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Top 10 Found Footage Films

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I can’t believe that in 2015 I am finally making this list, but I am.

A few years ago, I would have scoffed at the idea. I hated found footage movies, but after so many of them being shoved in my face, I’ve actually grown to appreciate them. If done correctly, they can be good. Very good, in fact. However, that is the exception and not the rule. Too many of them employ the same beaten-to-death jump scare tricks and poor storylines just to pump out a quick, low-budget movie for a nice profit. I’ve waded through the mud for you lovely readers and have compiled a list of 10 of the best found footage films that have been made thus far. The films on this list go above and beyond most movies in this horror subgenre, with unique storylines, scares, and overall production. I really enjoyed these ones, and I hope you will too.

The plot for about 7,506,405,450,540 films to date.

 

10. The Houses October Built (2014)[youtube id=”Yedl4lY9VgM” align=”right”]

This movie belongs on this list because of its original plot. I love the idea of a group of friends traveling around in search for haunted houses that go above and beyond your standard Halloween attractions. Evil clowns, psycho rednecks, and Haunted House freaks abound, this movie is filled with creepiness. Watch the trailer…I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

9. Trollhunter (2012) [youtube id=”uvwEyHeRSvE” align=”right”]

Trollhunter is a Norwegian film about a group of students who aim to find out what exactly is going on behind a bunch of bear killings. As the title suggests, there is more than just bears in this movie. There are Trolls. Awesome, stop-motion styled Trolls at that. If you don’t like movies with subtitles, then you may want to skip this one, but I implore you to reconsider and just get over it. Reading’s not that bad. You’re a big boy or girl. You can handle it.

8. Paranormal Activity (2009) [youtube id=”F_UxLEqd074″ align=”right”]

This is like every 7th grader’s first scary movie. “Oh, that wasn’t even scary! That was funny. And stupid too, actually. Huhuhuhhuh!” Nice try. Look, it’s not universally beloved, and I get why some people don’t like it, but I also think that some people just don’t understand it. It’s not supposed to have some deep moral impact. It’s supposed to have some good jump scares, allow you to have some fun, and be entertained a bit. Watching a movie from the Paranormal Activity franchise is like walking into a haunted house. It works the same way.  And though I’ve already said that too many FF movies rely on jump scares and CGI, but this movie was a pioneer at the time. Most are copycats. So shove it.

7. Grave Encounters (2011) [youtube id=”g8FBRATbJoA” align=”right”]

Are you a fan of the show Ghost Adventures? If so, you’ll like this one. It’s like the main character is an exact replica of Zak Bagans, except slightly less of a jacked “bro.” Don’t get me wrong, I love Zak, but…he’s kind of an airhead. A loveable one, but an airhead at that. This movie follows the same formula as the show, but puts it on steroids and kills off a lot of people instead of having them find one tiny discrepancy  on a soundwave. The spirits in this movie are dangerous, and it works. Word to the wise, however; please, for the love of everything Horror, please don’t waste your time with the sequel. It’s probably one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen, without exaggeration. They should make posters that say: Grave Encounters 2: Not even once.

6. Frankenstein’s Army (2013) [youtube id=”dOF8GiIXtGY” align=”right”]

Now this is a found footage movie done right! This movie features some really awesome practical effects for the monsters in it, which is incredibly rare for anything in this subgenre. The hideous pieced-together “army” in this movie looks so, so good. Usually, you’d expect some CGI cop-out effects, but this movie decides to do things way better. Great movie. I really’ cannot recommend it enough. Plus, it’s been on Netflix for a while and I don’t think it’s going to be removed any time soon.

5. Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) [youtube id=”1tNrvDA_eE8″ align=”right”]

This is a genius movie, and one that is criminally underrated as well. I don’t know one person in my non-internet life that’s seen it, and that is a crying shame. It’s basically a mockumentary about the “business” of being a masked killer; they speak of other heavy-hitters of the industry, namedropping Michael and Jason. It’s really funny and  really good. Technically, it’s not fully a found-footage movie, but that’s all I’m going to say. You’ll have to watch it to find out why. Oh, and Robert Englund too!

4. The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) [youtube id=”JiODgrdAJvo” align=”right”]

Is there anyone who hasn’t seen this movie yet? It’s gotten an insane amount of attention, and rightfully so. This movie is insane. I have to take a moment to talk about the acting in this movie. It is great, which is a rare commodity in horror films. Even the good ones suffer from poor acting from time to time. Everyone in this particular film is very convincing in their roles, and the movie feels like a breath of fresh air. If you haven’t seen it, then see it now. If you’ve seen it before, see it again.

3. The Blair Witch Project (1999) [youtube id=”pWiz6reVupA” align=”right”]

I’m going to be honest with you: personally, I had felt underwhelmed when I first saw this movie. However, I can’t deny its impact, and therefore, it will stay at  #3 on this list. I like pretty much all of this film besides the ending, which I won’t spoil. It just doesn’t do it for me. Everything leading up to it was highly enjoyable for me. The tension between the film crew, the little clues here and there, the grainy VHS footage of a decaying forest…I love it. Do I think it’s one of the best? No, but once again, I understand that legions of fans will disagree with me. So I’m taking one for the team here. Don’t say I never did anything for you.

2. V/H/S (2012) [youtube id=”Z_vPmmZpV4I” align=”right”]

I can say with full conviction that, at least for me, this movie will go on to be a classic of the horror genre. I absolutely loved everything about it. The sequel was good, but it can’t compare to the first. All segments in this one were fantastic, especially the first one. That girl! Wow. It’s one of the only movies in recent memory that’s actually scared me so bad that I had trouble sleeping. I know I may get heat for putting this at a higher ranking than The Blair Witch, but I stand by my opinion. Lay off!

1. Cannibal Holocaust (1980) [youtube id=”USSnC-1Oq2g” align=”right”]

Can you stomach this one? A gory masterpiece of exploitation cinema. The movie was so realistic at the time that the director was put on trial for obscenity and also possibly murdering some of the people that were featured in the film for real. Of course, he did not murder anyone, but he still had to prove how some of the effects were created in court for his case. Now if that is not a sign that your movie is convincing, I don’t know what is. Some call this movie trash; gory torture porn, and nothing more. Despite this, I don’t think there is a found footage movie that is more terrifying than this one.

 

There you go. The best of the best in a subgenre that is way too overcrowded with terrible movies. Thankfully, you have someone like me to save your precious time. Did I leave any of your favorites out? Do you think any of these movies don’t deserve to be on this list? Let me know in the comments!

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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