How many good movies have you watched recently? How many of them were . . . lackluster?

Let me introduce you to a movie production company that never disappoints: A24.

A24 is a film production company that is known for their celebration of diversity and support for independent filmmakers. The A24 style is something that isn't easily mimicked and can’t be replicated.

What makes an A24 movie different, you ask? Featuring distinct low lighting, sensual color schemes, and classic camera lenses these movies distinguish themselves without superpowers or cinematic universes—cough cough (Marvel) cough cough.

What makes an A24 movie different is the fact that their movies don’t have cinematic universes or superpowers to make their movies an incredible cinematic experience, just great storytelling.

Instead of using variations of the same basic stories that mainstream Hollywood can’t get enough of these days, A24 focuses on bringing fresh ideas to the table every. single. time.

A24’s brand is intertwined with the identities of the artists that it works with, and [is] known for championing unique voices,” says Lula Wang creator of hit A24 movie The Farewell in an article in Variety magazine. “At the same time, they just have a really incredible ability to identify the zeitgeist before everybody else has. They set the trend.”

Many young people like myself have found ourselves drawn to these specific movies due to their original plots and enticing characters.

Senior Natalie Snow states that her favorite A24 movie happens to be the Jonah Hill directed biography Mid 90’s.

Now that you know more about what A24 is, let me give you some suggestions to get you into the A24 world . . .

Ladybird (2018)

If you're familiar with the A24 universe, this is probably the movie that first comes to mind. The story follows a teenage girl Sacramento dealing with the tumultuous turns of adolescence (not relatable at all). Christine “Ladybird” has a complicated relationship with her parents, especially her mother. Ladybird struggles with new relationships, friendships, and the complicated relationship she already has with her hometown. Ladybird is a refreshing tale of adolescent mistakes making it a perfect movie for young people (seniors especially).

The Iron Claw (2023)

If you’re not feeling the teenage girl coming of age film recommendation, here’s a film about wrestling that will also tear your heart out! The Iron Claw is about the infamous Von Erich brothers (if you’re familiar with wrestling legends) in their prime during the 1970s and 80’s. The story follows the brothers and their paths into wrestling by their overbearing former-wrestler father. Their father believes that the Von Erich name is cursed and is determined to prove the superstition wrong by having his sons reach wrestling glory. However, the brothers quickly realize that the Von Erich curse is very much real and even their wrestling fame can’t save them from their fate. This movie will have you filling a riverbank with tears, but Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White make up for it.

Midsommar (2019)

If there’s one thing A24 knows how to do, it’s horror. Midsommar is a bone-chilling tale of Dani and her boyfriend who travel to Switzerland to escape the recent trauma of Dani’s sister’s tragic death. The pair is invited by their friend Pelle to attend a nine day stay at a festival on his commune. The couple soon realizes that this ‘festival’ is not a festival at all, but really a cult in disguise. As Dani tries to escape, she gets more caught up in the chaos of their world, and has to—try—to leave the horror that envelopes her. Midsommar’s twists and turns are something never before seen in the horror genre, and will have your jaw wide open. Don’t watch on a full stomach!

Priscilla (2023)

You’ve probably heard of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, but what about when she was Priscilla Beaulieu? Priscilla is the origin story of the rock star's wife based on her memoir Elvis and Me. The story begins at her father’s military base in Germany where she is invited to a private party where the famous singer will be performing that night. They meet and he becomes infatuated with her. Eventually, Priscilla return to America at 15 to be with Elvis (who was 25 at the time). Enveloped in Hollywood, Priscilla has to navigate the rock star’s world and her space in the spotlight while still in her teens.

Hopefully some of my suggestions entice you to get into the A24 universe and expand your understanding of the A24 lore.