15 best A24 films: A definitive guide to groundbreaking cinema (2025)
The evolution of A24’s most acclaimed films
Since its founding in 2012, A24 has revolutionized independent cinema with a remarkable collection of groundbreaking films that challenge conventions and push creative boundaries. The studio’s evolution from indie darling to major industry player is best illustrated through its most acclaimed releases.
At the forefront of A24’s success stands ”Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022), a genre-defying masterpiece that became the studio’s highest-grossing film, earning over $140 million worldwide. The film’s unprecedented success, coupled with multiple Academy Award wins, marked a turning point for A24’s commercial and critical recognition according to industry analysts.
The studio’s commitment to authentic storytelling emerged early with ”Moonlight” (2016), which redefined expectations for independent cinema. This intimate portrait of identity and sexuality not only won the Academy Award for Best Picture but also established A24’s reputation for championing diverse voices and unconventional narratives.
Recent breakthrough achievements
In recent years, A24 has continued to push boundaries with films like ”Past Lives” (2023), which exemplifies the studio’s evolution toward more nuanced, character-driven storytelling. The film’s exploration of cultural identity and lost connections resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike as noted by leading film critics.
”The Whale” (2022) further demonstrated A24’s ability to attract top talent and produce emotionally resonant cinema. Brendan Fraser’s Oscar-winning performance highlighted the studio’s knack for facilitating career-defining roles and tackling challenging subject matter.
Contemporary innovations
Most recently, A24’s slate has expanded to include more ambitious projects that blend artistic vision with commercial appeal. Films like ”Civil War” and ”Love Lies Bleeding” (both 2024) showcase the studio’s growing confidence in tackling larger-scale productions while maintaining their distinctive artistic approach as revealed in industry reports.
- Increased focus on genre-blending narratives
- Greater investment in visually ambitious productions
- Continued support for emerging filmmakers
- Expansion into international markets
- Enhanced commitment to diverse storytelling
Through this evolution, A24 has maintained its core identity as a champion of innovative filmmaking while successfully adapting to changing audience expectations and industry demands. The studio’s journey from small independent distributor to major cultural influencer represents one of the most significant developments in modern cinema.
Must-watch A24 dramas and character studies: defining moments in independent cinema
A24 has established itself as a powerhouse in character-driven storytelling, crafting intimate dramas that resonate deeply with audiences. Here’s a curated selection of the studio’s most compelling dramatic works that showcase its mastery of character studies.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut stands as one of A24’s most celebrated character studies. The film follows Christine ”Lady Bird” McPherson through her final year of high school, capturing the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships with remarkable authenticity. Saoirse Ronan’s nuanced performance, alongside Laurie Metcalf, creates a deeply moving portrait of family life and self-discovery. The film’s wit and emotional depth earned it widespread critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.
The Farewell (2019)
Lulu Wang’s poignant drama explores cultural identity and family bonds through the story of a Chinese-American woman returning to China to visit her terminally ill grandmother. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance grief and comedy while examining the cultural differences between East and West. Awkwafina’s breakthrough dramatic performance earned universal praise, demonstrating A24’s talent for showcasing actors in transformative roles.
Past Lives (2023)
Celine Song’s directorial debut emerges as one of A24’s most sophisticated examinations of relationships and destiny. The film delicately weaves together themes of cultural identity, lost connections, and the paths not taken. Following two childhood friends separated by emigration, Past Lives creates a mesmerizing exploration of how time and distance shape our lives and relationships.
Minari (2020)
Lee Isaac Chung’s semi-autobiographical drama about a Korean-American family in Arkansas represents A24’s commitment to authentic storytelling. The film’s gentle approach to themes of family, identity, and the American dream resonated with audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Waves (2019)
Trey Edward Shults crafts an emotionally charged family drama that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The film’s innovative structure and powerful performances from Sterling K. Brown and Kelvin Harrison Jr. create an intense examination of family dynamics under pressure. Its bold visual style and raw emotional power exemplify A24’s willingness to take creative risks in pursuit of authentic storytelling.
Essential performances and recurring themes
- Complex family dynamics and intergenerational relationships
- Cultural identity and immigrant experiences
- Coming-of-age narratives that challenge conventions
- Exploration of personal growth and self-discovery
- Nuanced portrayals of everyday life and human connection
These character studies demonstrate A24’s commitment to nuanced storytelling and their ability to attract talented filmmakers who can craft deeply personal narratives. Through these films, the studio has helped redefine what audiences expect from contemporary drama, proving that intimate, character-driven stories can resonate just as powerfully as big-budget spectacles.
Genre-defining A24 horror and thrillers
A24 has revolutionised the horror and thriller genres with their unique approach to storytelling, creating some of the most memorable and haunting films of recent years. Here’s a look at their standout contributions to these genres.
The witch: A new era of folk horror
Robert Eggers’ directorial debut ”The Witch” (2015) marked a turning point for modern horror cinema. Set in 1630s New England, this meticulously crafted period piece follows a Puritan family’s descent into paranoia and supernatural terror. The film’s commitment to historical accuracy, from its period-accurate dialogue to authentic costume design, created an unprecedented level of immersion that earned critical acclaim and established A24’s reputation for elevated horror according to industry analyses.
Hereditary: Redefining psychological horror
Ari Aster’s ”Hereditary” (2018) pushed the boundaries of psychological horror with its devastating exploration of grief and family trauma. Toni Collette’s powerhouse performance and the film’s unflinching approach to emotional and supernatural horror created a new benchmark for the genre. The film’s success, both critically and commercially, demonstrated A24’s ability to blend arthouse sensibilities with genuine scares.
Midsommar: Daylight terror
Following the success of ”Hereditary,” Ari Aster’s ”Midsommar” (2019) subverted horror conventions by setting its terrifying events in broad daylight. The film’s striking visual style and Florence Pugh’s compelling performance created a unique horror experience that challenged audience expectations. Critics and audiences alike praised its innovative approach to folk horror traditions.
The lighthouse: Psychological isolation
Robert Eggers’ ”The Lighthouse” (2019) further cemented A24’s reputation for boundary-pushing horror. Shot in black-and-white with a nearly square aspect ratio, this psychological thriller starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe created a claustrophobic study of isolation and madness. The film’s technical excellence and commanding performances exemplify A24’s commitment to pushing genre conventions.
Under the skin: Avant-garde thriller
Jonathan Glazer’s ”Under the Skin” (2013) stands as one of A24’s earliest and most experimental entries in the thriller genre. Starring Scarlett Johansson as an otherworldly entity prowling the streets of Glasgow, the film combines art house aesthetics with genuine unease to create something entirely unique. Its bold approach to narrative and visual storytelling has influenced countless films since its release.
These films represent A24’s significant contribution to horror and thriller genres, consistently pushing boundaries while maintaining high production values and artistic integrity. Their approach has not only redefined what these genres can achieve but has also created a new standard for intelligent, thought-provoking genre cinema.
Award-winning A24 films that changed cinema
A24 has revolutionised independent cinema with several groundbreaking films that have garnered critical acclaim and prestigious awards. These standout productions have not only achieved commercial success but have fundamentally changed how audiences and critics view independent filmmaking.
”Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022) stands as A24’s crowning achievement, becoming the studio’s highest-grossing film with over £114 million worldwide. The film’s unprecedented success at the 95th Academy Awards, where it won seven awards including Best Picture, marked a watershed moment for independent cinema. Its innovative storytelling and genre-bending approach have redefined what’s possible in modern filmmaking.
”Moonlight” (2016) broke new ground as the first LGBTQ+ film and first film with an all-black cast to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Beyond its historical significance, the film’s intimate portrayal of identity and sexuality has influenced countless filmmakers and storytellers. Director Barry Jenkins’ masterful direction earned widespread acclaim, with the film maintaining a near-perfect critical score on Rotten Tomatoes.
More recently, ”The Whale” (2022) demonstrated A24’s ability to platform career-defining performances, with Brendan Fraser’s portrayal earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film’s exploration of complex themes and emotional depth exemplifies A24’s commitment to challenging conventional storytelling while maintaining critical acclaim.
Recent award-winning breakthroughs
”Past Lives” (2023) has continued A24’s tradition of excellence, earning widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. The film’s delicate exploration of cultural identity and lost connections showcases the studio’s ability to tell universal stories through specific cultural lenses whilst pushing cinematic boundaries.
The success of these films has established A24 as a powerhouse in independent cinema, with their distinctive approach to storytelling and marketing setting new industry standards. Their commitment to diverse voices and unconventional narratives has not only earned them critical acclaim but has also helped reshape audience expectations of what independent cinema can achieve in the modern era.
- Academy Award Victories: Multiple wins across various categories
- Box Office Success: Consistent commercial performance alongside critical acclaim
- Critical Recognition: High scores on major review aggregators
- Industry Impact: Setting new standards for independent filmmaking
These award-winning productions have helped establish A24 as a mark of quality in contemporary cinema, consistently delivering films that challenge conventions while maintaining broad appeal. Their success has influenced both mainstream and independent filmmaking, creating a new standard for thoughtful, innovative storytelling in the industry.
Upcoming A24 releases for British audiences
A24 has an exciting lineup of films slated for release in the UK throughout 2024 and 2025. Here’s what British cinephiles can look forward to in the coming months.
Early 2024 releases
Leading the pack is ”Love Lies Bleeding,” set to hit British cinemas on March 8, 2024. This action crime drama stars Kristen Stewart and explores the intense world of competitive bodybuilding. The film, directed by Rose Glass, promises to deliver A24’s signature blend of genre-defying storytelling and compelling character development.
Another highly anticipated release is ”Civil War,” arriving in UK theatres on April 12, 2024. Directed by Alex Garland and featuring Kirsten Dunst, this ambitious project marks A24’s largest production budget to date according to industry reports.
Mid-2024 highlights
”A Different Man,” starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, is scheduled for an October 2024 release in the UK. The psychological thriller follows an actor who undergoes reconstructive surgery, leading to unexpected consequences in his pursuit of a dream role.
”Y2K,” a nostalgic comedy-drama directed by Kyle Mooney, will arrive in British cinemas following its successful premiere at South by Southwest. The film features an ensemble cast including Rachel Zegler and Julian Dennison, offering a fresh take on the millennium bug panic of the late 1990s.
Looking ahead to 2025
The most anticipated A24 release for 2025 is ”Death of a Unicorn,” featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. This horror-thriller, expected to reach UK audiences in spring 2025, blends supernatural elements with social commentary. The film explores themes of class division and environmental destruction, continuing A24’s tradition of thought-provoking genre cinema.
”Friendship,” another promising addition to A24’s 2025 lineup, pairs Tim Robinson with Paul Rudd in what promises to be an unconventional comedy. While specific UK release dates haven’t been confirmed, the film is expected to arrive in British cinemas during the latter half of 2025 following its festival circuit run.
These upcoming releases demonstrate A24’s continued commitment to innovative storytelling and diverse genres, offering British audiences a mix of established talent and emerging voices in contemporary cinema.
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