Horror has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, moving away from simple slashers and predictable jump scares toward something more cerebral and emotionally resonant. At the center of this shift is A24, the indie distributor that has become a beacon for arthouse filmmaking since its 2012 debut. While the studio has dabbled in many genres, it's their horror output that has truly defined their brand and turned them into a cultural powerhouse.
With a catalog full of terrifying gems, not every A24 horror film carries the same weight. Some are just good scares; others are genre-defining milestones. The six films below aren't just the best—they're the most important, the ones that shaped the studio's identity and influenced the entire horror landscape. Without them, A24's horror legacy would look very different.
6. Talk to Me (2023)
For a while, Talk to Me held the title of A24's highest-grossing horror film, and it's easy to see why. This Australian import blended raw, uncomfortable body horror with the chaotic energy of social media-era youth culture, creating a paranormal thriller that felt both fresh and deeply unsettling. It wasn't just scary—it was psychologically brutal, exploring grief and addiction through a supernatural lens.
The film's success proved that A24 horror could be a box-office force, driven by word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. It also set a template for the studio's summer horror releases, paving the way for films like MaXXXine and the upcoming Bring Her Back. Even now, Talk to Me remains a benchmark for modern horror, a visceral experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
5. I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
A24 has always championed emerging voices, and Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow is a perfect example. This psychological horror film uses the metaphor of a fictional TV show to explore the existential dread of suppressing one's true identity, a clear allegory for the transgender experience. It's a bold, abstract work that defies easy categorization.
While it wasn't a blockbuster, I Saw the TV Glow was arguably more important for A24's brand. It signaled that the studio was willing to take risks on stories that major studios would never touch, cementing their reputation as a haven for authentic, personal horror. The film's critical acclaim and passionate fanbase have made it a cult classic in its own right.
4. Pearl (2022)
Sequels and prequels are the lifeblood of mainstream horror, but A24 has largely steered clear of that trend—except for Ti West's Pearl. This prequel to X was conceived during the original's production, and the pandemic gave West and star Mia Goth the opportunity to shoot it immediately after. The result is a rare A24 horror sequel that stands on its own.
Pearl is a coming-of-age nightmare, anchored by Goth's tour-de-force performance as a young woman with murderous ambitions. It expanded the world of X while delivering a deeply emotional and disturbing character study. The film proved that A24 horror could sustain a franchise, opening the door for future interconnected stories.
3. The Witch (2016)
While not technically A24's first horror release, The Witch is the film that set the standard for everything that followed. Robert Eggers' debut feature was a revelation, trading cheap scares for an oppressive atmosphere and psychological depth. It's a period piece that feels authentically terrifying, with a slow-burn dread that's become a hallmark of A24 horror.
The film also launched the career of Anya Taylor-Joy and established many of the tropes we now associate with elevated horror: a focus on mood, symbolism, and character over jump scares. The Witch remains a touchstone of 2010s horror and a clear blueprint for the studio's future successes.
2. Backrooms (2026)
It's almost impossible to fully assess the impact of Backrooms since it's so new, but its importance is already undeniable. Based on the viral internet creepypasta, the film has generated massive buzz for its innovative approach to found-footage horror and its exploration of liminal spaces. Early reactions suggest it's a game-changer, and it's already being hailed as one of the most anticipated horror films of the decade.
What makes Backrooms so significant is its ability to translate a digital-age phenomenon into a cinematic experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It's a testament to A24's knack for identifying cultural moments and turning them into art. If the film lives up to the hype, it could easily become one of the most influential horror movies of its generation.
1. Hereditary (2018)
No list of A24's most important horror films would be complete without Hereditary. Ari Aster's debut was a seismic event in horror, a family drama that spirals into a nightmare of grief, manipulation, and demonic possession. It's a film that demands multiple viewings, revealing new layers of symbolism and dread each time.
Hereditary didn't just scare audiences—it traumatized them. It redefined what a horror movie could be, blending arthouse sensibilities with genuine terror. The film's impact is still felt today, influencing countless imitators and solidifying A24's reputation as the home of modern horror masterpieces. It's the gold standard, the film that every other A24 horror is measured against.
These six films represent the best of A24's horror output, but they're also a testament to the studio's willingness to take risks. From the folk horror of The Witch to the internet-age terror of Backrooms, each one has pushed the genre forward. If you're looking for a place to start, these are the essential watches. And if you're hungry for more, check out our list of underrated horror gems or dive into horror novels that hook you instantly.
