The 24 Best A24 Movies

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A24, a film company named after a road in Italy where its founders first conceived the idea, was launched in 2012 by three experienced Hollywood professionals: David Fenkel, John Hodges, and Daniel Katz. It quickly rose to prominence, becoming a leading force in independent American cinema. A24 has released several low-budget films that have earned over $100 million globally, and achieved critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture with both *Moonlight* in 2017 and *Everything Everywhere All at Once* in 2023.

While they’ve had a few missteps – like any movie studio – their overall success is remarkable, particularly considering how recently they started and how many culturally impactful films they’ve produced. They’re known for discovering new filmmaking talent and giving established directors the creative freedom – and reasonable funding – they need to make truly meaningful movies.

A24 is famous for its horror films, but the company makes all kinds of movies – and some excellent documentaries too. They’ve even started producing TV shows. If you can’t name a favorite A24 film from the last ten years, you probably don’t go to the movies very often – and maybe you should!

So, which A24 movie is the *best*? That really depends on what you like! But I’ve put together a list of what I think are their 24 greatest films. (Yes, I’m quite proud of that numbering!)

The 24 Best A24 Movies

24. Under the Silver Lake (2019)

David Robert Mitchell’s film draws on the style of 1970s detective movies, particularly those set in California and featuring flawed characters. It’s a clever take on our modern obsession with analyzing every film for hidden clues. Andrew Garfield stars as a somewhat immature man who becomes fixated on finding his missing neighbor, Riley Keough, which leads him to a large conspiracy within Los Angeles’ criminal world. However, the film also suggests that the entire story could be a product of his imagination, fueled by drugs and a desire to avoid facing difficult realities – mirroring our own tendency to search for easy answers instead of confronting the truth.

23. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Michelle Yeoh finds herself caught in a wild, multi-dimensional adventure where she’s the only hope to stop a powerful evil force from wiping out everything. It’s impressive how the film *Everything Everywhere All at Once* manages to be both incredibly ambitious and surprisingly funny and heartfelt. The movie also marks a fantastic comeback for Ke Huy Quan, known from *The Goonies* and *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*, who delivers a standout performance as Yeoh’s long-suffering husband.

22. Funny Pages (2022)

Owen Kline’s film, *Funny Pages*, feels like it was populated by characters ripped straight from a gritty, independent comic book. The actors aren’t conventionally attractive; instead, they embrace exaggerated, almost cartoonish flaws – crooked teeth, scars, bad skin, and generally unkempt appearances. It’s a deliberate aesthetic choice that extends beyond just looks.

The film captures the spirit of those underground comics – they’re often deliberately unpleasant, challenging, and uncomfortable. They aren’t meant to be easy or enjoyable for everyone. In fact, the director seems to have anticipated – and even *wanted* – a divisive reaction. The success of *Funny Pages*, Kline suggests, isn’t about universal appeal, but about provoking a strong reaction, even hatred, in some viewers. He believes that if everyone liked it, the movie would have missed the mark.

21. Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Wow, Ari Aster really went for it with *Beau Is Afraid*! People are all over the place with how they feel about it, but one thing’s for sure: it’s a massive, unforgettable film about a really anxious guy, Beau (Joaquin Phoenix), trying to get home for his mother’s funeral. For me, it’s honestly one of the best movies I’ve ever seen at capturing what it *feels* like to live with anxiety. And Joaquin Phoenix? Another incredible, raw performance – he just disappears into these roles.

20. Aftersun (2022)

I recently saw *Aftersun*, and it’s a film that’s really stayed with me. It centers around a father and his young daughter on vacation in Turkey, and at first glance, it seems like a perfect, sunny getaway – swimming, playing games, just enjoying each other’s company. But the movie subtly hints at something being off, especially with the dad. What’s so amazing is how natural Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio are together; they really feel like a loving, but slightly disconnected, father and daughter. The way writer/director Charlotte Wells tells the story is brilliant. It’s all these small, quiet moments that don’t seem like much at the time, but they build up and hit you later with this incredibly powerful, lasting sadness. It’s like a sunburn – you don’t feel the full impact right away, but hours later, it really starts to sting.

19. First Cow (2020)

Kelly Reichardt has a gift for creating powerful drama from everyday situations. Her film, *First Cow*, is a surprisingly subtle yet deeply moving Western. The story follows a cook who travels to the Oregon Territory and starts a business selling early versions of doughnuts with the help of a Chinese immigrant. Their secret ingredient? Milk stolen from the area’s first cow. The film offers a compelling look at the harsh realities of 19th-century business and a touching portrayal of a friendship between two men – and it does so with remarkable honesty.

18. Friendship (2024)

I was completely captivated by *Friendship*, one of my favorite theatrical experiences of 2025. I’ve never heard an audience react so strongly to a comedy – there were constant sighs, gasps, and even shouts of disbelief! It was all justified, though. The plot centers around Tim Robinson’s increasingly awkward and humiliating experiences after a new friendship with a seemingly cool neighbor (Paul Rudd) falls apart during a terrible get-together. Robinson perfectly plays the clueless friend, while Rudd is even funnier as the effortlessly cool one. The script, written by director Andrew DeYoung, relentlessly explores male insecurities in a way that had the audience physically cringing with discomfort.

17. Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Rose Glass’s new film, *Love Lies Bleeding*, starts as a stylish romance between a gym manager (Kristen Stewart) and a promising bodybuilder (Katy O’Brian). Just when it feels familiar, the movie takes a surprising and unexpected turn. It’s a darkly funny thriller that feels like a blend of David Cronenberg’s body horror, the documentary *Pumping Iron*, and the tones of *Fargo* and *Showgirls*.

16. Minari (2020)

Lee Isaac Chung’s film, *Minari*, beautifully and poignantly portrays the life of an immigrant family. The Yi family relocates from California to a farm in rural Arkansas, a move that strains family relationships. The mother, Monica, is unhappy with the decision, and their children, Anne and David, aren’t pleased either-especially when their playful grandmother arrives. The film, inspired by Chung’s own upbringing, is deeply touching, particularly the bond between the grandmother and grandson. (I personally love a great movie grandmother!)

15. The Zone of Interest (2023)

I was completely floored by Jonathan Glazer’s new film, his first since *Under the Skin*. It’s based on a Martin Amis novel and really dives into the nature of evil. What’s so unsettling is how it observes the everyday life of Rudolf Höss, the man who ran Auschwitz – and his surprisingly comfortable home right next to the camp. You see him and his wife, Hedwig, being seemingly normal parents, enjoying their garden and pool with their kids. But the brilliance – and horror – is that you *hear* what’s happening at the camp just beyond their walls. The sound design is incredible. Glazer’s style is so unique – it feels like you’re watching surveillance footage, even using night vision at times. It really forces you to confront this dark period of history, and honestly, it’s deeply disturbing how relevant it feels to things happening in the world today.

14. Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster’s *Hereditary* is a masterfully shot and paced horror film that explores how grief and guilt can haunt families across generations. While the film builds to a terrifying and relentless climax, the most unsettling moment might be its opening scene: a slow zoom into a miniature model house, revealing the characters as if they are merely puppets controlled by a sinister, unseen power. Aster expertly captures the feeling of helplessness and dread, and few filmmakers can translate psychological anxiety into such a visceral cinematic experience.

13. Ex Machina (2015)

Alex Garland’s first film as director explores the blurring boundaries between people and technology. A gifted programmer (Oscar Isaac) creates the world’s first true artificial intelligence, giving it the form of a woman (Alicia Vikander), and asks a trusting coworker (Domhnall Gleeson) to help test it. What begins as a test of wills quickly becomes more complex, revealing hidden depths in all the characters and in Garland’s clever writing. The film constantly challenges you to decide who the hero and villain are, and the answer changes with each scene and even with each viewing. Garland suggests that robots will inevitably surpass us – and maybe that won’t be such a bad thing.

12. Krisha (2016)

Krisha is a remarkably crafted independent film, made quickly and with a tiny budget – less than what most big-budget movies spend on food! Director Trey Edward Shults filmed it in his parents’ house, using mostly friends and family as actors, including his aunt, Krisha Fairchild, in the starring role. The film follows a woman returning home for Thanksgiving after years of being away, and as the day goes on, it becomes clear she’s struggling with sobriety. Unlike many low-budget films that look amateurish, Krisha is visually striking thanks to beautiful cinematography, and it builds to a powerfully emotional climax. If you’ve ever had a stressful Thanksgiving, this movie will really hit home.

11. Green Room (2016)

Jeremy Saulnier’s *Green Room* is a gripping thriller about a punk band who witness a crime at a club run by white supremacists and are then forced to fight for their lives. This film, along with Saulnier’s *Blue Ruin* and *Rebel Ridge*, consistently explores the idea that violence always has unforeseen and uncontrollable repercussions.

10. First Reformed (2017)

As a film lover, I’ve always felt Paul Schrader’s work digs deep, and *First Reformed* feels like he’s laying everything on the table. It’s a really powerful, unsettling film about a pastor, played brilliantly by Ethan Hawke, who starts questioning his faith after a parishioner takes their own life. It really asks the big questions – where’s God in a world filled with so much pain, and what do we do facing an environmental crisis that feels impossible to stop? There aren’t any easy answers, and honestly, that’s what makes the movie so impactful. It reminded me of a line from one of his earlier films, *Taxi Driver*: someday, something truly cleansing is going to happen.

9. Eighth Grade (2018)

It’s been a long time since I was in eighth grade, and watching Bo Burnham’s film *Eighth Grade* felt surprisingly personal. The movie features Elsie Fisher as a realistically awkward and curious eighth-grader, and Josh Hamilton as her well-meaning but clueless dad. Seeing them interact felt like looking at different versions of myself. Honestly, one scene in particular – the Truth or Dare game – was so cringeworthy I actually curled up! Overall, *Eighth Grade* is a really good and honest movie.

8. The Farewell (2019)

Lulu Wang’s film, *The Farewell*, is a truly special movie, thanks to its heartfelt story and Awkwafina’s moving performance. But what really makes it stand out is its beautiful portrayal of grandmothers – a group often overlooked in film. (I admit, I have a soft spot for great cinematic grandmas!) Grandmothers are simply the best, and this movie wonderfully captures what makes them so special. Zhao Shuzhen plays Nai Nai, a character inspired by the director’s own grandmother, who receives a cancer diagnosis that her family chooses not to share, wanting her to enjoy her remaining time with loved ones. If you have a grandmother, give her a hug and tell her how much you appreciate her – and then go see *The Farewell*.

7. The Witch (2016)

Robert Eggers’ film *The Witch* is remarkably authentic, thanks to his deep dive into the folklore and historical witchcraft trials of the 17th century. It truly feels like a nightmare ripped from the world of early Puritan settlers. Though the story centers on a family destroyed by suspicion and stubbornness-and a truly terrifying witch-its themes of control and the suppression of a young woman’s power and sexuality still resonate strongly today. And that’s what makes it so frightening.

6. A Ghost Story (2017)

David Lowery’s film is a beautiful and deeply moving exploration of grief, love, and what happens after death. It uniquely follows a ghost, played by Casey Affleck, on a journey through the afterlife. The story is complex and unfolds in a non-linear way, creating a dreamlike experience. It’s the kind of film that could offer comfort and meaning to future generations – if, that is, there’s a future left after the world is completely covered in buildings and haunted by those who came before.

5. The Brutalist (2024)

It’s refreshing to find a film like *The Brutalist* – a beautiful, four-hour American epic that focuses on the simple story of two men working together to create something. The film is also a compelling look at the challenges of making such a personal project, and how easily artistic vision can be impacted by those funding it.

4. Moonlight (2016)

As a film lover, I was completely captivated by the three actors who played Chiron in *Moonlight* – Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes. They each brought such a distinct presence to the role, yet their performances felt beautifully connected. Honestly, that trio perfectly embodies what makes *Moonlight* so special. It’s a film where *everything* just clicks – the acting, the story, the direction, the visuals, the music, even the editing and set design – it all works together seamlessly.

3. Uncut Gems (2019)

The Academy Awards missed a real opportunity to recognize Adam Sandler’s incredible performance as Howard Ratner. Sandler manages to make his character both deeply unlikeable and surprisingly relatable as he desperately tries to fix his financial troubles. The Safdie brothers, true New Yorkers themselves, created a remarkably authentic and moving portrayal of the city in *Uncut Gems* – it’s one of the most honest depictions of New York I’ve ever seen.

2. Past Lives (2023)

As a total movie lover, I was completely swept away by this beautiful, yet incredibly sad, film. It really makes you think about those unseen forces – some call it fate, others destiny – that connect us to people, but also keep us apart. It centers around Nora and Hae Sung, two people who just can’t seem to stay away from each other, despite life constantly pulling them in different directions. We see them meet at different points in their lives – as kids, in college, and as adults – and each time, everything around them has changed, but their connection remains. The tricky part is Nora’s now married to an American named Arthur. It’s not a flashy love triangle, but the way it all unfolds is absolutely heartbreaking, and honestly, it left me thinking about my own life – the moments and decisions that only truly made sense looking back.

1. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s *Lady Bird* cleverly uses pairs throughout the film. The main character has two first names, dates two different boys, and has two best friends. The story unfolds over two school semesters, each featuring a play and a dance, as well as two parties. She navigates unique relationships with both of her parents, and considers two different colleges and churches. This focus on possibilities makes *Lady Bird* a powerful film about making choices – and how, at that age, even small decisions can feel life-altering. In many ways, those feelings are true.

10 Horror Movies So Extreme They Made People Physically Sick

1. The Last House on the Left (1972)

Wes Craven is best known for creating the popular and thrilling horror franchises *Scream* and *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, which are scary but also have a playful side. However, his first film was very different – and didn’t lead to any sequels (except for one poorly received remake). *The Last House on the Left* is a disturbing revenge film so intense that some viewers reportedly fainted or got sick during the original release, and even demanded theaters destroy the film. Released just four years after the end of the strict Hays Code censorship, Craven wasn’t limited in showing violence. He didn’t hold back, and the movie’s marketing even warned viewers to repeat, “It’s only a movie…” to avoid passing out.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

If you’ve seen *The Exorcist*, you likely remember how shockingly disturbing it was – reports surfaced of people fainting, getting sick, or even suffering heart attacks while watching it. While horror movies now routinely try to shock audiences, *The Exorcist* was truly groundbreaking at the time, and it remains chilling today. There’s a story that circulated online about a woman who supposedly fainted during the film, broke her jaw, and then sued Warner Bros., claiming the movie contained hidden, traumatizing messages. This story is likely false, but given the intense buzz around the film when it was released, it’s easy to see how such a rumor could have started.

3. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

I remember when *The Blair Witch Project* came out, and it completely captivated everyone! It was spooky, of course, but what *really* got to people wasn’t just the story. It was how the movie was made! They filmed the whole thing on handheld cameras, like a home movie, and it was so shaky that people were actually getting motion sickness and fainting in the theaters! Some cinemas even had to put up warning signs, which is just incredible to think about. The way they built up the tension and the confusing ending were unsettling, but honestly, the filmmaking itself was the most shocking part.

4. Irréversible (2002)

The Cannes Film Festival often sees strong reactions, but the premiere of Gaspar Noé’s *Irréversible* was particularly shocking. The film, which includes a disturbing and lengthy assault scene involving Monica Bellucci, caused around 250 people to walk out. Some viewers needed medical attention, with fire wardens providing oxygen to those who had fainted. While many who left called the film disturbing and unnecessarily violent, those who remained gave it a five-minute standing ovation.

5. Saw III (2006)

It’s no surprise that a *Saw* movie appears on this list, and particularly *Saw III*, known for its gruesome traps. During its release in the UK, several people actually fainted while watching the film – one even required an ambulance to the hospital on a busy Friday night, according to a BBC report. A paramedic spokesperson simply advised those easily disturbed to avoid the movie altogether. So, beyond everything else, Amanda’s actions led to a number of moviegoers in Britain losing consciousness during the film.

6. Antichrist (2009)

Before its release, the film *Antichrist* caused a stir at film festivals, and not in a good way. One particularly graphic scene involving self-harm actually made people vomit at the Toronto International Film Festival and triggered a panic attack at the New York Film Festival, initially mistaken for a seizure. The film was stopped, police were called, and the affected viewer was removed, seemingly okay. The movie resumed shortly after, with Charlotte Gainsbourg continuing the disturbing scene. Even watching *Antichrist* at home is likely to be deeply unsettling, but experiencing it at a crowded, intense film festival premiere? It’s easy to imagine someone fainting.

7. 127 Hours (2010)

Interestingly, the movie with the most reported physical reactions from viewers isn’t a horror film – although the events in *127 Hours* are certainly disturbing. The film stars James Franco as Aron Ralston, a climber who was forced to amputate his own arm after it became pinned by a boulder. Yes, the movie does show the entire procedure! During its film festival screenings, numerous audience members had strong physical reactions, leading Movieline to create a timeline documenting 16 instances of fainting, three seizures, one panic attack, and even some unconfirmed reports of viewers vomiting – all before the film was even officially released.

8. Prometheus (2012)

You’ve likely heard about the infamous “Scene” from the movie *Prometheus* – it’s known for being intensely disturbing, and some people actually fainted while watching it. For those unfamiliar, it’s the graphic sequence where Noomi Rapace’s character has to perform an emergency C-section using a spaceship’s medical equipment, as the alien creature growing inside her is about to burst out. Shortly after the movie came out, someone on a fan forum shared a detailed account of passing out during this scene, describing being unconscious for almost five minutes with tingling limbs and blurred vision. Luckily, they didn’t need to run for their life afterward!

9. Titane (2021)

The Australian premiere of the French horror film *Titane* at the Sydney Film Festival proved to be a shocking experience for many viewers. The film’s graphic and disturbing content – including scenes of extreme violence and unusual relationships – caused around 20 people to faint or walk out. One audience member who fainted reported that a security guard said he’d had a very busy night dealing with reactions. Others described feeling sick, experiencing hangover-like symptoms, and called for festivals to include trigger warnings for films with such intense content.

10. Terrifier 3 (2024)

Similar to the movie *Saw*, it’s no surprise that *Terrifier* made this list. The *Terrifier* series is known for its extreme violence, featuring an evil clown who inflicts brutal torture. After the first film gained attention, watching the movies became a challenge – a test of how much gore viewers could handle. The latest installment, *Terrifier 3*, reportedly caused two people in Australia to faint while trying to escape the theater, according to one witness. In the UK, one viewer actually vomited during the film, which would likely delight the terrifying Art the Clown.

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2025-09-23 18:33