The hit $15,000 thriller Paranormal Activity has grown from its midnight-only showings in a handful of college towns to become this year's biggest movie phenomenon, and will cross $100 million at the box office after only five weekends of national release as of Friday. In so doing, the movie has become the top grossing R-Rated thriller of the past decade.

Paranormal Activity began its theatrical life with midnight-only screenings in 12 college towns across the U.S. and quickly developed into a national wide hit, with fans visiting the ParanormalMovie.com website and demanded the film be brought to their city. After more than 1 million such requests, Paramount expanded the film nationally where it has been playing to packed theaters ever since.

"What is truly amazing about Paranormal Activity is the depth of commitment from fans who demanded to see it," said Paramount Pictures Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brad Grey. "Adam Goodman, our head of production, believed in the film and championed it from the very first screening. This box-office milestone is also a testament to Oren Peli's considerable talents as a filmmaker. All of us at Paramount are proud to have been involved with his revolutionary project."

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

Especially when they sleep. Or try to.

Directed, written and produced by Oren Peli, the innovative thriller stars Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat. The film was produced by Jason Blum. Steven Schneider served as executive producer.

Follow Paranormal Activity on Twitter at Twitter.com/TweetYourScream, where you can find fan reactions, press reviews and theater information.

Paranormal Activity was released September 25th, 2009 and stars Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Mark Fredrichs, Amber Armstrong, Ashley Palmer, Crystal Cartwright, Randy McDowell, James Piper. The film is directed by Oren Peli.