7 Great Found Footage Movies Nobody Talks About

Found footage films, a thrilling niche within horror movies, sometimes don’t receive as much attention as they deserve. These movies usually center around an old or abandoned camera or recording device being discovered, and the footage reveals a chilling sequence of events that led to the death of the individuals who were filming. Although found footage can be traced back at least to the 1980s with the provocative “Cannibal Holocaust”, many people believe that “The Blair Witch Project” from 1999 laid the groundwork for modern found footage films, and “Paranormal Activity” from 2009 is often credited with significantly increasing the popularity of this style.

As a movie enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for chilling horrors, I must confess that the gritty, handheld style of found-footage films can be quite divisive among horror aficionados. However, it’s undeniable that this format carries a unique punch. For instance, the V/H/S franchise never fails to make an appearance each Halloween, and other low-budget found footage horror movies continue to send shivers down our spines.

Regrettably, not every found footage horror movie manages to garner the recognition it deserves. Some fail to create the impact they should, while others offer a terrifying ride but ultimately fade into obscurity within a few years. Here are seven underappreciated gems from the found footage genre that demand wider acclaim.

1) [Rec] (2007)

In 2008, the movie “Quarantine” gained significant attention as a surprising hit in the found-footage genre, but it was actually an English adaptation of the 2007 Spanish horror film “[Rec].” Both films share a similar narrative: journalist Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) from the documentary series “While You’re Sleeping” accompanies Barcelona firefighters to what seems like a routine call at an apartment complex. However, things swiftly escalate into a horrifying nightmare as they are surrounded by ravenous zombies, with the firefighters, TV crew, and tenants trapped inside while a military force tries to control the situation from outside. The movie “[Rec]” is a bone-chilling blend of both the zombie and found-footage genres, with its final revelation about the supernatural origin of the outbreak, hidden at the top of the building, providing a genuinely chilling twist. Although “Quarantine” is an excellent remake, horror enthusiasts should also check out the original film, “[Rec].

2) Rec 2 (2009)

Just like the initial [Rec] offers an impressive take on the found footage genre, so does its 2009 sequel, Rec 2. Occurring right after the original storyline, Rec 2 follows a team from Spain’s Health Ministry as they delve into the isolated apartment complex to identify the source of the zombie epidemic. Similar to its predecessor, Rec 2 combines sci-fi and religious themes in explaining the origin of the zombie infestation within the building, and introduces a surprising twist by reintroducing Ángela Vidal into the narrative, who seemingly perished in the original Rec. The [Rec] and Quarantine series diverged significantly following their initial installments, with Rec 2 leading horror enthusiasts down a chilling path established by its predecessor, offering a unique take on how zombie outbreaks might commence.

3) Apollo 18 (2011)

2011’s movie Apollo 18 marketed its intrigue with “found footage” on the moon. Positioned as a clandestine U.S. government documentary, it hinted at the reason for humanity’s absence from the moon since the original missions, as suggested by the poster tagline: “There’s a reason we’ve never gone back to the moon.” The story revolves around the crew of Apollo 18, conducting an off-the-books mission to the moon. They encounter an unforeseen life form lurking among the moon’s surface rocks.

The movie Apollo 18 skillfully amplifies the eerie solitude of the moon’s surface and uses it to great effect, depicting sinister creatures hidden within as both formidable predators and potent agents of psychological terror by corrupting human minds once they come into contact with them. Additionally, the film effectively emulates the appearance of raw space footage from the 1970s, with its gritty film stock adding authenticity to its story and making Apollo 18 a standout in the found footage horror genre.

4) The Last Exorcism (2010)

In recent years, several films have attempted to blend found footage and exorcism themes, but none have been as genuinely chilling as the 2010 movie “The Last Exorcism.” The film tells the story of Reverend Cotton Marcus (played by Patrick Fabian), whose faith is wavering following his son’s premature birth and the guilt he feels for the deceptive exorcisms he has conducted in the past. In a bid to expose the falsehood behind these rituals, Cotton decides to perform one last exorcism with a documentary crew present. However, his subject, Nell Sweetzer (portrayed by Ashley Bell), appears to be a genuine victim of demonic possession.

The Last Exorcism created quite a stir upon its debut in 2010, yet it appears to have faded into obscurity in the years that followed. It’s a pity, as this film skillfully combines found footage and exorcism elements within a narrative of a man grappling with his faith, eventually finding renewal. Rich in supernatural suspense and boasting a captivating lead performance by Patrick Fabian, fans of found footage should rediscover the merits of The Last Exorcism on streaming platforms.

5) As Above, So Below (2014)

Just as what’s above us is mirrored below, the horror of the found footage genre unfolds in the dark labyrinthine catacombs under Paris. Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks), pursuing her father’s legacy, takes a documentary team into the subterranean maze to search for the legendary philosopher’s stone. However, their expedition takes a terrifying turn when they stumble upon an otherworldly, demonic entity hidden deep beneath the city streets.

The film “As Above, So Below” shares a similar eerie rhythm with “The Blair Witch Project“, featuring Scarlett, a relentless explorer who unwittingly steps into an adventure beyond her and her team’s preparedness. However, this movie skillfully shifts the menace towards the audience, resulting in a surprisingly impactful viewing experience. Unlike typical found footage movies where the camera is dropped during the final bloodbath, “As Above, So Below” offers a unique twist, making it an exhilarating and genuinely frightening found footage journey.

6) Unfriended (2015)

In today’s digital age, where streaming and video chats have become everyday occurrences, the movie Unfriended uniquely uses these platforms as the backdrop for a nail-biting, found footage-style horror story unfolding over a Skype call. In this film, a group of high school friends find themselves face to face with an enigmatic new account that refuses to be removed from their group chat. As the account’s presence becomes increasingly hostile and ultimately lethal, they gradually understand it is the vengeful spirit of Laura Barns (played by Heather Sossaman), a girl who committed suicide a year earlier after a mortifying video was shared online, seeking retribution for the roles each friend played in her tragic demise.

Despite its spooky atmosphere reminiscent of slasher films, Unfriended manages to feel strikingly authentic due to its somber foundation in the repercussions of social media and the internet being exploited for school bullying. Unfriended delivers a crucial message about how popularity and bullying can strip individuals of their humanity, especially those who are already vulnerable. Furthermore, this film played a significant role in sparking a new sub-genre within found footage horror called Screenlife, characterized by its impressive scares and gradual escalation towards an intense climax.

7) Creep 2 (2017)

2014’s “Creep” launched a continuous found footage series centered around a cheerful and apparently amiable serial killer portrayed by Mark Duplass, who entraps his victims in murders that are documented as mini-documentaries. However, its 2017 sequel “Creep 2” seems not to have received the recognition it deserved. In “Creep 2”, Duplass reprises his role as the killer, now known as “Aaron” following his victim in the first “Creep”. He seeks novelty in his ongoing murder spree and hires a budding YouTube content creator named Sara (Desiree Akhavan), confessing upfront that he is a serial killer and asking her to film his daily life.

In the sequel, titled “Creep 2“, Sara finds herself doubting Aaron’s assertions about being a serial killer but acknowledging his peculiarities as potential content for her YouTube channel. The captivating lead actor of the Creep series, Mark Duplass, masterfully portrays “Aaron” in every scene, blending a Ned Flanders-esque joviality with an unnerving portrayal of an unpredictable killer. The Creep franchise continues to deliver spine-tingling found footage thrills and chills on Shudder with shows like “The Creep Tapes“, but “Creep 2” is deserving of more praise as a gripping found footage horror story that expertly combines suspense, scares, and an overall unsettling atmosphere.

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2025-06-23 21:10