I will never forget the first time I saw “The Blair Witch Project”, which was in 1999 during its release in the theaters. Every person in the audience was captivated by what was happening on screen, thinking it was real. This was the first time a horror movie using found footage was marketed to suggest it was “real” footage. It was an unforgettable experience, one that I have been chasing to relive since viewing.
If you, too, loved the unique, groundbreaking found footage style of The Blair Witch Project, than checkout this list of 32 other found footage movies like The Blair Witch Project. These are horror, sci-fi, thriller mysteries using the found footage style of film making.
Many of these movies are streaming for FREE, links included below! (subject to change, FREE as of Jan. 2024)
Summary of “The Blair Witch Project”
The film follows a fictional story of three student filmmakers (Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams) who venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, to document the legend of the Blair Witch. Armed with handheld cameras, they soon find themselves lost in the woods, facing eerie occurrences and an unknown supernatural entity.
Its innovative use of a found footage style, presenting the story as if the audience was watching raw, unedited footage discovered after the characters’ mysterious disappearance lent an air of authenticity and realism to the film. The actors were given minimal scripts and improvised much of their dialogue, which added to the genuine and unscripted feel of the movie.
The Impact of “The Blair Witch Project”
“The Blair Witch Project” revolutionized the horror genre by introducing a unique found footage style that blended fiction with reality. Its success demonstrated the potential for unconventional storytelling methods and influenced a generation of filmmakers to explore new and innovative ways to engage audiences in the world of horror.
It spawned other successful found footage style horror movies like “Paranormal Activity,” “Cloverfield,” and “REC”.
Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST at the end of the article!
32 Horror Sci-fi Thriller Found Footage Movies Like The Blair Witch Project
1. Paranormal Activity (2007)
- Director: Oren Peli
- Actors: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat
- Genre: Horror, Mystery
- Rating: R
- ‘Paranormal Activity’ on IMDb
Odds are, you’ve probably already seen this one. But its definitely worth a re-watch. In “Paranormal Activity”, a couple, Katie and Micah, setup cameras in their home to capture evidence of the supernatural. Just be warned, things get creepier as the nights go on.
2. [REC] (2007)
- Director: Jaume Balagueró, Paco Plaza
- Actors: Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘[REC]’ on IMDb
This Spanish gem throws you into the chaos with a TV reporter covering a night at a fire station. What starts as routine becomes a living nightmare when they get a call to an apartment building. The handheld camera style makes you feel like you’re right there with them, desperately trying to survive the terror that unfolds.
3. Grave Encounters (2011)
- Director: The Vicious Brothers (Colin Minihan, Stuart Ortiz)
- Actors: Sean Rogerson, Juan Riedinger
- Genre: Horror
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Grave Encounters’ on IMDb
“Grave Encounters” takes you on a wild ride as a paranormal investigation team spends the night in an abandoned asylum. As you’d expect, things go south quickly. The film cleverly combines ghost hunting reality shows with genuine scares, keeping you on the edge of your seat and questioning if you’d ever step into a haunted place willingly.
Grave Encounters is streaming FREE on Tubi.
4. Cloverfield (2008)
- Director: Matt Reeves
- Actors: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller
- Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
- Rating: PG-13
- ‘Cloverfield’ on IMDb
Imagine your typical monster movie, but add shaky cam footage, because New York is under attack by a colossal creature. “Cloverfield” offers a unique perspective on disaster films, blending suspense, chaos, and a bit of mystery. It’s like you’re right there with the characters, running for your life and hoping the camera survives the chaos.
5. Hell House LLC (2015)
- Director: Stephen Cognetti
- Actors: Gore Abrams, Alice Bahlke
- Genre: Horror, Mystery
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Hell House LLC’ on IMDb
“Hell House LLC” is about a haunted attraction gone wrong. A documentary crew tries to unravel the mystery behind a Halloween haunted house that took a terrifying turn. It’ll definitely make you question the safety of your local haunted house every October.
Hell House LLC is streaming FREE on Tubi.
6. The Last Broadcast (1998)
- Director: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
- Actors: David Beard, Jim Seward
- Genre: Crime, Horror, Mystery
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘The Last Broadcast’ on IMDb
Step into the late ’90s with “The Last Broadcast,” a chilling mockumentary that explores the mysterious deaths of two public access TV hosts. The film combines crime investigation with eerie supernatural elements, keeping you guessing until the end. It’s a hidden gem that laid the groundwork for found footage mysteries, even before “The Blair Witch Project”.
The Last Broadcast is streaming FREE on Tubi.
7. The Conspiracy (2012)
- Director: Christopher MacBride
- Actors: Aaron Poole, James Gilbert
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘The Conspiracy’ on IMDb
Ever wonder what happens when you dig too deep into conspiracy theories? “The Conspiracy” takes you on a journey with two filmmakers who uncover a secret society’s dark secrets. As they get closer to the truth, paranoia sets in, blurring the lines between reality and the unknown.
The Conspiracy is streaming FREE on Tubi.
8. The Fourth Kind (2009)
- Director: Olatunde Osunsanmi
- Actors: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas
- Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Rating: PG-13
- ‘The Fourth Kind’ on IMDb
“The Fourth Kind” adds a sci-fi twist to the found footage genre, claiming to be based on real events. Dr. Abigail Tyler’s encounters with extraterrestrial entities in Alaska unfold through a mix of “real” footage and dramatic reenactments. Its an unsettling exploration of alien abductions that will leave wanting to find out more on the “real events” its based on.
9. Lake Mungo (2008)
- Director: Joel Anderson
- Actors: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
- Rating: R
- ‘Lake Mungo’ on IMDb
“Lake Mungo” takes a different approach, blending found footage with documentary style. After the drowning of their daughter, the Palmer family experiences unsettling paranormal events. As the layers of the mystery unfold, the film dives into grief, loss, and the supernatural. It’s a haunting exploration of the blurred lines between the living and the dead.
Lake Mungo is streaming FREE on Tubi.
10. Devils Pass (2013) (aka The Dyatlov Pass Incident)
- Director: Renny Harlin
- Actors: Gemma Atkinson, Matt Stokoe
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Rating: R
- ‘Devil’s Pass’ on IMDb
Inspired by a real life unsolved mystery, “Devils Pass” follows a group of hikers in the Ural Mountains. As they face unexplained horrors, the film combines found footage and traditional narrative, adding a layer of suspense to the mysterious events. There are lots of unexpected twists as the mystery unfolds.
Devils Pass is streaming FREE on Tubi.
11. As Above, So Below (2014)
- Director: John Erick Dowdle
- Actors: Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘As Above, So Below’ on IMDb
Explore the catacombs beneath Paris with “As Above, So Below.” This psychological thriller combines found footage with archaeological adventure, taking you on a claustrophobic journey filled with supernatural encounters. The characters confront their deepest fears and ancient mysteries in the dark depths below.
12. Evidence (2011)
- Director: Howie Askins
- Actors: Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Evidence’ on IMDb
“Evidence” unfolds as a police investigation using found footage from a camping trip gone horribly wrong. A group of friends becomes the target of a mysterious assailant, and the evidence they capture becomes crucial to solving the case. Its a suspenseful ride with unexpected twists and turns.
13. Final Prayer (2013) (aka The Borderlands)
- Director: Elliot Goldner
- Actors: Gordon Kennedy, Robin Hill
- Genre: Horror
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Final Prayer’ on IMDb
“Final Prayer” introduces you to a team of Vatican investigators examining supernatural occurrences in a rural church. As they delve deeper into the mysteries, the boundaries between faith and the unknown blur. This found footage horror keeps you on edge with its atmospheric tension and eerie discoveries.
Final Prayer is streaming FREE on Tubi.
14. Europa Report (2013)
- Director: Sebastián Cordero
- Actors: Sharlto Copley, Michael Nyqvist
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Rating: PG-13
- ‘Europa Report’ on IMDb
“Europa Report” takes you on a space exploration mission to Jupiter’s moon. The crew’s journey is documented through found footage as they encounter unexpected challenges and make startling discoveries. This sci-fi thriller combines the wonder of space exploration with the perils of the unknown.
15. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)
- Director: Beom-sik Jeong
- Actors: Seung-Wook Lee, Ye-Won Mun
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum’ on IMDb
A group of people ventures into an abandoned psychiatric hospital for a live streamed haunted house experience. However, they soon realize that the asylum’s dark history is not just a gimmick. This South Korean horror film will keep you at the edge of your seat with its atmospheric scares and unexpected twists.
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is streaming FREE on Tubi.
16. Creep (2014)
- Director: Patrick Brice
- Actors: Patrick Brice, Mark Duplass
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘Creep’ on IMDb
In “Creep”, a videographer answers a mysterious Craigslist ad. Things take an eerie turn as he realizes his client has a few peculiar requests. This found footage gem will make you question just how well you can trust someone, especially when things get weird in the woods.
17. Horror in the High Desert (2021)
- Director: Dutch Marich
- Actors: Suziey Block, Eric Mencis
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Horror in the High Desert’ on IMDb
Venture into the eerie landscapes of the American Southwest with “Horror in the High Desert.” A documentary crew explores the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a hiker who left behind YouTube videos of his desert wanderings. This film blends Nevada desert landscapes with a sense of dread, creating an atmospheric found footage experience.
Horror in the High Desert is streaming FREE on Tubi.
18. YellowBrickRoad (2010)
- Director: Andy Mitton, Jesse Holland
- Actors: Michael Laurino, Anessa Ramsey
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘YellowBrickRoad’ on IMDb
“YellowBrickRoad” leads you on a psychological journey as a group of researchers follows an unexplored trail in New Hampshire. What begins as a curious expedition soon turns into a descent into madness. The film masterfully builds tension, combining the eerie ambiance of the wilderness with a haunting exploration of the unknown.
YellowBrickRoad is streaming FREE on Tubi.
19. Toad Road (2012)
- Director: Jason Banker
- Actors: Sara Anne Jones, James Davidson
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Toad Road’ on IMDb
“Toad Road” is not your typical horror fare. This film blurs the lines between reality and hallucination as a group of friends experiments with a mythical path known as Toad Road. The found footage style adds an unsettling authenticity to this tale of exploration and the consequences of pushing boundaries.
Toad Road is streaming FREE on Tubi.
20. Noroi: The Curse (2005)
- Director: Kôji Shiraishi
- Actors: Jin Muraki, Rio Kanno
- Genre: Horror, Mystery
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Noroi: The Curse’ on IMDb
The Japanese horror film “Noroi: The Curse” is a chilling exploration of paranormal events. The film follows an investigator as he uncovers a series of mysterious occurrences tied to a cursed ritual. With its slow burning suspense and eerie atmosphere, “Noroi” is a standout in the found footage horror genre.
21. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
- Director: John Erick Dowdle
- Actors: Stacy Chbosky, Ben Messmer
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘The Poughkeepsie Tapes’ on IMDb
“The Poughkeepsie Tapes” takes you into the disturbing world of a serial killer’s recorded footage. As authorities uncover the tapes, you’re drawn into the mind of a twisted criminal. This film is a chilling exploration of the macabre and the psychological terror created by the unseen.
The Poughkeepsie Tapes is streaming FREE on Tubi.
22. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
- Director: Ruggero Deodato
- Actors: Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi
- Genre: Adventure, Horror
- Rating: Unrated (originally banned in several countries)
- ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ on IMDb
A controversial classic, “Cannibal Holocaust” explores the dark side of documentary film making. When a film crew disappears in the Amazon rain forest, a rescue team discovers their lost footage. Brace yourself for graphic content as this film challenges the boundaries of horror and morality.
23. Shrooms (2007)
- Director: Paddy Breathnach
- Actors: Lindsey Haun, Jack Huston
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘Shrooms’ on IMDb
“Shrooms” adds a psychedelic twist to the found footage genre. A group of friends on a mushroom trip in an Irish forest experiences hallucinations that blur the line between reality and nightmare. Expect a healthy dose of psychological horror.
Shrooms is streaming FREE on Tubi.
24. The Tunnel (2011)
- Director: Carlo Ledesma
- Actors: Bel Deliá, Andy Rodoreda
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘The Tunnel’ on IMDb
Beneath the streets of Sydney lies “The Tunnel,” a network of abandoned tunnels with a dark history. A journalist and her crew investigate the mysteries within, only to encounter terrifying truths.
The Tunnel is streaming FREE on Tubi.
25. Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
- Director: Bradley Parker
- Actors: Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘Chernobyl Diaries’ on IMDb
“Chernobyl Diaries” invites you to explore the eerie aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. A group of tourists embarks on an extreme tour, only to discover they are not alone. The film uses the desolate landscape to create a sense of isolation and dread, blending historical horror with the supernatural.
26. Willow Creek (2013)
- Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
- Actors: Alexie Gilmore, Bryce Johnson
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Willow Creek’ on IMDb
“Willow Creek” takes you into the heart of Bigfoot territory with a couple’s expedition into the Northern California wilderness. As they document their journey, the dense forest becomes a place of suspense and terror. This film captures the essence of cryptozoological fear, blending natural beauty with the unknown.
Willow Creek is streaming FREE on Tubi.
27. The Bay (2012)
- Director: Barry Levinson
- Actors: Will Rogers, Kristen Connolly
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘The Bay’ on IMDb
“The Bay” offers a unique take on found footage by presenting a fictional documentary about a deadly ecological disaster. Unfolding through various media sources, the film explores the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe and the horrifying consequences for a small town. Get ready for a mix of eco-horror and suspenseful storytelling.
28. Howards Mill (2019)
- Director: Jonathan Zaurin
- Actors: Mary Beth Hughes, Jonathan Zaurin
- Genre: Horror
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Howard’s Mill’ on IMDb
In “Howards Mill,” a group of friends investigating a local urban legend uncovers unsettling truths. As they delve into the mysteries surrounding an abandoned factory, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. This film offers a fresh perspective on small town horror with a dose of eerie atmosphere.
Howards Mill is streaming FREE on Tubi.
29. The Lost Footage of Leah Sullivan (2019)
- Director: Burt Grinstead, Anna Stromberg
- Actors: Anna Stromberg, Burt Grinstead
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘The Lost Footage of Leah Sullivan’ on IMDb
“The Lost Footage of Leah Sullivan” introduces you to the mysterious disappearance of a documentary filmmaker. As her raw footage is discovered, the unsettling truth behind her vanishing unfolds. This film combines suspense with supernatural elements, providing a gripping and mysterious narrative.
30. Butterfly Kisses (2018)
- Director: Erik Kristopher Myers
- Actors: Rachel Armiger, Reed DeLisle
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
- ‘Butterfly Kisses’ on IMDb
“Butterfly Kisses” presents a found footage documentary within a documentary, exploring the urban legend of the Peeping Tom. As filmmakers investigate the myth, they uncover a dark and disturbing reality. The film plays with perspectives and storytelling techniques, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final frame.
Butterfly Kisses is streaming FREE on Tubi.
31. Quarantine (2008)
- Director: John Erick Dowdle
- Actors: Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris, Columbus Short
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘Quarantine’ on IMDb
“Quarantine” thrusts you into a night of terror as a television reporter and her cameraman follow a crew of firefighters responding to an emergency call in a Los Angeles apartment building. What begins as a routine assignment turns into a nightmare when the residents start exhibiting bizarre and violent behavior.
32. The Sacrament (2013)
- Director: Ti West
- Actors: Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Kentucker Audley
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Rating: R
- ‘The Sacrament’ on IMDb
“The Sacrament” is a mockumentary style horror film about a documentary crew that follows a man looking for his sister in a mysterious religious commune known as Eden Parish. As they document the seemingly peaceful community, they uncover dark secrets that lead to a harrowing and intense climax.
Thanks to “The Blair Witch Project”, we have the popular sub genre of horror movies using found footage style film making. It adds another level of suspense that draws us further into the story being told. Its been over 2 decades since the world was introduced to “The Blair Witch Project”, and its impact on film remains strong!
If you love found footage style movies, we hope you found some gems to add to your must watch movie list!
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