12 Best Found Footage Horror Films Ever Made, Ranked

Found footage horror films have a unique way of pulling you into their chilling worlds. The shaky cameras and raw, unpolished feel make you question what’s real, turning everyday settings into nightmares.

This style of filmmaking exploded in popularity with a few groundbreaking movies, and since then, it’s delivered some of the most terrifying experiences in cinema. Here’s my ranking of the 12 best found footage horror films ever made.

12. ‘The Poughkeepsie Tapes’ (2007)

This mockumentary-style film centers on a serial killer’s chilling video collection, showing his crimes in brutal detail. The tapes, discovered by police, mix interviews with raw footage of stalking and murder, creating a deeply unsettling experience.

Its realistic tone and disturbing subject matter make it a tough watch, but the raw intensity keeps you glued to the screen. The film’s low-budget approach amplifies its grim authenticity, though some moments feel overly graphic.

11. ‘Grave Encounters’ (2011)

A group of ghost hunters locks themselves in an abandoned asylum for a reality TV show, only to face real paranormal terror. The film uses night-vision cameras and tight shots to build a suffocating sense of dread.

The Vicious Brothers, who directed it, lean into classic horror tropes but execute them with precision. While the sequel faltered, this original stands out for its relentless scares and clever use of the mockumentary format.

10. ‘The Last Exorcism’ (2010)

Patrick Fabian stars as a skeptical preacher who agrees to let a documentary crew film his final exorcism, hoping to expose it as a sham. Things take a dark turn when the case proves more real than he expected.

The film blends psychological tension with supernatural horror, keeping you guessing about what’s true. Ashley Bell’s chilling performance as the possessed girl elevates it, though the ending feels a bit forced.

9. ‘Troll Hunter’ (2010)

This Norwegian gem follows students filming a mysterious hunter who tracks mythical trolls in the wilderness. It mixes humor with horror, using stunning landscapes to ground its fantastical premise.

The mockumentary style feels authentic, with handheld cameras capturing both awe and terror. Otto Jespersen’s deadpan performance as the hunter adds charm, making this a unique entry in the genre.

8. ‘Hell House LLC’ (2015)

A crew sets up a haunted house attraction in an abandoned hotel, only to discover it’s genuinely haunted. The film uses security footage and interviews to unravel the chilling events of opening night.

Its slow build and eerie atmosphere make the jump scares hit hard. The creepy mannequins and subtle paranormal hints create a lingering unease, cementing its cult status among horror fans.

7. ‘The Taking of Deborah Logan’ (2014)

What starts as a documentary about an elderly woman’s Alzheimer’s disease turns into a supernatural nightmare. Jill Larson’s haunting performance as Deborah grounds the film’s blend of real-world and otherworldly horror.

The raw, emotional setup makes the scares feel personal. Director Adam Robitel crafts a story that’s both heartbreaking and terrifying, though some plot points stretch believability.

6. ‘Cloverfield’ (2008)

Matt Reeves directs this high-energy monster movie, where a group of friends films a party in New York City just as a giant creature attacks. The handheld camera captures the chaos from a street-level view.

The film’s big-budget polish sets it apart, with impressive effects and a fast pace. Its post-9/11 undertones add depth, though the characters’ decisions can feel frustratingly reckless.

5. ‘Creep’ (2014)

Mark Duplass stars as a strange man who hires a videographer to film a day in his life, only for his unsettling behavior to escalate. The film relies on psychological horror and minimalistic tension.

Duplass’s creepy yet charismatic performance carries the movie, making every interaction feel uneasy. Its simplicity and raw dialogue make it a standout, with a sequel that’s just as gripping.

4. ‘Lake Mungo’ (2008)

This Australian film, styled as a documentary, follows a family grappling with their daughter’s death and the strange events that follow. It’s a slow burn that dives deep into grief and mystery.

The film’s emotional weight and subtle scares make it unforgettable. Home videos and interviews create a hauntingly real atmosphere, with a devastating twist that lingers long after the credits.

3. ‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)

Oren Peli’s low-budget masterpiece follows a couple using home cameras to capture a demonic presence in their house. Its static shots force you to scan every frame for subtle horrors.

Made for just $15,000, the film’s simplicity is its strength, building dread through sound and suggestion. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat’s natural performances make the terror feel all too real.

2. ‘REC’ (2007)

This Spanish horror follows a reporter and her cameraman trapped in an apartment building during a zombie-like outbreak. The claustrophobic setting and relentless pace create heart-pounding tension.

Directors Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza use the single-camera perspective masterfully, making every moment feel urgent. Manuela Velasco’s fearless performance as the reporter adds grit to this genre classic.

1. ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)

Three student filmmakers vanish while investigating a local legend in Maryland’s woods, leaving behind their footage. This groundbreaking film, directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, redefined horror.

Its raw, improvisational style and clever marketing blurred the line between fiction and reality. Heather Donahue’s terrified performance and the unseen threat make it a timeless, bone-chilling experience.

Which found footage horror film keeps you up at night, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk about what makes these movies so terrifying!