10 Terrifying Halloween-Set Horror Movies

Fans of the Paranormal Activity franchise owe a debt to The Collingswood Story for giving those movies something to rip off. This first entry in what would become a fairly popular screenlife sub-genre of horror doesn't necessarily offer as many effects-based scares as later takes on the format, but it does build its story more effectively than pretty much any of its successors.

The Collingswood Story almost feels as if it was shot in sequence, as the terrible acting in the film's early scenes improves quite a bit as the film settles in. As we learn more about Rebecca's house and the cult murders associated with it, the film sucks us in with anticipation of what comes next. Only one scene makes use of what would later become the trademark of Paranormal Activity, forcing us to stare at a motionless screen while we wait for absolutely nothing to happen.

Since the film takes place over video chat, we're also faced with a fairly relatable sense of dread as Johnny watches Rebecca put herself in danger while remaining powerless to help her. The thought of harm befalling a loved one while we're forced to watch from the sidelines is one of the oldest human fears in existence, and The Collingswood Story makes excellent use of it.