"The Blair Witch Project" is a found-footage horror film released in 1999, which presents itself as a documentary about a group of filmmakers who get lost in the woods while investigating the legend of the Blair Witch. While the film's marketing suggested it was based on a true story, the characters and events are fictional. However, the filmmakers drew inspiration from local folklore and urban legends, which contributed to the film's eerie atmosphere and realism, leading many viewers to believe it was a true account.

"The Blair Witch Project" is controversial for several reasons. Firstly, its marketing strategy blurred the lines between fiction and reality, presenting the film as a documentary and leading some viewers to believe it was based on true events. This approach sparked debates about authenticity in filmmaking. Additionally, the film’s low-budget production and use of handheld cameras created a raw, unsettling aesthetic that polarized audiences. Some praised its innovative storytelling and realism, while others criticized it for being slow-paced and lacking traditional horror elements.

"The Blair Witch Project" is considered scary due to its innovative use of found-footage style, which creates a sense of realism and immersion. The film employs minimalistic storytelling, relying on psychological horror rather than explicit gore. The disorientation and fear of the unknown are heightened by the characters' gradual descent into panic, compounded by eerie sounds and the dense, foreboding woods. The ambiguity surrounding the Blair Witch legend leaves much to the imagination, allowing viewers to project their fears and enhancing the overall unsettling atmosphere.

As of October 2023, there are three movies in the "Blair Witch" franchise. The original film, "The Blair Witch Project," was released in 1999. It was followed by a sequel, "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2," in 2000, which is a direct sequel but diverges significantly from the original's style. The third film, titled "Blair Witch," was released in 2016 and serves as a direct sequel to the original. The franchise is known for its found footage style and has had a significant impact on the horror genre.