9 Great A24 Movies That Nobody Talks About

As a film fan, I’ve been consistently impressed with A24 over the last ten years. They’ve become a real powerhouse for independent films that critics consistently love. What I really appreciate about them is how much creative freedom they give directors. It’s rare to find a studio that trusts filmmakers enough to let them bring their unique vision to life without a ton of interference, and that’s exactly what A24 does. It means you can be confident the movie you’re seeing is truly what the director intended.

A24 has become known for producing some of the most highly praised films of recent years. Their movies have earned major awards, including Best Picture wins for films like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Moonlight. Other critically acclaimed and award-nominated films include Past Lives, Marty Supreme, Sing Sing, Ex Machina, Uncut Gems, Lady Bird, and I Saw the TV Glow. Despite their success, some of A24’s best films haven’t received the attention they deserve.

A24 has a surprising number of overlooked films – everything from low-budget releases that didn’t get much attention, to even critically acclaimed movies that have faded from memory quickly. This highlights just how consistently strong A24’s catalog is, even beyond their biggest hits.

On The Rocks (2020)

The movie On the Rocks came out on a streaming service during the pandemic and didn’t get much attention, which is unfortunate. It features a talented cast and director. The film centers around a father and daughter who team up to investigate whether the daughter’s husband is cheating.

Rashida Jones stars as the main character, with Marlon Wayans playing her husband and Bill Murray as her father. Murray’s performance was particularly well-received, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film, On the Rocks, was praised by critics and adds to the impressive body of work of director Sofia Coppola.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco (2019)

Before directing Adele’s “I Drink Wine” music video, Joe Talbot made his first feature film, The Last Black Man in San Francisco. The movie is essentially a heartfelt tribute to his hometown, the Bay Area, and shows how much the area’s neighborhoods have changed over time.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco tells the story of Jimmie Falls and his quest to recover his grandfather’s house in a rapidly changing city. Along the way, Jimmie and his close friend grapple with how much the neighborhood has transformed. Despite being under the radar, the film has earned a strong 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Laggies (2014)

A24’s early films include the charming Laggies, a fresh take on the romantic comedy. The movie follows Megan, a 28-year-old woman questioning her life after a proposal. She finds herself at a friend’s house with her dad, where she starts to explore new options and possibilities.

The movie Laggies is successful largely due to the skill of its actors, particularly Keira Knightley, who gives a standout performance. It also features a strong supporting cast including Sam Rockwell, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ellie Kemper, and Kaitlyn Dever. While reviews weren’t overwhelmingly positive, it’s a surprisingly good film that deserves more attention.

The Farewell (2019)

A24’s film, The Farewell, is a deeply moving story. Based on writer and director Lulu Wang’s own life experiences, it centers around a Chinese American woman whose family decides not to tell her grandmother about a serious illness, keeping the truth hidden as they spend precious time together.

This kicks off a heartfelt journey for the main character, Billi, as she connects with her family and learns a difficult truth. Awkwafina gives an outstanding performance as Billi, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. However, despite the critical acclaim and award, The Farewell is surprisingly often overlooked when people talk about A24’s greatest films.

Eighth Grade (2018)

Bo Burnham is a remarkably talented comedian who’s gained a lot of attention over the last ten years. He’s known for his excellent stand-up shows, and recently made a successful comeback with Inside, a special created during the pandemic. While he was away from live performance, he also wrote and directed a wonderful film about growing up.

The movie Eighth Grade follows a teenage girl as she deals with anxiety and tries to fit in at school. She begins vlogging and quickly becomes consumed with social media. Critics have given the film rave reviews – it currently has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the best teen comedies in recent years.

Green Room (2015)

Patrick Stewart is best known for playing iconic characters like Captain Picard and Professor X. However, one of his most impressive performances is a surprisingly different role – he plays the villain in the film Green Room.

Okay, so I recently watched Green Room, and it’s seriously intense. It takes place at this super isolated club way up in the Pacific Northwest, and the story kicks off when a punk band accidentally sees a murder. Then things go downhill fast as they’re attacked by a group of Neo-Nazi skinheads. It’s a really claustrophobic thriller, and honestly, Anton Yelchin (rest in peace) is fantastic in it. Patrick Stewart is absolutely terrifying as the villain, and Imogen Poots and Alia Shawkat both deliver really strong performances too. Definitely a gripping watch if you like tense, gritty movies.

Zola (2020)

Few movies are based on stranger-than-fiction true stories than Zola. The film’s unbelievable plot actually originated from a series of viral tweets, which were so captivating they were eventually featured in a Rolling Stone article.

The movie Zola follows a dancer (Taylour Paige) who is persuaded by a friend and coworker (Riley Keough) to go to Florida for a potentially lucrative job. However, the trip quickly becomes chaotic and leads to a series of shocking and unforeseen events. The film was praised for its strong writing and the actors’ performances.

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2021)

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a remarkably creative film from A24 – and that’s high praise considering the studio’s reputation. The movie blends stop-motion animation with live-action footage, and it expands on the story from the earlier, beloved Marcel the Shell short films. Jenny Slate provides the voice for Marcel, and Dean Fleischer Camp directed both the shorts and this feature-length film.

The film centers around Marcel, a small shell who lives with his grandmother. When their homemade videos go viral online, Marcel gains unexpected internet fame. He uses this newfound attention in a heartfelt attempt to find his missing family, resulting in a deeply moving story.

The Green Knight (2021)

Director David Lowery has been gaining attention recently with his film Mother Mary. He’s particularly known for his distinctive filmmaking style, showcased in The Green Knight, which many consider to be one of his best movies.

The Green Knight is a visually stunning fantasy film starring Dev Patel as Gawain, who sets out on a journey to prove his bravery and confront the mysterious Green Knight. Though the A24 film wasn’t a box office success, critics highly praised its beautiful visuals, acting, music, and overall production quality.

2026-05-25 18:43