The 27 Best A24 Films of All-Time, Ranked

• Director: Lenny Abrahamson
• Year Released: 2015

"Room" is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, who also wrote the novel of the same name. The story revolves around a young woman, Joy, who has been held captive in a small room for seven years and her son Jack, who was born in captivity. The room is the only world that Jack knows until they finally escape and must adjust to the outside world. Brie Larson took home Best Actress honors at the 2016 Oscars for her incredible performance.

• Director: Asif Kapadia
• Year Released: 2015

There are few filmmakers today who can craft documentaries around single figures like Asif Kapadia. From 'Maradona', to 'Senna', Kapadia does an incredible job of capturing the highs and the lows of individuals who have been on the top of the world of their respective discipline. Amy follows the life of English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse who took the world by storm before tragically passing at just 27 years old. Even those who are not fans of Amy Winehouse (not sure how that is possible) will be captivated by this documentary.

• Director: Michael Philippou, Danny Philippou
• Year Released: 2022

From the brilliant minds that brought you the viral youtube hit 'Ronald McDonald Tastes Burger King' comes one of the freshest and scariest horror movies in recent memory. The Philippou brothers have been making youtube videos with heavy emphasis on VFX for over a decade, and this was their big shot at making a box office feature film. The result? They absolutely knocked it out of the park. This is nothing like any other YouTuber turned director movie and I highly recommend checking it out if you are into the horror genre.

• Director: Lee Isaac Chung
• Year Released: 2020

Slow, sweet, and sometimes simple, but that’s often all you need for a good A24 film. Set in the 1980s, a Korean family moves to a farm in the United States with hopes of achieving the ‘American Dream’, but they shortly discover that it might be trickier than imagined. Despite an outstanding performance from Steven Yeun, Youn Yuh-jung steals the show playing the grandmother of the family as she constantly has hilarious feuds with the son of the family, David (Alan Kim). It is a calm film to start off this crazy list that is definitely worth the watch if interested in a nice little drama.

• Director: Jonah Hill
• Year Released: 2018

If someone were to tell me that the overweight goofball from 2007s Superbad would one day be directing a movie about skateboarding in Los Angeles I’d say you’re nuts. But somehow we have this movie, and it is a damn good one at that. Mid90s captures the trials and tribulations of a young boy growing up poor in the LA area wanting to fit in with a group of older skater-kids. It doesn't break too many boundaries, but it has a lot of heart and provides fantastic performances from young actors that make this A24 flick a must-watch.

• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Year Released: 2017

The first of many creepy films has arrived on this list. Yorgos Lanthimos brings us a terrifyingly weird film that feels almost too unsettling at times. The director has made some wacky films before, but this one has a much darker tone. When a surgeon fails an open heart surgery, the son of the deceased starts to hang around the surgeon, and after a while, strange things start happening to the rest of the surgeon’s family. The film is brought to life by an amazing cast that includes: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and a breakout role from the haunting Barry Keoghan. Don’t go into this expecting a happy ending or else you’ll be very disappointed. 

• Director: David Lowery
• Year Released: 2021

This medieval fantasy journey takes some interesting turns that made me question my liking of the film when I originally saw it. But, the film has an ending that fits beautifully and really caps off the whole journey that Gawain (Dev Patel) embarks upon perfectly. The director, David Lowery, makes some bold decisions from both a storytelling and directorial standpoint with wild special effects and stunning wide shots that capture gorgeous colors and extravagant landscapes. If looking for a quest like no other with a strong ending, make sure to check this one out.

• Director: Ti West
• Year Released: 2022

On the surface, this looks like something we’ve all seen before. But, to my pleasant surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed this slasher. The film is about a porn crew, looking to find an abandoned place to shoot their new and inventive vision of a porn film. I think the best part about this one is how Ti West ties in the porn element, it adds some very necessary comedic relief during stressful and frightening points in the film. Also, Ti West's style is clear as he adds some super unique shots and manages to get the best out of all the actors in the film. Additionally, the blood is extremely well utilized and when the scares go down they are well earned. X might not look too different from other horror films, but there are definitely more surprises than I thought there would be.

• Director: Dyrio
• Year Released: 2021

The minute I saw this trailer I was immediately attached. I mean, who doesn’t want to watch a human couple in the middle of Iceland give birth to a human-lamb baby? In all seriousness, this is a slow-burn psychological thriller set in an isolated farm location that adds an eerie element of surprise whenever something goes down. It also has one of those ‘holy shit’ endings that makes this film absolutely unforgettable and could leave you haunted for weeks.

• Director: Trey Edward Shults
• Year Released: 2017

Trey Edward Shults’ second feature, although very divisive and sometimes hard to understand for audiences, left me absolutely shocked (in a good way). I don’t think I’ve done more research on a film to understand its true meaning. But what I’ve learned is that this film is an experience and is totally up for the viewer's interpretation. If you don’t like open-ended or thought-provoking films with no clear ending stay away, otherwise you should definitely check this thriller film out.

• Director: Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine
• Year Released: 2020

This might be the most captivating documentary put out in recent years. Boys State follows a group of 1100 seventeen-year-old boys from the state of Texas who come together for a week and create their own system of government. I myself am not a fan of anything related to politics, but this documentary didn’t bore me one bit. I think the realism and passion these young men put into their efforts in attempting to become the governor while at the camp is so fascinating. It’s such an intriguing film that takes a deep dive look at the types of people (or kids in this case) who could succeed in the working world today. 

• Director: Denis Villeneuve
• Year Released: 2013

Another one of those movies that could leave people bamboozled which is a big reason I think it is slept on. Enemy follows a man who one day sees a doppelganger of himself and seeks him out in order to find out more. This is without a doubt director Denis Villeneuve’s most underrated film. If you’re able to understand and figure this one out, it’s a crazy ride. And, of course, it has that ending that leaves you saying ‘what the absolute fuck’.

• Director: Trey Edward Shults
• Year Released: 2015

Many of you have probably never even heard of this one, but it’s another Trey Edward Shults movie and also his first feature film. After being gone for 10 years, a woman named Krisha finally gets reunited with her family on Thanksgiving Day. Sounds simple right? Of course not, this is nothing short of hectic and Shults’ unique filmmaking style is clearly established right out the gate. Shults plays around with lens perspective and does a lot of wild movements with the camera. Shults uses his own childhood home as a filming location and he also uses many of his own family members as actors in his film. It’s pretty remarkable how the acting is one of the strongest elements of the movie yet many of them have never done it before. I think that itself speaks to how much of a visionary Trey Edward Shults truly is. Don’t worry, this isn’t the last you’ll see of him on his list.

• Director: Jeremy Saulnier
• Year Released: 2015

A broke and struggling punk rock band is in desperate need of a gig, but when they arrive at their next event shit goes more than sideways and the group is forced to fight against neo-Nazis in order to survive. Believe me, when I tell you that this is a messed up movie, but I think that’s part of the reason I enjoy it so much. There’s a huge shock factor with this film, not just because of the blood and gore but because of the element of unpredictability. I never knew what was going to happen next. Sure, I’ve seen movies where characters have to escape from a tricky situation, but this just does it in such a dark and unique way which makes it extremely fun and original. If you are into dark thriller flicks, I would put this at the top of your radar.

• Director: Greta Gerwig
• Year Released: 2017

Quite the genre shift from the last film. Lady Bird is an outstanding directorial debut from Greta Gerwig. Despite being a little awkward compared to other coming-of-age films, Lady Bird is nothing short of funny, sweet, and heartwarming. The film gets brought to life with amazing performances from Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein, and Timothée Chalamet. If you’re looking for an easy, relaxing, and fun watch to ease your day, look no further than Lady Bird.

• Director: Sean Baker
• Year Released: 2021

The film that, in my opinion, didn’t receive proper recognition and absolutely deserves more attention. Red Rocket is a hilarious film about a once famous pornstar named Mikey (Simon Rex) who is now broke which causes him to return to his hometown in Texas to try and start his life over. Mikey and the movie as a whole are brought to life by an all-time performance from Simon Rex. Definitely check this out if you’re looking for a wacky good time and don’t be surprised if the writer and director of this flick, Sean Baker, is featured in the top ten.

• Director: Ari Aster
• Year Released: 2019

Potentially the most disturbing movie on this list, Midsommar is unforgettable in the least likely way you could imagine. Looking for an escape after a tragedy happens to her parents, Midsommar follows a girl named Dani (Florence Pugh), who joins her boyfriend and others on a trip to a Swedish festival looking for an escape from reality. Sounds semi-normal right? Wrong! Writer and Director Ari Aster has made one of the most deranged movies I’ve ever witnessed. This film completely turns on its head after the first hour and becomes a horrifying psychedelic death trip for Dani and her friends. Be wary when watching this one, you may not come out the same person once the credits roll.

• Director: James Franco
• Year Released: 2017

Oh hi, Mark! You really thought I would start this description any differently? If completely unfamiliar with this film and its history, The Disaster Artist is based on the real-life making of 2003s infamous The Room, which is known to be the greatest worst movie ever made. The man behind all this madness is Tommy Wiseau who one day, after getting repeatedly denied by Hollywood, decided to make his own movie by his own rules. Who would’ve thought the making of the worst film ever made would not only be a good idea but a great movie.

• Director: 2022
• Year Released: Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan

The kookiest yet original idea ever, the Daniels have created a movie that features every emotion I could ever describe. While many different issues begin to blow up in her face, Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) is forced to come to terms with her problems all while attempting to save the multiverse. At its core, it’s all about family ideals and being able to move on, but the film explores these ideas in the most insanely entertaining ways possible while also having it take place in the multiverse. If you haven’t heard about this film yet, you have now, and if you haven’t seen it yet make sure to put this at the top of your list.  

• Director: Sean Baker
• Year Released: 2017

What did I say about Sean Baker…if you don’t have him on your radar at this point you’re making a mistake. What he manages to accomplish with The Florida Project shouldn’t work, but he makes it happen. While living in a rundown motel on the outskirts of Walt Disney World, the film follows a young, troublemaking six-year-old girl named Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her just as troublesome mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) as they go about their lives during the Summertime in Florida.

This film can sometimes be depressing when we are thrown firsthand into the lives of the various hotel residents, but the adventures Moonee and her other friends take mashup well with the downer aspects. This combination creates an experience that’s hard not to enjoy. Look out for future projects from Sean Baker, his name won’t be going anywhere for a while.

• Director: Ari Aster
• Year Released: 2018

With Ari Aster’s directorial debut, he crafts a shocking psychological horror film that will leave you spooked for months. It’s hard to compare Hereditary and Midsommar because they both have extremely different, unique stories. But when having to choose, I like Hereditary more. The film is a slow burn and all throughout the movie there are little easter eggs you can spot that help clue you in towards figuring out what’s going to happen. Definitely another ‘what the fuck’ ending, but not to the levels of some other films on this list.

• Director: Robert Eggers
• Year Released: 2019

It’s tough to put The Lighthouse this high mainly because if you don’t like weird shit, you probably won’t enjoy this movie. But I had an absolute blast with this one. This is Robert Eggers’ sophomore film, following up on The Witch, which proved divisive amongst critics and average moviegoers.

Despite what you thought of The Witch, The Lighthouse was hard to ignore and still highly anticipated by many for a couple of reasons. For starters, the cast was limited to only two actors: Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. These two actors recently have been at the top of their game, so to know that the film was about two lighthouse keepers stuck on a remote island off the coast of New England in the 1890s starring only them…we were bound to be in for a treat. If you like wacky, batshit, crazy, wild films, and somehow missed this one, definitely check this out as soon as possible.

• Director: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
• Year Released: 2017

Safdie Brothers’ first collaboration with A24 is a hit and it captures the Safdie's hectic and chaotic film style in sheer perfect essence. Robert Pattinson provides another powerhouse performance and really runs this movie (literally). The film takes place in New York and is about two brothers whose bank heist goes awry which leads one to try and bail the other (who is mentally handicapped) out of Rikers Island before he gets himself killed. Good Time is an exciting, race against the clock, crime thriller that surprisingly has some heart at its core.

• Director: Alex Garland
• Year Released: 2015

Alex Garland’s first feature is undeniably his best so far. Ex Machina follows a young programmer, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), who gets selected to spend a week at a private mountain retreat belonging to the wealthy and mysterious Nathan (Oscar Issac). But Caleb is thrown off when he quickly discovers he is at the center of a groundbreaking experiment involving artificial intelligence.

The film is full of secrets and there are so many unexpected twists. It’s another one of those slow-burn movies, but it doesn’t really feel like it because while the slower elements of the movie are unfolding, it’s still extremely captivating and never feels like it’s dragging. It’s tough to say more without giving any spoilers away…so I’ll say no more. If you want one more reason to watch this movie, it has one of the greatest spontaneous dance scenes of all time. 

• Director: Barry Jenkins
• Year Released: 2016

The film that caused the 2017 Best Picture Academy Award fiasco. If you call yourself a film buff and haven’t heard of this film or the infamous 89th Academy Awards mess-up by now, you might want to think of a new profession.

Regardless of its past, Moonlight is a heartbreakingly beautiful film about love, identity, and masculinity. Taking place over three different time periods, Chiron grapples with his sexuality while growing up in an extremely harsh environment in South Florida. From start to finish the film is masterfully helmed by writer and director Barry Jenkins. His direction is clear and he crafts one of the most beautiful films of all time. The acting is top notch, but the vibrant colors, musical score, and editing bring this film to the forefront of what can already be considered a modern classic.

• Director: Trey Edward Shults
• Year Released: 2019

Easily the most overlooked A24 movie and film in general, Waves deserves more hype. I’m a huge fan of any movie involving High Schoolers (and clearly Trey Edward Shults since this is his third film on this list), but Trey Edward Shults has created a film far different from a typical High School movie. It takes on heavy themes like overcoming a loss, accepting forgiveness, and navigating love. It's hard to say much without giving away the movie so I'll keep it brief.

Trey Edward Shults adds his super unique filmmaking style to the southern Florida landscape and creates a high octane paced film with wild, colorful shots and a musical soundtrack that includes: Kanye, Tame Impala, Frank Ocean, and many more modern day Hip-Hop R&B artists. If you want to be shocked and looking for a loud, sad, but beautiful original film, look no further than Waves.

• Director: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
• Year Released: 2019

If you know me personally, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Uncut Gems is not only my favorite A24 movie of all time but (one of) my favorite movie of all time. Another Safdie Brothers movie on this list, Uncut Gems takes what Good Time did, and amps it up a level with a killer storyline that took the Safdies over 10 years to write. Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) plays a New York City jeweler who takes a huge risk and gambles in an attempt to pay off high amounts of debt to avoid being hurt by violent collectors. I’ve been a Sandler fan my whole life, and I can happily say that he’s FINALLY returned to form and gives (arguably) his best performance of all time. Another crazy thing about this movie is there are so many first-time actors in the film with the highlight surprisingly being Kevin Garnett, who plays himself. This film is hectic, chaotic, and loud, and I eat every ounce of it up.