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Best Ari Aster Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Ari Aster has rapidly established himself as one of the most distinctive and unsettling voices in contemporary cinema. With a signature blend of psychological dread, folk horror elements, and visceral explorations of grief and trauma, his films burrow deep into the psyche, leaving audiences profoundly disturbed and deeply impressed. An undisputed auteur, Aster has carved out a niche where family dysfunction meets supernatural horror, crafting narratives that are as emotionally devastating as they are visually stunning. Despite a relatively compact filmography, each of Aster's features has sparked intense discussion and critical analysis, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in modern horror. From the horrifying intimacy of familial breakdown to sun-drenched pagan rituals and existential odyssey, his works are rich, complex, and often divisive. Deciding which of these masterfully crafted nightmares stands above the rest is no easy task, but we've delved into the unsettling depths of his cinematic universe to rank the very best Ari Aster movies.
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#1.
Hereditary (2018)
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"Hereditary" (2018) undoubtedly earns its place among Ari Aster's best films for its unflinching exploration of grief, trauma, and the insidious nature of familial dysfunction. Aster masterfully crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere of dread, slowly tightening the screws on the Graham family as they unravel in the wake of a matriarch's death. The film’s brilliance lies in its meticulous pacing, building tension through unsettling visuals, disturbing sound design, and a powerhouse performance by Toni Collette. It's a slow burn that ultimately explodes in a flurry of shocking imagery and psychological horror, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. Beyond its surface-level scares, "Hereditary" delves into profound themes of generational curses, the burden of inherited pain, and the search for agency in the face of overwhelming fate. Aster's distinctive directorial style is fully realized here, showcasing his ability to create visually arresting and deeply unsettling sequences. This film isn’t just a horror movie; it’s a meticulously crafted descent into madness, a poignant and terrifying examination of the darkest corners of the human psyche that solidifies Aster's status as a modern master of the genre.
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Hereditary (2018)
#11.0"Hereditary" (2018) undoubtedly earns its place among Ari Aster's best films for its unflinching exploration of grief, trauma, and the insidious nature of familial dysfunction. Aster masterfully crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere of dread, slowly tightening the screws on the Graham family as they unravel in the wake of a matriarch's death. The film’s brilliance lies in its meticulous pacing, building tension through unsettling visuals, disturbing sound design, and a powerhouse performance by Toni Collette. It's a slow burn that ultimately explodes in a flurry of shocking imagery and psychological horror, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. Beyond its surface-level scares, "Hereditary" delves into profound themes of generational curses, the burden of inherited pain, and the search for agency in the face of overwhelming fate. Aster's distinctive directorial style is fully realized here, showcasing his ability to create visually arresting and deeply unsettling sequences. This film isn’t just a horror movie; it’s a meticulously crafted descent into madness, a poignant and terrifying examination of the darkest corners of the human psyche that solidifies Aster's status as a modern master of the genre.
Midsommar (2019)
#22.0Midsommar (2019) is a masterclass in escalating dread and psychological horror, solidifying Ari Aster's place as a modern genre innovator. The film's unflinching portrayal of grief and toxic relationships, coupled with its sun-drenched, idyllic setting of a Swedish midsummer festival, creates a jarring and unsettling contrast. Aster expertly builds tension, using unsettling imagery and unsettling rituals to draw the viewer into a world that slowly unravels into something deeply disturbing and unforgettable. The film's power lies not just in its explicit violence, but in its exploration of emotional vulnerability and the slow, agonizing process of breakdown. This exploration of psychological distress, coupled with Aster's meticulous attention to detail, thematic symbolism, and masterful pacing, makes Midsommar a defining work of his filmography. The film showcases Aster's unique ability to craft deeply unsettling experiences that linger long after the credits roll. It's a film that demands multiple viewings, inviting audiences to unravel its intricate layers of meaning and appreciate the chilling beauty of its meticulously constructed narrative. For its audacity, its artistic vision, and its impact on the horror genre, *Midsommar* undoubtedly earns its place among the best Ari Aster movies.
Beau Is Afraid (2023)
#33.0"Beau Is Afraid" undeniably earns its place among Ari Aster's best works. While arguably his most divisive, the film showcases Aster's signature blend of dark comedy, psychological horror, and unsettling surrealism at its most ambitious. The film delves into the anxieties of modern existence through the lens of Beau, a profoundly anxious and paranoid man, crafting a uniquely personal and nightmarish experience that is both terrifying and darkly humorous. The narrative structure, a sprawling and episodic odyssey, is a testament to Aster's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, offering a visceral and unforgettable exploration of family trauma, mortality, and the existential dread of modern life. Like his other acclaimed features, "Beau Is Afraid" presents a masterful command of atmosphere, employing unsettling sound design, striking visuals, and a deeply unsettling performance from Joaquin Phoenix to create an immersive experience that burrows under your skin. Aster meticulously crafts a world both recognizable and profoundly distorted, layering symbols, metaphors, and dreamlike sequences to amplify Beau's inner turmoil and the film's core themes. The film’s audacity, its unflinching examination of complex emotional terrain, and its willingness to embrace the absurd are all hallmarks of Aster's distinctive directorial style, solidifying its status as a crucial, if challenging, addition to his already impressive filmography.
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