11. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)
A group live-streams their exploration of a haunted asylum in South Korea. This found footage entry builds on current digital culture and delivers well-crafted scares. It’s a standout Asian found footage film that resonates with modern audiences.
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12. One Cut of the Dead (2017)
A film crew making a zombie movie becomes part of a real-life horror scenario. Japan’s One Cut of the Dead cleverly plays with found footage conventions, mixing humor and creativity for an enjoyable and meta experience that’s both a satire and tribute to the genre.
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13. Host (2020)
Six friends conduct a séance over Zoom during the pandemic, with terrifying results. Host is a timely found footage film that captures the isolation and digital dependence of recent times. Its effective scares and relatable setup make it a standout of modern horror.
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14. The Outwaters (2023)
Set in the remote Mojave desert, The Outwaters follows four travelers terrorized by an inexplicable phenomenon. With its isolation and unique desert setting, this found footage film adds an atmospheric and mysterious edge to the genre. The unknown terror that unfolds extends beyond what cameras are able to capture in one of the most unique uses of the sub-genre to date.
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15. Noroi: The Curse (2005)
A documentary filmmaker investigates a curse in this complex Japanese horror. Weaving various narrative threads, Noroi creates an intricate and terrifying found footage experience that delves into the depths of Japanese folklore.
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16. Deadstream (2022)
A failed internet personality’s livestream at a ‘real’ haunted house turns into a battle for survival. Deadstream taps into online culture and the pursuit of viral fame, using the found footage format to deliver dark humor, great monsters, and timely terror.
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17. The Last Exorcism (2010)
A preacher allowing a documentary crew to film his last exorcism discovers genuine evil. This blend of religious horror and found footage creates an intense and unpredictable experience that keeps viewers guessing, playing with both genre and faith.
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18. V/H/S (2012)
This anthology offers various found footage horror shorts, each unique in style and substance. V/H/S provides a smorgasbord of terror, demonstrating the sub-genre’s versatility and creativity. It’s an essential watch for fans looking to explore different facets of found footage horror.
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19. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
A collection of tapes from a serial killer offers a horrifying glimpse into his mind. This unsettling found footage mockumentary pushes boundaries and digs into the darkest corners of human psychology, making it one of the most disturbing entries in the sub-genre.
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20. WNUF Halloween Special (2013)
This hidden gem channels the spirit of ’80s television in a pitch-perfect recreation of a live TV special gone awry. On Halloween night, a local news crew explores a supposedly haunted house, only to encounter genuine terror. WNUF Halloween Special captures the retro charm of VHS-era broadcasting and adds a clever twist to the found footage genre. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of old-school horror or a found footage enthusiast, this special offers a fun, authentic, and occasionally spine-chilling trip back in time.
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21. The McPherson Tape (1989)
During a family gathering, an alien encounter is captured on VHS. The McPherson Tape is a pioneering low-budget found footage film that uses its limitations to create an authentic and eerie experience. It’s a foundational piece in the genre that still resonates today.
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There you have it, a comprehensive guide to the best found footage films, each with its unique context and contribution to the genre. Whether you’re seeking terror from the unknown, the dark side of humanity, or a reflection of our digital age, these films offer something for every fan of found footage horror.
Is your favorite found footage horror movie missing from this list? Recommend it to the fiend over in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
