25 Best Movies That Start With the Letter “A”

Movies can captivate us, transporting us into different worlds and stories. Regarding the best films, every alphabet letter has its share of classics. Today, let’s dive into the realm of movies that begin with the letter ‘A.’ The letter ‘A’ holds a treasure trove of cinematic gems, from action-packed adventures to awe-inspiring animations. Ready to journey with me?

1. ‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001)

This biographical drama follows the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician. As Nash rises to acclaim for his work, he begins to grapple with schizophrenia. The story showcases his struggles, his relationship with his wife, Alicia, and his journey through mental illness. Directed by Ron Howard, the film poignantly delves into the challenges Nash faces, both in his personal life and in his groundbreaking work, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

2. ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)

This dystopian crime film is directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess’s novel. It revolves around Alex, a delinquent youth in futuristic Britain, known for his love for classical music and his violent acts. After being arrested, he undergoes an experimental procedure to “cure” him of his violent tendencies. However, the process strips him of his free will, leading to a series of disturbing events. The film delves deep into themes of free will, societal control, and the nature of evil.

3. ‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)

Directed by Rob Reiner, this legal drama is centered around the court-martial of two U.S. Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine. Lt. Daniel Kaffee, an inexperienced military lawyer, teams up with Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway to defend them. As they dig deeper, they uncover a high-level conspiracy and face the challenge of extracting the truth from those in power. The film climaxes with the iconic line, “You can’t handle the truth!”

4. ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ (1988)

A unique blend of comedy and crime, this film, directed by Charles Crichton, follows a group of thieves who execute a diamond heist. After the robbery, double-crossing ensues as the seductive Wanda tries to find out where the diamonds are hidden. In the process, she gets close to the barrister representing one of her fellow thieves, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings, betrayals, and unexpected alliances.

5. ‘A Night at the Opera’ (1935)

This film is a classic Marx Brothers comedy, showcasing their trademark slapstick humor and wit. Set around the opera world, the story follows Otis B. Driftwood, who works to help two young opera singers achieve their dreams of stardom. As they embark on an ocean liner to New York, a series of hilarious events unfold, including overcrowded cabin scenes, contract gags, and an unforgettable performance at the opera house.

6. ‘A Separation’ (2011)

This critically acclaimed Iranian film, directed by Asghar Farhadi, delves into the lives of a middle-class couple, Nader and Simin, who decide to separate due to ideological differences. Simin wants to leave Iran for a better future for their daughter, while Nader wishes to stay to care for his ailing father.

The situation becomes more complex when Nader hires a caregiver for his father, leading to a tragic incident that pits the two families against each other. The film meticulously portrays the moral complexities of life, offering no easy answers.

7. ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1951)

Based on Tennessee Williams’ famous play, this film, directed by Elia Kazan, is a tale of passion, class conflict, and mental decline. Blanche DuBois, a delicate Southern belle with a tattered past, moves in with her sister Stella and her brutish husband Stanley Kowalski in New Orleans. As Blanche’s reality unravels, Stanley’s suspicion and hostility towards her escalate, leading to tragic consequences. The film explores themes of illusion, reality, and the primal instincts that drive human behavior.

8. ‘Alien’ (1979)

Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi horror introduces audiences to the menacing extraterrestrial creature, the Xenomorph. The crew of the commercial starship Nostromo responds to a distress call from an uncharted planet, only to unwittingly bring onboard a deadly alien life form.

As the alien begins to prey on the crew, tension and terror mount, with Officer Ripley emerging as the resourceful protagonist. The film masterfully blends horror with science fiction, creating an atmosphere of intense dread.

9. ‘Aliens’ (1986)

In this sequel directed by James Cameron, the action intensifies as Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor from the Nostromo, is awakened 57 years later. She reluctantly joins a team of space marines to investigate the colony on LV-426, the same planet where the Nostromo crew first encountered the deadly alien species. Upon arrival, they find the colony decimated, with the aliens now more numerous and threatening.

Driven by her traumatic past with the creature, Ripley becomes the team’s beacon of hope. The film amps up the action while deepening Ripley’s character and introducing the theme of motherhood.

10. ‘All About Eve’ (1950)

The theatre world takes center stage in this classic film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Bette Davis stars as Margo Channing, a highly successful but aging Broadway star. Enter Eve Harrington, a seemingly innocent fan who idolizes Margo; however, as Eve becomes Margo’s assistant, her true ambitions surface. She maneuvers herself into the spotlight, attempting to usurp Margo’s place both on the stage and in her personal life. The movie insightfully explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the fleeting nature of fame.

11. ‘Almost Famous’ (2000)

Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film tells the story of William Miller, a 15-year-old aspiring journalist. He lands an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to cover an up-and-coming rock band, Stillwater. As he tours with them, William gets a firsthand look at the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, falls in love with a groupie named Penny Lane, and learns about life, love, and the price of fame. The movie is a nostalgic ode to rock music and the 1970s.

12. ‘Amadeus’ (1984)

Directed by Milos Forman and adapted from Peter Shaffer’s stage play, this film offers a fictionalized biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story is narrated by Antonio Salieri, a contemporary composer who, though successful, lives in the shadow of Mozart’s genius.

Consumed by jealousy, Salieri reflects on the divine talent of Mozart and how he may have played a role in the young composer’s tragic downfall. It’s a powerful exploration of genius, envy, and the nature of artistic creation.

13. ‘Amelie’ (2001)

Set in a whimsically depicted Paris, this romantic comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet follows the life of Amelie Poulain. After discovering a hidden box of childhood treasures in her apartment, Amelie decides to anonymously help and improve the lives of those around her, leading to delightful and unpredictable outcomes. However, in the process of bringing happiness to others, Amelie realizes she must confront her own fears and insecurities to find love and happiness for herself.

14. ‘American Beauty’ (1999)

Sam Mendes directs this dark and introspective look at suburban life. A middle-aged man, Lester Burnham, experiences a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his daughter’s best friend. This awakening leads Lester to make significant changes in his life, both trivial and profound, even as other family members deal with their own issues. The film delves deep into the themes of conformity, beauty, personal liberation, and the facades people maintain in everyday life.

15. ‘American History X’ (1998)

This intense drama, directed by Tony Kaye, delves into the life of Derek Vinyard, a former neo-Nazi leader who, after a prison sentence, seeks to prevent his younger brother from going down the same path of hatred and violence. Using a combination of present-day events and black-and-white flashbacks, the film tackles the disturbing realities of racism, the impact of family, and the possibility of redemption in the face of deep-seated prejudice.

16. ‘American Psycho’ (2000)

In this dark satire directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York investment banker. By day, he leads a lavish lifestyle among the city’s elite. By night, his psychopathic tendencies emerge. As Patrick’s violent impulses become more uncontrollable, the lines between reality and delusion blur. The film critiques the excesses and moral vacuity of 1980s yuppie culture.

17. ‘Anatomy of a Murder’ (1959)

Directed by Otto Preminger, this courtroom drama revolves around the trial of Army Lieutenant Manion, who is accused of murdering a bartender who allegedly raped his wife. The story unfolds as small-town lawyer Paul Biegler takes on Manion’s defense. Through a series of courtroom battles, the film delves into the intricacies of the legal system, moral ambiguity, and the nature of truth. It’s a gripping exploration of justice and the human psyche.

18. ‘Annie Hall’ (1977)

One of Woody Allen’s most celebrated films, this romantic comedy chronicles the relationship between neurotic New Yorker Alvy Singer and the quirky, endearing title character Annie Hall. The film touches on love’s joys and challenges through a blend of humor, intellect, and introspection. Using innovative storytelling techniques, including direct addresses to the audience and fragmented narratives, it’s a candid and often humorous look at modern relationships.

19. ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

This epic war film is directed by Francis Ford Coppola and is set during the Vietnam War. It follows Captain Willard, who is tasked with a clandestine mission to locate and assassinate rogue Colonel Kurtz, who’s believed to have gone insane and is leading his own militia deep within the Cambodian jungle.

The journey up the river becomes a harrowing descent into the heart of darkness, both literally and metaphorically. The film, inspired by Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness,” is a profound exploration of the horrors of war and the human psyche.

20. ‘Apollo 13’ (1995)

Based on true events and directed by Ron Howard, this film recounts the harrowing story of the Apollo 13 mission. When an oxygen tank explodes, the spacecraft is thrown off course, and the three astronauts aboard, led by Jim Lovell, face life-threatening challenges. The crew and ground control must work against the clock, overcoming technical adversities to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. It’s a gripping tale of resilience, innovation, and the indomitable human spirit.

21. ‘Argo’ (2012)

Set during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, this film, directed by and starring Ben Affleck, is based on the true story of a covert operation to rescue six Americans. CIA agent Tony Mendez devises an unconventional plan: to create a fake Hollywood film production and use it as a cover to extract the Americans. With Hollywood’s help, Mendez ventures into Tehran under the guise of scouting for a sci-fi film, hoping to bring the Americans home safely. It’s a thrilling blend of historical drama and Hollywood satire.

22. ‘Avatar’ (2009)

In James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi epic, the distant planet of Pandora becomes the battleground between humans seeking to exploit its resources and the native Na’vi, who wish to protect their homeland.

Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine, is chosen to partake in the Avatar Program, allowing him to control a Na’vi-human hybrid. As Jake integrates with the Na’vi, he finds himself torn between two worlds. The film, renowned for its stunning visuals and pioneering technology, addresses themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and cultural understanding.

23. ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

This monumental crossover event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also directed by the Russo brothers, brings together the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and other heroes to face their most formidable foe yet: Thanos.

Driven by a twisted sense of destiny, Thanos seeks to collect all six Infinity Stones, which will grant him god-like powers. As the Avengers split into teams to prevent this, they are challenged not only by Thanos’ immense strength but also by the moral dilemmas presented by his plan to eradicate half of all life to supposedly “balance” the universe. It’s a race against time, leading to a finale that forever changes the universe.

24. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

The climactic conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, follows the aftermath of the devastating events of “Infinity War.” After Thanos, the Mad Titan wipes out half of all life in the universe with the Infinity Stones, the remaining Avengers are left shattered and defeated.

They embark on a desperate mission to reverse Thanos’ actions with the universe in ruins. As they confront their own pasts and the weight of their decisions, the Avengers come together for one final battle, with the fate of existence itself on the line.

25. ‘Awakenings’ (1990)

Directed by Penny Marshall, this emotional drama is based on the true story of Dr. Oliver Sacks. In the 1960s, Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams, discovered the benefits of the drug L-Dopa when administered to catatonic patients who survived the 1917-1928 encephalitis lethargica epidemic.

One such patient, Leonard Lowe, portrayed by Robert De Niro, awakens after decades of catatonia. The film poignantly explores the transient nature of life, medical ethics, and the deep connection between doctor and patient.

Have a movie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!