Paranormal Activity (2007)

Oren Peli’s found-footage phenomenon turned everyday domesticity into pure nightmare fuel. Filmed in the director’s own home for just $15,000, it chronicles a young couple documenting the demonic force haunting their nights. “I wanted the horror to feel like it could happen in your house,” Peli told Variety. Its minimalist scares and viral word-of-mouth success earned over $193 million worldwide and ushered in a new era of low-budget horror.