The Best A24 Movies of All Time

A24 has revolutionized the landscape of independent cinema since its inception in 2012 by championing bold directors and unconventional narratives. The studio has garnered a cult following for its distinct aesthetic and willingness to take risks on genre-bending projects. This list compiles the most essential films from their diverse catalog and ranks them based on their critical acclaim and cultural impact. These movies represent the very best of what the company has offered to audiences over the last decade.

‘Spring Breakers’ (2012)

Four college students rob a restaurant to fund their spring break trip to Florida and find themselves in jail. They are bailed out by an eccentric drug dealer named Alien who introduces them to a dangerous criminal underworld. The girls gradually lose their innocence as they descend into a life of violence and excess. Director Harmony Korine creates a neon-saturated satire that examines the dark side of pop culture and youthful hedonism.

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ (2022)

A group of wealthy twenty-somethings gathers at a remote family mansion during a hurricane for a party. They decide to play a murder in the dark game that turns deadly when actual bodies start dropping. Paranoia sets in as the friends turn on each other and long-held grudges surface in the chaos. This satirical slasher film delivers biting social commentary on Gen Z culture and the toxic nature of fake friendships.

‘Enemy’ (2013)

A history professor spots his exact physical double in a movie and becomes obsessed with tracking him down. He stalks the actor and eventually intervenes in his life which leads to dangerous consequences. The two men engage in a psychological battle that blurs the line between reality and the subconscious. Denis Villeneuve directs this tense thriller that features a complex dual performance by Jake Gyllenhaal.

‘It Comes at Night’ (2017)

A family lives in a desolate home deep in the woods to protect themselves from a highly contagious and deadly disease. Their fragile existence is disrupted when a desperate young couple seeking refuge arrives with their small child. Trust erodes quickly as paranoia and the fear of the unknown consume both families within the claustrophobic house. The film uses psychological tension rather than jump scares to explore the lengths people will go to survive.

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

An alien entity inhabits the body of a human woman and drives a van around Scotland to lure unsuspecting men. She seduces her victims before leading them into an abstract void where they are consumed. The narrative shifts as the alien begins to experience human emotions and questions her own purpose. Jonathan Glazer directs this visually striking sci-fi horror that offers a disturbing yet poignant look at humanity from an outsider perspective.

‘Green Room’ (2015)

A punk rock band witnesses a murder at a neo-Nazi skinhead bar in the Pacific Northwest. They retreat into the green room where they are held hostage by the ruthless club owner. The group must use their wits and limited weapons to fight their way out against overwhelming odds. Jeremy Saulnier delivers a brutal and intense siege movie that features a terrifying performance by Patrick Stewart.

‘Saint Maud’ (2019)

A reclusive nurse becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her dying patient who was once a famous dancer. She believes she receives direct messages from God that guide her increasingly extreme actions. Her pious devotion twists into a dangerous fixation that threatens both her and the woman she cares for. The film serves as a chilling character study of religious fanaticism and mental isolation.

‘Swiss Army Man’ (2016)

A man stranded on a deserted island is on the verge of suicide when he discovers a corpse washing ashore. He discovers that the body possesses supernatural abilities that can help him survive and journey back to civilization. A bizarre friendship forms between the two as they discuss life and love while traversing the wilderness. The film uses absurd humor and gross-out gags to tell a surprisingly heartfelt story about human connection.

‘A Ghost Story’ (2017)

A recently deceased musician returns to his suburban home as a white-sheeted ghost to watch over his grieving wife. He observes the passage of time as she eventually moves on and new occupants take over the space. The spirit remains anchored to the location while centuries pass and the landscape around him transforms completely. This meditative drama explores themes of loss and the enduring nature of love and memory.

‘The Green Knight’ (2021)

Sir Gawain embarks on a quest to confront the Green Knight after decapitating him in a challenge one year prior. The journey forces the young knight to battle ghosts and giants while testing his honor and courage. He struggles with his own fears and the weight of his legacy as the inevitable confrontation approaches. This fantasy epic deconstructs Arthurian legend through surreal imagery and a contemplative atmosphere.

‘X’ (2022)

A group of filmmakers arrives at a secluded farmhouse in Texas to shoot an adult film in the guest house. Their elderly hosts seem harmless at first but soon exhibit strange and threatening behavior. The production turns into a fight for survival as night falls and the crew is hunted down one by one. Ti West pays homage to classic slasher films while adding a fresh layer of commentary on aging and desire.

‘Pearl’ (2022)

This prequel explores the origin story of the murderous antagonist introduced in the film listed above. A young woman trapped on her family farm dreams of becoming a movie star while caring for her ailing father. Her repressive mother and the isolation of her life push her toward a violent mental break. Mia Goth delivers a powerhouse performance that blends Technicolor melodrama with disturbing psychological horror.

‘First Reformed’ (2017)

A pastor of a small historic church in upstate New York grapples with a crisis of faith and mounting despair over the environment. He forms a bond with a pregnant parishioner who asks him to counsel her radical environmentalist husband. The clergyman begins to adopt the radical views he encounters as his own physical and mental health deteriorates. Paul Schrader delivers a tense thriller that examines the intersection of religion and political activism.

‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)

A charismatic cardiovascular surgeon forms a strange bond with a teenage boy named Martin. The boy eventually demands a terrible sacrifice from the doctor to balance a past wrong involving his father. The surgeon watches helplessly as his family falls ill with a mysterious paralysis that medical science cannot explain. Yorgos Lanthimos crafts a sterile and unsettling psychological horror that draws inspiration from Greek tragedy.

’20th Century Women’ (2016)

A single mother in Santa Barbara enlists the help of two younger women to help raise her teenage son. The three women from different generations teach the boy about life and love during a time of cultural change. The narrative weaves together their individual stories to create a tapestry of feminist perspectives in the late seventies. The film is a warm and insightful look at the complexities of growing up and motherhood.

‘The Spectacular Now’ (2013)

A charming high school senior who lives only for the moment meets a shy and ambitious girl who plans for the future. They start an unlikely romance that challenges their perspectives and forces them to confront their family issues. The boy must face his developing alcoholism and the reality that his carefree lifestyle has consequences. This coming-of-age drama offers a realistic and raw portrayal of teenage love and addiction.

‘American Honey’ (2016)

A teenage girl runs away from a troubled home to join a traveling sales crew that sells magazine subscriptions across the Midwest. She falls for the charismatic leader of the group and embraces a lifestyle of partying and law-breaking. The film captures the reckless energy of youth and the search for belonging in the margins of society. It serves as a sprawling road movie that paints a vibrant portrait of contemporary America.

‘Mid90s’ (2018)

A thirteen-year-old boy in Los Angeles finds an escape from his turbulent home life by befriending a group of older skateboarders. He learns tough lessons about class and race while trying to prove himself to his new peers. The group engages in risky behavior that tests their loyalty and forces the protagonist to grow up quickly. Jonah Hill writes and directs this nostalgic snapshot of adolescence and skate culture.

‘Waves’ (2019)

A suburban African American family navigates love and forgiveness in the wake of a tragic loss. The first half focuses on the high-achieving son who cracks under the pressure of wrestling and his father’s expectations. The perspective shifts in the second half to his sister as she finds her own path to healing through a new relationship. The film utilizes a dynamic visual style and a pulsing soundtrack to capture the intensity of teenage emotions.

‘Civil War’ (2024)

A team of military-embedded journalists races across a dystopian America to reach Washington D.C. before rebel factions overthrow the government. They document the horrors of a nation torn apart by sectarian violence and political polarization. The veteran war photographer mentors a young aspiring photojournalist amidst the chaos of the battlefield. Alex Garland directs this visceral action thriller that serves as a cautionary tale about societal collapse.

‘Talk to Me’ (2022)

A group of friends discovers how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand and becomes hooked on the new thrill. One of them goes too far and opens the door to the spirit world permanently. The supernatural forces begin to manipulate the group and blur the line between the living and the dead. This Australian horror film revitalizes the possession genre with a modern metaphor for addiction and peer pressure.

‘Midsommar’ (2019)

A grieving American student travels with her boyfriend to a remote Swedish village to attend a rare midsummer festival. The idyllic setting hides a pagan cult that engages in disturbing rituals and sacrifices. The bright daylight horror creates a sense of unease as the visitors are slowly entrapped by the smiling villagers. Ari Aster explores themes of codependency and shared trauma in this visually stunning folk horror breakup movie.

‘The Witch’ (2015)

A Puritan family in 1630s New England is banished from their settlement and forced to live on the edge of a dark forest. They are plagued by unseen forces that destroy their crops and steal their newborn child. Suspicion falls on the eldest daughter as the family descends into religious hysteria and madness. Robert Eggers uses period-accurate dialogue and atmosphere to create a terrifying tale of folklore and superstition.

‘The Lobster’ (2015)

Single people in a dystopian society are taken to a hotel where they must find a romantic partner within forty-five days. Those who fail are transformed into an animal of their choosing and released into the woods. A man escapes into the forest to join a group of rebels who forbid romance entirely. This dark comedy satirizes societal pressure to be in a relationship through deadpan humor and surreal situations.

‘Good Time’ (2017)

A bank robber scrambles through the New York City underworld to get his mentally disabled brother out of jail. He manipulates everyone he encounters during a frantic night filled with bad decisions and close calls. The pulsing electronic score drives the relentless pace of this gritty crime thriller. The Safdie brothers direct a chaotic and immersive film that features a career-defining performance from Robert Pattinson.

‘The Disaster Artist’ (2017)

Aspiring actor Greg Sestero befriends the mysterious and wealthy eccentric Tommy Wiseau in an acting class. They move to Hollywood to pursue their dreams and eventually decide to make their own movie. The result is the production of the infamous cult classic that many consider the worst movie ever made. James Franco directs and stars in this hilarious and touching tribute to friendship and artistic delusion.

‘Minari’ (2020)

A Korean-American family moves to a small farm in Arkansas in search of their own version of the American Dream. The father risks everything to grow Korean produce while his wife worries about their financial stability and their son’s heart condition. The arrival of their unconventional grandmother changes the family dynamic and brings them closer together. Lee Isaac Chung crafts a semi-autobiographical story that is tender and deeply moving.

‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)

An introverted teenage girl tries to survive the last week of her disastrous eighth-grade year before high school begins. She posts confident advice videos on the internet while struggling with crippling social anxiety in real life. Her relationship with her single father is tested as she navigates pool parties and awkward crushes. Bo Burnham captures the specific pain and beauty of growing up in the digital age with immense empathy.

‘The Farewell’ (2019)

A Chinese-American writer returns to China under the guise of a wedding to say goodbye to her terminally ill grandmother. The family decides to keep the diagnosis a secret from the matriarch to spare her pain. The protagonist struggles with the ethical implications of the lie while reconnecting with her heritage. Lulu Wang directs a poignant and funny drama that explores the cultural differences between East and West.

‘C’mon C’mon’ (2021)

A radio journalist travels across the country interviewing children about their thoughts on the future. He is unexpectedly tasked with watching his precocious young nephew while his sister deals with a mental health crisis. The two form a deep bond as they navigate the complications of life and learn from each other. The film is shot in black and white and offers a gentle meditation on listening and parental responsibility.

‘The Florida Project’ (2017)

A six-year-old girl and her friends spend their summer exploring the surroundings of a budget motel near Disney World. Her young mother struggles to make ends meet and resorts to dangerous means to pay the rent. The motel manager acts as a reluctant guardian to the children living on the margins of the tourist economy. Sean Baker contrasts the vibrant innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of poverty.

‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)

A charismatic New York City jeweler makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. He must balance business associates and loan sharks while trying to keep his shattering family life together. The tension mounts relentlessly as he risks everything on a single basketball game. Adam Sandler delivers a frantic and intense performance in this anxiety-inducing thriller.

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

A family begins to unravel after the death of their secretive grandmother and a subsequent sudden tragedy. The mother discovers terrifying secrets about her ancestry that suggest they are puppets in a sinister plan. Supernatural occurrences escalate as the family is consumed by grief and an inescapable fate. Ari Aster creates a disturbing modern horror classic that relies on dread and emotional devastation.

‘The Lighthouse’ (2019)

Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s. Their isolation leads to hallucinations and a power struggle as a storm traps them together. The film uses black-and-white cinematography and a square aspect ratio to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe give unhinged performances in this surreal tale of madness and mythology.

‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ (2021)

A tiny shell with one eye and shoes lives with his grandmother in a large house utilized as an Airbnb. He becomes an internet sensation after a documentary filmmaker moves in and starts recording his daily life. Marcel searches for his long-lost family while charmed audiences follow his journey of hope and resilience. This mockumentary blends stop-motion animation with live action to create a whimsical and heartwarming story.

‘Ex Machina’ (2014)

A young programmer wins a contest to spend a week at the private mountain estate of his company’s reclusive CEO. He is tasked with administering the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot named Ava. The lines between human and machine blur as Ava proves to be more deceptive and capable than imagined. Alex Garland directs a sleek sci-fi thriller that questions the ethics of artificial intelligence.

‘Aftersun’ (2022)

A woman reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier. The film pieces together camcorder footage and memories to portray their loving but complex relationship. She attempts to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn’t fully understand at the time. Charlotte Wells crafts a devastatingly beautiful debut about memory and the grief of growing up.

‘The Zone of Interest’ (2023)

The commandant of Auschwitz and his wife strive to build a dream life for their family in a house next to the camp. They tend to their garden and raise their children while the horrors of the Holocaust occur just over the wall. The film focuses on the mundane domesticity of the perpetrators to illustrate the banality of evil. Jonathan Glazer uses sound design rather than visual violence to convey the atrocities taking place nearby.

‘The Iron Claw’ (2023)

The Von Erich brothers make history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. They are pushed to their physical and mental limits by their domineering father who demands success at any cost. The family is plagued by a series of tragedies that test their bond and their will to survive. Zac Efron leads an ensemble cast in this emotional biographical drama about brotherhood and toxic masculinity.

‘The Whale’ (2022)

A reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. He hopes to find redemption for his past mistakes before his health fails him completely. The film takes place entirely within his apartment to emphasize his isolation and physical limitations. Brendan Fraser won an Academy Award for his empathetic portrayal of a man seeking one last chance at connection.

‘Room’ (2015)

A young woman and her five-year-old son are held captive in a small shed they call Room. The mother creates a whole universe for her son within the walls to protect him from the reality of their imprisonment. They eventually escape and must face the terrifying prospect of the outside world. Brie Larson gives an Oscar-winning performance in this harrowing yet life-affirming drama about resilience.

‘Lady Bird’ (2017)

A high school senior in Sacramento navigates a turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother and her own desire to leave her hometown. She explores romance and friendship while trying to find her identity during her final year of Catholic school. The film captures the humor and heartbreak of adolescence and the complicated bond between mothers and daughters. Greta Gerwig makes her solo directorial debut with this sharp and affectionate coming-of-age story.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

A young African American man grapples with his identity and sexuality across three defining chapters of his life. He finds mentorship in a drug dealer and experiences first love with a friend in Miami. The film examines the rigid definitions of masculinity and the lasting impact of emotional trauma. Barry Jenkins directs this visual masterpiece that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

Nora and Hae Sung are two deeply connected childhood friends who are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. They reunite online a decade later and then again in New York City another decade after that. The film explores the concepts of destiny and the choices that shape our lives. Celine Song directs a quiet and romantic masterpiece about the enduring nature of love and missed opportunities.

‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)

An exhausted Chinese-American woman discovers she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led. She fights bizarre enemies while trying to resolve her relationship with her husband and daughter. The film combines martial arts action with existential philosophy and absurdist comedy. It became a massive critical and commercial success that swept the Academy Awards.

Please let us know which A24 film is your personal favorite in the comments.