In an era where streaming services dominate entertainment consumption, film enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate: several acclaimed movies from the independent production company A24 are now available to watch for free on various platforms. According to a recent report from CNET, seven standout A24 films, spanning genres from horror to drama and documentary, can be streamed without cost on services like Kanopy, Tubi, and Plex. This development highlights A24's growing influence in the film industry, offering viewers access to Oscar-winning and critically praised works at no charge.
A24, founded in 2012, has quickly become a powerhouse in independent cinema, known for its distinctive aesthetic and support for innovative filmmakers. The company has produced hits like Moonlight, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, which took home multiple Oscars in 2023, including Best Picture. As CNET notes, A24 has attracted directors such as Sofia Coppola, Ari Aster, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Barry Jenkins, who have helped shape its creative identity. Many of its films, while often arthouse favorites, have achieved mainstream success and awards recognition.
Among the free offerings is the 2013 sci-fi horror film Under the Skin, directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Scarlett Johansson. The movie follows an alien who lures men into a mysterious fate, and it's described by CNET as potentially polarizing, with viewers likely to 'love it or hate it.' The article praises Johansson's performance, stating, 'there's no denying that Johansson gives an incredible performance that's miles away from anything else she's done.' Glazer later directed the Oscar-winning A24 film The Zone of Interest in 2023. Under the Skin is available on free platforms, making it accessible to those curious about Glazer's early work.
Another highlight is Aftersun, a 2022 drama featuring Paul Mescal as Calum, a young father vacationing with his 11-year-old daughter Sophie, played by Frankie Corio. Set at a Turkish beach resort, the film explores their relationship through poignant moments and later reflections via camcorder footage. CNET calls it 'a moving, lovely character study of their relationship and a reflection on their fleeting, shared moments together.' Critically acclaimed, Aftersun is streaming this month on Tubi, Plex, and Kanopy, providing an emotional narrative for audiences seeking introspective storytelling.
Comedy-drama fans can turn to You Hurt My Feelings, released in 2023 and starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Beth, a writer facing doubts about her work after overhearing her husband Don, played by Tobias Menzies, criticize her novel. According to CNET, the film offers 'plenty of laughs while perceptively acknowledging how minor grievances can escalate into the breakdown of an entire relationship.' The article lauds Louis-Dreyfus, saying, 'There's really nothing that Julia Louis-Dreyfus can't do,' and describes her as 'one of the best comedic performers of our time' taking on a more dramatic role. This A24 production is now free on select services.
Priscilla, a 2023 biopic written, directed, and produced by Sofia Coppola, delves into the life of Priscilla Presley and her relationship with Elvis Presley, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. The film traces their story from 1960, when Priscilla was 14, through their courtship and marriage. CNET contrasts it with Baz Luhrmann's 2022 Elvis biopic, noting that Coppola's version trades 'that brash, frenetic pace in for a gentler, more realistic look at the dynamic between teenage Priscilla and an adult Elvis.' Available for free, it offers a nuanced perspective on a famous romance.
One of the more unconventional entries is Zola, a 2020 dark comedy directed by Janicza Bravo, based on a viral Twitter thread by A'Ziah 'Zola' King in 2015. Starring Taylour Paige as Zola and Riley Keough as Stefani, the film recounts a chaotic road trip to Florida involving stripping, sex, violence, and murder. CNET describes it as 'a wild tale of sex and violence that eventually devolves into murder,' emphasizing how Bravo elevates the tweet-based story into something more profound. It's streaming for free, appealing to those interested in modern, social media-inspired narratives.
Locke, a 2013 psychological drama, features Tom Hardy as the sole on-screen actor, playing Ivan Locke during an intense car ride to London. Over 85 minutes, Locke handles stressful phone calls that unravel his life, with voices from actors like Olivia Colman, Tom Holland, and Ruth Wilson. CNET reports that the film is 'universally acclaimed, with nearly every reviewer admitting that it's far more gripping than you'd imagine.' This minimalist thriller is now accessible without cost on free platforms.
Rounding out the list is the 2015 documentary Amy, directed by Asif Kapadia, which examines the life and tragic death of singer Amy Winehouse in 2011 from alcohol poisoning at age 27. The Oscar-winning film includes interviews with friends, colleagues like Mark Ronson, Mos Def, and Tony Bennett, and rare footage. CNET calls it 'a devastating look at a young woman with otherworldly talents who struggled under the weight of fame.' Available on free services, it serves as a poignant reminder of Winehouse's legacy beyond tabloid headlines.
While HBO Max remains the primary hub for A24's extensive library, these free options on Kanopy, Tubi, and Plex democratize access to high-quality cinema. CNET highlights that films like the Oscar-winning Amy, the critically acclaimed Aftersun, and the entertaining Zola are among those available, encouraging viewers to explore without financial barriers. This comes at a time when streaming costs are rising, making free alternatives increasingly attractive.
Background on A24 reveals its evolution from a distribution company to a full-fledged studio, with successes like Room in 2015, which earned Brie Larson an Oscar. The company's films often blend genres, earning a reputation for bold, original content. As CNET puts it, 'A24 has emerged as one of the most interesting production companies in recent years,' with its aesthetic making films easily recognizable.
No conflicting reports emerged from additional sources, which align with CNET's summary that it's an ideal weekend for marathoning A24 hits. The consistency across sources underscores the reliability of these streaming recommendations, dated to the article's publication in 2023 for most films mentioned.
The broader implications of this availability extend to cultural access, allowing diverse audiences to experience award-winning films without subscription fees. For instance, Amy's free streaming could introduce Winehouse's story to new generations, while Under the Skin might spark discussions on sci-fi themes.
Looking ahead, A24 continues to expand its slate, with upcoming projects from directors like Ari Aster potentially joining free platforms in the future. Industry watchers will monitor how free streaming impacts viewership and A24's brand, as the company balances artistic integrity with wider reach.
In summary, these seven films represent a cross-section of A24's acclaimed output, now freely available, inviting movie lovers to dive into stories of aliens, family bonds, marital strife, rock 'n' roll romance, wild road trips, personal crises, and musical tragedy.