President Donald Trump is threatening to impose a tariff on every film produced outside of the United States. He is suggesting this tariff could apply to all movies made abroad.
On Monday, September 29th, Trump posted on his Truth Social app, stating, “The U.S. film industry has been taken advantage of by other countries-it’s like taking ‘candy from a baby.’ California, and its ineffective Governor, has suffered greatly. To fix this ongoing issue, I will be implementing a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside of the United States. Thank you for considering this.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has suggested putting a tax on movies made outside of the U.S. Back in May, he made a similar warning, stating that other countries were attracting American filmmakers and studios with incentives. He claimed this was a deliberate attempt by other countries to harm the U.S., and therefore a national security risk.
Trump didn’t explain how he would apply these tariffs, or which movies would be affected. He didn’t differentiate between films produced by American studios abroad-like a major Hollywood film shot at Pinewood Studios in England-and films made by foreign companies that are then shown in U.S. cinemas. Both of these types of films could technically be considered “made outside of the United States.”
In January, Trump appointed actors Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson as his “Special Ambassadors” to Hollywood. He stated their job would be to revitalize the industry-which he claimed had lost business to foreign countries over the past four years-and make it “BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”
The 24 Best A24 Movies
24. Under the Silver Lake (2019)
Taking cues from the laid-back, ethically gray detective movies of 1970s California, writer and director David Robert Mitchell created a standout film about today’s pop culture-and our tendency to overanalyze movies, treating them like mysteries to be cracked. Andrew Garfield stars as a somewhat immature man who becomes fixated on finding his vanished neighbor (Riley Keough) and stumbles into a large-scale conspiracy hidden within Los Angeles’s criminal world. Alternatively, the entire story could be a product of his troubled, drug-influenced mind-and our habit of seeking hidden meanings might just be a way to avoid dealing with life’s difficult realities.
23. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Michelle Yeoh finds herself in a wild, multi-dimensional crisis when she discovers she’s the only person who can prevent a powerful evil force from wiping out everything. Creating a film as ambitious and imaginative as Everything Everywhere All at Once, while also keeping it lighthearted and genuinely heartfelt, is a remarkable achievement. And, Ke Huy Quan, known from The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, made a triumphant return with his most significant role in years, playing Yeoh’s long-suffering husband.
22. Funny Pages (2022)
I was completely captivated by Owen Kline’s film, a story about someone trying to become a comic artist. It feels like he deliberately cast actors who *look* like they wandered straight out of a really edgy, independent comic – something you’d expect from Johnny Ryan. Everywhere you look, there are these wonderfully imperfect details – crooked teeth, scars, teenage skin, wonky glasses, even jagged toenails and greasy fingers! And some characters have truly memorable looks – like one guy rocking both a sweaty combover and a frizzy mullet.
But it’s not just the *way* Funny Pages looks, it’s what’s underneath. Those old underground comics weren’t afraid to be…well, gross. The situations were awkward, rebellious, and often disturbing. Everything felt grumpy and a little unsettling – they practically challenged you to put them down! That’s what *made* them underground – if they were easy and pleasant, they’d just be regular comics. So honestly, I’m not surprised some people really disliked Funny Pages. In fact, I think if everyone *liked* it, the movie would have missed the mark entirely. Because it’s dividing people, it’s actually brilliant.
21. Beau Is Afraid (2023)
Wow, people really have *strong* opinions about Beau Is Afraid! But one thing everyone seems to agree on is that Ari Aster really went for it with this incredibly ambitious movie. It’s all about a really anxious, isolated guy (Joaquin Phoenix) trying to get home for his mother’s funeral. Whether it’s a masterpiece or a misfire? That’s up to you. But for me, it’s one of the most powerfully effective films I’ve ever seen at capturing what it *feels* like to live with anxiety. And Joaquin Phoenix? Another completely captivating, and deliberately unglamorous, performance from him.
20. Aftersun (2022)
A father (Paul Mescal) and his daughter (Frankie Corio) take a vacation at a Turkish resort. Everything appears perfect – they swim, play pool, and enjoy meals together – but subtle moments reveal that the father is struggling. (The two lead actors deliver incredibly realistic performances, portraying a warm yet somewhat emotionally detached father-daughter bond.)
Aftersun affects you gradually, like getting a sunburn. It doesn’t immediately feel painful, but writer/director Charlotte Wells’ careful and nuanced observations slowly build up. It’s only hours later that you’re truly hit with a lasting sadness that remains with you.
19. First Cow (2020)
Kelly Reichardt has a knack for creating compelling drama from very simple situations. First Cow is surprisingly one of the most understated and emotionally powerful Westerns ever made. The story follows a cook (John Magaro) who travels to the Oregon Territory and starts a business selling what are essentially doughnuts – referred to as “oily cakes” (a historically accurate, quirky term) – with the assistance of a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee). Their secret ingredient? Milk stolen from the area’s first cow. This all adds up to a captivating look at the harsh realities of 19th-century capitalism, and a touching story about the bond between two men – and it’s all completely genuine.
18. Friendship (2024)
Friendship was a standout theatrical experience for me in 2025. I’ve never heard so many noticeable sighs, gasps, and OH GODs during a comedy before. And it was all completely earned; the story centers around Tim Robinson’s increasingly awkward and painful experiences after a promising friendship with a laid-back neighbor (Paul Rudd) falls apart during a terrible get-together. Robinson’s cluelessness is incredibly funny, Rudd’s cool persona is even funnier, and the script (written by director Andrew DeYoung) delves into male insecurities with such intensity that it might actually cause viewers to cringe so hard they need medical attention.
17. Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
This stylish crime film from English director Rose Glass blends themes of human growth hormone with stories of love and ambition. The film centers on a gym manager (Kristen Stewart) who develops a passionate connection with a new bodybuilder (Katy O’Brian, delivering a breakout performance). Just when the story seems familiar, Love Lies Bleeding takes a surprising and unexpected turn. Imagine if David Cronenberg had directed Pumping Iron, then infused the script with the darkly comedic tone of Fargo and the provocative energy of Showgirls-the result might resemble this darkly funny thriller.
16. Minari (2020)
Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari portrays the immigrant experience with a gentle mix of joy and sorrow. The film follows the Yi family as they leave California for a farm in rural Arkansas, led by the father, Jacob (Steven Yeun). The mother, Monica (Han Ye-ri), isn’t happy about the move, and their children (Anne, played by Noel Kate Cho, and David, played by Alan Kim) are also less than thrilled – and that’s before their funny grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung) arrives. Based on Chung’s own upbringing, the film is powerfully emotional, especially in the connection between the grandmother and grandson. (I always love a great movie grandmother, don’t judge me.)
15. The Zone of Interest (2023)
Jonathan Glazer’s latest film, his first since 2013’s Under the Skin, explores the nature of evil, taking inspiration from Martin Amis’ celebrated novel. The film offers a cold, detached look at the everyday life of Rudolf Höss (played with unsettling effect by Christian Friedel), the Nazi officer responsible for the atrocities at Auschwitz. We see Höss living comfortably in a nice house very close to the concentration camp. He and his wife Hedwig (an equally chilling Sandra Hüller) lovingly care for their children and enjoy the amenities of their large property, including a swimming pool and slide. However, just beyond their view – though still audible thanks to the film’s remarkable sound design – some of the most horrific events in history are unfolding. As always, Glazer brings a unique perspective to his work, using surveillance-style cinematography and night vision to examine this dark chapter in history, which, disturbingly, seems to echo certain aspects of our own time.
14. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is a powerfully filmed movie that expertly controls its speed and mood to show how sadness and regret can affect families for years. The last part of the film feels like one long, intense panic attack (and along with Beau Is Afraid, no other director captures anxiety on screen quite like Ari Aster). However, looking back, the most frightening moment might actually be the beginning, where the camera slowly focuses on a detailed miniature house belonging to Toni Collette’s character. We then see the figures inside moving around, suggesting that we are all just helpless pieces being manipulated by forces beyond our understanding.
13. Ex Machina (2015)
Alex Garland’s first film as director is a thought-provoking exploration of where the line between people and technology begins to blur. A gifted programmer (Oscar Isaac) creates the world’s first true artificial intelligence, giving it the appearance of a woman (Alicia Vikander), and enlists an unsuspecting worker (Domhnall Gleeson) to evaluate its capabilities. What initially appears to be a straightforward power struggle quickly reveals deeper layers to the characters and Garland’s clever writing. It’s difficult to determine who the hero or villain is, and those roles actually change throughout the film and even with each viewing. Garland suggests that it’s inevitable that robots will eventually supersede humans – and maybe that won’t be such a bad thing.
12. Krisha (2016)
Krisha is a standout American independent film, remarkably made in just nine days with a budget that was less than what most big studios spend on catering. It’s the first feature film from director Trey Edward Shults, who shot it at his parents’ house, using a cast largely made up of his friends and family. The lead actress, the incredible Krisha Fairchild, is actually Shults’ aunt. She plays a woman returning home for Thanksgiving after being away for a while; as the polite conversation and fake smiles wear off, so does her ability to stay sober. Unlike many low-budget indie films that don’t prioritize visual quality, Krisha, with striking cinematography by Drew Daniels, is both visually impressive and deeply moving, building to a powerful and intense climax. If you’re dreading Thanksgiving, this movie might just make yours seem better.
11. Green Room (2016)
Green Room is a strikingly intense thriller and one of the best of the 21st century. The story centers on a punk band who accidentally witness a crime at a club controlled by white supremacists, and are then forced to fight to stay alive. In films such as Green Room, Blue Ruin, and his more recent work, Rebel Ridge, director Jeremy Saulnier consistently explores a central idea: that the unforeseen fallout from violence is impossible to control.
10. First Reformed (2017)
As a longtime fan, watching First Reformed felt like seeing Paul Schrader lay bare everything he’s explored throughout his career. It centers around a pastor (Ethan Hawke) grappling with a deep spiritual crisis after a member of his church takes their own life. It really makes you ask: how can faith exist in a world filled with so much pain, death, and the looming threat of environmental disaster? If there *were* simple answers, First Reformed wouldn’t be the powerful film it is. It reminded me of something his most iconic character once said: “Someday a real rain will come.”
9. Eighth Grade (2018)
It’s been a long time since I was in eighth grade [Last Crusade Holy Grail Skeleton Face GIF]. Seeing this character – a quiet but outgoing, curious about sex but also really awkward eighth grader (played brilliantly by Elsie Fisher) – and her kind, well-meaning but clueless dad (Josh Hamilton) felt like looking at two different sides of myself, somehow brought together. And that Truth or Dare scene? It was so embarrassing I think I’m permanently curled up in a ball. Eighth Grade, directed by comedian Bo Burnham, is a really good and honest film.
8. The Farewell (2019)
The Farewell has many strengths, including Lulu Wang’s heartfelt writing and Awkwafina’s subtly moving performance as the film’s sad but endearing main character. However, what truly makes it special is that it’s a beautiful and meaningful story about grandmothers – a group of people we don’t see enough of in movies. (As I’ve mentioned, I always appreciate a great cinematic grandma!) Grandmothers are, without a doubt, the best people in the world. It’s been scientifically proven! But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film that captures the joy of having a grandma quite like this one. Zhao Shuzhen plays Nai Nai, a character inspired by Wang’s own grandmother, who receives a cancer diagnosis that her family chooses to keep secret so she can spend her remaining time happily with them. Honestly, if you’re lucky enough to have a grandma, go give her a hug and tell her how much you appreciate her. And then, definitely take her to see The Farewell.
7. The Witch (2016)
Director Robert Eggers thoroughly researched the folklore and actual witchcraft trials of the time, giving his first film a remarkable sense of realism; The Witch truly feels like it came straight from the terrifying dreams of 17th-century Puritans. Though the story of this family, torn apart by suspicion, stubbornness, and a truly frightening witch, is based on events and beliefs from centuries ago, its theme of a society trying to suppress and even ruin a young woman as she gains power and self-awareness doesn’t feel old at all. And that’s what makes it truly chilling.
6. A Ghost Story (2017)
David Lowery’s film is a grand, yet deeply personal, exploration of sadness, affection, and mortality. It centers around a bold choice: following Casey Affleck’s ghostly figure on a dreamlike journey through what happens after death. The story is carefully constructed, and time is portrayed in a strange, fluid way. It feels like a film people might turn to for wisdom and meaning in the years to come-assuming, of course, that humanity still exists, and that the world hasn’t been completely covered in buildings filled with the spirits of those who came before.
5. The Brutalist (2024)
It’s wonderful to find a film like The Brutalist still being made – a beautiful, reflective, four-hour American story. It’s not about science fiction or fantasy; instead, it follows two men as they collaborate to create something together. And it’s especially interesting that the film itself is about the challenges of making such a deeply personal work of art – and how easily those projects can be affected by those who provide the funding.
4. Moonlight (2016)
The three actors-Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes-who portray the main character in Moonlight at various points in his life, each bring a unique look and feel to their performance. However, their subtle and skillful acting connects them all. This collective success mirrors the film’s overall accomplishment; Moonlight is a movie where every element-the acting, script, direction, visuals, music, editing, and design-comes together seamlessly.
3. Uncut Gems (2019)
The Academy Awards missed a chance to recognize Adam Sandler for his role as Howard Ratner, a diamond seller. Sandler manages to make Howard both deeply unlikeable and surprisingly relatable as he desperately tries to fix his financial troubles. Directors Josh and Benny Safdie are genuine New York filmmakers, having grown up here, and in Uncut Gems they created a remarkably authentic depiction of the city’s complex and troubled spirit – one of the best I’ve ever witnessed.
2. Past Lives (2023)
This moving and poignant film explores the unseen powers that influence our lives-whether you call it fate, destiny, or in-yun-connecting and dividing people, much like magnets that both attract and repel. The story centers on Nora (Greta Lee), a writer, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), an engineer, who find themselves repeatedly drawn together, yet unable to maintain a lasting relationship. They encounter each other at different stages of life-as children, college students, and adults-and while the world around them changes, their connection persists. However, by their third meeting, Nora is married to an American named Arthur (John Magaro). The film asks whether Nora will remain with her husband or find her way back to Hae Sung. The outcome of this subtle love triangle is deeply affecting and will leave you contemplating the significant moments and decisions that have shaped your own life, even those whose true importance only became clear with time.
1. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird focuses on pairs and contrasts. The main character, for example, has two first names. Throughout the film, she dates two different guys and has two best friends. The story unfolds over two school terms, each featuring a school play. There are two dances, two parties, and she has unique relationships with both of her parents. She applies to two colleges and attends two churches. These many options make Lady Bird a thoughtful film about making choices-and how, at that age, even small decisions can feel incredibly important. In a way, those feelings are true.
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2025-09-29 18:32