A24 is perhaps the most famous independent studio working in Hollywood. We have other studios like Universal, Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount and other but A24 stands apart from all of them. There has developed a perception among the audience that A24 is the most filmmaker friendly studio currently who gives voice to artists that want to tell difficult and unconventional stories in the medium of cinema. While we so often hear bad things done by studios to directors, you rarely hear an offensive voice for A24. There is a soft spot amongst the audience for the studio and its productions. People seldom wait for films by a particular studio, they often wait for their favorite actor’s or director’s movies. However, A24 has changed the game and has revolutionized Hollywood in more ways than one. Here is a list of all the A24 films of 2023 ranked according to the Tomatometer. Spoiler: None of them are “Rotten”.
18) When You Finish Saving The World (62%)
I think Julianne Moore is the only actor to appear in this list twice. Well, When You Finish Saving The World is a story about a mother and son who can’t seem to connect with each other, however, they don’t have any problem in finding that bond with other people. You’d be surprised to see who is at the helm for this film – Jesse Eisenberg. Yes, for obvious reasons you shouldn’t miss this even it is ranked low.
17) Dicks: The Musical (67%)
Another musical by veteran American screenwriter and comedian Larry Charles. The film focuses on two self-obsessed businessmen discover they’re long-lost identical twins and come together to plot the reunion of their eccentric, divorced parents.
16) Beau is Afraid (67%)
A24’s most expensive venture ever. Ari Aster’s dream project. What a waste. Beau is Afraid is one of the worst films of the year. I find it difficult to understand how the film is not ranked the lowest on this list. Also, why did A24 approve this non sense? Was it because they had faith in a creator like Ari Aster? I don’t know. But, this was a major misfire from the studio this year and still for some reason the film has 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.
15) Sharper (69%)
Another thriller from A24 starring the likes of Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith and John Lithgow. The film is made by Benjamin Caron and tells the story when a con artist takes on all the Manhattan billionaires. Unfortunately, the film finds itself at the lower end of A24 films but that still means a solid 69% on Rotten Tomatoes.
14) Medusa Deluxe (72%)
The studio likes to shake it up here and there. With most of the A24 films being dramas, the studio is also inclined to produce mystery thrillers. Medusa Deluxe is a film by Thomas Hardiman that is an unconventional whodunnit set in the world of hairstylists. Cutthroat hairstylists find one of their own murdered before judging can begin. This is by far the most unique premise I’ve heard in a while.
13) Priscilla (82%)
Sofia Coppola, one of the finest filmmakers of this era has delivered yet again with perhaps her most bold film. This is not going to be an easy watch for Elvis fans. Last year, Baz Luhrmann gave a tribute to the legend in the form of his biopic but Coppola wanted to tell an even more intimate story that sees the legend from the lens of his wife. However, don’t think it is an Elvis biopic, just as the title dictates, it is Priscilla’s story. The production design, costumes, writing, acting and the subtle direction makes this one of the best films of the year. I’m surprised it is ranked so low.
12) The Deepest Breath (84%)
Another documentary in A24’s slate of movies this year is Deepest Breath which is about A free diver trains to break a world record with the help of an expert safety diver. The film has been called one of the best documentaries of the year, proving A24 always backs content. Seeing a thriving documentary Netflix was the first one to snatch it.
11) Stephen Curry: Underrated (85%)
Steph Curry is a global icon for his heroics in the field of basketball. This is a his coming of age story how he went from an undersized college kid to the most influential, dynamic, and unexpected players in basketball history. The film is directed by Peter Nicks who is an upcoming new voice in the documentary filmmaking faction.
10) The Iron Claw (88%)
One of the more famous A24 production of the year has to be The Iron Claw which is a period drama that tells the story of the infamous Von Erich brothers. The film had its theatrical release last week and has amassed heartfelt responses from the audiences. Zac Efron’s life changing body transformation and strong dramatic performance has been praised.
9) Showing Up (88%)
I’m just so happy that I’m being introduced to so many new filmmakers just by making this list. Showing Up director Kelly Reichardt is an example of the same. I hadn’t heard about her or her work but now that she has made an A24 production, she is bound to get recognition and so will her newest work Showing Up.
8) All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (90%)
This is where A24 shine the most. The studio gives a voice to filmmakers who want to tell difficult stories and unconventional stories. All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a film written and directed by Raven Jackson. It is a lyrical, decades-spanning exploration of a woman’s life in Mississippi. If it weren’t for A24, a film like this won’t have ever seen the light of day.
7) Close (91%)
I’ve been hearing about this film from late 2022. The film is supposed to be an effective drama / coming of age story that is about two thirteen year old boys. They’re close friends at school and flower fields but their relationship hits a rock the consequences are severe. The film is made by Lukas Dhont and his directorial has earned quiet a name for him.
6) Dream Scenario (91%)
Dream Scenario is a film I’ve heard a lot about. An A24 production starring Nicolas Cage, sign me up. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the film focuses on a family fan who finds his life flipped when he suddenly starts appearing in dreams of millions of strangers. However, things take a turn when his nighttime adventure takes a hellish turn and he is forced to search the origins of his stardom.
5) The Zone of Interest (92%)
This is a period drama that focuses on a Nazi commandant who tries to build the perfect life for his family near the Auschwitz concentration camp. The film is based on the Martin Amis book of the same name. Jonathan Glazer is at the helm of affairs who has previously made films like Under the Skin and The Fall. The film hasn’t had its wide theatrical release yet. It will take place in 2024.
4) Talk to Me (94%)
I think all of us we were waiting for this one. If there was any A24 movie after Past Lives that amassed a strong reaction from the audience, it has to be Talk to Me (our review here). The film is made by Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou who are Australian YouTubers. While I’m glad to see YouTubers making a proper movie but I can’t overlook the obvious flaws in this one. There is nothing scary about the film. Also, the after the midpoint, the film simply becomes confusing as to what they’re trying to say. No answers are given. If this is elevated horror, then I’m not a fan. But, the world loved it, that’s why it is ranked number 4.
3) You Hurt My Feelings (94%)
Buckle yourself for some A24 style romance drama. You Hurt My Feelings is directed by Nicole Holofcener and tells the story of a novelist whose long standing marriage suddenly falls apart when her husband gives his honest opinion about her latest book. The film had a unique premise and interesting storyline which is why it happens to be rated so highly.
2) Earth Mama (96%)
Earth Mama is directed by Savanah Leaf and focuses on Gia, a single pregnant woman who is fighting against the system to reclaim her two children from the foster care. Just like most of the A24 films, this is a drama and a good one at that. This is the only film that has matched the top rating of Past Lives which is the highest rated A24 film of 2023.
1) Past Lives (96%)
Of course it was going to Past Lives (our review here). I mean this film has been described as the most romantic film of the year. Ever since its first trailer there seemed to be a solemn hype for it among cinephiles. Making this film was A24’s best decision of 2023. I can’t believe how another film even matched its Rotten Tomatoes score.
That concludes our list of best A24 films of 2023 as per critics!
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