Ranking All 7 Paranormal Activity Movies…

Summary

In this video, the creator reviews the *Paranormal Activity* movie franchise, ranking the films from least to most favorite. The review highlights how the series evolves, with some entries bringing fresh takes, such as *Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones*, which stands out for its new characters and setting. While the franchise is generally considered mediocre, the original film is praised for its authenticity and simple, effective scares. The creator reflects on the cultural impact of the first film and its role in popularizing the found footage genre, even though its sequels largely failed to live up to expectations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker ranks the *Paranormal Activity* films, placing the original film in the top spot due to its cultural impact and simplicity.
• 😀 *Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones* takes the second spot, praised for introducing new characters, fresh elements, and a campy, fun ending.
• 😀 The speaker notes that all of the *Paranormal Activity* films are 'just okay,' but some films, like *The Marked Ones*, attempt to bring something new to the table.
• 😀 The *Paranormal Activity* franchise is criticized for following a repetitive formula, but *The Marked Ones* deviates from this by adding new elements.
• 😀 The speaker enjoys how *The Marked Ones* provides a fresh experience with more likable characters and a change in setting, as opposed to the usual rich characters in large mansions.
• 😀 The ending of *The Marked Ones* is highlighted as the best in the franchise, especially with a fun twist involving the main character becoming possessed.
• 😀 The original *Paranormal Activity* is praised for its low-budget, realistic feel, with the simplicity of the found footage style enhancing the scares.
• 😀 The dynamic between the two main characters in *Paranormal Activity* is mentioned as very believable, with a subtle buildup of their relationship and history.
• 😀 The simplicity of the original *Paranormal Activity* film is seen as a strength, creating tension and fear through everyday situations and minimal special effects.
• 😀 The *Paranormal Activity* series is credited with popularizing the found footage genre, even though it also led to a flood of imitators and low-budget films that followed its success.

Q & A

Why does the speaker recommend *Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones* despite it being 'just okay'?

The speaker appreciates *The Marked Ones* because it deviates from the formula of the earlier films, introducing new characters and a fresh setting. The characters are likable, and the movie takes a more proactive approach to the supernatural events, making it more engaging than simply relying on the typical 'tripod in the corner' technique. The humor and unique ending also add to its appeal.

What is significant about the ending of *Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones*?

The ending stands out because it has the main characters, a group of Hispanic teenagers, fighting back with shotguns against the older women (cult members), adding a campy, fun, and unexpected twist to the horror formula. The movie also ties back to the first film with a clever twist where one of the characters ends up becoming possessed.

How does the speaker describe the characters in *The Marked Ones* compared to other *Paranormal Activity* movies?

The speaker finds the characters in *The Marked Ones* more likable than in previous films, where the characters often felt insufferable. While the humor can be cringe-worthy at times, it builds the characters’ likability, and their proactive approach to dealing with the supernatural makes the movie feel fresh.

What does the speaker think about the progression of the *Paranormal Activity* series?

The speaker feels that by the time the series reaches *The Marked Ones*, the franchise has become repetitive. However, they respect the attempt to bring something new to the table with fresh characters and a more dynamic approach to the story, as opposed to sticking strictly to the original formula of static camera setups and minimal action.

How does the speaker view *Paranormal Activity 1* in terms of its impact on horror films?

The speaker acknowledges *Paranormal Activity 1* as a classic in the found footage genre, praising its simplicity, low-budget production, and how it capitalized on its authenticity. It was a groundbreaking film at the time, which not only scared audiences but also sparked a wave of similar found footage horror movies.

What makes the first *Paranormal Activity* movie stand out to the speaker?

The first movie stands out because of its simplicity and authenticity. The speaker appreciates how it portrays a believable relationship between the two main characters, Katie and M, and how it builds tension through small, eerie details and subtle scares, rather than relying on big dramatic moments.

What does the speaker think about the film's lack of high-tech production in *Paranormal Activity 1*?

The speaker views the low-tech, 'shitty' camera work as a strength rather than a weakness. The unpolished nature of the film adds to its sense of realism, making the viewer feel as though they're watching something genuine, and enhances the eerie atmosphere as the characters try to document their supernatural experiences with an amateur setup.

What role does the emotional aspect of *Paranormal Activity 1* play in its effectiveness?

The emotional aspect, particularly the dynamic between Katie and M, adds depth to the film. The gradual buildup of their fear and the tension between them makes the horror feel more personal. The uncertainty about whether the supernatural occurrences are real or just psychological heightens the tension.

How does the speaker reflect on their personal experience watching *Paranormal Activity 1*?

The speaker fondly recalls the terrifying experience of watching *Paranormal Activity 1* in theaters for the first time, noting how the movie played with the audience's perception of reality and made them question whether the footage was real. This feeling of being immersed in the horror was something they wish they could experience again with fresh eyes.

What does the speaker think about the many imitators of *Paranormal Activity*?

The speaker acknowledges that while *Paranormal Activity* inspired many similar found footage films, most of them were not as successful. They mention films like *Grave Encounters* and *Lake Mungo* as examples of better attempts, but also highlight how the market became saturated with low-quality knockoffs. Despite this, the speaker appreciates how the film's success brought attention to the genre.