FilmDistrict | Release Date: April 1, 2011
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 588 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
413
Mixed:
126
Negative:
49
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3
Tss5078Feb 23, 2013
This is a weird movie, that jumps quickly between boring, mildly interesting, and ridiculously stupid. It's good for a couple of good scares in the beginning, but the movie quickly deteriorates from there. The big slogan was, it's not theThis is a weird movie, that jumps quickly between boring, mildly interesting, and ridiculously stupid. It's good for a couple of good scares in the beginning, but the movie quickly deteriorates from there. The big slogan was, it's not the house that's haunted, and it was compared to the exorcist, both couldn't be further from the truth. Without going into details, the story is just stupid. The special effects are laughable, and the acting is so-so. The kid, newcomer Ty Simpkins, was mildly entertaining and did do a nice job. The parents weren't too bad either, but the rest of the cast were just terrible, a perfect fit for a movie that is pure If it wasn't for a couple of scares and the fact that I was laughing at how stupid some of the parts were, this movie would have gotten zero. It's a complete and utter waste of time. Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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3
Jamison12Jan 20, 2014
I do not find Insidious to be that good. I believe Insidious is nothing more than an over-hyped thriller with a handful of scares, and an enjoyable cameo by a Tiny Tim song.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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1
amityafflictionJan 20, 2014
Wow, this movie sucks ass. If you think this movie is good or scary you obviously haven't watched any before. It's the same **** over and over again. Every single scary movie has the people seeing or experiencing creepy or "scary" thingsWow, this movie sucks ass. If you think this movie is good or scary you obviously haven't watched any before. It's the same **** over and over again. Every single scary movie has the people seeing or experiencing creepy or "scary" things and yet they continue to stay in the place or house and not do anything about it and the "husband" never believes it at first and then things happen to him and then he believes then they get help and the help runs off. The movie is Crap seriously if you think this is a good movie then my god it's no wonder they keep making this **** it's not even scary at all. I love horror movies but f**k me they are so **** and not scary. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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3
imaginarysoundsJul 27, 2011
I've not seen many movies as dumb as Insidious in my entire life. That MAY be an exaggeration, considering all the positive things I heard about it, but that doesn't make all that much of a difference.

The movie was predictable, insipid, and
I've not seen many movies as dumb as Insidious in my entire life. That MAY be an exaggeration, considering all the positive things I heard about it, but that doesn't make all that much of a difference.

The movie was predictable, insipid, and silly and just really shoddily done. The acting is atrocious from most of the cast, especially the father. It's as if the writers pulled together several hundred ghostly anecdotes, scary pictures that have been floating around the internet for years, horror story tropes, etc. and somehow created a movie out of it.

The only aspect of the movie that I CAN respect is something that I just complained about: It is silly, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. There are some things included that aren't in every horror story such as the "tip-toe through the tulips" theme song (those who have seen it know what I mean) and the two paranormal detectives and their gadgets. Those were the only parts even slightly entertaining or enjoyable.

Rental, at best, if there's absolutely nothing else on netflix or redbox you're interested in.
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7 of 8 users found this helpful71
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0
okamimiyazakiMar 19, 2015
Terrible movie. The first 30 minutes was great. Once they moved out of the house, the rest was awful. Too many blatant ripoffs of Poltergeist; if you're going to borrow ideas from a great movie, don't do a horribly crap job of it, otherwiseTerrible movie. The first 30 minutes was great. Once they moved out of the house, the rest was awful. Too many blatant ripoffs of Poltergeist; if you're going to borrow ideas from a great movie, don't do a horribly crap job of it, otherwise you just make an inferior version of that movie. Not scary at all in the last hour of the movie, just boring and ridiculous. Expand
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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1
BoabDreepsAug 30, 2011
Ha! I don't think this was intended as a belly-laugh comedy, but the second half of the film had me doubled up.
First half is your by the numbers Paranormal Activity style disposable horror flick. Then it gets on to a scene where the 'woman
Ha! I don't think this was intended as a belly-laugh comedy, but the second half of the film had me doubled up.
First half is your by the numbers Paranormal Activity style disposable horror flick. Then it gets on to a scene where the 'woman who speaks to dead people' character starts to spell out what's actually going on. The male lead then spouts lines that were going through my head and acknowledges how ridiculous the plot is. I expected all the actors to agree with him and suddenly walk off set, but they carry on regardless and take the film on towards it's comedy final act.
1 point for the comedic value, but don't go out of your way to experience it for yourself. This is just a bad student film with a big budget.
Although on balance, I did watch this in the company of two other viewers and they found it genuinely terrifying. The only thing that spoiled it for them was my running commentary of sarcastic remarks...and laughter.
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5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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2
mrmonsterJun 6, 2012
This is the worst horror movie in a very long time. Just by watching the first 5 minutes, the whole plot becomes clear and nothing is a surprise. The movie was like a PG-13 episode of Scooby-Doo. All the moments where demons came at you wereThis is the worst horror movie in a very long time. Just by watching the first 5 minutes, the whole plot becomes clear and nothing is a surprise. The movie was like a PG-13 episode of Scooby-Doo. All the moments where demons came at you were completely expected with no surprise of any kind. This s not even worth your time, this is not even worth a days renal. Even if you find if at the library, don't get it. Trust me, if you have to pick between Insidious, and Barney's Halloween party, pick Barney. Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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3
victorhjklJan 13, 2014
This movie isn't scary at all, sometimes instead of being scared I was laughing, the only interesting part is the end, that can, maybe, you stay looking forward to the next one, the characters are poorly made and sometimes the movie justThis movie isn't scary at all, sometimes instead of being scared I was laughing, the only interesting part is the end, that can, maybe, you stay looking forward to the next one, the characters are poorly made and sometimes the movie just doesn't make sense. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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1
ShanaNayApr 5, 2011
This movie was HORRIBLE.... Not even made well the same "scary" music played every time it was going to be a scary part but it wasn't scary at all. If you enjoyed the movie Drag Me To Hell you will love this one we laughed a lot during theThis movie was HORRIBLE.... Not even made well the same "scary" music played every time it was going to be a scary part but it wasn't scary at all. If you enjoyed the movie Drag Me To Hell you will love this one we laughed a lot during the movie! Don't waste your time, I love scary movies and this one was far from scary . Expand
8 of 16 users found this helpful88
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1
wesleyoramaApr 20, 2011
Quite possibly the most enjoyable comedy I have seen in a while. There were multiple times I held back from laughing out loud, and several times I uttered "What?". The only movement that this movie made me do was to cover my ears from theQuite possibly the most enjoyable comedy I have seen in a while. There were multiple times I held back from laughing out loud, and several times I uttered "What?". The only movement that this movie made me do was to cover my ears from the overly loud shrills. In the end I enjoyed this movie, if only because the whole time I was hearing commentary from Crow and Tom Servo. Expand
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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1
TriReevalJul 25, 2011
I'll admit- I saw this movie with LOW expectations. I didn't expect to like it at all. Now that this has been said:

The first parts of the film were a bit rushed. Within twenty minutes, we have a "Three Months Later" card. Despite this,
I'll admit- I saw this movie with LOW expectations. I didn't expect to like it at all. Now that this has been said:

The first parts of the film were a bit rushed. Within twenty minutes, we have a "Three Months Later" card. Despite this, there were some genuinely creepy moments, with some good atmosphere and even a bit of tension. Still, these moments lacked any central focus, and generally felt unconnected and confusing. (Which may have been interesting if not for certain things that I'll mention later...)

By the second third of the movie, things REALLY went downhill. We are introduced to several characters in a short time (including a priest who has all of ONE line, if I remember correctly.) and rather quickly given an elaborate pseudoscience explanation for the issues at hand. (What's great about this is it turns the remainder of the film into flat-out comedy!) Things get very silly by the end, but the film doesn't seem to notice, treating even the most preposterous things as if they actually had the possibility of scaring people.

In its entirety, "Insidious" feels contrived, pretentious, and rushed.

To conclude: If you watch this for the horror, you will be sorely disappointed. If you watch it for the horrifying monsters who enjoy the musical stylings of Tiny Tim, you'll be one happy astral projector.
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4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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0
DondoveebAug 23, 2011
The Amityville Horror Starring Darth Maul! by D Veeb (Aug 23, 2011)
This is the second time I've fallen victim to the line "scariest film since The Exorcist!" (the first was that awful piece of dreck "The Blair Witch Project") At any rate,
The Amityville Horror Starring Darth Maul! by D Veeb (Aug 23, 2011)
This is the second time I've fallen victim to the line "scariest film since The Exorcist!" (the first was that awful piece of dreck "The Blair Witch Project") At any rate, this film would probably be entertaining to you if you're 13 years old and are talking or texting through the film as any notion of cohesive storytelling has clearly been put on the back burner in favor of standard issue horror film "gotcha" moments. In fact, this film is so cliche´ that I truly expected to see a pig coming through the bedroom window (Amityville Horror). The film has some startling moments, and a few somewhat decent visuals, but the script, acting, and directing are really sub-par. The kid clearly falls off the ladder and hits the back of his head. In the next scene, he's got a big shiner on his forehead above his eye! Gimme a break! And the music and sound effects were so over-the-top, hitting you over the head with "THIS IS SCARRY!" slams. Plus...the demon bears a striking resemblance to Darth Maul from The Phantom Menace! Really?!?! Do yourself a favor, skip this mess!
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4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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1
nufrequencyApr 23, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "From the makers of Paranormal Activity and Saw" Oh boy what else you can expect after two movies showing 90 minutes of static camera, random opening doors -cause we have a paranormal activity hun- and 6 worthless continuations of Saw (yes actually 1st one was kinda decent)... simply nothing ! Interesting but typical begging with overused baby monitor scene that can gave u couple of goose bumps (those who went to see movie will know what I'm talking about) with hilarious I repeat HILARIOUS scenes including" man with a fire on his face" Personally I **** laughed like a little kid, when I saw this dude looking like its Trick-or-treating time costume on Halloween... save yourself couple of bucks and If u wanna get something positive out of that topic go and buy a good book. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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0
diogoteles7Jul 6, 2016
This is the worse movie i have ever saw, the story makes no sense and that thing of going to another world is just the most RANDOM thing ever. I dont advise anyone to watch this movie. pls dont do the 4!!!! #respeito #CR7bestintheworld
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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1
bartcbemNov 13, 2019
I had no idea that you can pack so many basic cliches in one "horror" and I use therm horror loosley. There is nothing interesting or really innovative in this movie, very cheap scares and ridiculously silly depictions of "spiritual force".I had no idea that you can pack so many basic cliches in one "horror" and I use therm horror loosley. There is nothing interesting or really innovative in this movie, very cheap scares and ridiculously silly depictions of "spiritual force". They keep making the same boring movie over and over and over again these days. I suffered through the entire movie and my verdict is - if you want something little bit more from your sunday horror movie, Insidious in not for you.
Watch Hereditary.
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0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
User32189Oct 3, 2020
This movie is a train wreck the effects and story line are basic and honestly it is altogether a terrible movie not worth the good scores people give it. Don’t watch it’s a waste of time.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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2
xs-addiction-13May 29, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. **A Brief, Complex, and Honest Review**--


I genuinely struggle to find the words to describe how terrible this movie is.

James Wan is the horror equivalent of M. Night Shyamalan. Every movie either one of them directs, writes, or produces has only 1 of 2 possible outcomes...genius or crap. For every great movie like The Visit or Split/Glass there is The Happening (sigh...smh). In James Wan's case, for every genre defining horror masterpiece like the original Saw or The Conjuring there is the piece of Hollywood garbage like Insidious.

I don't put all of the blame on Wan for this. The idea/premise isn't that bad. Family thinks that their house is haunted, oldest son goes into a random coma with no explanation, so they move hoping things will get better only to find out that their son is not in a coma but is possessed. That is where things start to fall apart and go terribly wrong with this "horror" film.

After the film blatantly says that the child is possessed/haunted...it turns out he's not? But instead has the ability to astral project and went too far into...wherever...and so now he's lost and can't get back. So somehow that leaves his body open for ghosts to try and return to the living world, but also makes him vulnerable to demon possession? I mean it's just all around lazy, sloppy, and laughably bad plot progression/development.

Again, the premise isn't terrible, other films have done similar ideas, only much, much, much better. I mainly blame how terrible the film is on the writer. This Leigh Whannell should be embarrassed at how poor the script is. How anyone in Hollywood ever read this and was like, "Yes. This is a great horror idea!", absolutely blows my mind.

You mean to tell me that their son is in a coma for 3 plus months, then they move to wherever, and now the dad's mom is just randomly there and out of the blue is like, "Hey, I think I know what's wrong with my grandson. I have a friend who can help if you will allow it." So some random...ghost hunter/spirit talker shows up to try and help, holds a séance, and has to communicate through a WWI era gas mask that is connected to a pair of headphones so that one of her assistants can write down (in giant letters I might add) everything that is said. Why couldn't they just put a microphone close to her mouth? A gas mask connected to headphones...really?...really???

Not to mention the stupidity of the "twist" where it is revealed that the possessed/not possessed son inherited his astral projection abilities from his father, who apparently went through the same ordeal as an 8 yr old boy himself, and the same ghost hunter/séance lady helped bring him back too. Only this is quite the comical contradiction, because before the séance lady shows up her 2 assistants arrive first and say they have to verify that this case is a real haunting/possession and "weed out the nuts" before Elise (séance lady) will take on the case. Even though she already helped Josh (father of possessed/not possessed child) when he went through the same ordeal as a child, and Josh's mother contacted her and said her grandson was going through the same thing. Yet she still sends her assistants to verify it's a legit case??

Don't even get me started on the "demon" villain who listens to 1920s music on a gramophone while sharpening his claws and looking through a magnifying glass...

*Sigh*...again I attribute the all around lazy, sloppy, and laughably bad plot and writing to the so called "writer" Leigh Whannell. There was the potential for this movie to be fantastic, but it was doomed from the start by the embarrassing ineptitude of the writer and James Wan's lack of noticing (or caring) the flaws in the script/plot. As I said at the beginning, when it comes to James Wan horror movies there are only 2 options, a genius masterpiece or a laughable failure. Sadly, this was obviously the latter.

I suppose I will force myself to watch the remaining 3 films in the series to see if they offer any redemption, but upon seeing that the "writer" Leigh Whannell has wrote these also...I have very little hope or expectations.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
LopalJan 28, 2022
A repertoire of horror movie clichés. Yet another movie about a stereotypical american family that moves into new house and is technically haunted by a demon. Piano keys being slammed or ear-piercing string instruments being played for soundA repertoire of horror movie clichés. Yet another movie about a stereotypical american family that moves into new house and is technically haunted by a demon. Piano keys being slammed or ear-piercing string instruments being played for sound effects, predictable jumpscares, cliché demons etc. The only thing I'll give the movie credit for is their explanation for the haunting. Other than that it's a **** of clichés and I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that people think this is one of the best horror movies out there. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
bigboy21Sep 17, 2022
This was one of my first horror movies and to be frank I am quite disappointed. I expected to be scared, even jump once but the movie was incredibly predictable and laughable. If you want a horror movie I don’t recommend Insidious, but if youThis was one of my first horror movies and to be frank I am quite disappointed. I expected to be scared, even jump once but the movie was incredibly predictable and laughable. If you want a horror movie I don’t recommend Insidious, but if you want to laugh at the predictable scenes with your friends then definitely go for it. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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