The recently released comedy-drama, Everything Everywhere All at Once, has already left its mark in the movie industry. Audiences looking for films with a similar vibe and the same high production value should consider checking out more masterpieces produced by the New York-based indie entertainment company, A24.
Users on Letterboxd – a social media platform for film buffs – have made it easy for viewers to choose the must-see A24 movies. The most popular A24 films may not always get the highest ratings, but they’ve prompted more than enough discussion and debates from audiences to warrant them the top spots on the site.
The Lobster (2015) - Rating: 3.8, Fans: 5.1k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Set in a dystopian future where being single has an unbelievable consequence, The Lobster tells the story of a man and a woman who attempt to form a romantic relationship. They have to do so within 45 days in The Hotel or risk being transformed into an animal of their choice and sent out into The Woods.
The surreal premise and absurd humor make the film truly unique. It sends a powerful message about society’s increasingly idealized and competitive version of love and relationships, raising important questions about what it means to form genuine connections.
The Witch (2015) - Rating: 3.9, Fans: 6.8k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
A devout Christian family’s daily routines are disrupted after a series of mysterious and devastating events in The Witch. Set in New England in the 1630s, the period horror film depicts William and Katherine’s terrifying encounters as they struggle with their five children who are in danger from the evils around their humble homestead.
Instead of relying on cheap jumpscares and familiar tropes, the scary film brilliantly uses ambiance and atmosphere to create an immersive viewing experience. There’s a slow build-up that pays off in a genuinely frightening way as viewers go along with the characters’ dizzying journeys until the movie’s unforgettable ending.
Ex Machina (2015) - Rating: 4.0, Fans: 4.7k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
When Caleb wins a company-wide competition in Ex Machina, he’s beyond excited to spend a week at the reclusive CEO Nathan’s estate. There, he meets Ava, the first real artificial intelligence in the world, at least according to Nathan. He asks for Caleb’s help in administering the Turing test, but things soon take a dark turn when they unexpectedly develop a close bond.
The award-winning sci-fi film has been praised for its original take on the popular subject. It’s initially unclear if Ava is the villain in the movie, which is part of what makes the unpredictable plot so absorbing. There are also numerous unsettling scenes that highlight the ingenuity and dangers of the fictional AI.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) - Rating: 4.5, Fans: 22k
Everything Everywhere All At Once thrusts viewers into its own version of the multiverse where the aging protagonist Evelyn Wang is forced to step up to save the world. Along the way, she catches glimpses of what could have been, which complicates her already shaky relationships with her incompetent husband, demanding father, and angsty daughter.
Aside from its stunning visuals and flawlessly choreographed action sequences, the comedy-drama has a tear-jerking story that fits into the recent trend of popular films about messy families. The riveting movie is as much about the intimate familial connections as it is about the vast multiverse where everything is possible.
Moonlight (2016) - Rating: 4.2, Fans: 16k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Presented in three parts, Moonlight is a coming-of-age drama that depicts crucial stages of its protagonist’s life. From his rough childhood, confusing teenage years, and emotional adulthood, the movie explores his struggles with his identity and sexuality, which are inextricably linked with the way he has been treated by his family and friends.
Audiences can’t be blamed for shedding a tear or two as they witness parts of the main character’s life that are almost too painful to watch. It’s a poignant movie that will stay with viewers long after they’re done watching it.
Uncut Gems (2019) - Rating: 3.9, Fans: 6k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
The critically-acclaimed thriller film Uncut Gems tells the story of Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler with an addiction to gambling. He has to make his biggest bets ever while juggling family problems, encroaching loan sharks, and the safety and storage of a rare opal.
With the movie’s frantic camerawork, fast pace, and stressful story, it’s not surprising that some Redditors believe it should only be watched once. The central figure Howard is also the driving force throughout the film, and viewers will hate and love him for his series of frustrating decisions, some of which will cost him more than he bargained for.
Hereditary (2018) - Rating: 4.0, Fans: 14k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
When a family’s matriarch dies in Hereditary, it seems to set off a chain of horrifying events that will leave the surviving characters shaken to the core. As they uncover more about their ancestry, they begin to question the dark heritage that has irreparably broken everything that they know and love.
The horror film is best seen knowing as little as possible about its stunning twists and grotesque scenes. Its emotional depth, compelling characters, and spine-chilling atmosphere make it an engrossing movie that will have viewers at the edge of their seats.
The Lighthouse (2019) - Rating: 4.1, Fans: 14k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Often cited alongside the best thrillers from recent years, The Lighthouse is centered on two lighthouse keepers’ experiences after becoming stuck on a remote New England island in the 1890s. With a raging storm and dwindling food supply, their conversations take a bizarre turn as it becomes harder to distinguish fantasy from reality.
The genre-busting movie is known for powerhouse performances from its two main characters. It portrays the unnerving effects of isolation and desperation, which are not only obvious through their dialogues, but through the black-and-white world that becomes increasingly ominous around them.
Lady Bird (2017) - Rating: 3.9, Fans: 24k
Available to stream on Netflix.
Set in the sleepy town of Sacramento, California, Lady Bird tells the story of the eponymous high school student who has big dreams of going to New York. She’s tired of being ordinary and hates having to deal with her annoying mother. The protagonist soon learns that growing up too fast isn’t as fun as it seems.
The renowned film is one of the best coming-of-age movies of all time, as its thoughtful depiction of young adulthood rings true for both fans and critics. Its well-written narrative hits all the right emotional marks, in large part thanks to its relatable main character, who makes a lot of the same mistakes that are all too familiar to the film’s target audience.
Midsommar (2019) - Rating: 3.8, Fans: 18k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
When a group of friends travels to Sweden to attend a rare summer festival that’s only held once every 90 years, they find that the festivities aren’t quite what they expect in Midsommar. The horror film depicts their disturbing experiences as the initially cheery festival slowly turns sinister.
With its gorgeous visuals serving as a stark contrast to its violent scenes, the award-winning movie gives audiences a truly captivating and disconcerting viewing experience. Just like the disoriented characters, they’ll be drawn into the fascinating but dangerous group before they realize what’s actually happening behind the scenes.