The Evolution of the Insidious Universe

Only three years after the supposed conclusion of the main narrative with Insidious: The Red Door, the long-running horror franchise is expanding once again with Insidious: Out of the Further. While the core Lambert family—Renai (Rose Byrne), Josh (Patrick Wilson), and Dalton (Ty Simpkins)—takes a backseat in this installment, the film introduces a fresh ensemble cast including Amelia Eve and Brandon Perea. The series staple, Lin Shaye as the medium Elise Rainier, continues her streak of appearing in every film since the 2010 original, solidifying her status as the heart of the franchise.


Streaming Guide and Reviews

With the release of the new film sparking renewed interest in the series, here is a breakdown of where you can catch up on the entire saga.


Insidious (2010) — Available on Peacock

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%
  • Plot: After moving into a new home, the Lamberts' son, Dalton, enters a mysterious coma. The family soon discovers his spirit is trapped in another dimension and seeks the aid of psychic Elise Rainier.
  • Verdict: It remains a must-watch. Though not a revolutionary classic, the film is an impressive feat of low-budget filmmaking that delivers effective scares.

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) — Available on Peacock

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%
  • Plot: As the Lamberts recover from their ordeal, they realize that Josh has brought home a malicious entity that threatens their lives.
  • Verdict: Yes, it is worth a watch. This sequel leans harder into the horror elements, and Patrick Wilson gives a chilling performance as a possessed patriarch.

Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015) — Available on Peacock

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56%
  • Plot: This prequel focuses on Elise Rainier before the events of the first film, as she attempts to save a teenager haunted by a dark entity known as the Man Who Can’t Breathe.
  • Verdict: Yes. While it lacks the intensity of the second film, it provides a solid atmosphere and gives Lin Shaye a deserved spotlight.

Insidious: The Last Key (2018) — Available on HBO Max

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 34%
  • Plot: Another prequel that follows Elise as she confronts a demon from her own traumatic past, which she inadvertently unleashed as a child.
  • Verdict: Not recommended. The film fails to offer fresh insights into the franchise and suffers from a lack of genuine scares.

Insidious: The Red Door (2023) — Available on Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 40%
  • Plot: Years later, the Lamberts struggle with repressed trauma. When Dalton begins painting visions of his past, he re-opens the doorway to The Further, forcing Josh to step in and stop the entities.
  • Verdict: Yes, this is considered the series' peak. With Patrick Wilson making his directorial debut, it offers a more polished visual style and deeper emotional stakes.

Insidious: Out of the Further (New Entry)

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%
  • Plot: A young mother named Gemma discovers she can access The Further from her childhood home. However, she accidentally invites demonic spirits back into the living world, requiring Elise Rainier’s expertise to fix the mess.
  • Verdict: Worth watching for fans of the genre. Despite the shift in cast, the film delivers effective jump scares, and Amelia Eve carries the film well as the lead.