FIVE BEST FOUND FOOTAGE MOVIES: DARE ENOUGH TO WATCH ON YOUR OWN?

A found footage movie is a film in which several clips or even the entire movie are presented as they were recorded from the live events which were found and served to the audience without much intervention. This technique is also called “mockumentary”, which is wrapped up as a non-fiction documentary.

Some people find it difficult to consider found footage movies and documentary movies. The main difference lies in their purpose. That is why found footage is more seen in horror movies, rather than documentary movies that were often seen in historical movies.

Found footage movies rather give you ‘direct’ experience, sometimes as if you are the first POV of the movie. That is why, the filming cinematography in found footage movies are often unstabilized, depending on what situation the clips are in. For example, the characters need to run and the filming will give you some shaky view. Besides, the documentary films were using professional filming and structured narration. This technique also often provided interview sessions with the source person that experienced the event at that time the event happened.

If you’re just getting into found footage horror, here are some great picks to start with. Each movie has its own kind of scare—whether it’s psychological, supernatural, or based on folklore. The shaky camera style might feel messy, but that’s what makes it feel real and intense.

Check out these must-watch found footage horror movies!

1. Blair Witch Project (1999)

One of the most iconic found footage horror movies, The Blair Witch Project tells about three student filmmakers documenting their trip into the woods to uncover the legend of the Blair Witch.

A clip from Blair Witch Project (1999) showing Michael C. Williams as the character of Mike Williams.
Blair Witch Project (1999). Source: slashfilm.com

This movie relies heavily on implied horror, which means that there were no kind of monsters or ghosts sightings. The slow pacing and shaky views can also be frustrating, especially for those who are not fans of found footage style. In my opinion, the ending leaves so much question in mind, leave it open.

Rating: 8/10

2. Paranormal Activity (2007)

A modern classic in the found footage movie, tells about a couple who set up cameras around their home to capture unusual and strange occurrences. The horror does not appear accidentally, but frequently happens such as doors moving on their own, eerie noises, and an increasing sense of dread. The minimalist approach makes it feel eerily realistic, proving that sometimes, what we don’t see is scarier than what is visible.

Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat in the clip of Paranormal Activity (2007).
Paranormal Activity (2007). Source: rifftrax.com

This movie follows a very slow burn approach, which takes more time before anything truly terrifying happens. Some viewers may find it boring in the first half, as it mostly consists of subtle movements and eerie noises rather than direct scares.

Rating: 8/10

3. As Above So Below (2014)

This movie takes you deep into the eerie underground catacombs of Paris. Scarlett wants to look for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, with the help of her friends and several others. The exploration turns into a terrifying journey through hellish visions and psychological torment. The found footage style makes the experience feel real, as if you’re trapped in the claustrophobic tunnels with them. In my opinion it also plays on your science intuition to push you to gradually think about unscientific things.

Scarlett (Perdita Weeks) and George (Ben Feldman) in a catacomb.
As Above So Below (2014). Source: vox.com

However, the messy storyline and overreliance on chaotic camera movements can lead into overwhelming sights. Some moments feel repetitive and the rapid pacing second half makes it hard to fully grasp the horror. I my opinion, the ending feels a bit rushed and leaves many questions unanswered.

Rating: 9/10

4. The Medium (2021)

This Thai-Korean horror movie takes a documentary-style approach, following a film crew investigating a shaman and the mysterious possession of a young woman. The slow build up and realistic filming style make it feel like a real-life case study of supernatural possession. What I thought best about this film is that it blends folk horror with psychological terror and local custom, delivering a disturbing and intense experience.

A clip where Mink (Narilya Gulmongkolpech) getting exorcist.
The Medium (2021). Source: mubi.com

One of the biggest drawbacks is its long runtime, which is over two hours. The first half plays like a documentary, which can be engaging or even boring, depending on your preference. The atmosphere of the excessive screaming and violent scenes may feel overwhelming rather than scary.

Rating 9/10

5. Incantation (2022)

The story revolves around a mother trying to protect her daughter from a deadly curse she unknowingly unleashed years ago. The movie plays with non-linear storytelling, making you piece together the mystery while experiencing disturbing supernatural events. The mix of documentary-style footage and intense horror scenes makes it feel deeply immersive.

Li Ronan (Hsuan-yen Tsai) as the main character of Incantation.
Incantation (2022). Source: collider.com

While the movie has an unique storytelling style, its non-linear structure can be very confusing as if you have to be more focused on the storyline. In my opinion, because this movie leans on Taiwanese folklore, which might make it harder for some audiences to fully grasp the cultural references.

Rating: 9/10

Found footage movies offer a raw and immersive horror experience, making the fear feel real. Unlike traditional horror or documentaries, they rely on shaky cinematography and a first-person perspective to create tension.

Each film has its strengths, whether it’s The Blair Witch Project’s implied horror, Paranormal Activity’s slow-burning dread, or The Medium and Incantation’s cultural horror. However, common flaws include shaky camera work, uneven pacing, and open-ended stories. Despite all of the flaws, I hope you can enjoy the new experience by these recommend movies.

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