As a horror enthusiast who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets while watching these spine-tingling films, I must say that the Insidious series is a rollercoaster ride of fear and suspense. Having grown up on classics like Poltergeist and The Exorcist, I can confidently place these movies in the same league.
Back in 2011, filmmaker James Wan brought Insidious to our screens.
The film about Josh and Renai Lambert (played by Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne), who must safeguard their child Dalton from supernatural forces that have taken over their house, turned out to be incredibly popular, leading to an entire series of movies, consisting of five films across multiple timeframes, thus establishing a detailed mythology.
If you’re pondering about the right sequence to watch the Insidious films, there are two possibilities – by their original release dates or in a timeline that follows the storyline. To make your Halloween movie binge more enjoyable, we will outline both options for you below.
In both instances, neither approach is incorrect, as significant storylines remain intact regardless of the order you watch the prequels in, similar to numerous extended series. Here’s the gist:
How to watch the Insidious movies in release order
Here’s a straightforward method to watch all the Insidious films in the sequence they premiered in cinemas: Follow this easy-to-remember order!
- Insidious (2010)
- Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
- Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)
- Insidious: The Last Key (2018)
- Insidious: The Red Door (2023)
How to watch the Insidious movies in chronological order
In a shared universe filled with terror, here’s the sequence to watch the Insidious films for an optimal experience, considering there are two prequels that add intricacy:
Insidious: Chapter 3
Released: 2015
Insidious: Chapter 3 is the initial installment in the series, happening many years prior to the haunting of the Lambert family shown in the first two movies. Screenwriter Leigh Whannell took on directing duties for the first time with this film, which kicked off subsequent projects such as the 2018 action movie Upgrade and the highly praised 2020 remake of The Invisible Man.
The plot revolves around an evil figure in an oxygen mask known only as “The Man Who Can’t Breathe” as he goes up against accomplished parapsychologist Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye). The charismatic psychic has long dealt with bad spirits and – despite her desire to put it all behind her – soon learns that only she can help save troubled teenager Quinn Brenner (Stefanie Scott).
Insidious: The Last Key
Released: 2018
In the vein of Chapter 3 but serving as a prequel to the initial films, Insidious: The Last Key continues the narrative with beloved character Elise Rainier. She makes a return to her childhood home, a place marred by her father’s cruelty, when the recent owner encounters enigmatic and alarming indications of a malevolent force lurking within.
For this latest installment, directors James Wan and Leigh Whannell passed on the directorial responsibilities to Adam Robitel (of Escape Room fame). Unfortunately, this film has garnered the least positive reviews in the Insidious series so far. However, it does shed significant light on Elise’s background, which will undoubtedly intrigue fans who have followed her journey as an unlikely hero.
The Last Key is closely linked to the initial Insidious film, providing an excellent introduction to that chilling movie.
Insidious
Released: 2010
In the classic Insidious film, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne play the roles of perplexed parents whose son, in a comatose state, leaves doctors completely puzzled. Unbeknownst to them, their child is being exploited as a conduit for malignant spirits aiming to create chaos among the living world. As the famous quote goes: “It’s not the house that’s haunted; it’s your son.
The movie “Insidious” was highly acclaimed upon its debut, earning widespread praise from critics for its fast-paced, intense scares. To this day, it continues to be an enjoyable watch, featuring standout performances by Wilson, Byrne, and Shaye, as well as exceptional scoring and sound design that stands out among contemporary horror films.
Insidious: Chapter 2
Released: 2013
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I was thrilled to see Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne reprise their roles for the sequel of Insidious. Picking up right from where we left off in the first installment, the Lambert family finds themselves still entangled with the malevolent forces haunting them. Regardless of our attempts to sever ties with The Further – a shadowy realm inhabited by tormented spirits – we remain deeply enmeshed within its treacherous depths.
To fully understand this movie, it’s crucial to watch the first one because their stories are intricately linked in a clever fashion. However, this sequel isn’t as strong overall, with some abrupt changes in tone and an increased focus on startling moments rather than character development. But the climax offers a very intense viewing experience.
While by no means perfect, Chapters 1 and 2 form a satisfying duology all on their own.
Insidious: The Red Door
Released: 2023
Patrick Wilson and Ty Simpkins reprise their characters, Josh and Dalton Lambert, who have grown apart during the ten years following the distressing events of Chapter 2. University life presents an opportunity for Dalton to start fresh after a family tragedy; however, it sets off a renewed connection with The Further – and the sinister forces hidden within.
In this movie, although Rose Byrne and Lin Shaye briefly show up, the story mainly revolves around the troubled relationship between the father and son, along with a fresh character played by Sinclair Daniel, who adds some humor as Dalton’s roommate, Chris. Interestingly, Craig Zobel takes on multiple roles in this film – both directing and acting as one of the main characters.
Are the Insidious and The Conjuring movies connected?
Despite featuring Patrick Wilson as a common actor, the Insidious films do not belong to the same universe as The Conjuring series.
In the first role, Wilson is cast as Josh Lambert, a troubled father of three. Conversely, in the second, he takes on the character of Ed Warren, a genuine paranormal investigator.
It’s unlikely that the two film franchises will combine, as Insidious is handled by Sony Pictures, whereas The Conjuring series belongs to Warner Bros.
Previously, producer Jason Blum showed enthusiasm for combining the worlds of Insidious and Sinister, two horror franchises dealing with supernatural beings. However, it seems that this planned collaboration has yet to move forward.
In June 2023, he shared with CinePop that they had been working on something for some time, but were unable to create an exceptional film. He expressed his reluctance towards producing a movie merely to merge the two franchises without a compelling narrative.
“I wanted to make a movie that was really good. We never came up with a great idea, but I’m open.”
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2024-10-28 20:34