8. Late Night with the Devil (2003)

Late Night with the Devil utilizes found footage in a unique way. It presents a faux documentary that investigates unearthed footage from the mysterious final episode of the 1970s talk show Night Owls. While the black-and-white behind-the-scenes footage feels disjointed and somewhat shoehorned in, the main part of the film is riveting. It takes us through the live broadcast in nearly real-time, creating a slow burn that gradually develops into sheer terror.

David Dastmalchian is mesmerizing as the host Jack Delroy, brimming with jealousy and desperation as he competes for ratings against The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. His excessively chipper veneer masks a dark lust for wealth and power.

The special guest for this Halloween episode—a final bid to boost ratings—includes a 13-year-old girl named Lily (Ingrid Torelli), who survived a mass cult suicide and claims to be possessed by a demon nicknamed “Mr. Wriggles.” The idea that all the crazy, macabre events happen live, while talk shows are supposed to be light and fluffy, makes Late Night with the Devil even more intense. The revelation of Mr. Wriggles is absolutely horrifying, featuring surreal special effects and visuals reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It also breaks the boundaries of the found footage format to dive into Jack Delroy’s mind, creating a very distinctive scary movie experience.