Embrace it! Found footage is here to stay. Though this sub-genre is often unfairly judged as an ugly step-sister of legitimate horror, it actually holds some of the most innovative, interesting, and scary films in recent years. Kelly gives you her recommendations for falling in love with found footage – 13 films streaming right now.
[customfont1]The Blair Witch Project (1999, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
Here is the one that started it all, kids. Now that found footage film has become a cornerstone of modern horror, it is worth your 80 minutes to re-watch this groundbreaking movie – it is one of the best.
[customfont1]Devil’s Backbone, Texas (2015, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
For some reason, this movie has been overlooked – an incredible and terrifying blend of fiction and reality, starring and based upon the life of director, Jake Wade Wall. Watch this one and spread the word – great little movie.
[customfont1]Lunopolis (2009, Netflix Instant[/customfont1]
A fun, quirky, interesting conspiracy-themed found footage movie – requires the suspension of disbelief in a good chunk of the movie, but a very enjoyable story.
[customfont1]Trollhunter (2010, Netflix & Amazon Prime)[/customfont1]
Foreign horror can be tricky, but even if you are typically averse to reading subtitles, trust me that this one is worth the effort. Utterly unique, hilarious, and already in production for an American remake – watch the Norwegian original and thank me later!
[customfont1]The Sacrament (2013, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
Ti West (who brought us ‘House of the Devil’) creates a very interesting, unnerving found footage spin on a cult classic – no, really, the classic theme of cults. The story is reminiscent of the Jonestown Massacre story, but unique and creepy and incredibly entertaining.
[customfont1]V/H/S (2012, Netflix Instant & Amazon Prime) & V/H/S/2 (2013, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
The first two movies in this franchise were brilliant – vignettes tied together by a creepy wrap-around story, with pieces directed by horror greats such as Ti West, Adam Wingard, and Eduardo Sanchez.
[customfont1]Devil’s Pass (2013, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
If you haven’t heard of the Dyatlov Pass incident, look it up. Absolutely creepy. Then watch this movie – even creepier.
[customfont1]Banshee Chapter (2013, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
Government conspiracy, MK-ULTRA, terrifying entities in the dark, and a character based on Hunter S. Thompson – do you need any more convincing?
[customfont1]Mr. Jones (2013, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
This is one that many who don’t like found footage have still enjoyed. It has quite an interesting ending – and will change the way you look a public art instalments.
[customfont1]Creep (2014, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
With a very small cast (Mark Duplass & Patrick Brice), this movie pulls off an incredible degree of, well, creepiness with a level of acting that isn’t often seen in the horror genre. If you only watch one movie on this list, make it this one – and then listen to our review and interview with director, Patrick Brice.
[customfont1]The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
A possession movie that plays on your heart strings by involving Alzheimer’s in the plotline, then scares the hell out of you with some truly disturbing scenes.
[customfont1]Dark Mountain (2014, Amazon Prime)[/customfont1]
A fun little flick, based on the real-life legends surrounding the Superstition Mountains in Arizona.
[customfont1]The Houses October Built (2014, Netflix Instant)[/customfont1]
This unique and very creepy flick flew under the radar when it came out last year, but it is definitely worth a watch. The topic is a new one – a group of friends driving around, looking for the best and most extreme “Haunted House” attraction in the country.