Ari Aster has established himself as one of modern cinema’s most provocative filmmakers. From his disturbing student shorts to his critically acclaimed features like Hereditary and Midsommar, Aster has consistently pushed the boundaries of psychological horror, dark comedy, and human dysfunction.
Here’s a look at every Ari Aster film ranked, from his earliest short works to his latest divisive satire.
Herman’s Cure-All Tonic (2008)
Aster’s 12-minute debut short follows Harold, a timid and bullied young man working in his father’s pharmacy selling a mysterious tonic. It reveals early glimpses of the nervous, fragile characters that would become Aster’s trademark.
TDF Really Works (2011)
At under three minutes, this outrageous mock infomercial is Aster at his most juvenile and shocking. While silly and NSFW, it shows his willingness to experiment and break boundaries.
The Turtle’s Head (2014)
A satirical noir parody about a misogynist private investigator caught in a bizarre case. Though absurd and NSFW, its commitment to the noir aesthetic makes it oddly compelling.
C’est La Vie (2016)
One of Aster’s final shorts before moving into features. The film follows a frustrated unhoused man ranting about society as he wanders Los Angeles. Stylistically similar to Basically, it reflects Aster’s growing confidence as a storyteller.
The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (2011)
Aster’s thesis film at AFI is a disturbing 29-minute short about a son who sexually abuses his father. Its taboo subject matter and psychological tension put Aster on the map as a filmmaker unafraid of exploring the darkest corners of human behavior.
Basically (2014)
Starring Rachel Brosnahan, this 15-minute monologue follows an actress reflecting on her unfulfilling life. Simple yet powerful, it showcases Aster’s talent for character-driven storytelling with minimal resources.
See More ...
Beau (2011)
An 11-minute short that became the seed for Beau Is Afraid. Starring Billy Mayo, it explores paranoia and anxiety, offering a glimpse of what would later expand into a surreal three-hour odyssey with Joaquin Phoenix.
Eddington (2023)
A pandemic-era Western satire set in New Mexico. With Joaquin Phoenix as a sheriff and Pedro Pascal as a mayor, the film examines America’s cultural polarization. Reception was mixed (70% on Rotten Tomatoes), praised for ambition but criticized for cynicism.
Beau Is Afraid (2023)
A surreal, three-hour psychological horror-comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix. The story follows a man’s anxiety-fueled journey to visit his mother. Polarizing yet unforgettable, it cemented Aster as a filmmaker who challenges audiences.
Midsommar (2019)
A daylight folk horror masterpiece. Starring Florence Pugh in a breakout role, the film follows a grieving woman visiting a Swedish commune with disturbing rituals. Praised for its direction and character-driven scares, it redefined modern pagan horror.
Hereditary (2018)
Aster’s feature debut remains his most acclaimed work and a modern horror classic. Starring Toni Collette, the film is a terrifying exploration of grief, family trauma, and the supernatural. Hailed by The New York Times as “visually ambitious and ruthlessly disturbing,” it solidified Aster as one of the greatest horror auteurs of his generation.
From shocking student shorts to Oscar-worthy horror features, Ari Aster has proven himself a daring filmmaker who redefines modern horror. His films, often blending psychological terror, satire, and human dysfunction, continue to spark conversation and cement his place as a true innovator in cinema.
