One of the most popular film companies producing movies is A24. With indie hit after indie hit, this studio focuses on art-heavy, aesthetically-pleasing movies that tell unique and unconventional stories. That is what makes them so popular. They have a big following now, a belief that, if it comes from A24, it’s going to be wonderfully weird. Some of the studio’s top hits have been nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture, like Moonlight, Lady Bird, and Minari. Even more remarkable is that, throughout its major success, the company has stayed true to its roots and has continued producing Independent films, spotlighting stories from all different walks of life.
Now, from such a popular production company, there are naturally movies that have huge fan followings. The movies that have carried the company and made a name for themselves. Then, there are those that are equally well-made with compelling stories and artistic vision that do not get enough love and attention. As such, here is a list of the most underrated A24 movies.
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1 20th Century Women
Annapurna Pictures
20th Century Women was written and directed by Mike Mills. The film follows Annette Benning’s character, Dorothea, and her journey in raising her teenage son with the enlisted help of an assortment of people that board at her house. Set in 1970s California, the film is visually stunning with that typical A24 flair. The film also uses editing to its advantage, using a ton of footage from the 70s to lock in that feel and create an atmosphere as we get to know each of the characters individually. A great story of growing up, growing old, and how people effect each other, 20th Century Women is one of A24’s best.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
2 Eighth Grade
A24 / Sony Pictures
Comedian Bo Burnham is the mastermind behind the coming of age film, Eighth Grade. The film follows Kayla as she struggles with anxiety, social situations, and the end of her eighth grade career. Elsie Fisher plays Kayla, and delivers one of the most authentic and rawest performances of film and beyond, capturing the painfully awkward, and the genuine feel of being a middle schooler. The performances and brilliant directing by Burnham creates this beautiful A24 movie.
3 The Spectacular Now
21 Laps Entertainment
An unsung classic in the era of book to movie adaptations. Based on the novel by Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now was directed by James Ponsoldt and stars Shailene Woodley (Divergent, Big Little Lies) and Miles Teller (Footloose, Top Gun:Maverick). The movie follows high school student and social outcast, Aimee, and her unlikely friendship and relationship with the party animal, Sutter. With such authentic performances from Woodley and Teller, and a script that enabled them to talk the way teenagers would talk and behave, this film is a raw look into the world of relationships, both familial and marital.
4 A Most Violent Year
A24
The 2014 crime drama A Most Violent Year stars Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) as a married couple who are in a bout of trouble as Abel’s (Isaac) company keeps getting stolen from. The movie poses the question of when is violence the answer, and if it’s the only answer. We get to see both sides argued between husband and wife, and the ripple of effects that comes from one choice. With a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a performance that earned a Golden Globe nomination for Chastain, this A24 movie gives it all to the crime drama world and earns a lot in return.
5 Green Room
Green Room follows a pop punk band trying to make money once their tour is canceled, as they run into unexpected trouble, turning their lives into a horror movie. With stars Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders), and Patrick Stewart (X-Men), this film manages to take on a hard subject, with the punk band getting mixed up with neo-Nazi extremists after witnessing a murder. With a fantastic soundtrack that includes the fictional band, the Ain’t Rights, stunning pacific northwest cinematography, and stellar performances, this A24 film shines in the horror-thriller genre.
6 Swiss Army Man
Swiss Army Man is one of the most imaginative and unconventional stories, which is maybe why it was glossed over. Stranded on an island, Hank decides to hang himself, but comes across a body. Trying to save the body, he eventually stops the effort when he realized that the person is, indeed, dead. He then is proven wrong when Manny begins to become useful and gains human-like qualities. With Paul Dano (The Batman) and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) as Hank and Manny, respectively, this film explores the joys of being alive and being human, and the acceptance of oneself.
7 Waves
Guy Grand Productions
The visually stunning and creative story of two siblings is one of the most underrated A24 films. Waves follows Tyler and Emily from before a life-altering event, and after. Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays Tyler, the athlete who has the dream career laid out in front of him, who eventually cracks under the pressure and becomes violent. Taylor Russel plays Emily, the sister who has to learn how to pick up the pieces and learn to love and be open again once tragedy strikes. A compelling story of relationships, hardships, and grief wrapped with beautiful cinematography and wonderful performances sells it as an A24 film through and through.
