Found footage films (often labeled “documentaries”) are some of the scariest and most intense kinds of films out there. While this subgenre usually falls under the horror category, it’s not strictly a horror genre and can incorporate science-fiction, drama, comedy, thriller, and family elements as well (Earth to Echo, anyone?).

While we might not touch on every possible found footage genre, we’ve put together our list of the 10 best found footage films for you to check out below. 

1. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The horror classic that started Hollywood on this found footage craze in the first place. The Blair Witch Project is infamous largely due to its marketing campaign more so than the actual content of the film. The Blair Witch Project was actually promoted as being literal “found footage,” with the three subjects of the documentary all labeled either “missing” or “deceased.” 

As it turned out, it was all a marketing ploy to boost ticket sales and garner some credibility for the independent feature, but that didn’t make the adventures of Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Lenard any less terrifying. Their search for the fabled Blair Witch turns dark quickly as the trio is attacked by a mysterious and unseen force, ending with grim consequences.

The Blair Witch Project is one of the most famous found footage films for a reason, and to this day still holds up as one of the best.

2. Paranormal Activity & Paranormal Activity 2 (2007, 2010)

If The Blair Witch Project is the most famous found footage film of all time, then the Paranormal Activity series is certainly the biggest found footage franchise ever developed. The first film, Paranormal Activity, was an instant classic that took the found footage concept and intensified it, making it clear that just because you’re asleep in your home doesn’t mean you’re safe from evil.