Reality Bites: My Top 5 Found Footage Films

I personally LOVE found footage films. I have seen plenty since the genre really took off. We have all seen films like The Blair Witch Project. I never really paid attention to films I thought were equal to some witchy nonsense. I found films like Diary of the Dead, and it woke me up to a whole new world. At the time, there were virtually no found footage films. That’s when I found Hell House and The WNUF Halloween Special. I guess I like the fake reality. However, found footage films blur the line a lot. Then, when it’s over, you want more. More of the stories, more of the uneasiness, the feeling that monsters are very real.

A lot of times, the killer is just some lowly person that was picked on in middle school. That statement is a true story about my life. I can easily relate to the pain of being bullied. However, I never went on a spree, hurting the people who hurt me: That’s ok though, I can live all that anger out through film. Everyone needs a break once in a while. Some people enjoy the survival part of found footage. What happens when there are no survivors? I like that outcome a lot better. One thing about found footage is that you can tell people are acting and not letting dialogue flow freely. I guess a plot and script would make sense, but it isn’t the point. You aren’t supposed to know or trust the people who are about to have a horrifying night.

With that in mind, I have taken the time to list five of the films that made me sleep with the lights on.

5. The Poughkeepsie Tapes

There is a certain level of reality that wants to cross the line but won’t. This film is not only frightening, but it also deals with the abduction of little kids. This is a reality I didn’t want to face, and it made me sit and think all night. What if that were my kid? These are the questions posed in the film. I do not suggest it if you have a lot of empathy for children. Actually, don’t watch if you’re going to have a traumatic experience in general.

4. 21 Days

This movie is absolutely terrifying. The acting skills screamed, “This is really happening, it’s not a horror movie, it’s real life.” The premise lives up to the title. No one has been able to stay in this house for more than 21 days. It doesn’t sound very spooky. Trust me, you will be surprised by how much the movie affects your psyche. This film definitely made me run up the steps when I turned off the basement light.

3. Hell House LLC: Lineage

I am not gonna lie, the clown in the Hell House LLC films is absolutely creepy. You knew he was up to no good to begin with. However, see the demon come to life in the body of a clown. Hell House LLC: Lineage put a less confusing story to this film. Although I love scary clowns, this is easily the clown from hell. Cuddle up and let the film infest your brain.

2. Late Night With the Devil

You could argue this is not found footage, but I tend to disagree. I mean a secret taping of a TV show that was starting to push back, after years of disappearing. This film is very disturbing in its own sense. Though there’s no homemade video with a small camcorder or phone. Late Night With the Devil holds its own weight for being a newbie. The film has been very successful on its own as a found footage/possession.

1. WNUF Haloween Special

I will always hold this movie as my favorite found footage film. I keep this movie in heavy cycle throughout my list of films that mesmerized me. Found footage should sound like just what the name says. It should be a raw, uncut film that holds either murderers or ghostly beings. The film serves as a f*** around and find out. It isnt just the film, it was all the top-notch comedic commercials that helped push the “Live TV” idea. You can read my full retro review here.

Did your favorite found footage film make it on my list? Tell me in the comments!