16. The Last Exorcism (2010)
The Last Exorcism successfully breathes new life into the tried-and-true exorcism genre by using the found footage format. Reverend Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) has lost his faith and conducts fake exorcisms for those who are really just dealing with mental health problems. He participates in a documentary to prove that demonic possession is a myth—until he encounters an innocent farm girl who is genuinely controlled by Satan. The handheld style adds an immediate sense of danger to the exorcism scenes in which her body contorts in unnatural ways and her voice sounds like tires scraping against gravel. The Last Exorcism reaches a stunning conclusion, as the Reverend and his cameraperson sneakily peer through the trees to find elaborate cult rituals and an unholy revelation reminiscent of Rosemary’s Baby
