A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
"Delivers more chills, thrills and screams than Broadway has seen in years."
Variety
Frank Rizzo
"A thrilling experience. Watching Paranormal Activity with a crowd feels like watching a magic show on a roller coaster. We scream, then we laugh because we screamed, then we scream again."
The New York TImes
Helen Shaw
"A jaw-dropping, hair-raising, heart-pounding production that will haunt you long after you leave the theater."
"Loved this show. It had the right amount of chills and surprises for an amazing thrill and a satisfying ending that won’t haunt you. Definitely recommend this show to all adults, even those like me who aren’t especially into horror movies. "
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Patricia S from Chantilly on Sep 6, 2026
My first broadway show!
"I was looking for the perfect show to lose Broadway virginity to, and boy, did I find it! I am a huge horror/thriller fanatic and when I heard that Paranormal Activity would be one of the shows on stage on Broadway, it was a no brainer for me. From the top-tier production—to the impressive and mind-bending jump scares—it was a show I’ll never forget! Bravo! "
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Ruan L from Seattle on Sep 2, 2026
High Caliber Shock Value
"This was terrifying! I am obsessed with this show, it caught me off guard, kept me engrossed the whole time, I wish it was longer even though it was a full 2hr20 min show haha"
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 1, 2026
Like no other!
"Wow. I’ve been to a lot of Broadway shows, but this was on another level. It was clever, well written, well acted, hilarious, and full of incredible mild scares, but mainly surprises (and no CGI)!! The whole vibe was fantastic. Highly recommend!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 31, 2026
Left me thinking: how the heck did they do that!?
"What a terrific, original story. Spooky and creative. Had us all on the edge of our seat. And there were so many special effects that I was not expecting.! It’s phenomenal. "
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Zachary A from Dallas on Aug 31, 2026
A Must See
"I was skeptical that a play could do horror well but this blew us away. Highly recommend for everyone to go see. I've been thinking about the show ever since we got out last night"
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Laura W from Baltimore on Aug 30, 2026
Prepare for Jump Scares.
"Last night, my daughter and I went to see Paranormal Activity on Broadway, and as a fan of the film franchise, I was very excited to see how the story would translate to the stage. And let me tell you… I was NOT disappointed!
First, it’s important to know that this is not a continuation of the movie franchise. The Broadway production tells an entirely new story, with a different couple, a different timeline, and a completely different backstory. And honestly, I found the storyline to be fascinating and in some ways, even more believable and grounded than the mythology behind the films.
The August Wilson Theatre is intimate enough that it’s pretty difficult to get a bad seat, but for a show like this, I would specifically recommend the mezzanine. Why? Because you’re going to want to see the entire stage.
This is a very visual production, and you have to pay close attention to your surroundings. There are little details and Easter eggs hidden throughout the set, and you never know when a shadow, movement, or apparition might suddenly appear somewhere you weren’t expecting. You really have to keep your eyes moving because you just never know what you might see!
And the show isn’t all terror. There’s a surprising amount of humor woven into the storytelling, which gives you just enough relief before the story pulls you back into the darkness. The backstory itself is particularly dark, but I’m not going any further because… NO SPOILERS!
The chemistry between the couple was fantastic. With such a small cast carrying a show that runs for more than two hours, keeping an audience completely engaged takes serious talent and this cast absolutely delivered. They were exceptional at inhabiting their characters while also drawing the audience into the story.
And then there are the JUMP SCARES.
When I say jump scares, I mean literal, full-body, scream-out-loud jump scares!"
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Debbie D from BAYONNE on Aug 30, 2026
A haunting production with cool scares & effects
"I loved this show! I was wondering how they would pull off the spookiness and eerieness of the films. They definitely pulled it off and created a whole other level of scare factor as an audience member! One minor critique I had was there were some things I just couldn't see, so the audience members in the first couple of rows would shriek or scream, and I couldn't catch what happened. This happened maybe twice. I was sitting Orchestra row S so pretty decent seats. Next time, I would want to sit closer. This was an amazing show and it was so cool to meet the cast afterwards and have them sign my Playbill! Definitely recommend!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 28, 2026
1st broadyway SHOW!!! And AMAZING
"I didnt know what to expect or what I was getting myself into but as the show began, and I watched it from scene to scene the storyline just got better and it ended great with the little pop-up scare moments and great visual FX"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 28, 2026
Amazing
"The storyline was amazing! I enjoyed every minute. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 28, 2026
Absolute Cinema.
"Amazing acting combined with a both terrifying and hilarious script. 10/10 would watch again."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 27, 2026
Fantastic show! Lots of jump scares and lots of fun!
"Great show and excellent cast!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 24, 2026
I was never a fan of horror I am now
"There was nothing not to like it grabbed your attention from beginning to end. I would recommend it, and I would see it again."
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Lawrence T from BROOKLYN on Aug 23, 2026
Houses are not haunted. People are.
"Be careful what you see . . . it may deceive you. Listen closely what you hear . . . it may give you a clue. Smell what . . . Oops, sorry I'm sweating! The hairs on your neck are anticipating next shock. "
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John D from Staten Island on Aug 20, 2026
Paranormal Activity 👻 — 5/5 Stars
"Absolutely loved this show! It was thrilling, entertaining, and unlike any other show I’ve ever seen. The unique concept, suspense, special effects, and unexpected moments kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It was such a different and immersive experience that I wasn’t sure what to expect next. If you’re looking for something completely different from a traditional Broadway show, Paranormal Activity is definitely worth seeing! 5/5 stars!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 19, 2026
Spectacular
"This show was addictive to the eyes! It was well produced and I could not look away!"
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Paul N from Fort Worth on Aug 15, 2026
I thought the show was incredible! 10/10 recommend!
"I read mixed reviews prior to attending. Some even said it was "underwhelming" from the stage and special effects to the performance. I'm a huge critic when it comes to anything horror and paranormal related. I used to travel the country and stay in real haunted establishments and have done numerous paranormal activities. I actually second guessed buying tickets and going because of the reviews. I am SO glad I ignored them & went anyway! The show exceeded my expectations! We arrived early and spent 45 min in the VIP lounge sipping themed cocktails before the show, which was enjoyable and added to the experience! I had a Boogeyman and my friend had the seance. We also got pretzel bites. I read many seats on the first level had an obstructed view due to the stage being two levels so I opted for mezzanine seats. Our seats were great! We sat in row J and could see the full stage clearly. I thought the stage and special effects were great. I've been to well over 2 dozen Broadway shows and this was my first two level stage - it was impressive! While I personally did not find it "scary" and didn't jump, the special effects were cool and got strong audience responses! I was very entertained, impressed and invested from beginning to end. My friend and I both really enjoyed the show. If you have any interest in it, my recommendation is to see it! It's worth the time and money! Bravo!!!!"
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Kimberly N from Secaucus on Sep 1, 2026
Best way to be scared
"The effects were awesome and seeing it with an audience was so fun! Warning: it's a very loud play and you will get scared. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 24, 2026
New York trip
"We had a great time seeing Paranormal Activity in New York! The show was suspenseful, creepy, and kept us engaged from beginning to end.
The atmosphere was intense, the effects were really well done, and there were plenty of moments that had us wondering what was going to happen next. It was a fun experience and definitely something different from a traditional Broadway show.
The cast did an excellent job creating a believable and unsettling mood, and the production made the whole experience feel immersive.
If you enjoy supernatural stories, suspense, and a few good scares, I would definitely recommend Paranormal Activity. We’re glad we went!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 17, 2026
Fun with chills and thrills
"Great show for a fun night out. We had a great audience which made it all worth the night out. I liked the first act more and the second had enough crazy surprises to keep us on the edge. Sound was a bit loud ."
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Christopher F from CLIFTON on Sep 8, 2026
Horribly Done Well!
"I really enjoyed this production! I absolutely loved how it wasn’t forced into being a musical. Aside from that, the chemistry between the main characters was so real and their journey can be seen as terrifying with a nice touch of humor. I really appreciate the set design and the effects were on point! Was I gripping my seat with sheer terror, not necessarily, but it definitely felt like I was a fly on the wall during a brilliant and clever live-action horror!"
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Zena B from Torrington on Sep 7, 2026
What a twist
"It was a little slow at first but it was a fresh story line with good jump scares and a twist at the end. Definitely a show where the audience participation is key. We had a great audience opening night!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 15, 2026
Horrifyingly tasteful
"It brought paranormal activity to the stage without over doing it. Kept you invested the whole time. If you blink you could miss something! The cast did very well and gave a compelling performance "
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Jessica O from Massapequa on Sep 1, 2026
A really good time, movie fans would love
"Brilliant acting, great chemistry, fun story, had some good scares. The audience was so sucked it, there were barely any applauses since we were waiting for something to jump out. Not gonna win a Tony and Broadway fans might just find it fun, but movie fans and tourists would love! Very refreshing to see new ideas on the stage. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 23, 2026
Jump Scares Abound
"I’m a big fan of the original movie, so I gave the show a try. It was scary in spots, but never captured the dread you feel in the film. The writing was just ok, and the female lead was really weak. Can’t recommend."
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 1, 2026
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About
Paranormal Activity: A New Story Live on Broadway
James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are… With an original story inspired by the film franchise, Paranormal Activity reimagines the modern ghost story with an intimacy that only live theatre can provide.
