“As Above, So Below” is a 2014 horror film directed by John Erick Dowdle. The movie’s primary theme is the concept of “as above, so below,” which suggests that what happens on a larger scale is reflected on smaller scales and vice versa. The movie’s plot follows a team of explorers who venture into the Paris catacombs in search of the fabled philosopher’s stone. Along the way, they encounter various supernatural phenomena and confront their own inner demons.
One reason people love this movie is because of its use of found footage, which adds a sense of realism to the story. The claustrophobic setting of the catacombs also creates a sense of tension and unease, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, the movie’s themes of personal growth and redemption add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical horror movie.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, “As Above, So Below” has gained a cult following over the years. The movie’s use of symbolism and mythology has sparked numerous fan theories and discussions, which have kept fans engaged long after the movie’s release. The film also spawned various merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and even a board game.
Interestingly, the movie’s production was not without its challenges. The crew had to navigate the real catacombs of Paris, which presented logistical and safety issues. Additionally, the actors had to endure extreme temperatures and cramped spaces, which added to the authenticity of their performances.
Overall, “As Above, So Below” is a thought-provoking horror movie that has gained a dedicated following due to its use of found footage, claustrophobic setting, and themes of personal growth and redemption. Its popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of horror movies and the power of symbolism to captivate audiences.
- “The Descent” (2005) – A group of women venture into an unexplored cave system and encounter terrifying creatures.
- “The Pyramid” (2014) – A team of archaeologists uncover a pyramid in Egypt and soon find themselves trapped inside with supernatural forces.
- “Grave Encounters” (2011) – A TV crew investigate a supposedly haunted mental institution, but soon find themselves fighting for their lives.
- “The Tunnel” (2011) – A journalist and her crew investigate abandoned tunnels in Sydney, only to encounter a terrifying presence.
- “The Possession of Hannah Grace” (2018) – A former cop working in a morgue discovers that a body brought in for autopsy is possessed by a malevolent spirit.
- “The Taking of Deborah Logan” (2014) – A documentary crew film an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s, but soon discover that something sinister is happening to her.
- “The Ruins” (2008) – A group of tourists exploring ancient Mayan ruins encounter hostile plants that attack and kill anyone who comes near.
- “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) – Three filmmakers set out to make a documentary about a legendary witch in the woods, but soon realize they may never make it out alive.
- “Session 9” (2001) – An asbestos removal crew discovers disturbing recordings while working in an abandoned mental hospital, leading to terrifying consequences.
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1. “The Descent” (2005):
“The Descent” is a British horror film that follows a group of women who embark on a caving expedition in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. As they explore the uncharted cave system, they encounter a subterranean race of humanoid creatures that are hungry for human flesh. The movie is directed by Neil Marshall and stars Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, and Alex Reid.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “The Descent” features a group of explorers venturing into an unknown and claustrophobic environment, where they are forced to confront both external and internal threats. The movie also uses elements of darkness and isolation to heighten the tension and terror, making the audience feel like they are trapped alongside the characters.
One of the strengths of “The Descent” is its strong female cast, who are not just victims waiting to be rescued but are proactive and resourceful in their fight for survival. The movie also explores themes of friendship, trust, and betrayal, adding an emotional depth to the story.
Overall, “The Descent” is a thrilling and intense horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
2. “The Pyramid” (2014):
“The Pyramid” is an American horror film directed by Grégory Levasseur and produced by Alexandre Aja. The movie follows a team of archaeologists who discover a lost pyramid buried beneath the sands of the Egyptian desert. As they explore the ancient tomb, they become trapped and soon realize that they are not alone, and something malevolent is hunting them.
Like “As Above, So Below,” “The Pyramid” features a group of explorers venturing into an unknown and claustrophobic environment, where they are hunted by supernatural forces. The movie also uses elements of found footage to add a sense of realism and immersion to the story.
One of the strengths of “The Pyramid” is its impressive production design, which brings the ancient pyramid to life with detailed and atmospheric set pieces. The movie also explores themes of hubris and the dangers of playing God, as the archaeologists’ greed and ambition ultimately lead to their downfall.
Overall, “The Pyramid” is a well-crafted horror movie that will satisfy fans of both found footage and ancient Egyptian mythology.
3. “Grave Encounters” (2011):
“Grave Encounters” is a Canadian found footage horror film that follows a team of paranormal investigators who lock themselves in an abandoned mental hospital for the night. As they set up their cameras and begin their investigation, they soon discover that the hospital is not as abandoned as they thought, and they are trapped in a nightmare of supernatural terror.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “Grave Encounters” uses found footage to add a sense of realism and immersion to the story. The movie also explores the dangers of meddling with the supernatural and the consequences of disbelieving in the paranormal.
One of the strengths of “Grave Encounters” is its clever use of horror tropes, subverting audience expectations and delivering genuine scares. The movie also features strong performances from its cast, who portray a variety of paranormal investigators with different motivations and personalities.
Overall, “Grave Encounters” is a smart and scary found footage horror movie that will leave you questioning the reality of the paranormal.
4. “The Tunnel” (2011):
“The Tunnel” is an Australian found footage horror film that follows a journalist and her crew as they investigate an abandoned tunnel system beneath Sydney. As they explore the dark and claustrophobic tunnels, they soon discover that they are not alone, and something malevolent is stalking them.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “The Tunnel” features a group of explorers venturing into an unknown and dangerous environment, where they are forced to confront their fears and fight for survival. The movie also uses elements of found footage to add a sense of realism and immersion to the story.
One of the strengths of “The Tunnel” is its atmospheric and creepy setting, with the dark and labyrinthine tunnels creating a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The movie also features strong performances from its cast, who portray a range of emotions and reactions to the terrifying events unfolding around them.
Overall, “The Tunnel” is a suspenseful and well-crafted horror movie that will satisfy fans of found footage and subterranean horror.
5. “The Possession of Hannah Grace” (2018):
“The Possession of Hannah Grace” is an American supernatural horror film directed by Diederik Van Rooijen. The movie follows a former police officer working the graveyard shift at a morgue, where she discovers that a recently deceased woman named Hannah Grace is possessed by a demonic spirit.
Like “As Above, So Below,” “The Possession of Hannah Grace” features a protagonist dealing with personal demons and traumas, while also confronting supernatural forces. The movie also uses elements of darkness and isolation to create a sense of dread and terror.
One of the strengths of “The Possession of Hannah Grace” is its strong central performance from Shay Mitchell, who portrays a troubled and haunted character with depth and nuance. The movie also features impressive practical effects and makeup, creating a truly terrifying and memorable antagonist in the possessed Hannah Grace.
Overall, “The Possession of Hannah Grace” is a chilling and effective horror movie that will satisfy fans of both supernatural and psychological horror.
6. “The Taking of Deborah Logan” (2014):
“The Taking of Deborah Logan” is an American found footage horror film that follows a documentary crew filming an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease. As they document her decline, they soon discover that something sinister and supernatural is happening to her.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “The Taking of Deborah Logan” uses found footage to add a sense of realism and immersion to the story. The movie also explores themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and the nature of evil.
One of the strengths of “The Taking of Deborah Logan” is its strong performances from its cast, who portray complex and believable characters. The movie also features a unique and terrifying antagonist, creating a memorable and chilling horror experience.
Overall, “The Taking of Deborah Logan” is a thought-provoking and scary found footage horror movie that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality and sanity.
7. “The Ruins” (2008):
“The Ruins” is an American horror film directed by Carter Smith, based on the novel of the same name by Scott Smith. The movie follows a group of friends on vacation in Mexico, who stumble upon ancient ruins that are inhabited by a group of hostile locals.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “The Ruins” features a group of travelers venturing into an unfamiliar and hostile environment, where they must confront not only physical dangers, but also the psychological stress of being isolated and trapped.
One of the strengths of “The Ruins” is its effective use of suspense and tension, as the group gradually realizes the true nature of the ruins and the danger they are in. The movie also features strong performances from its cast, who bring a sense of realism and vulnerability to their characters.
Overall, “The Ruins” is a thrilling and well-executed horror movie that will appeal to fans of survival horror and psychological terror.
8. “The Blair Witch Project” (1999):
“The Blair Witch Project” is an American found footage horror film directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez. The movie follows a group of documentary filmmakers who venture into the woods to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch, only to become lost and hunted by an unseen force.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “The Blair Witch Project” uses found footage to create a sense of realism and immersion, as the audience experiences the fear and panic of the characters first-hand. The movie also explores themes of folklore, urban legends, and the nature of fear.
One of the strengths of “The Blair Witch Project” is its effective use of ambiguity and suggestion, as the true nature of the Blair Witch is never fully explained or revealed. The movie also features strong performances from its cast, who improvise much of their dialogue and reactions, creating a sense of authenticity and naturalism.
Overall, “The Blair Witch Project” is a landmark horror movie that redefined the found footage genre, and remains a chilling and unsettling experience.
9. “Session 9” (2001):
“Session 9” is an American psychological horror film directed by Brad Anderson. The movie follows an asbestos removal crew working in an abandoned mental hospital, who gradually become affected by the supernatural and psychological forces within the building.
Similar to “As Above, So Below,” “Session 9” explores themes of mental illness, trauma, and the power of suggestion. The movie also uses its setting – the eerie and decaying mental hospital – to create a sense of foreboding and unease.
One of the strengths of “Session 9” is its strong performances from its cast, particularly Peter Mullan as the troubled and haunted lead character. The movie also features a clever and unexpected twist ending, adding an extra layer of complexity and intrigue.
Overall, “Session 9” is a smart and unsettling horror movie that will appeal to fans of psychological horror and supernatural mystery.
Here’s a table with the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies we’ve discussed:
| Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| As Above, So Below | 6.2 | 26% |
| The Descent | 7.2 | 85% |
| The Pyramid | 4.6 | 14% |
| Grave Encounters | 6.1 | 62% |
| The Tunnel | 5.9 | 75% |
| The Possession of Hannah Grace | 5.2 | 17% |
| The Taking of Deborah Logan | 6.0 | 88% |
| The Ruins | 5.8 | 49% |
| The Blair Witch Project | 6.5 | 86% |
| Session 9 | 6.5 | 63% |
