God bless V/H/S.
Although it burned brightly for 3 straight years, it appeared just like the V/H/S franchise was useless after V/H/S: Viral.
After which a phenomenal factor occurred: In 2021, the franchise moved to Shudder for a fourth installment, V/H/S/94, which turned their greatest movie premiere ever. Naturally, Shudder parlayed this success by saying a fifth movie, V/H/S/99, to premiere a 12 months later—and it turned their greatest movie premiere ever but once more. No surprise they introduced a sixth movie, V/H/S/85, earlier than the fifth movie even hit the airwaves. After which a seventh movie, the sci-fi themed V/H/S/Past, late final 12 months.
In an age of hit-and-miss horror anthologies, this franchise has supplied a few of the most hit-and-miss collections of all of them—and but, all seven movies have at the very least a few really participating segments to tide viewers over. Mileage could differ with the found-footage format, however there’s nothing else fairly like this sequence.
Extra importantly, although, this franchise has been an exquisite playground for style filmmakers who’re both discovering their footing or experimenting with totally different codecs. After their segments have been launched, V/H/S alumni went on to make unbiased horror bangers like The Visitor, Prepared or Not, The Ritual, Colossal, X, Could The Satan Take You, The Infinite, Séance, and Apostle in addition to different franchise installments like Blair Witch, Hellraiser, and Scream.
In 2021, I took up the problem of rating all 21 segments of this franchise (together with the wraparounds and one brief that was minimize altogether). In 2022, I added the 5 segments (no wraparound, weirdly sufficient) from V/H/S/99 to the combination. With V/H/S/85, the checklist ballooned to greater than 30 entries in 2023. And now we’re as much as a gargantuan 37 segments with V/H/S/Past. (Shudder, when you hold this franchise going, I’ll hold this checklist rising, regardless of how ridiculous this train turns into.)
In the event you’ve taken the complete plunge on the V/H/S sequence, tell us how your checklist compares to ours!
37. “Dante the Nice” – Gregg Bishop (V/H/S: Viral)
No disrespect to Bishop, however any individual must be final on these lists. The Southern setting is a pleasant contact (particularly the stunning Fox Theatre in Atlanta); nevertheless this brief is burdened by many issues, specifically the shoddy CGI, lackluster lead performances, and a talking-heads-style framing gadget that does it no favors. And if we’re being sincere, there’s nothing scary a few murderous magician with a cloak that craves blood.
36. “Tuesday the 17th” – Glenn McQuaid (V/H/S)
There’s a pleasant aesthetic high quality to McQuaid’s riff on the slasher flicks of his youth—as evidenced instantly by the title—however the homage will get fairly previous fairly shortly, even for a brief movie. And to not be all “that’s not how video cameras work,” however the supernatural factor meant to set this section aside from its titular predecessor simply makes it extra of a head-scratcher.
35. “Vicious Circles” – Marcel Sarmiento (V/H/S: Viral)
The least profitable wraparound of the franchise flies a bit too near the solar. Sarmiento deserves credit score for attempting one thing totally different from the primary two framework units, but it surely’s too disjointed and unrestrained to inform an efficient story—and even make sense more often than not. The yard barbeque and the taxi cab hostage moments are stable, however they don’t match into the bigger story very properly.
34. “The Gawkers” – Tyler MacIntyre (V/H/S/99)
MacIntyre’s section is peppered with a mix of late 90s nostalgia each genuine (Sizzling Pockets, degenerate adolescent masculinity, a personality named Boner) and compelled (the Woodstock ’99 lineup, Y2K bunker planning, name-dropping the likes of Britney Spears and Sarah Michelle Gellar) to the purpose the place it feels overseasoned to masks a lackluster minimize of meat. And certain sufficient, as soon as the restricted motion lastly kicks in, it’s suffering from iffy CGI and an idea far too just like an earlier, higher V/H/S brief. It doesn’t assist that this section is burdened by carrying the forgettable wraparound clips.
33. “Abduction / Adduction” — Jay Cheel (V/H/S/Past)
It’s not the worst wraparound gadget, but it surely could be essentially the most forgettable. The mysterious second-hand videotapes match the franchise vibe properly, and the cable-style documentary about alien abductions matches this version’s theme, however there’s merely not a lot to it. By the point we do see the video footage, which focuses on a Canadian city legend a few farmhouse encounter, it’s too little too late. There’s not far more than filler and stitching right here.
32. “Tape 56” – Adam Wingard (V/H/S)
Within the unique wraparound gadget, Wingard and his pals play a band of scumdog losers who commit (and report) public intercourse crimes for cash earlier than embarking upon a extra worthwhile tour: stealing a particular videotape from an previous man’s home. It’s onerous to observe at occasions (and hasn’t aged properly in that manner), however there are some stable scares and a pleasant environment, and it units the tone properly for the franchise as an entire.
31. “Beautiful Vortex” – Todd Lincoln (V/H/S: Viral)
In the event you’re scratching your head right here, you may not’ve truly seen this one. Lincoln’s brief was minimize from the ultimate model of the V/H/S: Viral and lives solely as an additional on the bodily launch as a result of, properly, he didn’t actually perceive the project. It’s summary, it’s dialogue-free, it strikes like a music video, and it isn’t discovered footage…but it surely isn’t that unhealthy both. With a quick runtime and a few memorable imagery, it’s value digging up.
30. “Dream Woman” — Virat Pal (V/H/S/Past)
It’s all the time refreshing to see this franchise span the globe, this time venturing into India to comply with two paparazzi trying to money in on footage of Mumbai’s hottest new celeb sensation. However Pal loses his manner a bit, combining views that wouldn’t logically be introduced collectively (comparable to music video footage from fashionable cameras) and leaning into an explosive finale that feels chaotic and a bit unearned. Additionally, why are these guys utilizing camcorders after they have iPhones?
29. “The Empty Wake” – Simon Barrett (V/H/S/94)
Barrett’s thought right here is an effective one, particularly for a single location (which seems nice from a manufacturing design standpoint). However the build-up is all environment and telephone calls, and by the point the antagonist arrives, it seems like too little too late, particularly when it ends abruptly. That mentioned, there’s one thing rewarding about Mom Nature being the final word victor on the finish of a horror story…
28. “Section I Medical Trials” – Adam Wingard (V/H/S/2)
Wingard bought to make a correct horror brief his second time round, and although it’s the least efficient section within the V/H/S/2 crop, he did have some stiff competitors. He may’ve benefitted from hiring a greater actor and fleshing out the narrative a bit extra, however the idea of a bionic eye doubling as a digital camera is fairly cool, and shady medicinal ethics all the time present a pleasant increase on this style.
27. “God of Loss of life” – Gigi Saul Guerrero (V/H/S/85)
As soon as Guerrero’s movie actually will get going, there’s some enjoyable available within the remaining moments, regardless of a little bit of lackluster manufacturing design. And the totally different setting/perspective is refreshing for a largely American franchise. However there’s an excessive amount of setup for under a average quantity of payoff, and as soon as the key of the premise is revealed, it’s disappointingly just like another (higher) V/H/S segments.
26. “Tape 49” – Simon Barrett (V/H/S/2)
An enchancment upon his buddy Wingard’s unique wraparound saga, Barrett’s piecemeal framework provides us a fab “haunted tapes” state of affairs that follows a pair of ethically ambiguous novice detectives (although they’re far much less scummy than the “Tape 56” hooligans). There’s not a lot of a narrative to it as soon as they get to their investigation, however these framework units can solely achieve this a lot. (Barrett bares all of it within the opening minutes, although, and it’s a must to respect that.)
25. “The Sick Factor That Occurred to Emily When She Was Youthful” – Joe Swanberg (V/H/S)
Aesthetically talking, this section doesn’t precisely comply with the foundations, because it’s on a pc display. However credit score to Swanberg for delivering an early entry right into a subgenre that will explode a pair years later with movies like Unfriended. The twist is a bit flat, however the format works properly right here, taking part in up the worry of darkish rooms in a recent manner and mixing a number of totally different subgenres into the combination.
24. “A Experience In The Park” – Eduardo Sánchez & Gregg Hale (V/H/S/2)
The franchise comes thematically full circle right here with the co-director and producer of The Blair Witch Mission. The concept of utilizing a GoPro because the recording gadget is intelligent, and whereas a zombie origin occasion within the woods isn’t essentially the most unique premise (particularly after they’d already nailed the “spooky woods” conceit), Sánchez and Hale hold the narrative tight and elevate it above mediocrity with some mild humor and nice results.
23. “TKNOGD” – Natasha Kermani (V/H/S/85)
One of the vital contained segments of the entire franchise, Kermani’s movie doesn’t cowl a lot floor. In actual fact, it takes place nearly completely in a black field theatre setting. However the place the respectable bits of violence fall comparatively brief, the narrative idea gives loads of intrigue by bringing the fourth wall into query. Blurring the strains between the digital world, the actual world, and the world of efficiency is a good thought, even when it’s undercooked right here.
22. “Fur Infants” — Christian Lengthy & Justin Lengthy (V/H/S/Past)
Of all of the movies Justin Lengthy has starred in, might or not it’s that Tusk has stayed with him essentially the most? This disturbing section, directed by Justin along with his brother Christian, appears to counsel as a lot. Whereas it strays from the theme greater than the opposite segments, focusing not on aliens however mad scientists a la Dr. Moreau as a substitute, it’s successfully gnarly and it makes a long-lasting impression. Libby Letlow is the standout efficiency of V/H/S/Past as a suspicious doggie daycare proprietor.
21. “10/31/98” – Radio Silence (V/H/S)
The ultimate chapter of the unique anthology is a reasonably normal haunted home state of affairs on the web page: A gaggle of younger males present up for a Halloween get together at an unknown location to seek out an empty home. (Or is it?) The particular results go away one thing to be desired, however the Radio Silence staff is aware of methods to execute an honest premise. It’s a enjoyable section and a terrific closing chapter, proper all the way down to the terrifying remaining pictures.
20. “Shredding” – Maggie Levin (V/H/S/99)
With just one function beneath her belt, Levin was the scrappy newcomer of the fifth anthology, and he or she earns her spot by leaning into a vital late 90s scene—the DIY mix of punk rock, skate movies, and avenue stunts that was inescapable on the time. The idea of a zombie feminine punk band haunting the venue the place they have been trampled to demise is a terrific one, and whereas it performs out principally as anticipated as soon as it will get going, the ultimate second is fairly nifty.
19. “Stork” — Jordan Downey (V/H/S/Past)
This section follows a specialised police unit being despatched to a suspicious location to research a case of a number of lacking infants. Because the staff plows by way of zombie-like creatures, the attitude switches between their physique cams, focusing largely on the rookie of the group (who additionally occurs to be the one one unarmed). It’s a really simple story with a terrific creature design, but it surely works as a result of it hearkens again to first-person shooter video games like Space 51 extra so than retro horror movies. You may end up wishing you had a controller in your hand.
18. “No Wake / Ambrosia” – Mike P. Nelson (V/H/S/85)
Nelson’s entry has a curious distinction: It’s the one two-parter of the franchise. The primary half options some ugly moments and a few narrative intrigue, but it surely ends abruptly (and confusingly). When the second half lastly comes round and divulges its connective tissue, it gives some solutions, but in some way nonetheless feels incomplete. This section leans into the 80s greater than another V/H/S/85 installment, although, and it’s a enjoyable journey whereas it lasts.
17. “Holy Hell” – Jennifer Reeder (V/H/S/94)
The administrators of the wraparounds all the time have the largest problem, however Reeder’s rises above all these earlier than it due to a stable premise—a SWAT staff raids a warehouse pondering it’s a drug bust solely to encounter a spooky analog cult state of affairs—and a few terrific manufacturing design. Additionally, factors to Reeder for getting the most effective line reads of the franchise: “We don’t want extra tech. We’d like a gravedigger!”
16. “Stowaway” — Kate Siegel (V/H/S/Past)
Helmed by actress Kate Siegel and written by her companion Mike Flanagan, this section was for a lot of the largest hook in V/H/S/Past. Siegel neatly takes a well-recognized narrative strategy—a journalist investigating mysterious circumstances whereas filming her personal journey—and filters it by way of an summary lens, leaving viewers to make use of their creativeness to fill within the gaps. The latter half of the section is visually disorienting, however in a manner that actually enhances the motion that’s happening. Hopefully this wasn’t merely a enjoyable train for Siegel.
15. “Suicide Bid” – Johannes Roberts (V/H/S/99)
Roberts had already tackled sharks, zombies, and residential intruders on a big scale, so it is smart that he would lean on his diversified palette right here. Although this section begins with a easy sufficient premise—a younger, lonely school lady is determined sufficient to do something for a sorority bid—he expertly weaves no fewer than three distinct fears into a decent window. It doesn’t fairly nail the touchdown, however when it’s actually cooking, it’s sufficient to make you squirm in your seat.
14. “To Hell and Again” – Vanessa & Joseph Winter (V/H/S/99)
The ultimate chapter of V/H/S/99 actually lives as much as the movie’s tagline by sending its protagonists, properly, to hell. A witchy ritual gone unsuitable catapults a two-man digital camera crew to the netherworld the place they spend a lot of the section’s runtime exploring the rocky wasteland and fleeing from demonic creatures. The primary characters aren’t very compelling, particularly after they’re bickering by way of their anxieties, however the results are plentiful and nice, and the twist ending is a pleasant final touch.
13. “Bonestorm” – Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead (V/H/S: Viral)
A few narrative selections already really feel outdated right here, however Benson and Moorhead actually go for it. The second V/H/S section to make use of GoPro cameras, this one works higher within the context of skate punks attempting to movie their very own trick compilation, solely to seek out themselves within the midst of a resurrection ritual in Tijuana. Specific reward is to ensure that nice results and what seems like a few of the most blood and carnage of the sequence.
12. “Slumber Celebration Alien Abduction” – Jason Eisener (V/H/S/2)
Your mileage could differ on the adolescent shenanigans and the following revenge plot, however as soon as the aliens truly present up (together with a pleasant underwater preview), Eisener’s brief turns into a distinct type of get together. The final shot will set off many viewers, however strapping a digital camera to just a little canine was a refreshing artistic selection. And when you love this section, Eisener stretched it to a full-length spinoff, Children vs. Aliens, in 2022.
11. “Dreamkill” – Scott Derrickson (V/H/S/85)
A longtime horror veteran, Derrickson was a welcome addition to the franchise fold, and he brings a wholesome dose of favor to his entry; it’s fairly straightforward to discern that the director of Sinister additionally made the do-it-yourself homicide tapes on this story. And the content material of these tapes is a few of the grisliest, most annoying imagery you’ll see in the entire sequence. Although this one has a little bit of a bumpy touchdown on the finish, it’s nonetheless a totally realized narrative.
10. “The Topic” – Timo Tjahjanto (V/H/S/94)
Tjahjanto is trusted with the longest, meatiest section of V/H/S/94, and whereas it’s close to the center of that crop, it’s nonetheless an absolute blast. It might be extra of a gory motion movie than a real horror brief—and the standard of that video footage is far too crisp for a handheld digital camera in 1994—however the pacing of the setup and the reveal present a stable basis for all of the bonkersness taking place from the leap.
9. “Second Honeymoon” – Ti West (V/H/S)
West was arguably essentially the most established horror director of the unique crew, and it’s straightforward to see why in his lone contribution to the franchise. There’s no gimmick to be discovered right here—and never a lot gore both. However this slow-burn section following a younger couple on the street, acted properly by Sophia Takal and fellow V/H/S director Joe Swanberg, implements a stage of underlying dread usually solely achieved in options.
8. “Complete Copy” – David Bruckner (V/H/S/85)
Bruckner (whose identify will come up later) was already one of many V/H/S MVPs, however taking a wraparound project and turning it into the most effective factor about V/H/S/85 is not any small feat. In actual fact, the bite-size items serve the story properly—what begins as an oddball 80s TV documentary will get curiouser and curiouser till all of it comes collectively within the remaining jiffy, ending the gathering with an applicable dose of goopy enjoyable.
7. “Dwell and Let Dive” — Justin Martinez (V/H/S/Past)
The spotlight of V/H/S/Past comes from a founding member of Radio Silence. And it’s a reasonably stellar idea: A gaggle of younger partygoers prepares to go skydiving solely to seek out themselves within the midst of an alien invasion. We comply with the characters from the aircraft to the sky to the bottom as terror escalates palpably, culminating with a cat-and-mouse chase by way of an orange grove. The creature design feels possibly a draft or two away from one thing really nice, but it surely will get the job achieved on this wonderful framework.
6. “Ozzy’s Dungeon” – Flying Lotus (V/H/S/99)
The least predictable and most unhinged piece of the fifth anthology spans the style spectrum in a clear three-act construction. It begins as a gross-out retro comedy paying homage to Nickelodeon’s notoriously troublesome Legends of the Hidden Temple, switches to a revenge/torture porn saga, and concludes with a Lovecraftian nightmare. It’s not the spookiest section of the franchise, however Flying Lotus expands upon the weird creativity he displayed in Kuso to supply probably the most enjoyable (and most memorable) chapters.
5. “Terror” – Ryan Prows (V/H/S/94)
Prows toes the road successfully with the V/H/S/94 bookender; gun-toting right-wing extremists could be the scariest villains possible nowadays, however for many who are capable of snicker at their buffoonery, this could be the funniest section within the franchise. The exploding vampire rabbit (maybe an ode to Bunnicula, since that is 1994 in spite of everything) is nearly as memorable because the long-jawed vampire grasp himself.
4. “Parallel Monsters” – Nacho Vigalondo (V/H/S: Viral)
Extensively believed to be the worst movie within the franchise (and probably the explanation why the sequence remained dormant for years afterward), V/H/S: Viral nonetheless provides viewers a very nice section from Vigalondo. The pacing is the important thing right here because the brief follows a Spanish inventor who builds a gateway to a different dimension in his own residence…after which finds out how totally different that dimension really is as he explores what seems to be his neighborhood. (Two phrases: demon penis.)
3. “Storm Drain” – Chloe Okuno (V/H/S/94)
The idea right here—a vainglorious information reporter attempting to spin gold out of a dead-end story—is a refreshing framework for not simply this sequence however the discovered footage subgenre at massive. Maybe it owes a bit to [REC] for that, however what this information staff discovers within the titular storm drain is splendidly wild and in the end unforgettable, proper all the way down to the ill-fated recap behind the information desk. (I’m satisfied this one was partially impressed by the Crichton leprechaun in Cellular. That novice sketch!)
2. “Beginner Night time” – David Bruckner (V/H/S)
Bruckner’s chilling section stole the present the primary time round and introduced him as a future drive within the horror style. What begins as a despicable spin on a sexual conquest for a number of younger males—which feels even slimier after the primary portion of “Tape 49”—slowly devolves into one thing sinister and befitting of its fake hero characters, fueled brilliantly by Hannah Fierman’s terrifying expressions and landed splendidly with a terrific climax. This one is so good, it bought its personal feature-length spinoff in Siren.
1. “Secure Haven” – Timo Tjahjanto & Gareth Evans (V/H/S/2)
Two of the best 21st century style administrators mixed their abilities to create not simply the most effective section of the franchise however the most effective short-form horror items ever made. What might’ve been a routine found-footage idea—a digital camera staff touring to a distant space to doc one thing vaguely unsettling—is elevated to traditional standing due to great results, terrific environment, a stellar efficiency from Epy Kusnandar, and one hell of a remaining second. Even at a full half-hour (nonetheless the longest section of the franchise), it doesn’t put on out its welcome for a single second.
