The Most Underrated A24 Movies

A24 has established itself as a powerhouse in modern cinema by distributing films that challenge conventions and elevate unique voices. The studio is best known for massive hits that swept award seasons and captured global attention. However, their vast library contains dozens of hidden gems that often fly under the radar of casual moviegoers. These films range from intimate character dramas to experimental horror projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. This collection highlights the essential viewing experiences that deserve just as much acclaim as the studio’s most famous blockbusters.

‘Ginger & Rosa’ (2012)

Two teenage girls find their lifelong friendship tested against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1960s London. Elle Fanning delivers a breakout performance as she navigates family turbulence and political anxiety. The film explores the intersection of personal coming-of-age struggles with global existential dread. Sally Potter directs this emotionally resonant drama with a keen eye for period detail and atmospheric tension. It remains a poignant look at how external chaos can mirror internal emotional landscapes.

‘The Bling Ring’ (2013)

Sofia Coppola directs this satirical crime drama based on the true story of fame-obsessed teenagers who burglarized celebrity homes in Los Angeles. The narrative examines the toxic influence of celebrity culture and the emptiness of materialism. Emma Watson shines in a role that completely subverts her previous on-screen persona. The cinematography captures the glossy yet hollow allure of the Hollywood Hills lifestyle. It serves as a stylish condemnation of a generation raised on reality television and social media validation.

‘The Spectacular Now’ (2013)

This film offers a raw and authentic look at high school romance without the typical Hollywood gloss. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley display remarkable chemistry as two teenagers navigating the complexities of young love and uncertain futures. The story tackles heavy themes of alcoholism and family trauma with maturity and grace. Director James Ponsoldt focuses on small human moments rather than grand dramatic gestures. It stands as one of the most honest portrayals of adolescence in recent memory.

‘Enemy’ (2013)

Denis Villeneuve directs this psychological thriller about a history professor who spots his exact double in a movie. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a dual performance that is both subtle and unnerving as he spirals into obsession. The film utilizes a sepia-toned color palette to create a suffocating and dreamlike atmosphere. Viewers are left to decipher the symbolic imagery and cryptic ending long after the credits roll. It is a masterclass in tension that rewards repeated viewings and deep analysis.

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

Scarlett Johansson plays an alien entity who preys on men in Scotland in this chilling sci-fi horror. Director Jonathan Glazer utilizes hidden cameras and non-actors to create an unsettling sense of realism. The film relies heavily on visual storytelling and sound design rather than traditional dialogue. It offers a disturbing perspective on humanity viewed through a cold and detached lens. This masterpiece of sensory cinema challenges the audience to find empathy in the monstrous.

‘Locke’ (2013)

Tom Hardy commands the screen in this unique drama set entirely within the confines of a moving car. The protagonist attempts to salvage his career and family life through a series of hands-free phone calls while driving to London. The script builds immense tension through dialogue alone and proves that high stakes do not require action sequences. Hardy conveys a wide range of emotions with just his voice and facial expressions in the rearview mirror. It is a bold experiment in minimalist filmmaking that succeeds through a powerful central performance.

‘The Rover’ (2014)

Set in a dystopian Australian outback following a global economic collapse, this film follows a loner seeking to retrieve his stolen car. Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson form an unlikely pair traveling through a desolate and lawless landscape. The movie strips away civilization to reveal the brutal survival instincts of humanity. David Michôd directs with a gritty intensity that makes the heat and dust palpable. It is a bleak yet captivating western that questions the value of life in a broken world.

‘Obvious Child’ (2014)

Jenny Slate stars as a stand-up comedian navigating the realities of unplanned pregnancy and modern adulthood. The film approaches sensitive topics with refreshing humor and undeniable heart. It balances the messiness of life with moments of genuine sweetness and romantic comedy tropes. Director Gillian Robespierre creates a story that feels specific to the Brooklyn comedy scene yet universally relatable. This movie broke ground by treating its subject matter with normalization rather than melodrama.

‘Life After Beth’ (2014)

This zombie comedy takes a unique approach by framing the undead apocalypse through the lens of a relationship drama. Dane DeHaan plays a grieving boyfriend who is overjoyed when his deceased girlfriend returns from the grave. Aubrey Plaza showcases her range by transitioning from a sweet partner to a feral monster. The film uses the zombie metaphor to explore the difficulties of letting go and the inevitable decay of relationships. It remains a quirky and unexpected entry in the crowded genre of undead fiction.

‘Tusk’ (2014)

Kevin Smith directs this bizarre horror comedy about a podcaster who falls victim to a deranged seafarer. The antagonist desires to surgically transform his captive into a walrus based on a twisted obsession. Justin Long endures a grueling physical performance that balances terror with dark absurdity. The film shifts tones wildly and alienates some viewers while delighting those who enjoy the grotesque. It stands as a testament to the creative freedom A24 grants its filmmakers to pursue their strangest ideas.

‘A Most Violent Year’ (2014)

Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain star in this crime drama set during the statistically most dangerous year in New York City history. The protagonist fights to protect his heating oil business and family without resorting to the corruption surrounding him. Director J.C. Chandor crafts a slow-burn narrative that emphasizes moral dilemmas over gunfights. The cinematography captures the cold winter atmosphere and the decaying elegance of 1981 New York. It functions as a sophisticated anti-gangster movie about the cost of maintaining integrity.

‘While We’re Young’ (2014)

Noah Baumbach explores the generational divide between a middle-aged couple and two free-spirited hipsters. Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts play artists struggling with stagnation who become energized by their younger friends. The film satirizes the obsession with authenticity and the fear of aging in a youth-obsessed culture. It offers a sharp critique of how different generations view success and artistic integrity. The script balances biting wit with moments of genuine reflection on the passage of time.

‘Slow West’ (2015)

Kodi Smit-McPhee plays a young Scottish aristocrat traveling across the American frontier to find the woman he loves. Michael Fassbender joins him as a mysterious bounty hunter who offers protection for a price. The film subverts western tropes with its whimsical tone and vibrant color palette. It juxtaposes fairytale romanticism with the sudden and brutal violence of the Old West. This directorial debut from John Maclean is a visually stunning fable about innocence and survival.

‘Mississippi Grind’ (2015)

Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn team up as two gamblers on a road trip to a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans. The film captures the melancholy and desperation of addiction rather than the glamour of winning. The chemistry between the leads drives the narrative as they bounce between hope and self-destruction. It evokes the spirit of classic 1970s cinema with its loose structure and character-focused storytelling. The movie offers a compassionate look at flawed individuals chasing a lucky break that may never come.

‘The End of the Tour’ (2015)

Jason Segel portrays author David Foster Wallace in this biographical drama based on a five-day interview with a Rolling Stone reporter. The film consists primarily of conversations that delve into depression, fame, and the human condition. Jesse Eisenberg plays the journalist whose admiration for the writer turns into a complex professional rivalry. It avoids the standard biopic formula by focusing on a brief but revealing window of time. The dialogue captures the brilliance and vulnerability of a literary icon.

‘Krisha’ (2015)

Trey Edward Shults directs this intense family drama starring his real-life aunt as a woman returning home for Thanksgiving. The protagonist struggles to keep her addictions at bay while navigating old wounds and family skepticism. The camera work creates a sense of claustrophobia and anxiety that mirrors her internal state. The film utilizes a frantic score and chaotic sound design to build mounting dread. It is a powerful and personal debut that transforms a holiday gathering into a psychological thriller.

‘Green Room’ (2015)

A punk rock band finds themselves trapped in a neo-Nazi skinhead bar after witnessing a murder. Anton Yelchin leads the desperate group as they fight for survival against a calculating owner played by Patrick Stewart. The film is relentless in its pacing and does not shy away from visceral violence. Jeremy Saulnier directs a tight siege thriller that emphasizes practical effects and realistic consequences. It remains a terrifying experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.

‘The Lobster’ (2015)

Yorgos Lanthimos presents a dystopian society where single people must find a romantic partner within 45 days or be turned into animals. Colin Farrell plays a man desperately trying to navigate the absurd rules of this oppressive system. The film uses deadpan humor to satirize the societal pressure to be in a couple. Rachel Weisz co-stars in this surreal exploration of love, loneliness, and conformity. It is a delightfully weird and thought-provoking piece of cinema that defies genre categorization.

‘Swiss Army Man’ (2016)

Paul Dano plays a stranded man on a deserted island who befriends a flatulent corpse washed ashore. Daniel Radcliffe delivers a remarkably physical performance as the dead body that possesses magical utility. The film uses gross-out humor to explore profound themes of shame and the need for human connection. Directors Daniels craft a visual style that is both inventive and surprisingly beautiful. It is a celebration of the oddities of life that manages to be heartwarming despite its morbid premise.

‘American Honey’ (2016)

Sasha Lane stars as a troubled teenager who runs away with a traveling magazine sales crew. Shia LaBeouf plays the charismatic leader who introduces her to a life of partying and law-breaking across the Midwest. The film is shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio to create an intimate portrait of youth on the fringes of society. Director Andrea Arnold captures the energy and aimlessness of a generation looking for belonging. It is a sprawling road movie that finds beauty in the forgotten corners of America.

’20th Century Women’ (2016)

Annette Bening stars as a single mother raising her teenage son in Santa Barbara during the late 1970s. She enlists the help of two younger women to teach him about life and love. The film weaves together different generational perspectives to create a rich tapestry of the era. Director Mike Mills draws from his own upbringing to craft a story that feels deeply personal and specific. It is a warm and intelligent examination of how people shape each other.

‘Trespass Against Us’ (2016)

Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson play father and son in this crime drama about a family of outlaws living in rural England. The son attempts to break away from the criminal lifestyle to provide a better future for his children. The film features high-stakes car chases and intense family conflicts. It explores the difficulty of escaping one’s heritage and the suffocating grip of patriarchal control. The unique setting and strong performances elevate this story of generational strife.

‘Free Fire’ (2016)

Ben Wheatley directs this action-comedy that takes place almost entirely within a single warehouse during a botched arms deal. An all-star cast including Cillian Murphy and Brie Larson engages in a feature-length shootout. The film focuses on the absurdity and chaos of violence rather than stylized choreography. Characters scramble in the dirt and suffer from realistic injuries as the situation deteriorates. It is a darkly funny deconstruction of the action genre that revels in mayhem.

‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ (2017)

Two students are left alone at their boarding school over winter break while a mysterious woman travels toward them. Kiernan Shipka and Emma Roberts star in this slow-burn horror film that relies on atmosphere over jump scares. Director Osgood Perkins creates a sense of dread through silence and haunting imagery. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion that rewards patient viewers with a chilling conclusion. It is a moody exploration of grief and isolation wrapped in a supernatural shell.

‘It Comes at Night’ (2017)

Joel Edgerton plays a father protecting his family from a highly contagious threat in a secluded house. Paranoia sets in when they allow another desperate family to seek refuge with them. The film keeps the nature of the external danger ambiguous to focus on the internal breakdown of trust. It suggests that fear itself is more destructive than any disease or monster. The claustrophobic setting and dim lighting create an immersive experience of anxiety.

‘A Ghost Story’ (2017)

Casey Affleck plays a deceased musician who returns as a white-sheeted ghost to watch over his grieving wife. The film creates a unique perception of time as the ghost remains anchored to the house for decades. Rooney Mara portrays grief in quiet and devastating ways. Director David Lowery explores the enormity of existence and the desire to leave a legacy. It is a meditative and melancholic work that finds the profound in the simple image of a sheeted specter.

‘Good Time’ (2017)

Robert Pattinson disappears into the role of a desperate criminal trying to free his brother from Rikers Island during one chaotic night. The Safdie brothers direct with a kinetic energy that barely gives the audience time to breathe. The neon-soaked visuals and pulsing electronic score create a sensory overload. The film is an anxiety-inducing ride through the New York underworld. It solidified Pattinson as one of the most daring actors working today.

‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)

A surgeon finds his idyllic life dismantled by a strange teenage boy with a sinister agenda. Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman star in this psychological horror that draws inspiration from Greek tragedy. The dialogue is delivered in a deliberate and unnatural cadence that enhances the unease. Director Yorgos Lanthimos creates a cold and clinical world where justice is brutal and mathematical. It is a disturbing examination of guilt and the impossible choices parents must make.

‘Lean on Pete’ (2017)

Charlie Plummer plays a lonely teenager who forms a deep bond with an aging racehorse. He steals the horse to save it from slaughter and embarks on a perilous journey across the American West. The film is a heartbreaking look at poverty and the search for stability. Director Andrew Haigh treats his subjects with immense empathy and realism. It is a quiet and devastating drama that lingers in the mind long after it ends.

‘First Reformed’ (2017)

Ethan Hawke gives a career-best performance as a pastor undergoing a crisis of faith while confronting environmental despair. The film grapples with the role of religion in a world facing man-made catastrophe. Director Paul Schrader uses a boxy aspect ratio and static camera shots to reflect the protagonist’s austere life. The ending is ambiguous and provocative to encourage audience interpretation. It is a searing spiritual thriller that asks difficult questions about hope and redemption.

‘How to Talk to Girls at Parties’ (2017)

Based on a Neil Gaiman story, this film blends 1970s punk culture with alien invasion sci-fi. Elle Fanning plays an alien touring the galaxy who falls for a local punk rocker in London. The movie is a chaotic explosion of music, fashion, and youthful rebellion. It celebrates the spirit of nonconformity and the transformative power of art. While messy and unpredictable, it captures a unique energy that is both weird and endearing.

‘Under the Silver Lake’ (2018)

Andrew Garfield stars as an aimless slacker who uncovers a surreal conspiracy while searching for a missing neighbor. The film is a sprawling neo-noir that satirizes the hidden codes and secret messages embedded in pop culture. Director David Robert Mitchell packs every frame with clues and references for the audience to decode. It creates a dreamlike version of Los Angeles that is both seductive and menacing. This polarizing film has gained a cult following for its ambition and eccentricity.

‘Mid90s’ (2018)

Jonah Hill makes his directorial debut with this coming-of-age story set in the Los Angeles skateboarding scene. Sunny Suljic plays a young boy seeking acceptance from a group of older skaters. The film captures the specific aesthetic and attitude of the era with 16mm film and a period-accurate soundtrack. It explores the toxic masculinity and brotherhood found within male friend groups. The movie feels like a nostalgic memory that balances joy with the pain of growing up.

‘High Life’ (2018)

Claire Denis directs this cerebral sci-fi film about a group of criminals sent on a suicide mission to a black hole. Robert Pattinson plays a man raising his infant daughter in the isolation of deep space. The film avoids genre conventions to focus on the primal aspects of human nature. It is a challenging and visually striking work that deals with bodily fluids and taboo subjects. The narrative is a hypnotic meditation on existence, reproduction, and doom.

‘Gloria Bell’ (2018)

Julianne Moore delivers a luminous performance as a free-spirited divorcée seeking love on the dance floors of Los Angeles. The film is a remake of a Chilean movie also directed by Sebastián Lelio. It celebrates the vitality of a middle-aged woman who refuses to become invisible. The soundtrack features classic disco hits that underscore the protagonist’s emotional journey. It is a joyful and honest character study that finds triumph in everyday resilience.

‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ (2019)

Jimmie Fails stars in a story inspired by his own life about a man trying to reclaim his grandfather’s Victorian home. The film is a visually poetic love letter to a city that is rapidly gentrifying and changing. Director Joe Talbot uses slow-motion and a sweeping score to elevate the urban landscape to mythic status. It explores themes of friendship, ownership, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The movie is a stunningly original work of art that feels like a modern fable.

‘The Death of Dick Long’ (2019)

Two friends attempt to cover up the bizarre accidental death of their bandmate in small-town Alabama. The film balances dark comedy with a genuine mystery that leads to a shocking revelation. Director Daniel Scheinert crafts a story that is both hilarious and deeply uncomfortable. It examines the stupidity of secrets and the lengths people go to hide their shame. The movie manages to be empathetic toward its bumbling protagonists despite their terrible decisions.

‘Waves’ (2019)

This emotional drama traces the journey of a suburban African American family navigating love, forgiveness, and tragedy. The film is split into two distinct halves that mirror each other in tone and pacing. Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Taylor Russell deliver powerhouse performances as siblings dealing with immense pressure. Director Trey Edward Shults uses a dynamic camera and an immersive soundtrack to capture the intensity of youth. It is a visceral and heartbreaking look at the ripple effects of a single mistake.

‘First Cow’ (2019)

Kelly Reichardt directs this gentle drama about a cook and a Chinese immigrant who start a business using stolen milk in the Oregon Territory. The film focuses on male friendship and the origins of capitalism in the American West. It moves at a deliberate pace that allows the audience to appreciate the details of frontier life. The lush cinematography captures the damp beauty of the Pacific Northwest forests. It is a quiet masterpiece that finds profound meaning in small acts of kindness.

‘Zola’ (2020)

Based on a viral Twitter thread, this film recounts a wild road trip involving two strippers, a pimp, and a hapless boyfriend. Taylour Paige and Riley Keough have electric chemistry as frenemies caught in a dangerous situation. The movie captures the chaotic energy of the internet age with its sharp editing and dialogue. Director Janicza Bravo highlights the exploitation and absurdity inherent in the sex work industry. It is a stressful but hilarious ride that feels distinctly modern.

‘Lamb’ (2021)

A childless couple in rural Iceland discovers a mysterious newborn on their farm that is half-human and half-sheep. They decide to raise the creature as their own child despite the defiance of nature. The film relies on atmosphere and visual storytelling to build a sense of folktale dread. Noomi Rapace grounds the surreal premise with a performance of fierce maternal instinct. It is a strange and haunting fable about the consequences of taking what does not belong to you.

‘C’mon C’mon’ (2021)

Joaquin Phoenix plays a radio journalist who travels across the country with his young nephew. The film is shot in stark black and white and includes unscripted interviews with real children about the future. It explores the complexities of adult-child relationships and the importance of listening. Director Mike Mills creates a tender and optimistic portrait of connection in a chaotic world. The movie is a gentle reminder of the resilience and wisdom found in the next generation.

‘After Yang’ (2021)

Colin Farrell stars in this sci-fi drama about a family trying to repair their robotic companion named Yang. The film uses the premise to explore questions of memory, grief, and what constitutes a soul. Director Kogonada creates a futuristic world that is soft, organic, and contemplative. The visual style emphasizes architecture and light to reflect the inner lives of the characters. It is a quiet and philosophical film that offers a refreshing take on artificial intelligence.

‘Men’ (2022)

Jessie Buckley plays a woman who retreats to the English countryside to heal after a personal tragedy. She finds herself tormented by the local men who all bear the same face played by Rory Kinnear. The film escalates from subtle micro-aggressions to full-blown folk horror body dysmorphia. Director Alex Garland uses heavy symbolism to explore toxic masculinity and ancestral trauma. It is a provocative and visually grotesque nightmare that refuses to offer easy answers.

‘God’s Creatures’ (2022)

Set in a windswept Irish fishing village, a mother lies to provide an alibi for her beloved son who is accused of a crime. Emily Watson delivers a devastating performance as a woman torn between maternal love and moral duty. The film examines the tight-knit community dynamics that protect abusers and silence victims. The atmosphere is gray and oppressive to match the weight of the secret being kept. It is a tense and tragic drama about the limits of a mother’s protection.

Please tell us which A24 hidden gem is your personal favorite in the comments.