16 Must-Watch Horror Films from A24

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Hereditary (2018)

A chilling exploration of grief and family trauma, Hereditary follows the tragic events that unravel after the death of the Graham family’s matriarch. As Annie, played by Toni Collette, tries to cope with her loss, dark secrets about her family’s past begin to surface, leading to a disturbing series of events.

The film is known for its slow-building tension and disturbing visuals. The performances, particularly Collette’s, have been praised for their emotional depth. Hereditary blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating a haunting narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

The Witch (2015)

Set in 17th century New England, The Witch is a slow-burn horror film that delves into themes of religious fanaticism and isolation. The story centers around a Puritan family who begins to unravel when they suspect a witch is living in the woods near their farm.

The film stands out for its haunting atmosphere, which is largely driven by its period-accurate dialogue and unsettling visuals. It is a masterclass in tension, where every moment of silence feels like a potential threat. The unsettling score and atmospheric direction make this a must-watch for fans of slow-burn horror.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

A psychological thriller with elements of horror, The Killing of a Sacred Deer tells the story of a cardiothoracic surgeon whose life begins to unravel after befriending a troubled teenager. The film’s eerie tone and unsettling atmosphere draw viewers into a nightmarish tale of guilt and retribution.

The performances by Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman are chilling, as the film explores themes of morality, fate, and family. With its slow pacing and increasing tension, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a disorienting film that keeps the audience on edge throughout.

Green Room (2015)

A tense survival horror film, Green Room follows a punk band who inadvertently witnesses a violent crime at a remote club owned by neo-Nazis. Trapped in the venue, they must fight for survival as they face the threat of increasingly violent attackers.

The film is a relentless experience, featuring intense violence and a sense of claustrophobia as the band members try to escape. Jeremy Saulnier’s direction creates a gripping narrative that is as emotionally draining as it is thrilling, making Green Room a standout in A24’s catalog.

Midsommar (2019)

Midsommar is a daylight horror film that subverts the traditional darkness and night setting of most horror films. The film follows a group of friends who travel to Sweden to attend a midsummer festival, only to discover that the seemingly peaceful village harbors disturbing secrets.

The film’s shocking imagery and deeply unsettling rituals create a unique brand of horror. It is a blend of folk horror and psychological terror, with a focus on grief, trauma, and the disturbing nature of groupthink. Ari Aster’s direction and Florence Pugh’s powerful performance make this a standout in A24’s horror catalog.

Tusk (2014)

Tusk is one of the more bizarre entries in the A24 horror collection, blending elements of horror, comedy, and body horror. The film tells the story of a podcast host who is lured to a remote location by an eccentric man who plans to transform him into a walrus.

While the premise may seem absurd, Tusk creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere through its grotesque transformations and disturbing imagery. Kevin Smith’s offbeat direction and the film’s bizarre premise make it a cult favorite for fans of horror with a dark sense of humor.

Saint Maud (2019)

Saint Maud tells the story of a deeply religious nurse who becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her patient, a dying woman. As her obsession deepens, Maud’s grip on reality begins to slip, leading to a descent into madness.

The film is a psychological horror piece that explores themes of faith, guilt, and isolation. It is a slow, unsettling experience that builds tension through Maud’s deteriorating mental state. Morfydd Clark’s performance as Maud is gripping, as the film explores her descent into madness.

A Ghost Story (2017)

A haunting meditation on time, grief, and loss, A Ghost Story follows a recently deceased ghost who lingers in his old home, watching as life moves on without him. The film is a contemplative exploration of the afterlife, told through minimalist storytelling and long, lingering shots.

The film’s meditative pace and philosophical themes make it a unique experience in the horror genre. It focuses less on traditional scares and more on the emotional and existential aspects of death and the passage of time, making it a deeply reflective and haunting experience.

The Lighthouse (2019)

The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film that explores the unraveling minds of two lighthouse keepers isolated on a desolate island. As the days stretch on, their sanity begins to deteriorate, leading to disturbing visions and a breakdown in their relationship.

The film is a masterclass in atmosphere, with Robert Eggers creating a claustrophobic, unnerving environment. The performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson are intense, adding layers of madness to the story. With its stark black-and-white visuals and unsettling tone, The Lighthouse leaves viewers with a sense of dread that lingers long after watching.

Under the Skin (2014)

A chilling blend of science fiction and horror, Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien who preys on men in Scotland. The film explores the alien’s growing awareness of her humanity as she grapples with the moral implications of her actions.

The film’s slow pacing and eerie atmosphere make it a haunting experience. It challenges conventional horror tropes by offering a unique, philosophical take on the genre. Johansson’s performance, paired with the unsettling visuals, creates a film that is both thought-provoking and terrifying.

Lobster (2015)

Although not a traditional horror film, The Lobster blends dark comedy and psychological horror. Set in a dystopian society where single people must find a mate within 45 days or be turned into an animal, the film explores the absurdity of love and relationships in a chilling and surreal way.

The film’s odd premise and deadpan humor create a surreal atmosphere that grows increasingly disturbing. With an intriguing script and standout performances, The Lobster stands out as a thought-provoking, unsettling film that leaves viewers questioning societal norms and personal relationships.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

This Iranian horror film, described as a “spaghetti western with vampires,” follows a young woman who roams the streets of a desolate town at night, preying on men. The film combines horror with romance and a touch of noir, creating a unique and haunting atmosphere.

The film’s minimalistic style and stark black-and-white cinematography give it a timeless, eerie feel. Its blend of genres and exploration of loneliness and power dynamics make it a standout in A24’s catalog, offering a fresh take on the vampire genre.

The House of the Devil (2009)

Set in the 1980s, The House of the Devil follows a young woman who takes a babysitting job in a remote house, only to discover dark secrets lurking within. The film uses slow-burn tension and retro horror elements to create a sense of impending dread.

The film’s nostalgic aesthetic, combined with its slow-building tension, creates a gripping experience. It successfully captures the spirit of 80s horror while offering a chilling and suspenseful narrative. The final act delivers a shocking payoff that lingers long after the film ends.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

A disturbing supernatural horror film, The Blackcoat’s Daughter centers on two girls trapped at their boarding school during winter break. As strange events unfold, they realize that something sinister is lurking in the school’s shadows, with their dark pasts playing a role in the horrors they face.

The film’s haunting atmosphere and gradual reveal of its chilling secrets make it a standout in the genre. Its non-linear storytelling creates a sense of mystery and unease, and the performances by Kiernan Shipka and Emma Roberts add depth to the film’s disturbing themes.

The Transfiguration (2016)

This supernatural horror film follows a troubled teenager named Milo, who believes he is a vampire. As he grapples with his dark impulses, he meets a girl named Sophie, whose own troubled past complicates their relationship.

The film explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the desire for escape, blending psychological horror with the supernatural. The subtle performances and understated horror create a film that is both chilling and emotionally resonant, making The Transfiguration a unique and thought-provoking experience.

The Dark and the Wicked (2020)

The Dark and the Wicked is a slow-burn horror film that follows two siblings who return to their family farm to care for their dying father. As they spend time there, they begin to experience strange and terrifying occurrences, realizing that something far more sinister is at play.

The film is a chilling exploration of family, death, and guilt, with a heavy atmosphere that builds to a terrifying climax. Its minimalistic approach to horror makes each terrifying moment all the more effective. The haunting visuals and eerie sound design create a feeling of dread that permeates the entire film.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.