A24 is the studio that revived the American independent cinema and, apart from producing many of the best-received dramas of the last few years, it has also been behind some of the staples of modern horror cinema. Every time A24’s name is attached to a new horror movie we are filled with eagerness, and this is nothing but a testament to the high-standards the production company has made up for itself.
If you are a fan of horror movies, you’ve probably already seen most of the titles on this list, but if you’re new to the genre, this selection of films, especially the top five titles, is a great place to start. Let us know in the comments how you would rank A24’s horror films.
10. The Hole In The Ground (2019)
Lee Cronin’s debut feature-length film follows Sarah (Seána Kerslake), a mother who, after leaving her husband, moves to an isolated near-the-woods house in the Irish countryside and tries to start a new life along with her young son Chris (James Quinn Markey). One night, Chris disappears into the forest and, when he returns, he starts acting increasingly stranger. Soon, Sarah links her son’s unusual behavior with a mysterious sinkhole in the forest.
This A24 horror film has its share of creepy moments, some beautiful cinematography, a great soundtrack and pretty solid performances from its cast. Unfortunately, its pacing problems and undeveloped story turn it into a middling experience. However, this is better than the average horror movie and you should still check it out if you’re a fan of the genre.
9. In Fabric (2018)
Directed by Peter Strickland (“Berberian Sound Studio”, “The Duke Of Burgundy”), “In Fabric” is a Giallo-inspired horror-comedy about a cursed dress and the devastating consequences it has on two of its unlucky owners.
This is another highly stylized, surrealistic and very original entry in Strickland’s catalogue and, while his films are certainly an acquired taste, if you are into Giallo or you’ve enjoyed the director’s previous work, you will surely find many things to like about “In Fabric”.
8. The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
Directed by Oz Perkins (son of Anthony Perkins), “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” mostly takes place at a prep school, where two girls are left alone after their parents inexplicably don’t appear to take them home for the winter break. At the same time, the film follows a young woman who is desperate to arrive at the school for unknown reasons.
Oz Perkins’ directorial debut is not a flawless film, but it certainly has a lot to offer. Despite a simple plot, a somewhat abrupt ending, and some moments of mediocre acting, the film manages to create a really creepy atmosphere and doesn’t spoil it with cheap jump scares like so many bad horror movies.
Even more, the film makes great use of its soundtrack, which is perfectly balanced with moments of silence, which can sometimes be much more frightening than any loud and creepy music. The film’s narrative also caught our attention. The story unfolds in a very captivating way, using many timeline jumps, and this creates a state of confusion and mystery that only makes sense in the final act.
If you’re into atmospheric horror films, chances are you’ll love “The Blackcoat’s Daughter”.
7. Climax (2018)
Gapar Noe’s “Climax” starts with a television screen that shows a series of interviews with a group of dancers, then it takes us to an abandoned school, where an elaborately choreographed and nearly hypnotizing dancing scene commences. Not before long comes the realization that this is a film like no other you’ve seen before.
After the mesmerizing one-shot dancing scene, the group of dancers starts drinking sangria but soon they start feeling strange. Then comes the realization that their drink was spiked with LSD. From this point on, madness ensues and the film draws you in its claustrophobic, anxiety-inducing world which feels like a never-ending nightmare.
Disturbing, entertaining, dark, crazy, violent, provocative and stylish – these are some words that can describe Noé’s film, which is arguably his best work to date and one of the most demented films of the past decade.
6. It Comes At Night (2017)
“It Comes at Night” is the typical case of a wrongfully marketed film that didn’t really find its audience. Based on the trailers, “It Comes at Night” looked like a better-than-average horror film filled with jumpscares and grotesque imagery. In fact, the film turned out to be a slow burn that, while being atmospheric and having its share of spine-tingling moments, is really more of a psychological horror.
That being said, the film is great and paranoia-inducing. It features a family that lives secluded in a house near the forest after a contagious outbreak took over the world. Things get strange – and very tense – after a stranger asks for their help and seeks refuge for him and his family at their home.
“It Comes at Night” is a film about family and trust. In many ways, it’s like John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place,” but without the monsters and, despite the poor audience reaction, we consider it to be one of A24’s most underrated films.