If there’s one film studio that has stood out in recent years from the rest of the pack, it’s A24. The New York-based independent production and distribution company has become popular for releasing movies that often receive strong critical acclaim and become big deals come awards season. A24 also typically allows filmmakers to craft their vision without interference, which makes them attractive to directors who want to avoid studio interference.
A24 movies don’t always get major theatrical runs, meaning a lot of their best films get overlooked by so many. Many of them don’t get discovered until people stumble upon them on streaming services. Thankfully, many of the best and most well-received A24 projects are currently available to stream on major platforms, from Netflix to HBO Max to the completely free Tubi. These are the movies that received Oscar nominations, became critical darlings, and helped shape A24 as a studio.
You’d be hard-pressed to find any film production company that has a stronger reputation over the past decade or so than A24. Their catalog includes Best Picture winners, performances that led to Academy Award nominations, creative horror projects, films based on true stories, and more. With the right streaming service, you can discover what makes these movies so special.
10
Marty Supreme (2025)
Marty Supreme made history for A24, becoming the studio’s highest grossing movie of all time. It also went on to earn a whopping nine Academy Award nominations, though it ultimately didn’t end up with any victories. That said, Timothée Chalamet did win the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Actor.
From director Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme follows the titular Marty Mauser (Chalamet) as he attempts to become a world champion table tennis player. The movie doesn’t shy away from how selfish and often unlikable Marty is and they’re not afraid to let this be a depressing story. It’s available on HBO Max.
9
The Iron Claw (2023)
Speaking of depressing tales, The Iron Claw tells the tragic true story of the Von Erich family. They are one of the most prominent names in the world of pro wrestling and have become just as well-known for the harrowing deaths of various members of the family.
The film mostly centers on Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron) as he sees brother after brother die in unexpected and devastating ways, all while they try to live up to the pressures their father puts on them. Jeremy Allen White, Lily James, and more are part of a great supporting cast in this fantastic tear-jerker. It can be streamed on Netflix.
8
The Farewell (2019)
Right around 2018, Awkwafina became a breakout star thanks to her hilarious turns in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8. While her comedic stylings quickly became known, she proved that she has a ton of range beyond that genre when she starred in The Farewell.
Inspired by writer/director Lulu Wang’s real life, the story sees Awkwafina’s Billi learn that her grandmother Nai Nai is dying, only for the family to agree to keep it hidden from Nai Nai. What unfolds is a touching tale of family and grief that led to Awkwafina winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Musical or Comedy. The Farewell is available on Tubi.
7
Hereditary (2018)
There are fantastic directors in the horror genre and Ari Aster is one of the best. Although he has released several films since, his feature debut, Hereditary, remains his greatest work. It centers on the sinister events that haunt a grieving family after the passing of the grandmother.
Hereditary stood out upon release because it was the kind of horror movie that deserves Oscar talk. Many still feel that Toni Collette was snubbed for a Best Actress nomination, which is understandable. The film was a commercial hit and stands as one of the best horror movies ever made. It can be streamed on Tubi for free.
6
Sing Sing (2023)
It feels like everything Colman Domingo turns to gold these days, as he’s delivered stellar performances in Euphoria, Michael, and basically every other role he’s had. His best outing is likely as John “Divine G” Whitfield in 2023’s Sing Sing.
The film looks at the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. It sees a group of incarcerated men who come together to create theatrical shows through the program. Domingo earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in this emotionally gripping movie. HBO Max is the home of Sing Sing.
5
Past Lives (2023)
Celine Song has quickly established herself as a storyteller who can craft tales about modern romance. Her feature debut, Past Lives, is a touching film about two childhood friends who reconnect as adults and contemplate the nature of the relationships in their lives.
Greta Lee and Teo Yoo are breathtaking together as every scene they share is rife with chemistry and you want to see them end up together, yet you also feel for John Magaro’s character, who is married to Lee’s. The end result is a beautiful film that landed Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Past Lives can be watched on Tubi.
4
Uncut Gems (2019)
When people think of A24, their minds are likely to go to Uncut Gems. The movie made waves upon release due to the positive reception for Adam Sandler’s lead performance, especially since Sandler’s films had typically been met with disdain from critics for several years.
However, Sandler is transformative in Uncut Gems as Howard Ratner, a gambling addict who runs a jewelry store. We watch as he falls further into danger due to his addiction, culminating in one of the most intense modern films. LaKeith Stanfield, Idina Menzel, and even NBA legend Kevin Garnett all turn in quality performances alongside Sandler. Netflix is home to Uncut Gems.
3
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight was a historic movie in more ways than one. It was the first mass-marketed LGBTQ+ film with an all-Black cast and then went on to become the first Best Picture winner in A24’s history. Alas, most people seem to remember it as part of the accidental La La Land Best Picture winner announcement.
Moonlight is a masterful film, following Chiron at three different stages of his life as he deals with coming to terms with his sexuality, abuse, and more. Along with winning Best Picture, the movie took home the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali). Moonlight can be streamed on HBO Max.
2
Ex Machina (2014)
Ex Machina is one of those movies that becomes more topical as time goes on. The story centers on a programmer who gets invited to the home of his CEO to administer the Turing test on a female humanoid robot that has been created. The captivating relationship that develops between the robot and the programmer drives the plot.
Can this robot be trusted? Is everything the programmer learning part of the test? Is the CEO unhinged? Watching everything unfold in this Alex Garland film is brilliant, especially in an age where artificial intelligence is popping up all over the place. Netflix currently has Ex Machina.
1
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Moonlight was A24’s first Best Picture winner but not its last, as Everything Everywhere All At Once managed to pull off the same feat. Everything Everywhere All At Once is a unique Best Picture winner because it’s so outlandish, dealing with the multiverse and having scenes where characters have hot dogs for fingers.
It’s an absurd film, yet it blends so many genres well. It’s sci-fi at its core; yet there are also elements of heavy drama, action, and comedy. Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis all took home acting Oscars and Stephanie Hsu was nominated, giving this incredible A24 movie—which is currently on HBO Max—a remarkable reputation.
