The top 3 best A24 horror movies released in 2024

This has been a solid year for horror films, particularly when you look at companies like Neon and A24, known for releasing acclaimed independent films. So we wanted to give a special shoutout to three of A24's best horror movies from 2024 before the year ends.

Note that there are a few titles that didn't make it on this list, notably the horror film The Front Room starring Brandy and Kathryn Hunter. With commendable performances, particularly Hunter who chews the scenery non-stop, The Front Room isn't quite good enough to overcome its weak script nor funny enough to be embraced as a camp classic. A24 also released popular thriller films Civil War and Love Lies Bleeding, but since neither could be classified as "horror," we opted not to add them here.

3. MaXXXine

Despite being the most divisive entry in the X franchise that includes the 2022 slasher X and the prequel film Pearl, MaXXXine is still a stylistically fresh horror movie that delivers a satisfying ending to the arc of Maxine Minx, played by Mia Goth.

Set six years after the Texas homestead massacre resulting in the death of all of her friends, Maxine has settled down in 1985 Los Angeles, a dangerous time, especially given that it's at the height of the Night Stalker's murder spree. But Maxine is nothing if not ambitious and she works her butt off to land a leading role in a new horror movie. Unfortunately for her, people start dying all around her, leading the local detectives to believe she might have something to do with the latest trail of bodies, all of which seem to lead right back to the events of 1979 (and what happened in the film X). MaXXXine is now available to stream on Max.

2. Heretic

Heretic is an engaging thriller with a frustrating third act, but that doesn't prevent it from being entertaining, bolstered by three riveting performances.

Hugh Grant steals the show for sure with his darkly charming antagonistic character Mr. Reed, who happily invites two Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) into his home and forces them to participate in twisted games meant to question their faith as he pontificates about theology and what religion really means. Heretic is now playing in theaters.

1. I Saw the TV Glow

Even though it received a lower overall critical score than the previous films on this list, I don't think it can be understated just how beautiful and impactful Jane Schoenbrun's movie is, and I think it deserves more credit than it has received as one of this year's most timely and important stories.

Justice Smith, in particular, delivers such a quietly powerful performance as a struggling teen growing up in the late 1990s alongside his best friend, Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine). The pair get deeply invested in a television show called The Pink Opaque, and their increasing devotion to the series leads them on a reality-bending journey that makes them question their identities.