“Megan Is Missing” is a 2011 found-footage horror film directed by Michael Goi. The movie follows the story of two teenage girls, Megan and Amy, who meet an unknown person online and then go missing. The movie depicts the dark side of the internet and the potential dangers of meeting strangers online.
The primary themes of the movie include online safety, teenage innocence, and the psychological trauma that can be caused by abduction and sexual assault. The film explores the psychological impact of such events on individuals and their families, and highlights the need for greater awareness of the dangers of social media.
Despite its controversial subject matter and the mixed reviews it received, “Megan Is Missing” has developed a significant following among horror fans and movie enthusiasts. The movie’s disturbing and thought-provoking storyline, combined with the found footage format, has created a sense of realism that some viewers find appealing. The fact that the events portrayed in the film could potentially happen in real life has also contributed to its popularity.
One interesting fact about the movie is that it was shot in just eleven days, with a budget of only $30,000. Additionally, the movie’s original cut was even more graphic and violent, but had to be toned down for its release to avoid an NC-17 rating.
In conclusion, “Megan Is Missing” is a controversial and thought-provoking movie that explores the potential dangers of social media and the internet. Its popularity among horror fans and movie enthusiasts can be attributed to its disturbing storyline, found footage format, and the sense of realism it portrays. Despite its mixed reviews, the movie has developed a significant following and continues to be a topic of discussion among those interested in online safety and the psychological impact of abduction and sexual assault.
If you enjoyed “Megan Is Missing” and are looking for similar movies to watch, here are 9 recommendations:
“Hard Candy” (2005) – A disturbing movie about a 14-year-old girl who meets a 32-year-old man online and takes matters into her own hands when she suspects he is a pedophile.
“Compliance” (2012) – A movie based on true events, where a prank caller convinces a fast-food restaurant manager to strip search an innocent employee.
“The Girl Next Door” (2007) – A fictionalized adaptation of the true story of Sylvia Likens, who was tortured and murdered by her caregiver and her children.
“The Snowtown Murders” (2011) – A based-on-a-true-story movie about a teenager who becomes involved with a group of serial killers in Australia.
“The Poughkeepsie Tapes” (2007) – A found footage horror movie that depicts the crimes of a serial killer through a collection of videotapes.
“The Silence” (2010) – A German movie about a young girl who goes missing, and the investigation that follows, which uncovers dark secrets.
“Lake Mungo” (2008) – A found footage horror movie that follows the story of a family grieving over the death of their daughter, only to discover strange and unsettling secrets about her life.
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017) – A psychological thriller about a surgeon who befriends a teenage boy, only to have his family’s life taken over by the boy’s strange demands.
“The Strangers” (2008) – A horror movie about a couple who are terrorized by three masked assailants while on a secluded vacation.
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1. “Hard Candy” (2005)
“Hard Candy” is a psychological thriller directed by David Slade. The movie follows the story of a 14-year-old girl named Hayley (Ellen Page) who meets a 32-year-old man named Jeff (Patrick Wilson) in an online chatroom. After chatting for a while, they decide to meet up, and the movie takes a twisted turn from there.
The plot of the movie centers around Hayley’s suspicion that Jeff is a pedophile, and her subsequent plan to teach him a lesson. She lures him to her house, where she drugs him and ties him up. She then proceeds to interrogate him and torture him, convinced that he is a dangerous predator.
“Hard Candy” is similar to “Megan Is Missing” in that both movies explore the dark side of the internet and the potential dangers of meeting strangers online. They both depict young girls who are vulnerable and naive, and the predators who prey on them. “Hard Candy” is a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the predator-prey dynamic, as it explores the idea that the victim can also be the aggressor.
Overall, “Hard Candy” is a disturbing and intense movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The performances of Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson are exceptional, and the movie will make you think long after it’s over.
2. “Compliance” (2012)
“Compliance” is a drama directed by Craig Zobel. The movie is based on true events that took place at a fast-food restaurant in Kentucky in 2004. The movie follows the story of a young female employee named Becky (Dreama Walker) who is accused of theft by her manager, Sandra (Ann Dowd). As the situation unfolds, a man claiming to be a police officer calls the restaurant and convinces Sandra to conduct a strip search on Becky.
The plot of the movie centers around the manipulation and abuse of power that takes place in the restaurant. The movie depicts the psychological trauma that Becky experiences as a result of the strip search and the subsequent events.
“Compliance” is similar to “Megan Is Missing” in that both movies explore the potential dangers of authority figures and the power dynamics that can exist in certain situations. They both depict innocent victims who are taken advantage of by those in positions of power. “Compliance” is a disturbing and uncomfortable movie that will make you question the morality of those in charge.
3. “The Girl Next Door” (2007)
“The Girl Next Door” is a horror movie directed by Gregory Wilson. The movie is a fictionalized adaptation of the true story of Sylvia Likens, who was tortured and murdered by her caregiver and her children in Indiana in 1965.
The plot of the movie centers around a teenage girl named Meg (Blythe Auffarth) who goes to live with her aunt and her three cousins after her parents die. Meg soon discovers that her cousins are sadistic and abusive, and that her aunt is complicit in their behavior.
“The Girl Next Door” is similar to “Megan Is Missing” in that both movies explore the potential horrors that can occur within families and among trusted caregivers. They both depict young girls who are vulnerable and powerless, and the abuse that they suffer at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them. “The Girl Next Door” is a chilling and disturbing movie that will leave you feeling unsettled long after it’s over.
4. “The Snowtown Murders” (2011)
“The Snowtown Murders” is a true-crime horror film directed by Justin Kurzel. The movie tells the story of the notorious “bodies in the barrels” murders that took place in South Australia between 1992 and 1999. The movie follows the character of Jamie Vlassakis, a teenage boy who befriends John Bunting, a charismatic yet terrifying local man who becomes a mentor to him. Jamie gradually discovers that Bunting and his group of friends are responsible for a series of murders in the area, and he is drawn into their world of violence and depravity.
Similar to “Megan Is Missing,” “The Snowtown Murders” is a chilling and disturbing film that depicts the horrors of everyday life in a small, close-knit community. Both films show the insidious ways that predators can manipulate and groom young people, drawing them into a world of abuse and violence. The character of Jamie in “The Snowtown Murders” is similar to Megan in “Megan Is Missing,” in that both are vulnerable and susceptible to the influence of those around them.
5. “The Poughkeepsie Tapes” (2007)
“The Poughkeepsie Tapes” is a found-footage horror film directed by John Erick Dowdle. The movie is presented as a documentary-style film, detailing the crimes of a serial killer who captured and tortured his victims on videotape. The movie uses real-life interviews and fake “archival” footage to tell the story of the killer and his victims.
Similar to “Megan Is Missing,” “The Poughkeepsie Tapes” is a film that explores the darker side of human nature and the horrors that can be inflicted upon the innocent. Both films depict the effects of extreme violence and abuse on the human psyche, and the ways that predators can manipulate and control their victims. The found-footage style of “The Poughkeepsie Tapes” is also similar to the webcam footage used in “Megan Is Missing,” as both films use unconventional means to create a sense of realism and immediacy.
6. “The Silence” (2010)
“The Silence” is a German crime thriller directed by Baran bo Odar. The movie tells the story of a 13-year-old girl named Sinikka who goes missing, and the subsequent investigation by the police. The case bears similarities to an unsolved kidnapping that occurred 23 years prior, and the film explores the links between the two crimes.
Similar to “Megan Is Missing,” “The Silence” is a film that examines the effects of violence and trauma on individuals and society as a whole. Both films show the far-reaching consequences of heinous crimes, and the ways that communities can be torn apart by the actions of predators. The character of Sinikka in “The Silence” is similar to Megan in “Megan Is Missing,” as both are young girls who are abducted and subjected to unspeakable horrors. The film also explores the themes of family secrets and the unspoken ways in which abuse and trauma can be perpetuated across generations.
7. “Lake Mungo” (2008)
“Lake Mungo” is a supernatural horror film directed by Joel Anderson. The movie follows the story of a family mourning the death of their daughter, Alice, who drowned while swimming in a nearby lake. The family begins to experience strange and unexplainable events, and they turn to a psychic for answers. The psychic uncovers unsettling secrets about Alice’s life, leading the family to question everything they thought they knew about their daughter.
Similar to “Megan Is Missing,” “Lake Mungo” explores themes of loss, grief, and the supernatural. Both films use the found-footage style to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy. Both movies also deal with the theme of the unknown, with the characters struggling to understand the events that have taken place and the secrets that have been hidden from them.
8. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017)
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is a psychological horror film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The movie follows the story of a successful surgeon, Steven, whose life begins to unravel when he befriends a teenage boy named Martin. As Martin’s true intentions are revealed, Steven is forced to make a terrible sacrifice to save his family.
Similar to “Megan Is Missing,” “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is a film that explores the psychological toll of trauma and abuse. Both films delve into the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which people can be manipulated and controlled. The characters in both movies are forced to make difficult decisions in order to protect themselves and their loved ones, leading to shocking and unexpected outcomes.
9. “The Strangers” (2008)
“The Strangers” is a home invasion horror film directed by Bryan Bertino. The movie follows a young couple who are terrorized by three masked assailants in their remote vacation home. As the night wears on, the couple must fight to survive against their attackers.
Similar to “Megan Is Missing,” “The Strangers” is a film that explores the fear of the unknown and the vulnerability of individuals in their own homes. Both films depict the chilling reality of violence and the ways in which predators can strike when and where least expected. The characters in both movies are forced to confront their own mortality and the harsh realities of the world around them.
Here is a table with the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies you provided:
| Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| Hard Candy | 7.1 | 68% |
| Compliance | 6.4 | 86% |
| The Girl Next Door | 6.6 | 20% |
| The Snowtown Murders | 6.6 | 72% |
| The Poughkeepsie Tapes | 6.0 | 40% |
| The Silence | 5.3 | 58% |
| Lake Mungo | 6.3 | 89% |
| The Killing of a Sacred Deer | 7.0 | 80% |
| The Strangers | 6.2 | 48% |
