A24 has firmly positioned itself as the vanguard of independent cinema, delivering films that are as innovative as they are emotionally stirring. Known for their bold, boundary-pushing narratives, A24’s films tackle everything from identity and grief to the most unsettling aspects of the human condition. Here’s a look at the top 10 A24 films that have redefined modern filmmaking.
10. Eighth Grade (2018)
Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade is a painfully real portrayal of the awkwardness and uncertainty of adolescence. Through the lens of Kayla, a shy middle-schooler trying to navigate the digital age, the film beautifully captures the struggles of growing up in an online world, resonating with both teenagers and adults alike.
9. The Florida Project (2017)
Sean Baker’s The Florida Project offers a candid look at childhood in the shadows of society. Shot through the eyes of six-year-old Moonee, it captures the wonder and hardship of life in a run-down motel near Disney World. The film is vibrant, emotional, and incredibly moving, with standout performances from newcomer Brooklynn Prince and Willem Dafoe.
8. Midsommar (2019)
Ari Aster’s follow-up to Hereditary, Midsommar is a sunlit nightmare that explores grief, trauma, and the clash of cultures. Set against the backdrop of a Swedish pagan festival, the film combines unsettling imagery with a slow-burn psychological horror that leaves you in a state of constant unease.
7. Past Lives (2023)
Celine Song’s Past Lives is a beautiful, restrained exploration of love, fate, and missed connections. Following two childhood friends who reunite years later, the film meditates on the passage of time, the choices we make, and the people who shape us.
6. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary redefined horror by merging supernatural dread with a raw portrayal of family trauma. Toni Collette’s incredible performance anchors this terrifying journey into grief, guilt, and the horrific secrets that families try to bury. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
5. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird is a sharp, heartfelt exploration of the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, set against the backdrop of a teenager’s coming-of-age story in Sacramento. With nuanced performances and witty dialogue, it perfectly captures the confusion and beauty of adolescence.
4. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
This wildly inventive film from Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert takes the multiverse concept to dizzying heights, yet remains grounded in deeply human themes of family, identity, and purpose. The film’s blend of absurdity and emotional depth makes it a singular experience that captivated audiences and critics alike.
3. Minari (2020)
Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a deeply personal and poignant film about a Korean-American family trying to start a farm in rural Arkansas. It beautifully captures the immigrant experience, blending humour, hardship, and the search for identity with breathtaking performances, particularly from Steven Yeun.
2. The Lighthouse (2019)
Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse is a claustrophobic descent into madness, filmed in stunning black-and-white with an aspect ratio that makes you feel trapped alongside its two main characters. A delirious mix of dark humour and horror, the film explores themes of isolation and insanity, with powerhouse performances from Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.
1. Moonlight (2016)
A sweeping, poetic exploration of identity, love, and survival, Moonlight is a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this story follows Chiron’s coming-of-age journey across three stages of his life, tackling themes of race, sexuality, and the complexities of growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. It’s a movie that broke barriers, culminating in its historic Oscar win for Best Picture.
Final Thoughts
A24’s films are more than just movies; they’re experiences that challenge, inspire, and haunt long after the screen goes dark. Whether they’re exploring deep emotional terrain or creating surreal cinematic landscapes, these ten films represent the best of what independent cinema has to offer.
