19 A24 movies that are a must-watch if you like well-made Indie films

80th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty
80th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty

A24 is known for producing and distributing some of the best original movies. Since its inception in 2012, they have earned a reputation in the film industry for their poignant and resonating movies. They are known for taking risks and curating movies with priority over quality. A24 has amassed a devoted fanbase for its wide range of themes. So in this list, we will talk about 19 A24 movies that are a must-watch if you like well-made Indie films.

1) Civil War

2024 SXSW Conference And Festival - A Conversation with Civil War Filmmaker Alex Garland and Cast - Source: Getty
2024 SXSW Conference And Festival - A Conversation with Civil War Filmmaker Alex Garland and Cast - Source: Getty

This A24 movie is based on a dystopian film that depicts the destruction caused by the brutal civil war. Civil War tells the story of a team of journalists who embark on a journey to reach the White House to interview the President before he is overthrown. The movie is a thought-provoking exploration portraying a chillingly plausible scenario.

2) Ex Machina

"Ex Machina" - 2015 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival - Source: Getty
"Ex Machina" - 2015 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival - Source: Getty

Ex Machina explores the complex and unsettling relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. It tells the story of Cakeb Smith who is a talented programmer and his interaction with a humanoid AI named Ava. The movie is intelligent and visually stunning. It provides a thought-provoking atmosphere that leaves us questioning the future of technology.

3)Talk to me

2024 AACTA Awards Ceremony Presented By Foxtel Group - Ceremony - Source: Getty
2024 AACTA Awards Ceremony Presented By Foxtel Group - Ceremony - Source: Getty

Talk To Me is a must-watch A24 movie that tells the story of a group of teenagers who discover a way to conjure spirits. Although the movie starts with a thrilling and dangerous game it quickly turns to spiral and goes out of control. The concept of the movie is deeply unsettling and explores the deep themes of trauma and grief.

4) Midsommar

"Midsommar" New York Screening - Source: Getty
"Midsommar" New York Screening - Source: Getty

Midsommar tells the story of Dani who is struggling with anxiety and a recent family tragedy. Dani then travels with her boyfriend to go on a trip to a Midsummer festival. Though the movie starts with an idyllic retreat, it quickly turns out to be a disturbing and surreal experience. The movie is visually stunning but creates a sense of unease from the beginning.

5) The Witch

Three Empire Awards - Show - Source: Getty
Three Empire Awards - Show - Source: Getty

This A24 movie is set in 17th Century New England and provides a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere from the beginning. When the youngest child of a Puritan family who is banished from their plantation and is forced to live in a remote and isolated place, vanishes a dark presence is felt. The event is followed by livestock getting mutilated and paranoia takes over the family. The movie provides a meticulously researched depiction with historical accuracy of the Puritan beliefs and practices.

6) Everything Everywhere All at Once

95th Annual Academy Awards - Show - Source: Getty
95th Annual Academy Awards - Show - Source: Getty

Everything Everywhere All At Once has received immense popularity in recent times along with several accolades including the Academy Award for Best Picture. The movie is about a Chinese-American laundromat owner who is struggling with her business along with her relationship with her father who is demanding. Eventually, she learns about her capabilities and is faced with the task of saving the multiverse. The movie when watched has a strong impact on the viewers for its thought-provoking themes of identity and self-discovery.

7) A Ghost Story

"A Ghost Story" Premiere - 2017 Sundance Film Festival - Source: Getty

The movie tells the story of a couple who goes by the C and M. After C dies, he returns in the form of a ghost. He silently observes M in the house where they live and watches as M grieves his death but eventually moves on. The movie has a profound portrayal of grief which resonates with the viewers and leaves a lasting impact.

8) Heretic

Premiere of the horror film "Heretic" - Source: Getty
Premiere of the horror film "Heretic" - Source: Getty

Heretic tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries who find themselves in a complicated situation when they knock on the wrong door. They quickly get entangled in a trap as the story progresses. This A24 movie delves into the themes of the clash between faith and doubt and the nature of evil which shrouds the character of Mr. Reed.

9) Lady Bird

70th Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards - Show - Source: Getty
70th Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards - Show - Source: Getty

Lady Bird tells the story of Christine who is a high school senior navigating through the complexities of her relationship with her mother. She also struggles with her current social status of lower middle class, unlike the other students of her school. She dreams of leaving Sacramento for a more exciting life. This A24 movie is funny but also delves into the deeper themes of socioeconomic differences and ambition. The movie has won several accolades including five nominations at the Academy Awards.

10) Moonlight

89th Academy Awards - Source: Getty
89th Academy Awards - Source: Getty

Moonlight is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s unpublished semi-autobiographical play named In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. This A24 movie tells the story of Chiron through three defining chapters of his life. His childhood, adolescence, and adulthood have been explored in the movie. The movie’s poetic style has been appreciated by the viewers.

11) Eighth Grade

Celebrities Visit Build - July 20, 2018 - Source: Getty
Celebrities Visit Build - July 20, 2018 - Source: Getty

Eighth Grade tells the story of Kayla Day an eighth-grade student who is struggling with self-image. The movie is directed by Bo Burnham and is a coming-of-age movie. Kayla is quiet and introverted, struggling to connect with her peers however, she puts forward a confident persona on her YouTube channel. This A24 movie perfectly captures the struggle and awkwardness of adolescence in the digital age in a fun and profound way. The movie has won several accolades including an Independent Spirit Award.

12) 20th Century Women

"20th Century Women" New York Screening - Source: Getty
"20th Century Women" New York Screening - Source: Getty

20th Century Woman is a movie that tells the story of Dorothea who is raising her teenage son as a single mother. The movie delves into the complexities of Dorothea who is an independent woman trying to navigate with changing times and sort out her relationship with her son. This movie celebrates women for their strength in overcoming hurdles and is a must-watch A24 movie.

13) Waves

"Waves" Atlanta Premiere - Source: Getty
"Waves" Atlanta Premiere - Source: Getty

Waves tell the story of a Black family exploring their lives and relationships during a tumultuous period. The movie mainly focuses on Tyler who is a high school wrestler struggling under immense pressure from his father. The themes of love, family, and mental health have been deeply explored in this A24 movie.

14) The Florida Project

Hammer Museum Presents The Contenders 2017 - "The Florida Project" - Source: Getty
Hammer Museum Presents The Contenders 2017 - "The Florida Project" - Source: Getty

The viewers have noted The Florida Project as a must-watch A24 movie for its beautiful and heartbreaking story. The movie is about Moone, a six-year-old girl who lives in a budget motel with her mother. The movie delves into the stark distinction between Moone’s reality and the fantasy world that the Walt Disney World represents.

15) Swiss Army Man

American Airlines Presents Empire Live: 'Swiss Army Man' and 'Imperium' Gala Screening - VIP Arrivals - Source: Getty
American Airlines Presents Empire Live: 'Swiss Army Man' and 'Imperium' Gala Screening - VIP Arrivals - Source: Getty

Swiss Army Man tells the story of Hank who is stranded on a deserted island. Hank is on the verge of giving up hope and is prepared to end it all. However, he discovers a dead body that washed up the shore and names the corpse Manny. Hank forms a unique bond with Manny. He starts to use Manny for bizarre purposes and tries to survive and get back to civilization with its help. This A24 movie is unique and unforgettable according to the viewers.

16) Close

75th Cannes Film Festival award winner photocall - Source: Getty
75th Cannes Film Festival award winner photocall - Source: Getty

Close revolves around two 13-year-old boys, Leo and Remi are have a close bond with each other. Their friendship is effortless and natural however, it is suddenly challenged when their classmates begin to question the nature of their relationship. This causes a gradual distance between them forcing them to understand the true meaning of friendship. This A24 movie is emotional and portrays sensitive issues in a nuanced manner.

17) Aftersun

2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty
2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty

Aftersun revolves around the story of Sophie and Calum, Sophie’s father, who were on a vacation twenty years ago. This A24 movie blends the home video-style recordings of them twenty years ago with the present-day reflections of an Adult Sophie. There is a subtle hint of melancholy and underlying tension throughout the movie as it delves into nostalgia.

18) The Farewell

"The Farewell" - 11th Annual BAMcinemaFest Opening Night - Source: Getty
"The Farewell" - 11th Annual BAMcinemaFest Opening Night - Source: Getty

The Farewell tells the story of Billi and her beloved grandmother Nai Nai. Billi who recently got rejected from the Guggenheim Fellowship visits her grandmother who is unaware of her terminal illness. As Billi spends time with her grandmother their bond becomes closer as her grandmother encourages her to not be hung up on failures. This A24 movie is based on Director Lulu Wang’s own life experience and explores the themes of love, family, and cultural identity which have resonated with the viewers.

19) The Lobster

"The Lobster" Premiere - The 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty
"The Lobster" Premiere - The 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty

The Lobster tells the story of David who lives in a world where if someone is single for 45 days they are turned into an animal of their choice. As David struggles to find a romantic partner he joins a rebel group who have rejected this custom of the world. When David joins the rebel group he finds a unique connection with an enigmatic stranger for whom David starts to harbor strong feelings. This A24 movie is thrilling and resonates with the viewers.

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Edited by Zainab Shaikh