When viewers are looking for a movie and come across an auteur-driven film, theminimalist A24 logo often appears on the screen. For Millennials and Gen Zers alike, that logo is the recognizable brand for new and old generations of cinephiles.
A24 is an independent award-winning global entertainment company, known for defying traditional Hollywood rules with its elevated horror, arthouse aesthetics and genrebending films. The studio has won 21 Oscars, 18 Golden Globes and 18 Emmys for films like “Moonlight,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Whale,” “Lady Bird.”
The studio’s popularity has also boosted its overall box office performance. Its newest record-breaking hit “Marty Supreme” recently earned $179 million globally, becoming the company’s highest-grossing release and surpassing the $148 million worldwide box office of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
As A24 continues to expand, its release schedule has increased. The company released 16 films in both 2023 and 2024, followed by 17 in 2025, helping to expand its visibility and reach a wider audience. One movie may be interesting to students at Northern Essex Community College, as it was partly filmed at the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Health and Technology Center on the Lawrence campus. “Sorry, Baby,” a semi-autobiographical film, was written by, directed by and starredcomedian Eva Victor. For students and faculty, the film’s connection to the campus adds a point of pride, especially as the film went on to win the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Following its premiere, A24 acquired worldwide rights to the film for $8 million and the film has continued its momentum this year by winning two Independent Spirit Awards. This local connection has helped transform A24 from an independent underdog of Hollywood into one of the most recognizable film brands among students at NECC.
NECC student Aidan Clark said A24 films feel more intentional compared to Hollywood blockbusters.
“A24 films feel more human and have a clear direction,” they said.
Clark adds that if the studio continues to focus on homegrown projects, it can continue to become known for its niche quality.
Storm Hernandez, another NECC student, said A24 stands out because it trusts its audience to uncover the deeper meaning behind its films. “A lot of the movies I’ve watched from A24 have a lot of deeper meanings,” they said. “By adding layers, it makes rewatching movies like that extra fun because there’s always something new to see.” Hernandez added that many blockbusters feel repetitive. While A24 films require more attention to understand their atmosphere, they offer a memorable viewing experience. Another student at NECC, Allora Ramos, said platforms like TikTok and Letterboxd have helped introduce more people to the company, especially for younger audiences looking for movies that have substance and strong aesthetics.
“With TikTok and Letterboxd, people get exposed to more of a variety of movies and that’s why A24 became so popular,” she said. “Successful movies like ‘Midsommar,’ ‘Lady Bird,’ ‘Aftersun,’ ‘Waves,’ feel like actual coming-of-age movies and are much more real and relatable.”Ramos added that the studio has thrived by meeting the demands of Millennials and Gen Z audiences. The studio’s rise as a cult-like brand reflects a growing demand for more personal and experimental storytelling. A24 continues to redefine what success in the film industry looks like, setting a new standard for students at Northern Essex Community College and other generations of viewers by prioritizing creativity over industry norms.
