A24: The 10 best films ever released by the company

9: Spring Breakers (2013)

Directed by Harmony Korine

Starring: James Franco, Selena Gomez, and Vanessa Hudgens

Now we have transported back into the world in 2013. A24 is an up-and-coming film distribution company with no merit or worth to the film industry at the time. No major films to boast about, nothing. No box-office success, no critical acclaim, nothing to truly stand by besides ambition and good intent. In comes the James Franco-led descent into a drug-filled underworld, Spring Breakers, and suddenly A24 has some major bragging rights to rely on.

One of, if not arguably the most polarizing film in A24’s filmography, Spring Breakers prides itself as a crazy, hilarious and sometimes even disturbing look at the darkest aspects of Florida’s party scene. The film follows four college-aged girls partying in Florida and joining up with ambitious drug dealer, Alien (James Franco), as he introduces them to drugs, crime and all the morbid aspects of partying while they’re down there. Make no mistake about it: Spring Breakers is NOT the film to watch with your family.

Spring Breakers has received strong reactions from the film community, with each side loudly declaring their view of the film. On the negative side, the film is seen as a disgusting and trashy party ride that serves to objectify its four female leads. On the positive side, Spring Breakers is analyzed as a deconstruction/criticism of society’s obsession with pop culture and is even seen as a film with feminist ideas communicated throughout. Point is, the film is undoubtedly a controversial addition to the film industry, but its cult reputation and financial success at the box office, with over $30 million made on a $5 million budget, not only placed Spring Breakers as a financial success, but provided A24 with the momentum needed to launch themselves off the ground and as a potential force to be reckoned with in the world of independent cinema.