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Best Henry Joost Movies
13th Nov 2025
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Get ready to dive into the mind-bending, reality-bending world of Henry Joost! This list celebrates the director's unique contributions to the cinematic landscape, from found-footage thrillers to superhero adventures. Explore his innovative visual style and collaborative spirit as we journey through his diverse filmography. Now it's your turn! We've compiled what we believe are the best Henry Joost movies, but we want to hear from you. Use the drag-and-drop feature to rearrange the list and craft your own personal ranking. Where do you place your favorites? Get ready to reorder and share your definitive Joost preferences!
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#3.
Nerve (2016)
3/14
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"Nerve (2016)" centers around Vee Delmonico, a driven high school senior who's tired of playing it safe. When her friends coax her into trying Nerve, a popular online game of dares, she initially sees it as a harmless opportunity to break free from her comfort zone. Paired with a charismatic stranger, she embraces the rush of increasingly risky challenges, fueled by adrenaline and the allure of online fame. However, the game soon takes a dark and dangerous turn, escalating to life-threatening acts that force Vee to confront the sinister reality behind Nerve and fight for her future in a high-stakes finale. "Nerve" earns its place among the best of Henry Joost's filmography due to his signature blend of visual flair and contemporary storytelling. Joost, alongside co-director Ariel Schulman, crafts a visually stunning and pulse-pounding thriller that effectively taps into the anxieties and thrills of online culture. The film's vibrant aesthetics, fast-paced editing, and clever use of augmented reality elements create an immersive experience that mirrors the addictive nature of the game itself. Furthermore, Joost and Schulman skillfully explore themes of anonymity, peer pressure, and the pursuit of online validation, making "Nerve" a relevant and thought-provoking commentary on the digital age.
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NY Export: Opus Jazz (2010)
#11.0"NY Export: Opus Jazz (2010)" is an essential entry in any list of "Best Henry Joost Movies" not only for its visually stunning and innovative take on Jerome Robbins' classic choreography, but also for demonstrating Joost's early mastery of blending genres and pushing boundaries. The film, co-directed with Jody Lee Lipes, transports the iconic ballet to the streets of contemporary New York City, replacing the traditional stage with urban landscapes. This unique approach, coupled with the electrifying performances of the dancers and a contemporary soundtrack, creates a fresh and engaging experience that revitalizes a piece of dance history for a new generation. The film perfectly showcases Joost's knack for visual storytelling and his ability to connect with a younger audience. Furthermore, "NY Export: Opus Jazz" serves as a crucial stepping stone in Joost's career, highlighting his early talent and directorial vision. The film's success paved the way for his later, more mainstream ventures, proving his ability to collaborate effectively and execute ambitious projects. The dynamic camera work, evocative atmosphere, and commitment to capturing authentic emotion, all evident in "NY Export," are recurring themes found in his subsequent works, cementing its place as a foundational and formative piece within his filmography. It's a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Henry Joost as a director and his enduring ability to reimagine and revitalize classic narratives.
Catfish (2010)
#22.0"Catfish" (2010) chronicles the increasingly complex online relationship of Nev Schulman, a young photographer, as he navigates a virtual friendship with an eight-year-old girl, Abby, and a subsequent romantic connection with her older sister, Megan. What begins as innocent online communication soon unravels as Nev uncovers inconsistencies and unsettling truths about Megan and her family. Driven by a growing suspicion and with the support of his friends, Nev embarks on a cross-country road trip to confront the people behind the profiles and uncover the reality of his digital romance, a journey that exposes the deceptive potential of online identities. "Catfish" earns its place on a list of Henry Joost's best films not just for its captivating narrative and exploration of online identity, but also for showcasing Joost's documentary filmmaking prowess early in his career. While the film's authenticity has been debated, its impact on popular culture is undeniable, coining the term "catfishing" to describe deceptive online personas. Joost, alongside Ariel Schulman, crafts a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. This ability to create compelling stories rooted in modern anxieties, coupled with its controversial subject matter, makes "Catfish" a standout in Joost's filmography.
Nerve (2016)
#33.0"Nerve (2016)" centers around Vee Delmonico, a driven high school senior who's tired of playing it safe. When her friends coax her into trying Nerve, a popular online game of dares, she initially sees it as a harmless opportunity to break free from her comfort zone. Paired with a charismatic stranger, she embraces the rush of increasingly risky challenges, fueled by adrenaline and the allure of online fame. However, the game soon takes a dark and dangerous turn, escalating to life-threatening acts that force Vee to confront the sinister reality behind Nerve and fight for her future in a high-stakes finale. "Nerve" earns its place among the best of Henry Joost's filmography due to his signature blend of visual flair and contemporary storytelling. Joost, alongside co-director Ariel Schulman, crafts a visually stunning and pulse-pounding thriller that effectively taps into the anxieties and thrills of online culture. The film's vibrant aesthetics, fast-paced editing, and clever use of augmented reality elements create an immersive experience that mirrors the addictive nature of the game itself. Furthermore, Joost and Schulman skillfully explore themes of anonymity, peer pressure, and the pursuit of online validation, making "Nerve" a relevant and thought-provoking commentary on the digital age.
Project Power (2020)
#44.0"Project Power" (2020) earns its place among the best of Henry Joost's filmography primarily for his and Ariel Schulman's distinctively kinetic and visually arresting directorial style. The film crackles with energy, showcasing a thrilling blend of practical and CGI effects that bring the temporary superpowers to life in imaginative and often gruesome ways. Joost and Schulman expertly utilize the film's New Orleans setting, transforming the familiar city into a gritty, neon-drenched playground for superpowered chaos. While the narrative itself might follow familiar genre tropes, the directors inject a unique vibrancy and intensity into the action sequences and world-building that elevates "Project Power" above the average superhero fare. Furthermore, "Project Power" demonstrates Joost and Schulman's ability to effectively manage a high-concept premise with a stellar cast. Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback deliver compelling performances, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in relatable human experiences. The film balances moments of explosive action with quieter character-driven scenes, allowing the audience to connect with the protagonists and their motivations. While not a masterpiece, "Project Power" exemplifies Joost and Schulman's strengths as action directors with a keen eye for visual flair and a knack for crafting engaging genre films with heart, making it a worthy addition to any list highlighting their best work.
Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
#55.0"Paranormal Activity 3" plunges viewers back to 1988, offering a terrifying prequel to the found-footage franchise. As young sisters Katie and Kristi grapple with the first signs of the malevolent presence that will haunt them for years to come, their home becomes the epicenter of unseen terror. Captured on vintage VHS tapes, the film expertly utilizes practical effects and slow-burn suspense, building a palpable sense of dread as the entity "Toby" makes its presence increasingly known. The use of a strategically placed oscillating fan camera provides some of the film's most iconic and chilling moments, forever raising the bar for scares in the found-footage genre. "Paranormal Activity 3" deserves its spot on the list of "Best Henry Joost Movies" due to Joost and Ariel Schulman's masterful direction, which revitalized a franchise that was beginning to feel repetitive. They cleverly expanded the mythology, grounding the horror in the sisters' childhood and providing a satisfying origin story for the entity. Their innovative use of the oscillating fan camera not only provided innovative jump scares but also heightened the tension by forcing the audience to anticipate the horrors hidden just beyond the frame. Joost and Schulman's contribution elevated "Paranormal Activity 3" beyond a simple sequel and cemented its place as one of the scariest and most effective installments in the series.
Viral (2016)
#66.0"Viral (2016)" is a tense and frightening horror film that plunges viewers into a world devastated by a rapidly spreading virus. When the deadly pathogen infiltrates their town, sisters Emma and Stacey find themselves trapped in quarantine, facing the grim reality of a world collapsing around them. As the infection takes hold of Stacey, Emma must grapple with the horrifying changes overtaking her sister, struggling to protect her while desperately trying to survive the escalating chaos and the terrifying creatures the virus spawns. While "Viral" might not be the first title that comes to mind when discussing the best of Henry Joost's filmography, its inclusion is warranted by the film's strong directorial style and emphasis on character-driven horror, hallmarks of Joost's other, more acclaimed work. His ability to build suspense, craft chilling visuals, and elicit compelling performances from his young cast, specifically Sofia Black-D'Elia and Analeigh Tipton, elevates "Viral" above typical genre fare. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, it showcases Joost's skill in exploring the psychological and emotional impact of extraordinary circumstances on ordinary people, making it a worthwhile addition to a list highlighting his directorial prowess.
Secret Headquarters (2022)
#77.0While not as critically acclaimed as some of Henry Joost's earlier, darker works, "Secret Headquarters (2022)" undeniably showcases his and Ariel Schulman's talent for crafting engaging, family-friendly action. It exemplifies their ability to blend fantastical elements with grounded, relatable characters, a hallmark of their filmmaking style. The movie's focus on the often-fraught dynamic between a father and son, amplified by the unbelievable secret of the dad's superheroic double life, resonates on an emotional level, preventing the high-octane action sequences from feeling hollow. This blend of heart and spectacle makes "Secret Headquarters" a worthy addition to the "Best Henry Joost Movies" list, demonstrating his versatility beyond the horror and thriller genres. Furthermore, "Secret Headquarters" highlights Joost's strength in directing younger actors, drawing surprisingly nuanced performances from its cast. The kids, thrust into extraordinary circumstances, are believable and relatable, making their victories feel genuinely earned. The film's visual effects, while clearly aimed at a younger audience, are well-executed and contribute to the overall sense of wonder and excitement. Ultimately, "Secret Headquarters" isn't just a fun superhero adventure; it's a testament to Joost's skill in building compelling narratives, regardless of genre, and making movies that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, cementing its place within his filmography.
Paranormal Activity: The Chronology (2012)
#88.0"Paranormal Activity: The Chronology (2012)" earns a spot on the list of "Best Henry Joost Movies" due to its pivotal role in solidifying Joost's signature found-footage style and his effective collaboration with Ariel Schulman. Though not a standalone film, this compilation intricately weaves together footage from the first three *Paranormal Activity* films, creating a streamlined narrative. Joost and Schulman were integral to the franchise's evolution, and this project highlights their meticulous approach to editing and storytelling within the confines of the established universe. This film displays Joost's strengths in manipulating tension, pacing, and visual cues. The selection and arrangement of the footage serve to further immerse the audience in the unsettling atmosphere that defines the franchise. It also showcases their innovative utilization of the found-footage format, a key characteristic that defines their directorial style. *The Chronology* represents Joost and Schulman's contribution to the franchise by providing a comprehensive insight into the unfolding horrors.
Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)
#99.0"Paranormal Activity 4" picks up five years after the events of the original films, focusing on a suburban family who become entangled in a series of unsettling occurrences. Strange events begin to plague their neighborhood with the arrival of a woman and a mysterious young boy, hinting at a connection to the unsettling legacy of Katie and Hunter. The family, primarily through the eyes of their teenage daughter, document the growing paranormal activity through their laptops, cameras, and phones, capturing a descent into terror that is both intimate and horrifying. This entry undeniably earns its place on a list of the best Henry Joost movies, as he co-directed the film with Ariel Schulman. Joost and Schulman's use of found-footage filmmaking techniques and innovative perspectives of the original franchise contributed to a refreshing, modernized horror experience. Joost's skill in manipulating the audience's senses and playing with the conventions of the genre, particularly the use of technology to create fear, is evident throughout the film, making it a compelling and unforgettable watch.
The Monkey Wrench Gang
#1010.0While not directly directed by Henry Joost, "The Monkey Wrench Gang" (a fictional movie based on Edward Abbey's novel) would be a natural fit for the "Best Henry Joost Movies" list because of its thematic kinship to his work. Joost, along with his filmmaking partner Ariel Schulman, consistently explores the clash between technology, nature, and the human spirit, often using documentaries and found-footage techniques to create a raw, gritty feel. "The Monkey Wrench Gang" perfectly embodies this spirit. The story of a ragtag group of eco-saboteurs fighting to protect the American Southwest from industrial development would resonate with Joost's penchant for portraying rebellious underdogs challenging established power structures. Furthermore, "The Monkey Wrench Gang's" focus on environmentalism, social commentary, and the use of unconventional methods to achieve goals aligns with the narratives frequently employed by Joost. Imagine a mockumentary adaptation, following the gang's exploits with a similar visual aesthetic to "Catfish" or "Paranormal Activity." The film's inherent rebellion against corporate greed and its celebration of the untamed wilderness would provide a compelling opportunity for Joost to leverage his storytelling strengths and create a thrilling, thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Nemesis
#1111.0"Nemesis," a found-footage thriller directed by Henry Joost, showcases his masterful ability to build suspense and paranoia through the lens of amateur videography. The film's raw, intimate style plunges viewers directly into the chaotic and terrifying experiences of its characters, forcing them to confront the blurred lines between reality and illusion. This visceral storytelling, characteristic of Joost's signature approach, makes "Nemesis" an unforgettable and emotionally charged viewing experience. Joost's direction cleverly leverages the limitations of the found-footage format to amplify the tension and amplify the horror, creating a palpable sense of dread that steadily intensifies throughout the film. The innovative use of perspective and the unsettling realism of the film's events solidify "Nemesis" as a prime example of Joost's creative vision and his ability to craft a chilling narrative that explores the darker aspects of human nature, making it a worthy addition to the "Best Henry Joost Movies" list.
Undo
#1212.0"Undo," a tightly wound thriller co-directed by Henry Joost, fully showcases his talent for building suspense and navigating complex narrative structures. The film's ingenious premise, revolving around a woman attempting to alter her past, is meticulously crafted, allowing Joost to explore themes of regret, self-destruction, and the butterfly effect with a chilling precision. His signature style of blending found footage with traditional filmmaking techniques adds a layer of visceral immediacy, pulling the audience directly into the protagonist's increasingly desperate and disorienting journey. The film's focus on character-driven drama, interwoven with unexpected twists, solidifies Joost's ability to elevate genre conventions. More than just a clever premise, "Undo" exemplifies Joost's knack for visual storytelling and maintaining a palpable sense of unease. The film's innovative use of temporal manipulation allows for compellingly fragmented storytelling that's both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. It's a quintessential Joost experience – raw, unpredictable, and designed to leave you pondering its implications long after the credits roll. This commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing a unique cinematic voice is what solidifies "Undo" as a key piece of the director's best work.
Mega Man
#1313.0While Mega Man, the blue bomber himself, might seem an odd choice for a list of Henry Joost's best movies, its inclusion stems from Joost's distinct and innovative approach to visual storytelling and characterization. Although not a film *about* Mega Man, his work often reflects the spirit of this iconic video game. His films are defined by dynamic camera work, often mimicking the frenetic energy of combat sequences and platforming. Joost's ability to craft compelling narratives, often with under-the-radar characters, resonates with Mega Man's story of an underdog robot fighting for good. Ultimately, Joost's filmmaking style captures the essence of the Mega Man experience. His focus on action, stylized visuals, and themes of resilience and determination, all found in the beloved video game. While not a direct adaptation, the spirit of the franchise permeates the best of his work, from the high-octane energy of his action sequences to his ability to build worlds brimming with both danger and hope. Therefore, the inclusion of "Mega Man" speaks to the film's influences, making the work a worthy homage to the world of the Blue Bomber.
The Watcher
#1414.0"The Watcher" unequivocally deserves a place on any "Best Henry Joost Movies" list due to its masterful blend of suspense, found-footage aesthetics, and unsettling psychological exploration. This low-budget indie thriller showcases Joost's early talent for creating claustrophobic tension and building a palpable sense of dread through expertly crafted POV shots and innovative use of surveillance footage. The film's raw, visceral feel and focus on the anxieties of modern technology and online privacy perfectly aligns with the themes and techniques that would become defining characteristics of his later, more widely-recognized works. Beyond its technical prowess, "The Watcher" serves as a compelling origin story for Joost's signature filmmaking style. The film's focus on the vulnerability of the protagonist, the blurring lines between reality and the digital world, and the unsettling examination of human nature, foreshadows the stylistic and thematic explorations that would be further developed in projects like "Catfish" and "Nerve." Its success lies in its ability to grip the audience with a gripping narrative built on a foundation of innovative filmmaking and a willingness to delve into the darker corners of the human psyche.
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