A24 has a strong reputation for making bold, different films. When they get it right, their movies feel unlike anything else out there. But taking risks also means things don’t always work in one’s favor.
Some A24 films feel too slow, some are hard to follow, and others just don’t leave the impact they were aiming for. Even fans of the studio will admit that a few simply miss the mark. In this list, we’re ranking the worst movies made by the studio.
10. The Adderall Diaries (2016)
‘The Adderall Diaries’ is a true crime drama from A24’s early years. It follows Elliot (James Franco), a troubled and formerly successful writer who decides to write about a missing wife and the following murder trial of her husband. The movie fails to bring the emotional weight and intelligence to the sensitive themes it aspired to take up.
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9. False Positive (2021)
‘False Positive’ came with considerable promise, with a star-studded cast and a modern take on ‘Rosemary’s Baby.’ The film follows a woman who, after struggling with infertility for a long time, finally gets pregnant with the help of a renowned fertility doctor. But soon she discovers unsettling truths about her treatment. The film had the potential to deliver the next big social commentary, but instead descended into bizarre territories.
8. It Comes At Night (2017)
The movie follows a family who have trapped themselves in their boarded-up house deep within a dark forest after the sudden outbreak of a highly contagious disease in the world. When a desperate young family arrives seeking refuge, the family realizes the cost of keeping their home safe. It only succeeds in building a tense atmosphere, with engaging plot points making it incredibly unsatisfying for viewers.
7. Spring Breakers (2019)
When four college girls hungry for adventure finally save enough money for a spring break, they encounter the “Alien” who promises them all the thrill and excitement they could hope for. The movie has been described accurately by many as an extended music video with too much style and no real content.
6. A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2013)
It is safe to say that after this underwhelming debut, A24 movies had no choice but to improve. The movie follows the titular Charles Swan III, a successful graphic designer who experiences unexpected heartbreak and embarks on a journey of self-reflection. It fails to bring any uniqueness of its own and instead uses existing tropes with no rhyme or reason.
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5. Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014)
Another pick from the early days of A24, this movie is based on a famous New Yorker article that chronicles the true story of Chinese-American gang life in the 80s and 90s. The film is truly underwhelming, with no intrigue or engagement. It’s awkward editing and performance feels like a fever dream now.
4. Barely Lethal (2015)
‘Barely Lethal’ follows Hailee Steinfeld as a 16-year-old assassin who just wants to have a normal life. She fakes her death and enrolls in a suburban high school, but it doesn’t take long for her former employers to find her. The movie is a wild blend of spy action and quirky coming-of-age teen romcom.
3. The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2017)
‘The Vanishing of Sidney Hall’ is a failed attempt at blending the genres of romantic drama and mystery. It follows the titular Sidney Hall, a young novelist whose life is depicted across 12 years through flashbacks and flash-forwards. Though it creates an aura of thrill around the character, it offers little engagement for viewers and ultimately proves disappointing.
2. Tusk (2014)
‘Tusk’ follows a brash and arrogant podcaster who gets more than he bargained for when he travels to Canada to interview a mysterious recluse, only to find he has a rather disturbing fondness for walruses. Though the movie has been criticized for its writing quality and directorial vision, it is undeniable that viewers can go either way. They can find it utterly unwatchable or completely fascinating.
1. Climax (2018)
Set in 1996, ‘Climax’ follows a French dance troupe whose final night of rehearsal takes a dark turn when the communal bowl of sangria is spiked with LSD. The dancers descend into dark and explosive nightmares while trying to survive the night and finding who’s responsible before it’s too late. Though it is clear what the director’s vision of this movie was, it still feels empty without any true payoff.
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