love “Milk.”
2007: Juno
“Juno” is a film in which the sarcastic, sharp-shitted Ellen Page has an unplanned pregnancy with the awkward, earnest Michael Cera and hilarity ensues. It is basically a hipster’s dream.
2006: Wristcutters: A Love Story
“Wristcutters” is a black comedy romance film that premiered at Sundance and takes place in a strange after-life limbo for people who commit suicide. It is just weird enough for the hipster tastes.
2005: Transamerica
Hipsters usually love indie films and this one is actually one of the very few independent, low-budget films on our list. It is about a transsexual woman who goes on a road trip with her long lost son.
2004: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Kate Winslet dyes her several different colors and has a tumultuous relationship with Jim Carrey in one of his most successful serious roles. This film has also garnered a large cult following, which hipsters are all about.
2003: Lost in Translation
Two Americans feel ambivalent about their lives and bond over their mutual loneliness while visiting a Japanese City. The culture shock screams hipster.
2002: City of God
Hipsters love foreign films and the “City of God” takes place in Rio de Janeiro during a time when drug lords from the favela ran the city. Hipsters and subtitles go together like peas and carrots.
