On [INSERT DATE], something strange happened to [INSERT PERSON/FAMILY]. He/She/They inexplicably filmed almost everything that happened. On [INSERT LATER DATE}, that footage was found.

We all know the drill by now. When broken down, the idea of found footage is a pretty chilling concept. The thought of people mysteriously disappearing; only to suddenly have their story told through unedited, natural footage can be really effective (if done well). The point is always to make it feel REAL. If these events were to happen to you, THIS is what it would look like.

Officially beginning around 1980 with the release of Cannibal Holocaust (not on my list because I loathe that f*cking movie), the genre didn’t really explode until 1999 with the release of The Blair Witch Project. Though that film was a landmark in how to create a truly scary film with almost NO MONEY, it also opened the door for a lot of garbage horror films. Because they don’t require fancy cameras, high-tech FX, or elaborate sets (remember: It needs to feel real), the genre became over-saturated with cheap Paranormal Activity knock-offs. If you plumb the depths of Netflix streaming you’ll quickly see what I mean.

But, there is some gold scattered throughout that sea of shit (?). Here are my picks for The Top 10 Found-Footage Horror Films:

TEN: LAKE MUNGO

The most obscure film on this list. Lake Mungo is an Australian film told more in a documentary style, but does use quite a bit of found-footage. The story revolves around a family coping with the mysterious death of their daughter…and the strange events they have experienced since. Offering more of a sense of dread and sadness than it does actual “scares”, this one is worth checking out for a quieter, creepy experience.

NINE: THE TUNNEL

Another Australian choice, this one fits nicely within the “found-footage” style we’ve become more familiar with. A group of filmmakers decide to investigate a series of underground, abandoned train tunnels…and naturally, it doesn’t go well. Simple in concept, The Tunnel really surprised me with its scare-factor (and how UNDER-SEEN it is). It’s definitely worth checking out if you can find it.

EIGHT: V/H/S 2

Easily the best in the VHS series, V/H/S 2 is different from others on this list because it is told “anthology-style”. All of the segments vary in style (and quality, unfortunately). The whole thing is worth it just for the “Safe Haven” segment involving an Indonesian cult, which is one of the most insane 10 minutes of film I’ve ever seen.

SEVEN: WILLOW CREEK

This is probably the most “realistic” sasquatch-horror film of all time. It’s real both in the way it was shot, and they way the events unfold. Willow Creek takes its time, but it’s highly recommended for ‘Squatch fans. I challenge you not to tense up during the night scenes in the tent :).

SIX: THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN

…a dark and disturbing little movie. It’s unique because it questions the connection between demonic possession and Alzheimer’s disease. Jill Larson gives a crazy-committed performance as the title character. Spooky all the way through to its shocker ending, Deborah Logan will surely stick with you after it’s over. (*Check it out on Netflix while it’s still there!)

FIVE: GRAVE ENCOUNTERS

It’s the closest thing to being ‘Ghost Adventures: The Movie’. Fans of that show, or any paranormal show, won’t be disappointed with this one. It’s a loud, intense mindf*ck. Even if the CGI takes away some of the realism, it’s a very effective spin on the craziest paranormal investigation imaginable.

FOUR: TROLLHUNTER

It’s about time those Norwegian trolls got their own horror film. The title doesn’t lie; it’s basically about a guy that hunts trolls of all shapes and sizes. Not only that, they all have special ways to be hunted based on old folktale rules. It’s not really SCARY, but the special FX and concept are so quirky and unique that Trollhunter really stands out.

THREE: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

This is one of the most hyped-up horror movies since…well, The Blair Witch Project. The scares, the atmosphere, the relationship between the two main characters…everything feels REAL throughout Paranormal Activity. Many people felt let down when it was finally released, but I really enjoyed it. The filmmakers achieved some pretty chilling effects with almost NO budget. It’s a perfect spooky movie to watch with all the lights out.

TWO: [REC]

If you’ve had the misfortune of seeing Quarantine (the American remake) but not [REC], that’s…unfortunate. [REC] follows a group of people trapped in a large apartment complex being slowly overrun by a ‘zombie-like’ disease. This movie freaked me out more than I could’ve ever anticipated. The whole film is good, but the ending…in the attic…that…thing…will haunt you.

ONE: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT

It couldn’t be anything else. Its legacy and famous marketing campaign notwithstanding, Blair Witch still manages to freak me out. The final frames still leave me speechless. No film has been able to conjure the feeling of being hunted and helpless as well as Blair Witch. It seems to have a love it or hate it reputation with horror fans, and I’ve never understood why. Excessive hype can be a bad thing after a while. Think of it as a paranormal version of Deliverance (without all the squealin’ like a piggy).