Best A24 Horror Films
A24 didn't invent slow-burn horror, but it made it commercially viable. Since The Witch in 2015, the studio has become shorthand for a specific kind of horror: auteur-driven, visually striking, emotionally devastating, and divisive enough to generate discourse for weeks after release. Whether you consider that 'elevated horror' or just good filmmaking depends on your perspective — but the results speak for themselves. These are the A24 horror films that matter, ranked not by box office but by how effectively they get under your skin and stay there.
18 films· Updated 9 Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best A24 horror film?
Hereditary (2018) is the consensus pick. Toni Collette's performance is one of the most harrowing in any horror film, and Ari Aster's direction builds dread so methodically that the film's most shocking moment lands like a physical blow. Midsommar is the close second — a breakup film disguised as folk horror, set in perpetual Scandinavian daylight.
Why is A24 known for horror?
A24 gives directors unusual creative freedom, which attracts filmmakers with distinctive visions. Horror benefits from this more than most genres because the best horror is personal and weird — exactly the kind of thing a committee-driven studio would sand down. The Witch, Hereditary, and Midsommar all exist because A24 trusted directors to make uncompromising films.
Are A24 horror films actually scary or just 'elevated'?
Both, depending on the film. Hereditary and Talk to Me are genuinely terrifying — they deliver real scares alongside their thematic depth. The Witch and The Lighthouse are more unsettling than scary in a conventional sense. X and Pearl are gleeful, bloody genre films with more in common with 70s exploitation than arthouse cinema. A24's horror catalogue is broader than its reputation suggests.
What A24 horror film should I watch first?
If you want scares: Talk to Me — it's fast, intense, and has the best 'don't do that' moments since It Follows. If you want craft: Hereditary — but be warned, it earns its reputation. If you want fun: X — it's a love letter to slashers and 70s filmmaking with real teeth. If you want something strange and beautiful: The Lighthouse.
Is The Menu an A24 film?
No — The Menu (2022) was produced by Searchlight Pictures, not A24. It's a common misconception because its tone and aesthetic feel A24-adjacent. Other films often misattributed to A24 include Barbarian (New Regency/20th Century) and Smile (Paramount). If you're not sure, check the production credits — A24's actual catalogue is smaller and more curated than people assume.