As a die-hard horror fan who’s been through countless sleepless nights thanks to these terrifying masterpieces, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about the future of the Insidious series. Having grown up with the Lamberts’ harrowing journey, I’ve watched in awe as James Wan and his team have weaved a chilling tapestry that has sent shivers down my spine for over a decade.
In 2010, renowned horror director James Wan helmed the movie “Insidious,” a film that eventually expanded into the chilling supernatural horror series. As a counterpoint to the influential body horror of his successful film “Saw,” and penned by Leigh Whannell, who later directed the third installment, this movie centered around the Lambert family. Spectators watched as Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne portrayed the parents trying to safeguard their son Dalton from supernatural entities that had infiltrated their lives.
As they journeyed, they enlisted the aid of the paranormal investigator Elise Rainer (portrayed by Lin Shaye), who unexpectedly turned into a regular figure in the storyline. Over the last ten years, the Insidious series has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its unsettling spirits and an abundance of terrifying jump scares. The Insidious movies offer the ideal blend of heart-pounding adrenaline rushes and chilling goosebumps that we desire from a great horror flick. The Insidious films have become legendary in the paranormal horror sub-genre, earning a spot among the top horror movie franchises ever made.
Watching the Insidious series in the correct sequence significantly enhances the horror experience, but figuring out that sequence isn’t always straightforward due to the movies’ time-jumping nature. Contrary to what one might expect, watching the Insidious films in their original release order and the chronological order are two distinct paths. The series is famous for its unexpected twists and timeline shifts, and the chronology of the Insidious movies follows suit, deviating from both the release sequence and a traditional linear narrative.
How many films in the “Insidious” series are there? Is there a specific sequence I should watch them in for a coherent storyline, or would watching them according to their release dates provide a more surprising ending? Watching the movies in the order of their chronology seems to follow the storyline better, while viewing them by their release date might offer a more shocking conclusion.
Insidious Movies in Chronological Order
For those who value a consistent storyline, watching the “Insidious” films in chronological order might be the optimal choice. This approach provides a more seamless narrative and a clearer sequence of events. If you’re one of those viewers, here’s a suggested viewing guide for a chronological experience.
- Insidious: Chapter 3
- Insidious: The Last Key
- Insidious
- Insidious: Chapter 2
- Insidious: The Red Door
In my opinion, this approach seems to be the most logical one. Let me share with you how the narrative unfolds when you follow the series in this particular sequence.
Insidious: Chapter 3
To get the story sequence right, it’s advisable to begin with “Insidious: Chapter 3”. In this chapter, we are introduced to teenager Quinn Brenner, who suspects her mother is trying to communicate from the other side. In an effort to make contact, she seeks help from a paranormal investigator named Elise. However, during her search, Quinn encounters a malevolent entity in an oxygen mask, known as ‘the man without breath’. This prompts Elise to delve into The Further, where she confronts a wicked demon seeking a soul.
A Truly Terrifying Origin Story
In “Insidious: Chapter 3”, we’re introduced to Elise, a character who proves vital and lifesaving throughout the rest of the series, all while delivering chilling horror moments. This prequel to the first two films boasts performances by Dermot Mulroney, Lin Shaye, and Stefanie Scott, delving deeper into the origins of this terrifying franchise. It managed to rake in an impressive $113 million at the box office and was generally well-received, with many viewers finding it superior to its predecessor and a strong addition to the supernatural series. You can now watch it on Max.
Insidious: The Last Key
The movie “Insidious: The Last Key” explores more about Elise’s background and how she became a paranormal investigator, set within the franchise’s timeline. It is the latest installment, coming after the events of “Chapter 3”, but serving as a prequel to the first two films. The story also features flashbacks to Elise’s past in 1953 New Mexico, showing her encounters with a demonic spirit at her childhood home and accidentally releasing a malevolent entity.
A Series Staple’s Supernatural History Is Revealed
In “The Last Key,” Elise gets a call from someone stating his house is haunted, which she initially considers an ordinary job. However, things take a darker turn as she discovers that the location matches her own haunted childhood home. Now, she must face her deepest fears and revisit the house to handle the demon she inadvertently unleashed many years ago.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: For the very first time, I was welcomed into the world of the Lambert family and their supernatural adventure known as The Further. Somehow, Elise inadvertently left a gateway between our world and their home wide open. That very night, Elise dreamt about Dalton and not long after, she received a phone call from the Lamberts. This intriguing sequence of events paved the way for the chilling tale that unfolds in the original Insidious movie. Give it a watch on Tubi
Insidious
The first movie in the series, Insidious, introduces the Lambert family, which psychic Elise encounters at the end of The Last Key. A demon has begun tormenting the Lambert’s son, Dalton, after slipping through a doorway connecting The Further and our world. Although Dalton seems to be in a coma, he is actually trapped in The Further and is struggling to return home.
The Horror Hit That Started It All
In an extraordinary revelation, Elise recalls having encountered Josh Lambert (Dalton’s father) when they met as kids. She shares with Josh (played by Patrick Wilson) that he possesses the same out-of-body abilities as his son, but these talents were hidden from him to safeguard him against a malevolent spirit that haunted him during his childhood. Josh ventures into The Further and successfully banishes the demon, saving Dalton and bringing the family back together… or so it appears.
Not long after, Elise comes to understand that Josh has been taken over, creating suspense among viewers as they witness the discovery of her apparently deceased body in the Lambert residence. The movie Insidious, a box office success, made more than $100 million on a budget of only $1.5 million and garnered praise for its chilling concept, striking visuals, and edge-of-your-seat scares. Brimming with effective jump scares, the sequel in the Insidious series skillfully builds anticipation for the Lambert family’s continued story. Watch it on Peacock
Insidious: Chapter 2
In the sequel titled “Insidious: Chapter 2”, the narrative begins with Josh under investigation for Elise’s murder, oblivious to the fact that a demon currently possesses him. With the assistance of Elise’s team, they manage to contact her spirit. As before, Josh is compelled to journey through The Further to expel his possessions and bring an end to the terror forever. Following this ordeal, the family reunites, and Josh, along with Dalton, decide it’s best to bury the traumatic memories of the event to achieve tranquility in their lives.
Chapter 2 Sets the Stage for The Red Door
The viewers are given glimpses of events from 1986, when Elise conceals Josh’s psychic talents, which could potentially be useful in this movie. Essentially, “Chapter 2” serves as a fitting conclusion to the “Insidious” series, wrapping up the intense narrative, although Blumhouse apparently envisioned something different for the franchise. Interestingly, it hints at the possibility of “Insidious: The Red Door,” which would appear a decade later and continue to scare brave cinema-goers. Watch on Peacock
Insidious: The Red Door
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The latest film in the Insidious franchise, titled “Insidious: The Red Door,” made its way to theaters more than a decade following the release of the second movie. Originally named “Insidious: Fear the Dark,” the title was changed at the start of 2023 to emphasize the role of the Red Door in the series’ narrative. This new installment marked Patrick Wilson’s directorial debut and is set ten years after the previous film, with the third and fourth films serving as prequels to the initial two movies.
The Lamberts Go Out With a Bang
The movie initiates by showing Wilson’s character separated from his spouse and grieving over his mother’s recent demise. His son, Dalton, is also about to leave for college, further complicating the transition. Memories of their past trauma resurface unexpectedly due to repressed emotions, unleashing a torrent of entities, some familiar and others new. Confronting the past is essential for them to deal with their current problems. The final installment in the series aims to conclude the Lambert family’s narrative. The ending of “Insidious: The Red Door” neatly wraps up the Lambert family’s journey while maintaining potential for future content. Check it out on Netflix
Insidious Movies in Order of Release
Here are five movies that make up the Insidious series, released between 2011 and 2023. The journey begins with the first film, simply titled Insidious, and concludes with Insidious: The Last Key. For those who wish to watch them in order of release, here’s a breakdown:
| Insidious | April 1, 2011 |
| Insidious: Chapter 2 | September 13, 2013 |
| Insidious: Chapter 3 | June 5, 2015 |
| Insidious: The Last Key | January 5, 2018 |
| Insidious: The Red Door | July 7, 2023 |
What’s Next For The Insidious Series?
To this very moment, the Insidious movie series continues to be one of the scariest film franchises ever produced. This spine-chilling collection has amassed over $731 million globally at the box office and significantly boosted James Wan’s reputation as a gifted and highly anticipated figure in horror cinema. Fervent viewers have consistently filled theaters to catch a glimpse of the harrowing violence and despair portrayed within this astonishing film series. Despite the Lamberts’ narrative seemingly reaching its conclusion, the Insidious universe brims with potential storylines.
Discussions are underway for another film set in the same universe as the Lamberts’, tentatively titled “Thread: An Insidious Tale“. This upcoming production will star Kumail Nanjiani, known for his role in “Eternals”, and Mandy Moore from “This Is Us”. Directing duties will be handled by Jeremy Slater, the writer of “Moon Knight”, marking his feature directorial debut. Unlike a sequel or prequel, it appears to be a spin-off of the main series, with a focus on the enigmatic Further, reminiscent of the “The Conjuring” films. The title itself suggests its connection to the ongoing series.
In May 2024, it was announced that the sixth installment of the thrilling Insidious series would be produced jointly by Sony and Blumhouse, with a planned release date of August 29, 2025. The specifics about the storyline or characters remain undisclosed at this time. However, the exact positioning of these new films within the Insidious movie timeline is still to be determined.
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2024-10-21 04:02