The Best Segments in the V/H/S Franchise Pt. 1

Happy Halloween season, folks. 

In the found footage world, there aren't many franchises that are relatively long-running. One of the more prominent franchises that can be named is Paranormal Activity, and the last film was released in 2021. Thankfully, the V/H/S franchise exists and there are currently 8th films, with likely another one to come out eventually. If you aren't as familiar with the franchise, the films consist of various segments and typically a wraparound story. Every segment ranges in subgenre from sci-fi horror, supernatural horror and so on. 

Considering there are many segments across the board, some are better than others, and V/H/S/Halloween just released, it's a good time to revisit the best segments in the franchise. Nearly every V/H/S entry has something to offer in this respect, and if you've seen all of them, you might be able to guess which ones will appear on here. Otherwise? Proceed with caution because of spoilers.

“Amateur Night” (V/H/S)

Directed by: David Bruckner 
Written by: David Bruckner and Nicholas Tecosky 

The first V/H/S film isn't the strongest one in the franchise, and that's not an unpopular thought to have. Though it does have segments to enjoy, but “Amateur Night” is by far the best one of them. “Amateur Night” follows three friends who decide to secretly film amateur porn in their rented hotel room. Only for them to bring back a girl who isn't what she seems, and all hell breaks loose. And it's safe to say that they got what was coming to them for their downright pathetic behavior. 

“Amateur Night” is one of those segments where you're likely to root for the monster, especially in comparison to the humans, who aren't remotely worth liking. It's a strong segment to kick off the franchise, and is still the top segment to this day from that first film. If you're just getting into the films, then you're unlikely to be disappointed by “Amateur Night”.

"A Ride in the Park" (V/H/S/2)

Directed by: Eduardo Sánchez and Gregg Hale
Written by: Jamie Nash 

Following a zombie apocalypse through the eyes of the zombie isn't common, but the concept is intriguing. “A Ride in the Park” follows Mike (Jay Saunders), who becomes bitten by a zombie while doing his bike run, and the segment explores the perspectives of the zombies. The premise doesn't go the typical route in that we're following the regular people trying to escape. Instead, we're focusing on the zombies, including Mike who still has some glimmer of himself left. 

“A Ride in the Park” has quite a bit of gore, madness, and the ending isn't what you might be expecting to happen. Overall, it's memorable in its premise and doesn't aim to give you a happy ending of any sort.

“Safe Haven” (V/H/S/2)

Directed by: Timo Tjahjanto and Gareth Huw Evans
Written by: Timo Tjahjanto and Gareth Huw Evans

The amount of praise that “Safe Haven” still receives is absolutely earned, and is still one of the best across the board. “Safe Haven” follows a film crew who are looking to investigate a cult in Indonesia, only to be caught up in horrifying events. For people who haven't seen V/H/S/2 (2013), it's best not to spoil what happens in this segment. Primarily because it's an experience that you shouldn't have spoiled for you. 

“Safe Haven” goes beyond what you might see in other horror films or segments that involve cults. There are horrible and violent things happening, but not strictly in the ways you might assume. The deeper issue is enough to make several eyes widen, and this is also a good international horror showcase. At the end of the day, to not include “Safe Haven” in a list like this would be terribly inaccurate.

“Parallel Monsters” (V/H/S: Viral)

Directed and written by: Nacho Vigalondo

When discussing the worst film in the franchise, V/H/S:Viral (2014) often takes the cake. Though “Parallel Monsters” is by far the best of the film, and has plenty to offer as far as demented events go. “Parallel Monsters” follows a Spanish man whose latest obscure invention results in a portal to a parallel universe in his own home. What starts off as an experiment to see what his parallel self gets up to, turns into a total nightmare. Naturally, everything goes wrong and Alfonso (Gustavo Salmerón) realizes he should've never pursued the project.

“Parallel Monsters” has a lot of bizarre moments that may or may not work for everyone, depending on their threshold for demented sequences. But if you enjoy body horror, the concept of evil parallel versions of people or universes, then you'll find “Parallel Monsters” to be a blast.

“Storm Drain” (V/H/S/94)

Directed and written by: Chloe Okuno

After a long hiatus, V/H/S returned with V/H/S/94 (2021), and it was quite the return for the franchise. “Storm Drain” follows a news reporter and her cameraman who descend into the sewers to investigate the Rat Man urban legend. Only they end up finding more than they bargained for. It's a top tier segment that highlights many of the reasons that people love the franchise, and it also features one of the coolest monsters to come out of V/H/S as a franchise.

“Storm Drain” could've easily been a typical segment with some sort of sewer monster or deformed cannibal people in the sewers. But it takes a different approach and its end result is glorious. The practical effects and effectively grainy footage makes it all the more special. You'll certainly be saying “Hail Raatma” by the end of the segment.

“The Subject” (V/H/S/94)

Directed and written by: Timo Tjahjanto

When a horror segment plays out like a video game, sometimes that makes to be a great time. “The Subject” follows a mad scientist and the people he kidnapped, who he's turned into scientific monsters. The segment starts off as a disturbing look into the thought process of a deranged scientist, and descends into chaos once his creations get loose. Instead of the authorities being heroes, they quickly become prey. 

“The Subject” is a blast for anyone who enjoys science experiments gone berserk, body horror, the concept of an experiment gone entirely wrong, and some commentary regarding agency. It might not work for everyone because it doesn't become a violent bloodbath until the authorities arrive. Regardless, there's a lot to appreciate about this one, which also came from the co-director and writer of “Safe Haven”. 

(featured image credit: Magnet Releasing and Shudder)