A24 started off as this small, indie-focused distributor before evolving into one of the most influential studios in modern cinema, known for its boundary-pushing horror films. When horror buffs are looking for something entertaining to watch, A24 is usually where they turn.
Nine times out of 10, the company will deliver something unsettling, original, and unforgettable. In 2025, they doubled down on their reputation with three new horror flicks that range from creepy to mildly disturbing. One even has a dash of dark comedy to keep things interesting!
In this article, we’re ranking all three A24 horror releases of 2025, from the weakest entry to the strongest. Can you guess which one earned the top spot?
3. Opus
Where to watch: HBO Max
Let me first start off by saying that all of the A24 horror movies that have been released so far this year are pretty solid films. However, there are just certain things about Opus that prevented it from being as impactful or memorable as its counterparts. I honestly had high hopes for this movie too, mainly because I'm a huge fan of The Bear's Ayo Edebiri and had been desperately wanting to see her take on a horror role.
Now, I don't have anything bad to say about Edebiri's performance. She absolutely knocks her role out of the park. In fact, the entire cast delivers solid performances across the board. But that should've been a given since most of the cast is made up of well-known, talented actors who know how to bring their characters to life.
My issue is that I thought the movie focused too much on how it looked and the overall creepy or dreamy vibe it created, but didn’t have a strong or clear story to go along with it. While the film was visually impressive, it didn’t make me feel connected or emotionally involved because the plot wasn’t satisfying or meaningful. Opus also suffered from pacing issues. I felt it moved too slowly at times, especially in the middle part of the film, to the point where it became frustrating to watch.
Like I get A24 movies often use a slow buildup to create tension, but my issue is that Opus's slow pace didn’t create suspense or excitement. It just felt like it was unnecessarily long and wandering without a clear direction or payoff. And don't get me started on that unsatisfying ending... I usually go back and rewatch A24 horror movies, but unfortunately, Opus didn’t inspire that kind of repeat viewing for me.
Here's the synopsis for Opus via A24 below:
"A young writer (Ayo Edebiri) is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star (John Malkovich) who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago. Surrounded by the star's cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan."
2. Death of a Unicorn
Where to watch: HBO Max
Jenna Ortega has starred in many movies of different genres in her acting career, but horror is where she truly shines. The modern-day scream queen’s newest horror movie, Death of a Unicorn, debuted earlier this year and, although it’s not the weakest entry in her filmography, it doesn’t quite rank among her finest work either.
Don't get me wrong! It has nothing to do with her acting. As expected, Ortega gave an outstanding performance. The rest of the star-studded cast also brought their A-game. My issue has more to do with the film’s direction and writing.
While the concept had tons of potential, the execution felt uneven, like it couldn't quite decide if it wanted to be a sharp satire, a horror-comedy, or a full-on creature feature. The result was a movie that looked great on paper but never fully came together on screen. I wasn't the biggest fan of the CGI either. However, I will say that the CGI wasn't all that bad considering the film's relatively low budget of $15 million.
Will I ever go back and rewatch Death of a Unicorn? At this moment, I truly don’t see a reason to. It didn’t leave a lasting impression, and with so many stronger entries in Ortega’s horror catalog, I’d rather revisit those instead.
The official synopsis for Death of a Unicorn via the A24 website below:
"A father (Paul Rudd) and daughter (Jenna Ortega) accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties."
1. Bring Her Back
Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
10s across the board for Bring Her Back. I genuinely do not have one bad thing to say about this horror film. From the chilling atmosphere to the powerhouse performances, everything comes together flawlessly to deliver a story that grips you from start to finish. I was a big fan of Talk to Me, so knowing that the same people behind that film were involved in this one gave me high expectations, and Bring Her Back definitely lived up to them.
Bring Her Back is the type of horror movie that messes with your head and your heart. You might go in expecting your typical horror flick, but this movie will surprise you with its emotional depth and psychological complexity. It's not really a scary movie. It's more unsettling than anything, and you'll find yourself bawling your eyes out by the end. I'm still a little shaken from my viewing experience, and it's weeks later. However, it's definitely a movie I will be rewatching. Probably not anytime soon because I still need some time to recover. But I'm sure I'll be ready for a rewatch session eventually.
If you're going to watch one A24 horror film from this year, that movie needs to be Bring Her Back. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Here's the movie's official synopsis via the A24 website down below:
"A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother."
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