In recent years, two indie studios have risen to dominate the world of independent filmmaking: A24 and Neon. Both have a knack for releasing provocative, daring, and award-winning films, but they do so with distinct styles and strategies. So, which is the better indie studio? Let’s dive into their legacies and contributions to cinema to see how they stack up.

A24: The Visionaries

Founded in 2012, A24 quickly became synonymous with prestige indie cinema, establishing itself as a tastemaker for audiences who crave bold, unconventional storytelling.

Notable Films: Moonlight (2016), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), a multiverse masterpiece, and Hereditary (2018), a game-changer for modern horror.

Signature Style: A24 films often explore themes of identity, family, and existential dread, wrapped in visually arresting aesthetics. They embrace slow burns and layered narratives that reward patient, thoughtful viewers.

Marketing Genius: A24’s innovative marketing campaigns—like selling branded candles for Midsommar or collaborating with artists to create merch—make their films cultural phenomena beyond the screen.

Neon: The Rebels

Founded in 2017, Neon has quickly made waves with its fearless and socially conscious storytelling. The studio isn’t afraid to push boundaries and take risks, making it a favorite among cinephiles seeking the avant-garde.

Notable Films: Parasite (2019), the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, Titane (2021), a shocking Palme d’Or winner, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), a breathtaking love story.

Signature Style: Neon thrives on films that challenge societal norms and ignite conversations. Their catalog spans a wide range of genres but consistently leans into bold, provocative, and visually stunning filmmaking.

Cultural Impact: Neon has become a champion for international cinema, often spotlighting foreign-language films and elevating them to global acclaim.

What Sets Them Apart?

Artistic Vision: A24 leans into intimate, deeply personal stories, while Neon gravitates toward bold, subversive narratives that challenge conventions.

Award Success: Both studios have seen major success during awards season, but Neon’s Parasite victory marked a historic moment in cinematic history, while A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once swept the Oscars with a record-breaking performance.

Cultural Relevance: A24 often appeals to millennial and Gen Z audiences with its edgy, meme-worthy marketing, whereas Neon captivates cinephiles and critics with its commitment to daring, art-house films.

Who Wins?

Choosing between A24 and Neon ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you love introspective, character-driven narratives with a hip, cultural edge, A24 is the clear winner. But if you crave films that push boundaries and challenge the status quo, Neon stands out as the bold champion of indie cinema.

Why Not Both?

In truth, both studios are vital to the indie film landscape, fostering creativity and providing a platform for groundbreaking stories. Whether it’s A24’s hypnotic dramas or Neon’s audacious thrillers, cinema lovers win either way.

The real question isn’t which studio is better—it’s which masterpiece you’ll watch next.