Paranormal Activity (2007)

Kernel Score: 61% · 5,478 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Mystery

Released: 2007-09-14

Runtime: 86 minutes

Is Paranormal Activity worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A found-footage haunting built on silence, patience and one bedroom. It was a landmark cheap horror hit, but the slow pace and repetition leave many viewers cold. Watch it with the lights off.

Watch it if you

  • like slow-burn found-footage horror
  • enjoy suspense over gore
  • want a short scare

Skip it if you

  • want action or effects
  • get bored with long quiet stretches

Best for: Late-night scare

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Paranormal Activity

  • Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock, Philo, Starz
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-21.

Overview

After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly the most active in the middle of the night.

Movies like Paranormal Activity

If you liked Paranormal Activity, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • [REC] (2007) — 81%: Fast, frightening found-footage horror.
  • Insidious (2011) — 78%: Haunted-house scares in a family home.
  • The Conjuring 2 (2016) — 83%: Polished haunting with big scares.
  • The Exorcist (1973) — 88%: The classic possession story.
  • The Others (2001) — 84%: Quiet, atmospheric ghost story.
  • Ghostland (2018) — 84%: Intense horror with a harrowing core.

Director

Oren Peli

Cast

  • Katie Featherston as Katie Featherston
  • Micah Sloat as Micah Sloat
  • Mark Fredrichs as The Psychic
  • Amber Armstrong as Amber
  • Ashley Palmer as Diane
  • Crystal Cartwright as Exorcism Nanny (uncredited)
  • Spencer Marks as Dr. Johann Averies (uncredited)
  • Randy McDowell as Lt. Randy Hudson (uncredited)
  • James Piper as Richard (uncredited)

Paranormal Activity FAQ

Is Paranormal Activity worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A found-footage haunting built on silence, patience and one bedroom. It was a landmark cheap horror hit, but the slow pace and repetition leave many viewers cold. Watch it with the lights off.

Where can I watch Paranormal Activity?

In the US you can stream Paranormal Activity on Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock, Philo and Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

What is Paranormal Activity rated?

Paranormal Activity is rated R.

What movies are like Paranormal Activity?

If you liked Paranormal Activity, try [REC], Insidious, The Conjuring 2 and The Exorcist.