5 must-see A24 horror films for first-time viewers

Are you new to A24? You should start with these five unforgettable horror films that will evoke a range of emotions.
Bodies Bodies Bodies Production Still
Bodies Bodies Bodies Production Still | A24

If you're a horror fanatic, chances are you already know of A24's reputation for delivering some of the most unique and disturbing films in recent years. The indie powerhouse has a knack for pushing the boundaries of horror, offering audiences an experience that’s as emotionally charged as it is terrifying. But it's not all about chills and dread all the time. A24 has its horror comedies too, which will leave you laughing as much as you’re on the edge of your seat.

Whether you’re looking for something unsettling or something that offers a twisted sense of humor, A24 always has you covered. But let's say you're a first-time viewer, ready to dive into their collection of horror films. With such a vast and diverse library, where do you start? Don't worry! We've narrowed it down to five must-see A24 horror movies that are perfect for newcomers. Now, get ready for an unforgettable horror experience!

Note: All the films below are currently available only for rent or purchase through digital platforms.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Bodies Bodies Bodies will make you rethink your friendships, wondering if you can really trust those closest to you. Maybe your friends won't go as far as to physically harm you like the characters in this slasher, but the film will make you question how well you truly know the people around you. In this twisted A24 horror comedy, the story revolves around a group of friends who decide to throw a party at a remote mansion in the midst of a hurricane. Like most parties, games are eventually played. But things take a dark turn when a game of "Bodies Bodies Bodies" turns into a real-life murder mystery.

Death of a Unicorn (2025)

Another horror comedy perfect for newcomers to A24 is Death of a Unicorn. It's one of the company's most recent horror films, and it does a good job of blending dark humor with chilling moments. Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star as father and daughter, Elliot and Ridley, who, while en route to a weekend retreat at Elliot's boss's estate, accidentally hit and kill a unicorn.

In a state of panic, they put the mythical creature in the trunk of their car and continue on their way. But once Elliot's boss learns of the unicorn's magical healing properties and tries to exploit it for his own gain, things quickly spiral out of control. The unicorn's vengeful parents eventually arrive and wreak havoc, determined to exact revenge.

It Comes at Night (2017)

You'd think this movie was about a monstrous creature hunting down characters based on the title, when really It Comes at Night has nothing to do with supernatural beasts. Instead, it’s a slow-burn psychological horror that delves into the paranoia and mistrust that emerge when survival instincts are pushed to the limit.

The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by an unknown disease. We follow a father, his wife, and teenage son as they live in isolation in a remote house, trying to survive the chaos of the outside world. When a new family comes to live with them, the already fragile sense of safety within the household begins to crack, escalating into rising tensions and ultimately dangerous confrontations.

The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015)

What's enjoyable about The Blackcoat's Daughter is that it features a surprise twist that shifts the entire perspective on the story. Of course, I'm not going to spoil it. But just know that when it hits, everything you thought you understood about the film is turned on its head. The story weaves together three timelines, gradually revealing the eerie connection between two students stranded at a remote Catholic boarding school and a troubled young woman embarking on a mysterious journey alone.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like The Killing of a Sacred Deer doesn't get talked about much when people discuss the best psychological horror movies. Steven Murphy is a successful cardiac surgeon with a seemingly perfect family life. But things take a dark turn when he forms a strange bond with a teenage boy named Martin. What Steven doesn’t realize is that Martin has a hidden agenda, one driven by revenge. As Martin's true intentions come to light, Steven is forced to confront the consequences of a past mistake and make a chilling decision to save his family from a horrifying fate.