A24 has become a major force in the film industry with its unique and innovative films. From horror to comedy to science fiction, this production company has produced some of the most critically acclaimed movies of the last decade. Here are the must-see A24 films that have pushed the boundaries and earned widespread critical acclaim.
Moonlight (2016)
This drama follows Chiron, a young African American man struggling with his identity, as he navigates his way through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. With its powerful story and stunning performances, “Moonlight” was praised for its sensitive exploration of complex themes such as identity, masculinity, sexuality, and love. The film was awarded Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.
Lady Bird (2017)
This coming-of-age comedy-drama tells the story of an independent teen trying to navigate high school life in Sacramento while dreaming of college life on the East Coast. The film explores themes such as self-discovery, family dynamics, acceptance, and friendship in a touching yet humorous way. It received five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for Saoirse Ronan’s performance.
The Witch (2015)
This horror movie follows a Christian family in colonial New England who is banished from their village and forced to live on the edge of a forest. As they try to cope with their new environment, they soon discover that something sinister is lurking in the woods which puts their lives in danger. The Witch was praised by critics for its atmospheric cinematography and its exploration of themes such as faith, paranoia, isolationism, and superstition.
Hereditary (2018)
This horror film delves deep into grief and family dynamics as it follows the Graham family after they experience a profound loss with their grandmother’s death. It creates an intense atmosphere with numerous jump scares that will leave viewers on edge throughout its runtime, while also exploring deeper themes about our mortality through supernatural elements. Hereditary received numerous awards, including the AFI Movie of the Year Award for 2018, as well as nominations for multiple others, including a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.
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Eighth Grade (2019)
A24’s critically acclaimed 2019 movie Eighth Grade follows the story of Kayla Day, a timid eighth grader navigating her way through the difficulties of growing up. A coming-of-age drama, the film portrays an honest and relatable look into youth’s complicated experiences such as bullying, anxiety, and social media. Bo Burnham’s script rises to the oh-so-real pressures that teenagers and young adults endure today in a creative, touching way. A24 helps to put its stamp on another winner with this heartwarming piece that reminds us all to be gentle when it comes to kids from Generation Z!
The Disaster Artist (2017)
This comedy-drama tells the story behind one of cinema’s most notorious cult classics – “The Room” – through exploring the friendship between Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero who both wrote, co-produced, directed, starred in, and released it. It takes viewers through Wiseau’s visioning process, his production methods, and his artistic ambition while also providing insight into how two friends can keep striving toward their dreams despite criticism from outside observers. The Disaster Artist was praised by critics for its comedic performances, compelling storyline, and understanding look into movie-making processes.
Ex Machina (2014)
This science fiction thriller explores artificial intelligence by depicting a programmer named Caleb Smith participating in an experiment set up by Nathan Bateman to interact with Ava – an AI robot designed by him – over consecutive days. Ex Machina dives deep into themes such as consciousness, control systems theory, free will versus determinism, and human morality. The film was praised by critics not only for its thought-provoking storyline but also for its outstanding visual effects that made viewers believe Ava could be real.
The Safdie Brothers (2017)
The Safdie Brothers are a duo of American filmmakers consisting of brothers Josh and Benny Safdie. They are known for writing, directing, and producing darker indie films with neo-realist influences. Their breakout film Good Time, starring Robert Pattinson, premiered in 2017 and took the world by storm. It was highly stylized and worked as both a crime thriller and character study, making it one of the most inventive films of its year.
Further cementing their successes were two more critically accredited films in 2019 – Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler; and The Long Day Closes which received rave reviews from Cannes Film Festival. As a distinguished filmmaking team, the Safdie Brothers demonstrate innovative techniques that carry on the tradition of gritty New York City cinema.
A Ghost Story (2017)
In this supernatural drama, we follow a recently deceased man’s journey back home where he appears there once again in spirit form watching over his loved ones dealing with grief & learning more about himself along his path towards afterlife self-realization all while exploring deeper topics like time & mortality simultaneously too. This feature was widely praised due to director David Lowery’s unique visual style creating a hauntingly surreal aesthetic that captured viewers’ imaginations all across pop culture which helped it earn various awards from Austin Film Critics Association winning best original screenplay all way up until Satellite Awards nominating it best motion picture.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
This romantic drama is set in 1983 Italy & follows teenage Elio Perlman as he begins an affair with his father’s research assistant Oliver during his summer of self-discovery. Call Me By Your Name explores themes such as first love, longing, and the universal search for identity. This feature was praised by critics due to its outstanding performances from both leads Timothée Chalamet & Armie Hammer while also being commended due to its accurate portrayal of life during a certain era that many could relate to which helped it win multiple awards including Best Motion Picture – Drama at 75th Golden Globe Awards & Best Adapted Screenplay at Academy Awards among other awards.
This feature also stands out for its beautiful cinematography & soundtrack which helped bring the story to life on screen for many viewers worldwide.
The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse, released in 2019 by A24 is a psychological drama that features two lighthouse keepers living on a remote and mysterious island. Directed by Robert Eggers, this movie follows the story of Tom Wilkinson and Willem Dafoe as the two mysterious lighthouse keepers on an isolated New England island in the 1890s.
Eggers combines unearthly events with harsh reality to create an intense atmosphere combined with witty dialogue and stunning cinematography. A24’s The Lighthouse artfully delivers an unexpectedly enthralling charterer-driven narrative balanced perfectly between dreamlike fantasy and gritty realism.
Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar is a horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. The movie follows a young couple, Dani and Christian, as they travel to Sweden with friends to celebrate Midsommar, a once-in-a-lifetime festival in the idyllic commune of Hårga. While at first impressions seem tranquil, things soon take a sinister turn as the visitors find out that the residents of Hårga have been enslaved by a pagan cult. As Dani struggles to cope with her own personal tragedy back home, she finds herself sinking further into the depths of an alluring yet sinister world.
Ultimately, Midsommar attempts to explore themes such as mental health, trauma, and how people may be driven to extreme measures when pushed past their breaking point.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Uncut Gems, the acclaimed film directed by sibling duo Josh and Benny Safdie, was well-received upon its release. The movie follows New York City jeweler Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) who is desperate to make a big score. Boasting an all-star cast that includes Idina Menzel, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox & Kevin Garnett, Uncut Gems delivers an intense ride of almost nonstop thrills throughout the movie. It has been praised for its effective use of suspenseful cinematic techniques and witty dialogue.
The soundtrack by Daniel Lopatin (previously known as Oneohtrix Point Never), further enhances the captivating drama. Uncut Gems is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Green Knight (2021)
The Green Knight is sure to leave audiences captivated. Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain of the Arthurian Legends, this daring adventure follows Gawain on a quest to test his courage and loyalty as he confronts the mysterious and imposing Green Knight. A deep exploration of love, justice, courage, and sacrifice set against a lush background of medieval England, The Green Knight is A24’s largest production to date that promises an unforgettable cinematic experience for all.
Men (2022)
Men is a horror movie by director Alfred Due, stars Charlene Harper as she confronts a mysterious force in a rural town. After experiencing a horrible loss, Harper seeks solace in the countryside; however, her journey quickly turns into an increasingly troubling experience. Harper begins to feel unsettled as the men of the quiet town begin to act oddly and look eerily similar. As her time there deepens, her fears become realized when she discovers that an ancient spirit is alive in the woods — and it’s coming after her.
An exploration of fear and primal instincts, Men (2022) promises horror fans intense suspense and thrills.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
The 2021 production of Macbeth is a tragic tale, set in 11th-century Scotland. Based on William Shakespeare’s revered play, the film follows Macbeth as he embarks on a murderous path to gain and secure power. Though his ambition has no shortage of obstacles, his insistence prevails and sets in motion a devastating cycle of destruction for which he can never excuse himself.
Featuring incredible performances from notable actors such as Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, and Barry Keoghan, this rendition exceeds the power of its literary ancestor to engage audiences in deep reflections concerning the implications of unchecked ambition and greed.
Despite the tragedy that surrounds Macbeth, it illuminates a profound moral: May we never forget the dire consequences of unchecked ambition!
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the A24 distributed movie premiering in 2022, is an unconventional take on what could be ordinary life yielding extraordinary connections. A story that takes place in a single day with a global reach, this feature film focuses on how relationships and hardships both universal and unique can shape our outlooks and lives forever.
A truly funny, heartfelt exploration of life’s most transformative moments, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” will leave you deep in thought about the possibilities ahead. A must-watch for anyone wanting to get a glimpse at those everyday occurrences that should be savored and treasured!
In conclusion, A24 has established itself as a leader in independent film by producing and distributing captivating stories with unique perspectives. Whether it’s the suspenseful thrill of Uncut Gems, the daring adventure of The Green Knight, or the transformative experience of Everything Everywhere All at Once, A24 continues to offer entertaining and thought-provoking films that challenge us to think more deeply about our world. With an ever-growing library of titles ranging from drama to horror, A24 is sure to have something for everyone!
