With 2016 coming to a close it’s time to take a look at the best-of-the-best new found footage movies of the year. We have had the privilege of cataloging well over fifty new found footage films during 2016 and choosing our top selections was not an easy task.

Following a tedious review of this year’s films, we selected our top-5 favorite new found footage movies for 2016. Some of these movies are available for rental or purchase now, while others will be made available in early 2017. The titles are listed alphabetically and are not sorted in any particular order of precedence—each film has something special to offer that merits its placement in our top-5 found footage films list.

Titles are listed in alphabetical order

Be My Cat: A Film for Anne (2015) – Romania

Be My Cat: A Film for Anne was originally reviewed by Found Footage Critic in the fall of 2015, after which the film spent a lengthy time on the festival circuit earning numerous awards. Since the film was not made available to the public until some eighteen months later in December 2016, we’re making Be My Cat: A Film for Anne eligible for inclusion in our top-5 found footage films for 2016.

Be My Cat: A Film for Anne is a mind-bending psychological thriller that differentiates itself through exceptional pacing, plot execution, and acting. The payoff of this film isn’t so much the destination as it is the journey of the antihero. Adrien Tofei is both director and star of this seminal found footage film.

As described in our full review, “through [the anti-hero’s]  ranting, the plot reveals itself at a slow and steady pace, from the opening scene through the closing credits, never letting up. Be My Cat takes us on a journey of discovery of [the antihero’s] character and psyche, inviting us to share in [his] personal revelations as his character evolves. During this process, we’re witness to an onscreen transformation that feels convincingly real.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to see Be My Cat: A Film for Anne, place this film in your must-see list.

Synopsis

Obsessed with making a movie with Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, a young man in Romania goes to shocking extremes using three local actresses to shoot scenes from the movie to send to Anne as proof of his filmmaking and acting skills.

Links

• Be My Cat: A Film for Anne (2015) – Movie Trailer
• Be My Cat: A Film for Anne (2015) – Movie Review

Awards

• 2016 Nashville Film Festival in the US (North American premiere) – Special Jury Prize for Best Actor for Adrian Țofei
• 2015 A Night of Horror International Film Festival in Sydney (Australian premiere) – Best Film winner plus nominations for Best Director, Best Male Performance (Adrian Țofei) and Best Female Performance (Alexandra Stroe)
• 2016 Hamilton Film Festival (Canadian premiere) – Best Actor award for Adrian Țofei
• 2015 Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal (World Premiere) – Official Selection in competition for Best Film
• 2015 Transilvania International Film Festival (Romanian premiere) – Official Selection in competition for Best Romanian Feature Film
• 2016 Other Worlds Austin in the US (Texas premiere) – Official Selection
• 2016 TromaDance Film Festival in New York City (US East Coast premiere) – Official Selection
• 2016 On Vous Ment! – Lyon Mockumentary Film Festival (French premiere) – Grand Prize for Best Feature Film
• 2016 Fright Nights Vienna (Austrian premiere) – Best Film nomination
• 2015 Bram Stoker International Film Festival in England, UK – Official Selection
• 2015 Dracula Film Festival in Romania – Special Mention winner
• 2016 Toronto Indie Horror Fest in Canada (Toronto premiere) – Official Selection
• 2017 Horror-on-Sea Film Festival in the UK – Official Selection
• 2015 Torremolinos International Fantastic Film Festival (Spanish premiere) – Official Selection
• 2015 Zinema Zombie Fest in Bogota, Colombia (South American premiere) – Official Selection
• 2015 Area de Contencao – Cartaxo International Fantastic & Horror Film Festival in Portugal – Out of the Box Jury Award & Audience Award

Capture Kill Release (2016) – Canada

Capture, Kill, Release is a film that seemingly came out of nowhere and took the horror community by storm. As both a found footage film and horror film, Capture, Kill, Release hits all the right notes. This film sets itself apart and is included on our Top-5 Films for 2016 for its exceptional acting and jarringly realistic practical effects.

The acting in Capture, Kill, Release easily stands up to some of the best that one would expect to find in a Hollywood feature film.  Actress Jennifer Fraser is the heart and soul of this film, as the lovable and equally detestable antihero.  As described in our full review, “Jennifer Fraser’s character is intoxicatingly expressive and charismatic to watch and her magnetic personality is sure to seduce viewers.” Lead actor Farhang Ghajar and supporting actor Jon Gates round out the exceptional cast.

Equally as impressive as the acting are the practical gore effects which rival some of the best the horror industry has to offer. Directors Nick McAnulty and Brian Allan Stewart are to be commended for this wonderful addition ot the found footage genre. Capture, Kill, Release is a found footage film Horror aficionados must see!

Synopsis

A couple plot to murder a random stranger just for the thrill of it, but things turn ugly when one of them decides they don’t want to go through with it.

Links

• Capture, Kill, Release (2016) – Movie Trailer
• Capture, Kill, Release (2016) – Written Review
• Capture, Kill, Release (2016) – Podcast Review

Awards

• 2016 Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival – Best Newcomer for Jennifer Fraser
• 2016 British Horror Film Festival, UK – Nominated Best Feature Film
• 2016 British Horror Film Festival, UK – Nominated Best Cinematography
• 2016 British Horror Film Festival, UK – Nominated Best Director
• 2016 HorrorQuest Film Festival – Best of Quest (Best Feature)
• 2016 HorrorQuest Film Festival – Best Actor for Farhang Ghajar
• 2016 HorrorQuest Film Festival – Best Actress for Jennifer Fraser
• 2016 Louisville Fright Night Film Fest – Best Actor Jon Gates
• 2016 Louisville Fright Night Film Fest – Best Actress Jennifer Fraser
• 2016 Louisville Fright Night Film Fest – Best Found Footage Feature
• 2016 Shriekfest – Best Horror Feature

The Dark Tapes (2016) – United States

The Dark Tapes is one of the most anticipated found footage films in recent history and is arguably the first found footage anthology that can stand toe-to-toe with the V/H/S series. The film made waves during the summer of 2016 and has since dominated the festival circuit, winning more awards than any found footage film since 1999.

The Dark Tapes is distinguished from other like-minded films and is included on our Top-5 Films for 2016 for its exceptionally written plot threads and a compelling wraparound story that is tightly woven into the fabric of the film. As we point out in our full review, “The wraparound story, To Catch a Demon hearkens back to the classic 1963 series, The Outer Limits—the visuals, pseudo-science story, and tone of To Catch a Demon would feel home in a modern incarnation of the series.”

Each of the short stories in The Dark Tapes has something special to offer, and writer/director Michael McQuown is to be praised for his creation. If you weren’t one of the lucky few to see The Dark Tapes at a film festival, we have it on good authority that the film will be available to the public in 2017!

Synopsis

The “Dark Tapes” is a found footage movie that mixes horror, sci-fi, myth, mystery and thrills told as four interlocking tales in one intelligent, original anthology. Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity. Could the supernatural exist in our everyday lives and have a plausible, scientific basis? The Dark Tapes explores this and more with surprising, sometimes shocking results that will leave you questioning what could be real.

Links

• The Dark Tapes (2016) – Found Footage Movie Trailer 1
• The Dark Tapes (2016) – Found Footage Movie Trailer 2
• The Dark Tapes (2016) – Found Footage Movie Trailer 3
• The Dark Tapes (2016) – Found Footage Movie Trailer 4
• The Dark Tapes (2016) – Written Review
• The Dark Tapes (2016) – Podcast Review

Awards

• WINNER – Best Feature – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016
• WINNER – Best Horror Feature – CAL-TEX Horror Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Of Show – CAL-TEX Horror Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Ensemble Cast – Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, 2016
• WINNER – Best Scare – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016
• WINNER – Best Sound – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016
• WINNER – Best Feature Film – Los Angeles Horror Competition
• WINNER – Best Horror Film – Follow Your Dreams Film Festival
• WINNER – Best Actor – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Sound Design – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Editing – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Scariest Film – Fright Night Theater Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Visual Effects – Fright Night Theater Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Monster – Fright Night Theater Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Horror Film – Tri-Cities Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Film – Scream In The Dark Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Horror Film – Indie Fest USA, 2016
• WINNER – Best Horror Film – Sydney Indie Film Festival, 2016
• WINNER – Best Sound Design – Fear NYC, 2016
• WINNER – Best Visual Effects – Fear NYC, 2016
• WINNER – Best Screenplay – Oregon Film Awards, 2016
• GOLD AWARD – Best Directing  – International Independent Film Awards, 2016
• GOLD AWARD – Best Editing – International Independent Film Awards, 2016
• GOLD AWARD – Feature Film – International Independent Film Awards, 2016
• EXCEPTIONAL MERIT – Horror Feature – Depth Of Field Competition, 2016
• EXCEPTIONAL MERIT – Feature Film – IndieFest Film Awards, 2016
• EXCEPTIONAL MERIT – Special Make-Up Effects – Depth Of Field Competition, 2016
• AWARD OF MERIT – Feature Film – Accolade Global Film Competition, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Horror Feature – International Sci-Fi & Horror Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – Fly Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Horror Feature – Down-East Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – FantaFestival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Director – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Special Effects – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Actress – Fly Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Actress – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Supporting Actress – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Thriller or Horror Film – Filmmatic Awards – 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Foreign Feature – FantaFestival (#1 Genre Festival in Italy) – 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Special Effects – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Original Script – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Scariest Death Scene – FANtastic Horror Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Special Effects – Sydney Indie Film Festival 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Science Fiction Film – Sydney Indie Film Festival 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – Catacumba Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Horror Film – Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Science Fiction Film – Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival, 2016
• 3rd PLACE – Best Horror Feature – The Indie Gathering, 2016
• BRONZE AWARD – Best Horror Feature – Spotlight Horror Film Awards, 2016
• BRONZE AWARD – Feature Film – North American Film Awards, 2016

They’re Watching (2016) – United States

They’re Watching is a slick horror-themed satire on the HGTV series, “House Hunters International.” The film is shot in Romania (English language, no subtitles), as a stand-in for the neighboring country of Maldova in Eastern Europe, where They’re Watching takes place.

Don’t hold the lack of festival awards against They’re Watching! According to co-director Jay Lender, the decision not to take part in festivals was purely strategic and based on timing. After having reviewed this film on Found Footage Critic, we are confident that had They’re Watching entered the festival circuit, the film would have collected its fair share of nominations and wins.

The writer/director team of Jay Lender and Micah Wright did a phenomenal job a creating an incredibly entertaining parody of the seminal HGTV series. Astute viewers can dig deeper into the film and flesh out the satirical subtext that permeates They’re Watching.  The film’s humor and subtext are what elevates They’re Watching into our top-5 found footage films for 2016.

As described in our full review, we also can’t say enough about the great acting of the ensemble cast, which consists of a mix of newcomers and veteran actors, including Mia Marcon, David Alpay, Kris Lemche, Carrie Genzel, and Dimitri Diatchenko.

Whether you’re looking for a new home or just want to get caught-up in a great horror film, They’re Watching is a title to look out for!

Synopsis

When an American home improvement TV show visits a remote Eastern European village, the young crew thinks the lack of mocha lattés and free wifi will be the worst of their problems. But after their filming interrupts the superstitious villagers’ private religious ritual, the situation takes a turn for the homicidal… and when the blood starts flowing, that’s when things get really weird. With THEY’RE WATCHING, noted graphic novelists and animators Micah Wright and Jay Lender turn a classic horror premise upside down to create a fresh, funny, eye-popping twist on the found footage genre.

• They’re Watching (2016) – Movie Trailer
• They’re Watching (2016) – Written Review
• They’re Watching (2016) – Podcast Review
• They’re Watching (2016) – Interview with Writer/Director Jay Lender and Micah Wright

Awards

• NOMINEE – Festival de Cine Fantástico de Bilbao: FANT, 2016

Wekufe: The Origin of Evil (2016) – Chile

Wekufe: The Origin of Evil holds the distinction of being the first found footage film produced and filmed in the country of Chile. The film is written and directed by newcomer Javier Attridge. The film is making a splash in the festival circuit, as it continues to accumulate a respectable number of nominations and wins.

As described in our full review, “The original Chilean (Spanish) name of the film is “Wekufe: El Origen Del Mal.” Like many great horror films, director Javier Attridge bases the plot of Wekufe on actual local legends and historical events. When coupled with found footage, this approach lends a strong foundation to the film’s premise and credibility within the genre.”

We cannot say enough good things about Wekufe: The Origin of Evil. The dry sarcastic humor, great acting, and compelling plot propel this film into our top-5 found footage films for 2016.

Synopsis

Found footage film where a journalism student travels with her boyfriend to Chiloé, a remote Patagonia island in the south of Chile, to investigate the connection that exists between the great number of sexual related crimes and the myths ‘n’ legends that surround this isolated and mysterious place. Soon they will find out that behind these legends lies something much more obscure that will begin to unravel towards an unavoidable destiny. Gradually they will come to understand that all too often it is best to keep your sanity than to discover the truth.

Links

• Wekufe: The Origin of Evil (2016) – Movie Trailer
• Wekufe: The Origin of Evil (2016) – Written Review

Awards

• WINNER – Best Feature Film – Feratum Film Fest – México, 2016
• WINNER – Best Feature Film – Pearls Premiere Torremolinos International Fantastic Film Festival – España, 2016
• WINNER – Best Opening – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016
• WINNER – Best Feature Film – Panamá Horror Film Fest, 2016
• WINNER – Best Feature – 12 Months Film Festival – Rumania, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – Fright Night Film Fest, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – Puerto Rico Horror Film Fest – Puerto Rico, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – Blood Window – Buenos Aires, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – 38 Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de La Habana – Cuba, 2017
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – Masacre en Xoco Film Fest – México, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Feature Film – RMX Film Fest – México, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Humor – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016)
• NOMINEE – Best Writing – Independent Horror Movie Awards, 2016
• NOMINEE – Best Foreign Feature Film – Macabre Faire Film Festival, 2017
• NOMINEE – Best Actress in a Feature – Macabre Faire Film Festival, 2017

Browse More 2016 Films on Found Footage Critic

Found Footage Critic maintains the most comprehensive database of found footage feature films anywhere in the world. We’ve got you covered!

[blog hub_fields=”release-year:2016″ post_association=”disabled” post_types=”page” filter=”enabled” filter_cats=”1″ filter_date=”1″ filter_title=”1″ filter_comment_count=”1″ filter_views=”1″ filter_followers=”1″ filter_site_rating=”1″ filter_user_rating=”1″ filter_hub_awards=”1″ per_page=”3″ image_width=”350″ image_height=”197″ image_alignment=”image-wrap-left” excerpt_length=”500″ meta_comment_count=”1″ meta_views=”1″ meta_followers=”1″ meta_hub_fields=”1″ meta_hub_award=”1″ display_user_rating=”1″ read_more_link=”enabled” page_numbers=”enabled” cats=”all-releases” filter_cats_id=”hub-films”]