Two decades ago, audiences were captivated by a groundbreaking film about three aspiring filmmakers who ventured into the woods with cameras, only to encounter an otherworldly force that trapped them. Titled The Blair Witch Project, this film became a pivotal moment in horror, independent cinema, and the "found footage" genre.
Found footage films operate on a straightforward premise: create a movie while pretending it’s not a movie at all. The narrative suggests that the events are real, captured by someone present, and later discovered and edited into a coherent story. This approach encourages improvisation, works well with limited budgets, and often relies on minimal settings and characters. While it’s a popular choice for filmmakers, executing it effectively is no simple task. In honor of The Blair Witch Project and its legacy, here are the films that mastered the found footage technique.
1. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Though not entirely a found footage film, Cannibal Holocaust laid the groundwork for countless others in the genre with its innovative use of the technique. The story follows an anthropologist searching for a missing film crew who disappeared while documenting South American tribes. All that remains are their film reels and skeletal remains, unraveling a chilling tale.
The latter part of the film primarily consists of this discovered footage, as the anthropologist examines the film reels and uncovers that the filmmakers often displayed more brutality than the tribes they aimed to document. Their descent into violence and exploitation peaked just before their demise. Renowned for the uproar it sparked, including claims that some onscreen deaths were genuine (Ruggero Deodato, the director, had to present a living actor in court to prove no murders occurred), the film also offers a nuanced exploration of cultural appropriation, voyeurism, and society's obsession with visual spectacle.
2. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Even today, The Blair Witch Project remains a masterclass in minimalist horror. Beyond its scares, it stands as a cornerstone of the found footage genre. Released when found footage was largely unexplored and the internet was still emerging, this film redefined horror filmmaking for the 21st century. Its ingenious viral marketing campaign convinced many that it was an authentic lost film created by deceased students. Whether or not the marketing swayed you, the eerie sound of children laughing in the darkness undoubtedly left a lasting impression.
3. Cloverfield (2008)
While most found footage films focus on small-scale stories with limited characters and settings, ideal for low-budget productions, Cloverfield reimagined the genre on a grand scale. Produced by J.J. Abrams, written by Drew Goddard, and directed by Matt Reeves, the film merges the chaos of a kaiju attack with the immersive, personal perspective of found footage. Enhanced by clever viral marketing and the premise of viewing a government-recovered tape post-disaster, it became a gripping film that inspired a modest franchise.
4. Chronicle (2012)
Over time, every film genre inevitably embraces the found footage approach due to its versatility. Superhero films were no exception, and in 2012, Chronicle by Josh Trank brought this style to life. The story revolves around three friends whose lives are transformed after gaining superpowers. The film’s authenticity shines through as it captures the natural reaction of teenagers who, upon discovering their abilities, would undoubtedly record their antics. As the narrative unfolds, the differing ways each character handles their newfound powers drive the story to thrilling heights of excitement and tension.
5. [REC] (2007)
The most effective found footage films often excel by maximizing the potential of a single setting, creating a strong sense of place before unraveling it in chaos. The Spanish horror film [REC], directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, is a prime example. It follows a reporter and cameraman trapped in a quarantined apartment building where residents are gradually transforming into monsters. The film continuously ratchets up the fear, from the eerie sight of a motionless girl in a hallway to its unforgettable, spine-chilling conclusion.
6. The Visit (2015)
By 2015, M. Night Shyamalan’s recent directorial efforts included After Earth, The Last Airbender, and The Happening. The filmmaker, once celebrated for The Sixth Sense, sought redemption by scaling down his budget and narrative focus to craft a gripping, darkly humorous thriller. The story follows two children visiting their grandparents, only to uncover a horrifying truth. The found footage approach amplifies the tension as the kids piece together the mystery, and the eerie nighttime scenes of the camera capturing the grandparents’ unsettling behavior are guaranteed to make you leap from your seat.
7. Creep (2015)
Creep blends found footage horror with the casual vibe of a mumblecore film, as Mark Duplass (co-writer and star) and Patrick Brice (co-writer, director, and star) craft a chilling yet oddly humorous two-character tale. The premise is straightforward: a reclusive man in the woods hires a cameraman to document a video for his unborn child, claiming he has terminal brain cancer and wants to leave a legacy. While the title hints at the direction, the journey is unpredictable. In just 77 minutes, Creep delivers scares, surprises, and a lingering unease that will make you rethink that acquaintance with the “quirky sense of humor.”
8. Trollhunter (2010)
Reality shows about eccentric individuals hunting monsters in the woods have become a cable television staple, much like ghost-hunting programs. It was inevitable that someone would explore the idea of these claims being real. André Øvredal’s Trollhunter does just that, blending found footage with fantasy in a wildly entertaining and visually impressive film that’s impossible to resist.
9. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Much like The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity arrived at the perfect moment, revitalizing the found footage genre with its innovative concept, minimal budget, and a gripping premise that drew audiences to theaters. As ghost-hunting shows gained popularity on cable, director Oren Peli crafted a story about a couple who set up cameras in their home to capture evidence of a malevolent spirit. The film became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a franchise and countless imitations, and its ability to deliver chills remains undiminished.
10. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
While technically a documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop qualifies as found footage in its own unique way. The film centers on Thierry Guetta, a Frenchman living in Los Angeles who obsessively documented street art and his own life with a camera. Legendary artist Banksy stumbled upon Guetta’s vast archive of footage and, intrigued by his story, shaped it into a compelling narrative. The result is a brilliant film that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary in 2011, proving that great stories can emerge from the most unexpected places.
11. Unfriended (2014)
Unfriended is a unique film that takes place almost entirely on a computer screen, following a group of friends who realize an uninvited participant in their online chat might be the vengeful spirit of a girl driven to suicide by cyberbullying a year prior. While the premise of a story told through Skype and Facebook Messenger might seem slow, Unfriended masterfully captures how teenagers use these platforms to craft their social lives, twisting this familiarity into a chilling narrative. Though the concept seemed inevitable, the film transcends the found footage trend, delivering a genuinely gripping and innovative experience.