Love scary movies, but don't know which ones to watch next? Seen every "Insidious" and "Paranormal Activity" out there? Not a fan of gore? Fortunately, you have options, and hundreds of them. Here are eight to get you started, each with its own unique spin on supernatural spookiness.
1. "Grave Encounters"
This 2011 Canadian found footage horror film follows a fictional documentary team of the same name as they spend a night inside an abandoned insane asylum, hoping to investigate some of the rumors of apparitions that walk the halls. Of course, things start to go horribly wrong—the sun never rises, doors start disappearing, and some scarier things start appearing. It goes without saying that the "Grave Encounters" crew members get way more than they bargained for.
2. "Grave Encounters 2"
If I'm mentioning "Grave Encounters," I think it's only fair to mention its sequel. "Grave Encounters 2," which was produced a year later, focuses on a group of teenagers as they attempt to discover the whereabouts of the "Grave Encounters" crew members, who have been missing ever since the first film was released. "Grave Encounters 2" is not on the same playing field as its predecessor; the characters are annoying, and the action, while largely predictable, can get a little ridiculous in parts. However, this film is not without its truly unsettling moments, and the monsters are just as horrifying.
3. "Trollhunter"
This 2010 Norwegian found footage film doesn't exactly fit the horror genre—it's more of a suspenseful adventure thriller than a scary movie. However, it's not without its frightening moments, and it certainly qualifies as a monster movie. "Trollhunter" also has a great flow—I very much appreciate how it takes the time to introduce the audience to the characters and the plot before throwing us into all the chaotic action. And the ending? It doesn't disappoint.
4. "The Taking of Deborah Logan"
"The Taking of Deborah Logan" is a 2014 found footage film that captures the development of not one, but two terrifying conditions—Alzheimer's, and, er, demonic possession. Initially, this film is meant to be an educational (and non-demonic) documentation of the progression of Deborah Logan's Alzheimer's. However, it soon becomes evident that there is something much more sinister going on, and we get to see all of it as it unfolds. For the record, there are a few truly unsettling scenes.
5. "The Babadook"
"The Babadook" is nightmare material—just typing "Mister Babadook" into Google Images will make that clear. This 2014 film actually did quite well among critics, even winning some awards. However, for the most part, "The Babadook" still sails under the radar. The movie focuses on a single mother, Amelia, as she struggles to deal with her son's sudden unusual behavior. He's been talking about a monster in his room, and he's even started building makeshift weapons to use against it. Then, Amelia finds an unfamiliar pop-up book, titled "Mister Babadook," that depicts a monster tormenting the reader. Though the action gets a little silly and downright messy at some points, the Scariest Monster In Your Room Award goes to Mister Babadook, and we're not even sure what he is.
6. "Archivo 253"
This found footage film is the younger Mexican sibling of "Grave Encounters." The two are honestly the same film, with the premise of a film crew spending some time in an abandoned mental asylum because they've heard it's haunted. Although I think "Grave Encounters" is so much scarier, "Archivo 253" isn't a bad watch.
7. "Contracted"
More than it is scary, "Contracted" is a good ol' mix of gross and disturbing. It's about a teenage girl, Samantha, who starts experiencing some unusual symptoms after an out of control night at a party. As the days go by, her body transforms in horrific ways until she more closely resembles a mindless zombie than a human being. Perhaps the scariest thing about "Contracted" is Samantha's complete and utter helplessness as the condition progresses.
8. "The Last Days on Mars"
"The Last Days on Mars" combines sci-fi with horror. The premise is believable enough: while conducting a variety of tests on Mars, a team of astronauts unintentionally comes into contact with a toxic Martian microbe capable of infecting living hosts. The results? Space zombies. Yes, please. The movie is executed well enough, but perhaps the scariest thing about "The Last Days on Mars" is the prospect of being all alone in a world that is both foreign and hostile.
