This week saw the release of the sixth entry in the Insidious franchise, Insidious: Out of the Further. It’s always been a horror franchise that is scary while still being palatable for younger generations, bearing the PG-13 rating. While it may not have gotten the spinoffs that The Conjuring did (because I’m not sure Thread: An Insidious Tale is ever going to be made), this James Wan franchise has still managed to persevere through the years. It’s earned over $700 million at the worldwide box office, and that number could easily reach $800 million with this latest entry. With every new film, new rules are added, and the world is made all the richer. Or more convoluted, depending on who you ask.
So now let’s enter The Further and figure out which films work and which films don’t as we Rank the Insidious Franchise.
6. Insidious: Out of the Further (2026)
I was genuinely pretty shocked at how bad the latest entry ended up being. The series has always struggled when following anyone except the Lambert Family, but this was an exceptional level of nonsense. This time, the concept of “couriers” is introduced; these people can bring things in and out of The Further. Gemma is a courier, and she finds herself targeted, as ghosts want to cross over into our world through her. It gets so convoluted and silly, treating Lin Shaye like she’s Captain America coming back to hold Mjölnir. It doesn’t help that the main villain looks like homeless Marilyn Manson. This was bad character decision after bad character decision and a very frustrating experience overall. Here’s hoping this will serve as the final entry in the franchise.
5. Insidious: The Last Key (2018)
Yet another prequel, this film finally gives us a backstory for Lin Shaye’s Elise Rainier, as she’s forced to confront her past, by visiting her childhood home. I actually really like the design of the main villain, Keyface, and his ability to lock people’s voices away. It’s a chilling visual. I also liked that Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson’s Specs and Tucker were given more to do, while still providing much of the levity. It’s connections with the first film feel tacked on and the entire story feels more generic.
4. Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)
Our first film following someone other than the Lambert Family actually takes place before those events. This is where the series shifts to Lin Shaye and Leigh Whannell being our connection between films, and it made me realize how much I need the Lambert family to make these films work. That personal connection was built with those two films. Switching it up gets rid of the stakes and makes it more generic horror where we’re simply waiting for someone to get spooked/killed by a ghost. It simply feels like it follows too closely to the first film This is also the feature directorial debut of series writer Leigh Whannell.
3. Insidious: The Red Door (2023)
This movie came out before I got entirely sick of the Legacy Sequel gimmick, and this one actually has some interesting ideas. Dalton is really more of a victim in the first two films, so it’s cool to see him take more of a proactive role here. Plus, it’s always great to see Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson back together. I actually think I like them together as much as Vera Farmiga and Wilson as The Warrens. This also served as Wilson’s directorial debut, and he proves more than competent.
2. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
The first two Insidious films are practically a Part 1 and Part 2, telling one half of the story each. We get to see the effect of Josh being possessed at the end of the first film. Some of the mystery is gone, and the impact of the series lessens as they try to explain more and more with each film. There’s a bit of an Amityville Horror edge with Evil Josh trying to murder his family. This one has some great horror visuals and feels less formulaic than what would come later. Given how the first film ends up, the tensions are high, as it the Lambert’s don’t feel safe.
1. Insidious (2011)
As is often the case with franchises, the first one set the standard and wasn’t eclipsed by any of its sequels. James Wan and Leigh Whannell moved past the idea of a haunted house and introduced the idea of haunted person. A house, you can leave, but if it’s attached to a person, it will follow where they go. It’s a fun concept, only improved by the coupling of Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne. The Lambert’s will do whatever they can to save their son, Dalton. Even bringing in a very eclectic group of ghost hunters. This has some genuinely unnerving scares and some truly creepy designs. Wan also flexes his technical prowess, with such control of the camera at all times. And let’s be honest, it’s really ballsy to end your film with such a massive cliffhanger. It’s also absolutely hilarious that Lin Shaye was murdered in this one and is the main star of the franchise.
What’s your Ranking for the Insidious Franchise? Do you hope that the series continues? Are there any you could do without entirely? Let us know in the comments!
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