Paranormal Activity Claims Number One, Alex Cross Flops – Biff Bam Pop’s Weekend Box Office Wrap-Up Report

Another October, another Paranormal Activity film in theatres. While the fourth instalment managed to grab the number one spot, it’s clear that the franchise is wearing thin on audiences. Meanwhile, a dramatic turn from Tyler Perry fell flat. Here’s how the weekend went down.

It’s no surprise that Paranormal Activity 4 claimed the top spot at the box office with $30 million. Normally, you’d consider that a great showing, and the film has already made back its $5 million budget so it’s all profit from here. However, this number is a far cry from last year’s third release, which opened with $52 million. So yes, there’s still money to be made, and we’ll likely see a fifth film next year, but the studio should start preparing a new Halloween horror franchise.

Find out how the rest of the weekend went down after the jump!

Tyler Perry’s dramatic star turn in Alex Cross failed to find a significant audience, bringing in just $11.7 million to land in fifth place for its opening weekend. It appears the audiences love Perry when he’s Madea, but seems slightly indifferent otherwise. Look for Alex Cross to make its way onto DVD and VOD before too long.

As for the rest of the top five, Argo grabbed the second spot with $16.5 million, down just 14% from last week. Hotel Transylvania came in third with $13.5 million, with Taken 2 right behind it with $13.4 million.

So, to recap, here were our predictions:

1) Paranormal Activity 4 – $45 million
2) Alex Cross – $23 million
3) Argo – $15 million
4) Hotel Transylvania – 12.5 million
5) Taken 2 – $12 million

And here’s how the weekend turned out:

1) Paranormal Activity 4 – $30 million
2) Argo – $16 million
3) Hotel Transylvania – $13.5 million
4) Taken 2 – $13.4 million
5) Alex Cross – $11 million

Next weekend sees the release of Chasing Mavericks, Cloud Atlas, and Silent Hill 3D. Check back on Friday to see our predictions!