Paranormal Activity movies in order Paranormal Activity Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin - 2021
Total Runtime:
616 Minutes
Total Items:
7
Average User Score:
(5.6)Paranormal Activity movies in order
If you've ever been startled awake by a mysterious noise or caught a shadow lurking in the corner of your room, you know the eerie power of the Paranormal Activity films. This found footage franchise from Blumhouse Productions and Oren Peli became a cultural phenomenon with its night vision scenes, lo-fi domestic horror, and clever time jumps. If you're wondering, "Why does Part 3 happen before Part 1?" you're not alone. The release order isn't the best way to watch these films. For the ultimate Paranormal Activity movie marathon, we've laid out the correct chronological order for you. Grab your popcorn, set your smart lights to spooky mode, and prepare for a night filled with security camera scares, demonic entities, and unexpected connections.
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1
Paranormal Activity 3 Movie 83 min. 2011In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.USER SCORE 6 -
2
Paranormal Activity 2 Movie 91 min. 2010Just as Daniel and Kristi welcome a newborn baby into their home, a demonic presence begins terrorizing them, tearing apart their perfect world and turning it into an inescapable nightmare.USER SCORE 6 -
3
Paranormal Activity Movie 86 min. 2007After 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.USER SCORE 6 -
4
Paranormal Activity 4 Movie 87 min. 2012It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in.USER SCORE 5 -
5
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones Movie 84 min. 2014Seventeen-year-old Jesse has been hearing terrifying sounds coming from his neighbor’s apartment, but when he turns on his camera and sets out to uncover their source, he encounters an ancient evil that won’t rest until it’s claimed his very soul.USER SCORE 5 -
6
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension Movie 87 min. 2015Using a special camera that can see spirits, a family must protect their daughter from an evil entity with a sinister plan.USER SCORE 5 -
7
Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin Movie 98 min. 2021Margot is a documentary filmmaker looking to meet her long-lost mother and extended family in a secluded Amish community. She and her film crew soon realize the family that welcomes them into their home might be hiding a sinister secret.USER SCORE 6
Paranormal Activity 3
We start in the 1980s with the story of young Katie and Kristi. Yes, these are the same sisters you see as adults in the later films. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, Paranormal Activity 3 delves into the origins of the evil. Think VHS tapes, old-school video recorders, and that infamous Bloody Mary scene you can't forget. This film lays the foundation for the demon Toby and the sinister cult that will appear frequently. The retro atmosphere is intense, and you immediately sense this is more than just a haunted house story. It's the beginning of a fully developed horror timeline.
Paranormal Activity 2
Fast forward to just before the events of Part 1. In Paranormal Activity 2, we meet Kristi Rey, her husband Daniel, and their baby Hunter. The film uses the same camcorder and security camera style but takes it to a new level. The tension builds with every still shot of an empty kitchen. The connection to Katie becomes clearer, and the demonic threat grows. This film not only adds layers to the franchise's mythology but also provides context for the events that will unfold in Part 1.
Paranormal Activity
Now we're at the original. The first film that started it all. Directed by Oren Peli, Paranormal Activity introduces us to Katie and Micah, a couple experiencing unexplained phenomena in their home. The film's power lies in its simplicity: static shots, long silences, and subtle movements that quicken your pulse. Watching it after Part 2, all the pieces fall into place. You understand what Katie carries with her and why her nights are so disturbed. This film is the heart of the franchise and is even more impactful when you know the backstory.
Paranormal Activity 4
Now we jump a few years ahead. Paranormal Activity 4 focuses on a new family, with Alex as the main character, who starts recording bizarre occurrences using her laptop and Kinect cameras. Her neighbor Robbie seems to be hiding something, and the link to the previous films is slowly revealed. This installment serves as a bridge between the original storyline and the broader mythology of the Midwives cult. The style is more modern, the scares are subtler, and paranoia creeps in slowly. Just when you think you know everything, you're taken by surprise again.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
Time to expand the franchise, both in location and lore. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones takes you to a Latin American neighborhood in California, where Jesse and his friend Hector unravel a mystery surrounding a neighbor. This spin-off connects surprisingly well to the main storyline, with returning characters and crossovers that fans will appreciate. It's a mix of urban horror and spiritual myths, with a hefty dose of found footage chaos. This installment is different but essential for your Paranormal Activity movie marathon. It builds on the idea of the "marked ones" and the forces manipulating them.
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
Here, everything comes together. Directed by Gregory Plotkin, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension features 3D visuals, VHS recordings from the '80s, and a portal to another dimension. Yes, really. You follow a new family that discovers a mysterious camera revealing the invisible, including Toby. This film reveals more about the demon, the cult, and the fate of previous characters. Some fans find it over the top, but if you've followed the entire franchise, this film is a must. It wraps up essential storylines and shows the deep influence of supernatural forces.
Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin
Finally, the most divergent film in the series. Directed by William Eubank, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin is a soft reboot that stands apart from the original storyline. But don't be fooled; this installment brings fresh tension. We follow Margot as she searches for her family history in an isolated Amish-like community. What follows is a creepy mix of folklore, cult secrets, and claustrophobic found footage. The style is modern, the horror feels different, but the vibe is still 100% Paranormal Activity. Perfect as a closer or if you want to experience the franchise from a new angle.
Why This Order Works
This chronological viewing order is key to understanding the underlying horror continuity timeline. You not only see the buildup of Toby's demonic presence but also how the Midwives cult exerts influence across generations. You meet young Katie and Kristi, follow their adult lives, and discover how the evil spreads to outsiders like Jesse and Margot. Instead of loose threads, you get a continuous line from retro VHS scenes to modern documentary recordings, from suburban nightmares to isolated cult communities. This is found footage horror at its smartest.
Tips for Your Paranormal Activity Movie Marathon
Plan wisely: this marathon demands at least 12 hours of viewing pleasure, so have your snacks, blankets, and horror buddies ready. Start early in the evening and take breaks between films to catch your breath (or turn the lights back on). Set your speakers for every creak, crack, and nighttime whisper. And if you want to go all-in, watch with all the lights off, using only the glow of your screen just like in the films. For the ultimate atmosphere, we recommend watching at night. Let's be honest: nothing makes Paranormal Activity scarier than watching at 3:00 AM.