A24 horror movies have garnered a reputation for being some of the best entries in the genre. The independent entertainment company is largely responsible for the “elevated horror” boom. They attract an array of auteur filmmakers with distinct visions and tend to give them a fairly loose leash when it comes to creative control. The end result can be a mixed bag, but more often than not viewers are treated to a memorable horror experience worthy of the crown worn by King Paimon.
Which is the best of the A24 horror movies?
10. Talk To Me (2022)
Directed by Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou
Danny and Michael Philippou take audiences on a wild ride through the world of spirits, possession and a mysterious embalmed hand in their feature directorial debuts. Following a group of friends who discover that they can conjure spirits and become hooked on the thrill of the experience, Talk to Me is a wholly unique horror entry worth of a top 10 spot.
9. Under the Skin (2013)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer
One of the earliest A24 horror movies, this Scarlett Johansson starring sci-fi horror film from director Jonathan Glazer is far from your traditional horror film. Johansson plays a mysterious woman from another world who uses her seductive appearance to prey on unsuspecting men. For many viewers, Under the Skin will be a difficult watch, a slow-moving and meditative exploration of human nature. Johansson was widely applauded for her minimalist performance as The Woman and Glazer’s artistic vision make this an unforgettable experience.
8. Saint Maud (2019)
Directed by Rose Glass
Religious horror is among the most compelling subgenres of horror cinema. Rose Glass clearly understands this as she proved with her directorial debut Saint Maud. Glass also wrote the screenplay which starred Morfydd Clark (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) in the titular role. Part cringe-inducing body horror and part psychological exploration, Saint Maud takes its story to uncomfortable places and forces its audience to join Maud in her quest for a closer relationship with God.
7. X (2022)
Directed by Ti West
My introduction to Ti West was watching The House of the Devil alone in a dark room in 2009. That movie elicited such a feeling unease that I found myself continuously checking over my shoulder and turning on the hall light for a little comfort. From that moment on I was a devoted Ti West admirer. In 2022 West paid homage to the slasher genre with X. Following an adult-film crew shooting a movie on the property of an intrusive elderly couple, a likable cast of characters are hunted down and slaughtered in the most entertaining ways imaginable.
6. The Witch (2015)
Directed by Robert Eggers
In his feature film debut, writer/director Robert Eggers took audiences to 1630’s New England to ask them, “Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?” The film marked the filmmaker’s first collaboration with Anya Taylor-Joy and showcased his vast understanding and passion for making films set far prior to the modern-day. It’s an old-school, simplistic horror story that prioritises mood and performance over excess.
5. The Lighthouse (2019)
Directed by Robert Eggers
“Yer fond of me lobster, aint’ ye?” Robert Eggers delved into complete and utter madness with The Lighthouse and he dragged unsuspecting audiences with him. Set in the isolation of a lighthouse in the 1890’s, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe play a pair of lighthouse keepers spiraling into insanity amidst rising tensions over the course of their four-week stint. There are farts, mermaids, tentacles and lobster, all shot in beautiful black-and-white cinematography.
4. Heretic (2024)
Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Hugh Grant steals the show in this claustrophobic, religiously themed horror film from 2024. Shedding his rom-com persona, Grant fully embodies Mr. Reed, the pseudo-intellectual madman who challenges the faith of two young missionaries in his home. Heretic doesn’t necessarily conjure up new or exciting ideas, but it delivers them in new and exciting ways that make for a viewing experience that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
3. Pearl (2022)
Directed by Ti West
Mia Goth has been around for a while, popping up in horror films for the past decade; however, it wasn’t until she partnered with indie filmmaker Ti West for X and it’s two sequels (Pearl, MaXXXine) that mainstream audiences sat up and took notice. In Pearl Goth gives the best performance of the entire trilogy, at one point delivering an emotional, uncut seven-minute monologue while staring directly into the camera. Acting as a prequel to X, Pearl tells the origins of that film’s antagonist. Set in 1918 during the birth of cinema and inspired by classic films like The Wizard of Oz, this is an entirely unique film unlike any slasher to come before it.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Directed by Ari Aster
Ari Aster’s over-the-top Hereditary plays out like a family drama crossed with an exorcism. Toni Collette proves that she’s a scream-queen for the ages, delivering one of the best performances of her career. Though she was snubbed the Oscar nomination, her delivery of “I am your mother!” stands out, showcasing how far a skilled performance can elevate a film. Aster’s willingness to push the boundaries and take the horrors to places that audiences could never predict makes this an unforgettable viewing that will have you fearful of your own family.
1. Midsommar (2019)
Directed by Ari Aster
Taking the top slot is Ari Aster’s masterful rendition of folk horror. It’s incredible that the top two slots are occupied by the same filmmaker, but Aster has proven himself as one of the greatest visionaries of modern horror cinema. Channeling The Wicker Man and giving Florence Pugh the leading role are just two of the reasons this movie works so well. Taking place nearly entirely in the daylight, Midsommar proves that the scariest things don’t need to hide in the darkness. It truly is the best of the A24 horror movies.
Do you agree with our ranking of A24 horror movies? Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite.
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