2007 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Horror Movies of All Time' Took 7 Days to Launch
For decades, horror films have kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Certain films were so terrifying upon release that they remain staples of cinematic conversation today.
In 2025, Paste ranked the 100 best horror films, compiling a list of the scariest movies ever created in the genre. Ranked alongside cult classics such as Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick's 1999 film The Blair Witch Project at No. 100 and Tony Maylam's 1981 film The Burning at No. 98, director Oren Peli secured the No. 94 spot with his 2007 film, Paranormal Activity.
Released in select theaters on September 25, 2009, Paranormal Activity quickly became a global phenomenon. Despite its 2009 theatrical debut, the movie was originally filmed in 2007 over the course of seven days with a micro-budget of only $15,000. Following its limited release, word of mouth traveled fast, transitioning the film from midnight-only screenings to a prime-time box office hit.
Due to the film's high demand and low production costs, Paranormal Activity grossed over $193 million worldwide, marking it one of the most profitable films in history. Aside from its commercial success, the film also collected several notable accolades, including a Teen Choice Award, a Screamfest Horror Film Festival Award, a MTV Movie Award nomination and an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
The found-footage horror movie follows a young couple, Katie and Micah, as they move into a suburban home in San Diego, California. Tormented by a demon that has haunted Katie since childhood, the pair set up cameras throughout the house to document the increasingly violent paranormal activity occurring at night.
The film's ability to capture intimate perspectives through handheld camera work created an extraordinarily eerie watching experience. Nearly two decades after its original production, Paranormal Activity remains highly watched and praised film, affirming its longevity as an enduring horror classic.
Related: 1969 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time'
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 10:28 AM.