A24 has established itself as a powerhouse in the horror genre, delivering some of the most unsettling and thought-provoking films in recent years. With movies like Hereditary, Midsommar, and the X trilogy cementing their legacy, the studio has become synonymous with high-quality, slow-burn horror. While many of their films have gained mainstream recognition, there are several A24 horror movies that deserve more attention. Here are some of the most underrated A24 horror films that should be on every horror fan’s watchlist.
Saint Maud (2019)
- Writer/Director: Rose Glass
- Cast: Morfydd Clark, Jennifer Ehle, Lily Frazer, Lily Knight, Marcus Hutton, Turlough Convery, Rosie Sansom
- Streaming on: Prime Video
This psychological horror masterpiece marked the feature film debut of director Rose Glass. Morfydd Clark stars as Maud, a young nurse who becomes obsessively religious following a traumatic experience. As she cares for a terminally ill patient, her faith spirals into a dangerous fixation that blurs the line between devotion and madness.
Saint Maud received widespread critical acclaim and earned multiple nominations at the British Independent Film Awards. Clark’s haunting performance drives the film, making it a must-watch for fans of A24 horror movies that explore psychological and supernatural terror.
It Comes at Night (2017)
- Writer/Director: Trey Edward Shults
- Cast: Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Riley Keough, Kelvin Harrison Jr.
A24’s It Comes at Night is a chilling blend of psychological horror and post-apocalyptic drama. The film follows a family struggling to survive an unknown contagion in a remote cabin. When another desperate family seeks refuge, paranoia and fear escalate, forcing them to make impossible choices.
The film’s slow-burning dread and minimalistic storytelling divided audiences upon its release. However, in a post-pandemic world, its themes of isolation and fear feel more relevant than ever. This is one of the most unsettling A24 horror movies that relies on psychological tension rather than traditional jump scares.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
- Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
- Writers: Efthimis Filippou, Yorgos Lanthimos
- Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, Raffey Cassidy, Sunny Suljic, Alicia Silverstone, Bill Camp
- Streaming on: Max
From the director of The Lobster and Poor Things, Yorgos Lanthimos delivers a disturbing psychological horror experience with The Killing of a Sacred Deer. The film follows Dr. Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), a respected surgeon whose seemingly perfect life unravels when a vengeful teenager (Barry Keoghan) forces him into a horrific moral dilemma.
This unsettling entry in the A24 horror movies catalog combines eerie performances, absurdist dialogue, and a suffocating atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Barry Keoghan’s performance as Martin is particularly chilling, cementing the film as an essential watch for those who enjoy psychological horror.
The Legacy of A24 Horror Movies
A24 has redefined modern horror by focusing on atmosphere, psychological depth, and storytelling that lingers in the mind long after the film ends. While hits like The Witch and Talk to Me have received widespread acclaim, these underrated A24 horror movies offer just as much, if not more, in terms of originality and terror. If you’re a horror fan looking for something beyond mainstream jump scares, these films are the perfect place to start.
