10 best A24 movies, ranked

Whether you’re a fan of indie films or just someone who appreciates the occasional bold story on the big screen, A24 has probably wowed you at least once. This entertainment studio has built its reputation on being fearless, often taking chances on stylish and deeply personal films that larger studios might shy away from. Their movies are not about playing it safe, with many often making you feel something, whether that’s a creeping sense of dread, an existential crisis, or the quiet joy of an unexpectedly satisfying ending.

From surreal mega hits like Everything Everywhere All at Once to intimate character studies like Lady Bird, the best A24 movies capture the messy beauty of life in ways that stick with you long after the credits roll. But what makes an A24 movie truly great? Is it the daring visuals? The raw performances? That unmistakable A24 vibe? This list dives into the best of the best — the essential A24 films that have defined the studio and showcased it at its most brilliant and bizarre, with stories that captivated countless cinephiles who count many of these among their favorites.

10. Uncut Gems (2019)

Adam Sandler stars in an against-type dramatic role as the charismatic jeweler, Howard Ratner, in the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems. Set in New York City’s bustling Diamond District, the crime thriller follows Howard’s dizzying experiences as he continues to bet big despite huge losses, with his latest acquisition, a rare black opal from Ethiopia, promising a windfall substantial enough to settle his mounting debts. Things are further complicated when NBA star Kevin Garnett (playing himself) becomes obsessed with the gem, believing it to be a talisman for success. Howard’s precarious balancing act teeters further into chaos, and with the walls closing in, he risks it all for a moonshot.

Uncut Gems is an anxiety-inducing and adrenaline-fueled ride into the psyche of a man addicted to the thrill of the gamble. Sandler is incredible as Howard Ratner, with the actor shedding his comedic persona to embody someone both reprehensible and irresistibly compelling. At its core, the film is about a gambling addiction, with its frenetic pace mirroring Howard’s own manic energy as he makes one bad choice after another.

9. Room (2015)

For five-year-old Jack (Jacob Tremblay), “Room” is the only world he’s ever known, with the confined 10-by-10-foot space being his entire universe. Alongside him is his “Ma,” Joy (Brie Larson), who helps maintain his daily routines, tell bedtime stories, and ultimately remain a comforting presence. Unbeknownst to him, this room is actually a garden shed where Joy has been held captive for seven years by her abductor. When the duo eventually find a way to escape, they find a whole new set of challenges as Jack is thrust into the vast, unfamiliar world outside for the first time. The mother and son duo have to face the pitfalls of their newfound freedom and the difficulties that come with reintegration into society.

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson and based on Emma Donoghue’s eponymous novel, Room is a claustrophobic psychological drama that tugs at the heartstrings. Brie Larson delivers a tour de force performance as Joy, with the actor capturing the character’s quiet strength and vulnerabilities as years of trauma come to the surface. Her portrayal earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and is often cited as one of the best in her career. Larson’s performance is wonderfully complemented by Jacob Tremblay’s depiction of Jack, who conveys the innocence and wonder that come with that age, which are then overwhelmed by the outside world.

8. Hereditary (2018)

Hereditary is one of A24’s earliest and best horror movies. It revolves around a family with dark secrets, including Annie Graham (Toni Collette), a miniature artist, who, ​in the wake of her secretive mother’s death, begins to unravel chilling mysteries about her life. Grief strains her relationships with her 16-year-old son, Peter (Alex Wolff), and 13-year-old daughter, Charlie (Milly Shapiro). When another tragedy befalls the family, Annie dives deeper into her mother’s past, and she uncovers something truly terrifying about the malevolent forces that seem to dictate a terrifying fate for the Grahams.

Directed by Ari Aster in his feature debut, Hereditary is a terrifying nightmare that just keeps getting worse. It blends conventional horror tropes and contemporary techniques to craft a wholly unique viewing experience anchored on familial trauma. The horror movie’s atmosphere is thick with dread, with the build-up of tension becoming almost unbearable. The inevitable payoff is satisfying and one of the genre’s most shocking and horrifying, helping solidify Hereditary’s place as a modern horror classic.

7. Past Lives (2023)

Celine Song’s directorial debut, Past Lives, starts in the bustling city of Seoul, where 12-year-old Na Young (Seung Ah Moon) and Hae Sung (Seung Min Yim) share a tender friendship, with their bond hinting at a budding romance. This friendship is abruptly severed when Na Young’s family emigrates to Canada, leaving Hae Sung behind. Years later, now known as Nora (Greta Lee), she has established herself as a playwright in New York City. A chance online encounter rekindles her relationship with Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), who has remained in South Korea. Despite the passage of time, the spark has endured, yet geographical and personal circumstances prevent a reunion. Nora eventually marries Arthur (John Magaro), an American writer, and continues her life in New York. 12 years later, Hae Sung visits the city, prompting the two to confront their past choices and the concept of