How To Watch The Insidious Movies In Order

The movie “Insidious” was created by the same creative team behind the “Saw” and “The Conjuring” series, namely James Wan and Leigh Whannell. This film takes horror enthusiasts on a journey to a place known as the Further. Unlike other horror franchises that focus on different demons targeting a family in various films, “Insidious” follows the Lambert family as they enter a liminal realm inhabited by all sorts of spirits. Some of these entities are friendly, while others with a malicious intent will stop at nothing to escape the red door.

In the Insidious movie series, starring Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne), the characters work together with psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) to safeguard their children from eerie supernatural events. Across five films, they encounter some of the most chilling demons found in horror cinema today. Although Insidious isn’t based on real-life incidents as some claim, that doesn’t diminish the heart-pounding fear experienced while watching Josh and Elise venture into the ‘Further,’ narrowly escaping perilous situations as they aid others or their past selves in the mind-bending realm of time.

If you’re unsure where to begin with the “Insidious” series, don’t fret. Take a lantern and be cautious of any red doors that may appear as we explain why it’s best to watch the movies in sequence:

1. Insidious (2010) – This is the first movie in the franchise and provides an introduction to the world of the “Insidious” universe.

2. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) – Continuing directly after the events of the first film, this sequel delves deeper into the supernatural happenings that have befallen the Lambert family.

3. Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015) – Set before the events of the first film, this prequel introduces a new character who becomes entangled in the series’ dark world.

4. Insidious: The Last Key (2018) – This fourth installment focuses on Elise Rainier, a psychic investigator from previous films, as she confronts her own past and uncovers secrets about the haunted house from the first film.

Watching the movies in this order will give you the best understanding of the storylines and character development throughout the series. Enjoy the journey through the “Insidious” universe!

“Insidious: Chapter 3”
“Insidious: The Last Key”
“Insidious”
“Insidious: Chapter 2”
“Insidious: The Red Door”

Why is this the correct order to watch the Insidious movies?

In the “Insidious” series, though the films aren’t originally arranged by timeline, organizing them to start with Elise’s initial adventure offers viewers a chance to understand her link with the Lambert family before delving into their encounters with the Further. The movies essentially tell two distinct stories: Elise’s and then Dalton and Josh’s. Watching them in chronological order allows you to follow each tale as it fits best within the storyline.

To fully grasp the connections between Elise and the Lambert family in the “Insidious” series, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the “Further” and its haunting entities, it’s recommended to watch the movies in sequence. This is because Elise’s backstory serves as the foundation for the franchise, and her experiences set up the supernatural events that later involve the Lambert family. By witnessing Elise’s past before Dalton’s (Ty Simpkins) coma, you will find it easier to comprehend why Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) sought her help specifically. This knowledge also helps explain who the Red Face Demon is pursuing when he appears behind Josh.

Insidious: Chapter 3

Three years prior to the first film, “Insidious: Chapter 3” follows psychic medium Elise aiding a teenage girl named Quinn in contacting her deceased mother. Despite her initial intentions, Quinn yearns for a conversation with her lost parent. However, Elise senses an ominous entity lurking during their communication attempts, warning Quinn to halt her interactions with the spirit world for her own protection.

As time progresses, Quinn starts witnessing a ghostly figure not only within her home but also in various public places. This specter might not be her mother as initially believed. As the story unfolds, Elise ventures into the ethereal realm known as the Further to rescue Quinn from possession by The Man Who Can’t Breathe. In the process, she encounters a spirit claiming to be her late husband, adding another layer of complexity to the haunting events that unfold.

Insidious: Chapter 3″ offers fans a return to the origins within the “Insidious” narrative, offering an intriguing glimpse into Elise’s earlier encounters in the realm of the Further. This insight illuminates her extensive familiarity with this otherworldly plane and confirms that she’s well aware of the Bride in Black’s pursuit. It also hints at the lengthy presence of the Red Face Demon in her life. By delving into Elise’s past interactions with these demons, it strengthens the rationale behind her actions when aiding the Lambert family in “Insidious.

Insidious: The Last Key

In “Insidious: The Last Key,” Elise persists in aiding individuals confronting mysterious supernatural occurrences. Following the incidents from “Chapter 3,” Elise and her crew shift their attention to assist a man tormented by a haunting, which unexpectedly transpires within the very house she was raised in. The film delves deeper into Elise’s personal background, showcasing the strained relationship with her brother Christian (Bruce Davison) and exposing that she fled due to her father’s abusive behavior. A flashback also illustrates her initial encounter with the spirit realm when she inadvertently frees a spirit from behind the red door. The prequel takes a more somber tone as Elise recognizes that the current resident of the house, Ted (Kirk Acevedo), and her father share striking similarities due to the house’s supernatural activity.

In the fourth film of the series, “The Last Key,” we delve deeper into Elise’s past, revealing that her links to the Further extend further than she herself comprehends. It is recommended to view this movie after watching “Chapter 3” as some parts may not be fully understood otherwise. The insights from the third installment of the franchise are crucial for appreciating the meaning of “The Last Key.” This film also focuses on Elise’s struggle with her inner demons, a struggle that is more impactful following “Chapter 3.” Moreover, the conclusion of “The Last Key” sets up the events leading to “Insidious,” making it an ideal choice for viewing next.

Insidious

In “Insidious,” the Lambert family’s life takes an eerie turn after moving into a new house. Their son Dalton falls into a coma following a fall and remains unconscious upon returning home. Strange, paranormal occurrences begin to happen, such as inexplicable alarms going off and sightings of apparitions. The movie escalates when Foster, Dalton’s brother, believes he sees his comatose brother walking around during the night. After another move fails to solve the problem, parents Renai and Josh seek help from Elise to explain the strange events and find a solution for their son. Elise’s intervention seems effective as Dalton eventually wakes up; however, it is suggested that Josh may have unwittingly brought something from the “Further” into the real world.

It’s recommended to watch the third film in the “Insidious” franchise first for a richer viewing experience. By starting with the third movie, you get introduced to Elise earlier, which gives insight into her approach to the Lamberts’ case and how she interacts with the spirits. This prior knowledge creates a stronger emotional bond between the audience and Elise, making the conclusion of “Insidious” more poignant and bittersweet.

Insidious: Chapter 2

Insidious: Chapter 2″ continues the story from where the first film ended. The Lamberts find themselves being interrogated by the police regarding Elise’s death, all while strange supernatural occurrences persist. Despite Dalton now being conscious and healthy, the paranormal events refuse to cease. With the aid of Elise’s associates Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (Leigh Whannell), and a recording from when Elise helped Josh as a child, they start to uncover darker forces at work. Instead of Josh venturing into the ‘Further’ to assist Dalton, this time it’s the son who journeys into the spiritual realm to rescue his father and family. It is revealed that Elise and the Lamberts share a deeper connection than they realize, and Dalton’s condition isn’t an isolated case, as it emerges Josh had a comparable experience in his childhood, but those memories were intentionally repressed.

After viewing “Chapter 2” fourth, you now possess all the necessary details to grasp why the Lamberts continue to encounter supernatural occurrences linked to spirits from the Further. The arrival of Carl (played by Steve Coulter), a professional in the field with the power to suppress memories, sheds light on why Josh didn’t recall his childhood experiences. This revelation also enables viewers to comprehend that even though Josh and Dalton may face further events in the Further, those memories won’t actively torment them, but they could still linger, which becomes crucial in the upcoming installments of the series.

Insidious: The Red Door

In ‘Insidious: The Red Door’, nine years have passed since ‘Chapter 2’. Dalton, now off to college, finds himself embroiled in supernatural events once more. Since their encounters with the ‘Further’, the Lambert family has splintered apart. Josh and Renai are divorced, Lorraine is deceased, and Josh maintains a strained connection with his children, particularly Dalton. Despite college marking a new beginning, Dalton starts seeing entities from the Further and sketching the entrance to the liminal space’s red door in class. He keeps getting dragged back into the Further, sometimes managing to control it, other times not. Simultaneously, Josh encounters a spirit that looks like his father, whom he thought had abandoned him as a child. The narrative reaches its climax when the family patriarch re-enters the Further to assist his son again.

This time around, the Lambert family is managing things on their own without Elise or her fellow assistants. However, understanding “The Red Door” might be challenging if you haven’t watched the preceding movies. The story makes sense only when you’re aware of Elise and the Lamberts’ past experiences, which help explain why they know what to do now, the significance of Dalton’s drawings, and how they plan to help Josh and protect one another. The finale of “The Red Door” suggests that although Dalton attempted to seal the door, the supernatural realm known as the Further remains, with the spirits within merely biding their time for a chance to escape once more.

Is there another way to watch the Insidious movies?

1. If you want to follow the release timeline of the films, start with the original “Insidious” from 2010 and finish with “Insidious: The Red Door,” which is coming out in 2023. This order fills in gaps between the Lambert family’s story by providing more information on Elise’s backstory. Watching the movies this way mirrors how they were originally released, and there are benefits to seeing them in chronological order. The sequence also includes a revisit to “Chapter 2” and “The Red Door,” which delves deeper into Elise’s past by exploring her story in “Chapter 3” and “The Last Key.” In this order, Elise’s journey concludes with her life’s work instead of her death.

2. For those who prefer watching the “Insidious” movies based on their release dates, start with the 2010 film “Insidious,” followed by “Insidious: The Red Door,” which is set for release in 2023. This approach offers additional insights into Elise’s history as it presents the Lambert family’s story alongside the gaps filled with details about Elise’s backstory. Watching the films this way follows their original release pattern, and there are advantages to viewing them chronologically. The sequence also incorporates a revisit to “Chapter 2” and “The Red Door,” expanding on Elise’s past through “Chapter 3” and “The Last Key.” In this order, her story culminates with her lifelong work rather than her demise.

3. If you want to follow the release timeline of the films, start by watching “Insidious” from 2010 and end with “Insidious: The Red Door,” which is due in 2023. This order provides additional information on Elise’s history by weaving in gaps between the Lambert family’s story. Watching the movies this way mirrors their original release sequence, and there are benefits to viewing them chronologically. The series also includes a revisit to “Chapter 2” and “The Red Door,” expanding on Elise’s past through “Chapter 3” and “The Last Key.” In this order, her story concludes with her life’s work instead of her death.

4. To follow the films’ release dates, begin with “Insidious” from 2010 and finish with “Insidious: The Red Door,” which will be out in 2023. This approach offers extra insights into Elise’s background by integrating gaps within the Lambert family’s narrative. Watching the movies this way follows their original release pattern, and there are advantages to viewing them chronologically. The series also includes a revisit to “Chapter 2” and “The Red Door,” delving deeper into Elise’s past through “Chapter 3” and “The Last Key.” In this order, her story comes to an end with her life’s work rather than her passing.

If you’re a fan of the Lamberts, here’s an engaging trilogy to follow: Start with “Insidious,” followed by “Insidious: Chapter 2.” After that, dive right into “The Red Door” for a Lambert-centric storyline. This sequence focuses solely on their tale while offering a complete account of their interactions with the Further from beginning to end. “Chapter 2” offers just enough detail about Josh’s past link with Elise to fill in any informational gaps, without delving too much into the personal life of the psychic.

As a gamer, I personally find that diving into the Silent Hill universe following an unorthodox yet rewarding path is the way to go. Instead of starting with the usual chronological order, I suggest first watching the Lambert trilogy. Once you’ve witnessed their harrowing journey, delve into “Chapter 3” and then “The Last Key.” This might seem unusual for a franchise, but trust me, it’s like embarking on a circular adventure.

By experiencing the heart-wrenching tales of the Lambert family first, then moving on to Elise’s story, you end up with Lorraine making that fateful call to the psychic, helping Dalton. This unique approach creates a captivating loop in the narrative and offers a fulfilling marathon viewing experience.

2025-04-27 21:31