I think there is no denying that the release of Cloverfield was the true spark that brought the found footage thriller into the modern mainstream. Despite coming out nearly a decade after 1999’s The Blair Witch Project (which is not even the true genesis of the genre, it would predate the success of the Paranormal Activity movies. That being said, it is still hard to believe that this cleverly framed, character-driven take on the monster movie genre roared into theaters more than a decade ago.
Furthermore, the innovative cult favorite would spawn a quasi-anthological franchise of horror movies with equally bizarre concepts and horrifying tones, but also a more traditional narrative structure. Regardless, watching all the Cloverfield movies together makes for a fun marathon, so allow us to show you how to check them out on streaming, as digital rentals, or on physical media.
Cloverfield (2008)
Director: Matt Reeves
Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Odette Annable, Lizzy Caplan
What it's about: From producer J.J. Abrams and writer Drew Goddard, Matt Reeves’ feature-length debut is set at a New York going-away party interrupted by a strange, gigantic creature wreaking havoc on the city. What makes this thriller — which also had a killer ad campaign — one of the most unique and best monster movies of its time is framing it as footage captured by the characters. The result is an immersive, terrifying, and even heartbreaking experience, with much credit in the last category due to the exceptional Cloverfield cast.
How to watch Cloverfield
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
Director: Dan Tractenberg
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr.
What it's about: After eight years of dormancy, the franchise went in an entirely new direction, ditching the found footage concept and the monstrous antagonist. The follow-up focuses on a young woman who awakens from an accident in an underground bunker, owned by a mysterious man who claims that only danger lurks outside. 10 Cloverfield Lane is a riveting thriller with an explosive, surprising third act that paradoxically fuses overtones of claustrophobia with agoraphobia into one masterful blend.
How to watch 10 Cloverfield Lane
- Stream 10 Cloverfield Lane on Amazon Prime
- Stream 10 Cloverfield Lane on MGM+
- Buy 10 Cloverfield Lane on Blu-ray on Amazon
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Director: Julius Onah
Starring: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo, Daniel Bruhl, Chris O’Dowd
What it's about: Keeping in line with the franchise’s reputation for surprise, the third installment was released as a Netflix original movie the same day it was announced, after the Super Bowl, in 2018. Also surprising was the way The Cloverfield Paradox attempts to unlock the mysteries of the original film by showing it from the perspective of an international satellite crew. That is about all that we are at liberty to reveal about this space oddity available with a Netflix subscription.
How to watch The Cloverfield Paradox
It appears that a fourth Cloverfield movie — which is meant to be a direct continuation of the original — is in the works. Until we are able to add it to this streaming guide, enjoy the current trilogy!
