Insidious
FilmDistrict | Release Date: April 1, 2011
7.3
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Generally favorable reviews based on 588 Ratings
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Mixed:
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7
GuillermoBMJul 12, 2015
Summary: In spite of its messy final act, Insidious is clever, well-acted and suspenseful. 73/100 [B]

Insidious is a low-budget horror film directed by James Wan. The first act of the movie looks like Paranormal Activity 2 (without theSummary: In spite of its messy final act, Insidious is clever, well-acted and suspenseful. 73/100 [B]

Insidious is a low-budget horror film directed by James Wan. The first act of the movie looks like Paranormal Activity 2 (without the found-footage), but after the first 25 minutes it becomes more original and some scary stuff start to happen. Wan directs very well, the movie boasts a nicely handled suspense, especially in its first act. In addition, it has terrific sound effects. The acting is superb, Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson were great in their roles. The two main characters performed by Byrne and Wilson were believable and very well developed. Insidious is a spooky, well-acted flick and probably Wan's first good film.

As I said above, the plot is refreshing and the scares are effective. The characters are well developed and some of them are funny (in a good way), a great example are the two male paranormal experts, both play a hilarious role without being annoying. The film scares you with some creepy noises and unexpected images. Its final act keeps the tension although it's a bit weak in comparison to the last two acts. During its final act there is a scene where this demon is revealed. It was very surprising for me, the demon itself looks very scary and that whole scene was so terrifying.

On the upside, Insidious has some thrilling scenes, good performances and unexpected scares; also, its second half is strangely original. James Wan is a director with experience in the genre and creates here a truly scary atmosphere that is reinforced with strong performances by Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson and Lin Shaye. I also liked the camera work, this movie has lots of creepy shots and a good illumination too. See this film if you're a fan of the genre or if you're interested on seeing a strange, weird ass horror film. Also if you like jump-scares. Insidious is a jump-scare fest, a very good one.

On the downside, its final act is strange, sometimes confusing and it almost ruined the whole film for me. During its first half, the movie kept the suspense and delivered lots of scares; however, in its final minutes the suspense was totally gone and the movie was not as terrifying as it was before. I liked it anyway, the whole production design is awesome and the special effects are well done in spite of being a low-budget flick. In conclusion, Insidious is a great, scary flick that boasts a creepy demon and originality. My only issue is the final act, it's such a mess. [B]… Expand
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7
MrMovieBuffJun 24, 2015
'Insidious' follows the story of a young boy named Dalton (Ty Simpkins) who falls into some sort of shock/coma. His concerned parents (Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson) worry that he might be possessed as they first believed that their new house'Insidious' follows the story of a young boy named Dalton (Ty Simpkins) who falls into some sort of shock/coma. His concerned parents (Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson) worry that he might be possessed as they first believed that their new house that they just moved into was haunted.

Directed by James Wan, 'Insidious' is mostly a film that follows Rose Byrne's character, she is alone in the house a lot. Every time, she seems to see or hear something suspicious and is worried that something might happen to her son.

There is pure evidence that there are demons and evil spirits lurking about everywhere. When they try investigating, it seems that it is true.

There is also a few surprises along the way, as we all know, whenever a movie tries to surprise you, it can lead to two different audience reactions, and they are mostly negative.

'Insidious' relies mostly on suspense and a few jump scares that are not too gimmicky, it should be able to satisfy any horror film fan, but unfortunately does not offer anything new or innovative to the horror film genre. There is no gore or torture, just plain scares and a few horrific images. It'll do for weekend entertainment.… Expand
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10
Signas501Apr 3, 2015
Insidious revolves around a child after he is put into a coma. However things take turn for the worse when he never wakes up from set coma, and mysterious things begin to happen. The family brings in a supernatural expert to get help on theInsidious revolves around a child after he is put into a coma. However things take turn for the worse when he never wakes up from set coma, and mysterious things begin to happen. The family brings in a supernatural expert to get help on the phenomenon. A demon has been trying to possess the child, and it is only a matter of time before it is finally in possession of the child's body.… Expand
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9
UrbanlistenerNov 20, 2015
Definitely one of he best horror films of the decade, Insidious is an incredibly creepy and unsettling haunted house ride. The first half is just perfect, full of shivers and goosebumps, but the second half falls a part a little bit... I haveDefinitely one of he best horror films of the decade, Insidious is an incredibly creepy and unsettling haunted house ride. The first half is just perfect, full of shivers and goosebumps, but the second half falls a part a little bit... I have to give credits for the limited use of CGI and the main demon design that personally scarred me for life.… Expand
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8
audreythomas25Mar 9, 2016
I find this movie very creepy and the twists are so awesome and unpredictable. I just love this movie.

Watch this online http://www.watchfree.to/watch-281b8f-Insidious-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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9
calebowensmallJan 23, 2016
This is one of my favorite Blumhouse films. It's a fantastic film, and one of James Wan's best. It's scary and the acting is all way the awesome. It's creepy from start to finish, and I'm so glad that it exists.
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7
lucbevibrasilApr 24, 2016
It's a scary and entertaining film, one of the "walk in the haunted house", besides having a good final act. The film fails when it comes to having a good suspense and suddenly hurt a bizarre supernatural horror shooting.
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8
Aaron_WassermanJun 1, 2016
First time in a long time that a horror movie has actually been scary and good. Insidious achieves all of this on a low budget. Very impressive movie. That horror fans have been waiting for.
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7
gtwistNov 26, 2017
Insidious is an extremely well shot, and well acted horror movie. The score was fantastic, and it never needed an R rating to be scary, which was refreshing. The creature was terrifying and has by far the scariest moment in the film. JamesInsidious is an extremely well shot, and well acted horror movie. The score was fantastic, and it never needed an R rating to be scary, which was refreshing. The creature was terrifying and has by far the scariest moment in the film. James Wan uses a lot of jump scares, and not a single one was fake! The ending was not very scary however, and some of the scares in the middle all felt the same. Still a very good movie.… Expand
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8
TheRussianatorDec 18, 2017
James Wan's "Insidious" is a good haunted house movie, with a smartly written script and likable characters, as well as a good villain and a well-composed soundtrack.
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8
FilipeNetoMay 12, 2018
This movie did not promise much but it ended up deserving my congratulations. Traveling out of the body, sleeping or hypnosis, is a rare theme in horror films and has given body to the film in an elegant and solid way. The film does not allowThis movie did not promise much but it ended up deserving my congratulations. Traveling out of the body, sleeping or hypnosis, is a rare theme in horror films and has given body to the film in an elegant and solid way. The film does not allow us to have an immediate perception of what is really happening, and this helps to lengthen the suspense and mystery around it, which gradually becomes more intense, grabbing the audience. James Wan, the director, made his reputation with the "Saw" franchise, which I do not appreciate for being too graphic. Apparently, this director is truly capable of doing horror without resorting to liters of false blood. Lin Shaye is the most notable actress in the film, with a strong presence and a charisma built on experience and talent, but Patrick Wilson, in the role of Josh, was also at ease and made a good performance, in harmony with Rose Byrne. The film has an interesting ending, although without the intensity that we could be expecting. Another thing I find pleasant is the use of cinematic solutions that are alternative to the avalanche of special effects that we are used to, as it was done for the evil entity or when it was decided to show "The Further" as a dark and misty place. The sound effects, a classic haunted house setting and a purposefully gray cinematography do the rest and make this movie worth remembering. Refined and elegant, the film still uses some usual clichés in the horror and haunting films, but does so in the right way and so convincingly that it ends up being another plus point in this great quality film.… Expand
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10
topemuJun 25, 2018
This movie started an entire franchise, and rightly so. It presents horror in such a slick creepy way, that it makes the movie a delight to watch.
It doesn't do anything with too much cheeze, nor does it go too far into the gore, but it doesThis movie started an entire franchise, and rightly so. It presents horror in such a slick creepy way, that it makes the movie a delight to watch.
It doesn't do anything with too much cheeze, nor does it go too far into the gore, but it does present a unique dark world that is very fascinating to view.… Expand
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7
Movie3Jul 15, 2018
Extremely creepy film, especially in it's first half. Goes weird in it's second half but still enjoyable. And that ending...WTH?!?!? O_O
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7
ErikTheCriticSep 26, 2018
James Wan truly knows how to craft a scary horror film. With great suspense and worthy jump-scares, "Insidious" will satisfy horror fans.
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7
I_loveJan 7, 2019
Some times falls apart but I do think it is a very influential movie, it kinda kickdtarted the conjuring, which kickstarted the 2010's of horror.
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9
Marti3PMar 8, 2019
Best horror/thriller I've seen in years most movies in the genre may as well be Scary Movie Comedies they are so bad. this and its sequels are worth the watch.
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10
LiamblackJun 17, 2019
THE BEST horror movie of all time. I watched this film when I was 10 years of age and I can still feel what I felt back then when I watched it first time. The story is great. Acting is great. The lipstick face demon is scary as hell, no wordsTHE BEST horror movie of all time. I watched this film when I was 10 years of age and I can still feel what I felt back then when I watched it first time. The story is great. Acting is great. The lipstick face demon is scary as hell, no words about the bride in black(creepiest **** ever). I watched Insidious 1 for about 20 times and I doubt that there will be a movie that will be scarier or more interesting in a horror genre.… Expand
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8
DiptanshuMay 20, 2020
spooky,intense and amazing movie!less scary but intense at start watching the haunted house felt like just another same concept movie but this was little unique as per core of the whole ghost thing.the music was great some tracks and soundsspooky,intense and amazing movie!less scary but intense at start watching the haunted house felt like just another same concept movie but this was little unique as per core of the whole ghost thing.the music was great some tracks and sounds were terrifying.screenplay was good,story was amazing the whole Astral-world and Villain thing it was amazing.the ghosts sometimes funny as per there faces but the red ghost was terrifying although less jump scares but little impact-full through-out the movie.starting was slow the build-up was good the slow pacing with the theme of movie it was amazing.the sudden coma and little experiences were creepy the little girl phone and door scene was scary.the changing of house was like wow new turn to story then the whole ghost catching people at first they felt like doing impersonation of ghost-busters but as it goes they were good.the new ghost in new house felt what the hell but the core element and back story at last was mind-blowing and explained this.the acting was literally amazing.the ending was great the Astral-world was amazing and spooky then the rescue mission and capturing ghost it was unique then the backstory of josh it was surprising the photo thing then the last cut scene it was shockingly amazing the connection with backstory it was awesome,the red face villain was creepy as hell.Overall it was intense and amazingly unique horror movie!… Expand
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7
tellmikeyyAug 10, 2022
Great makeup design, always hits the suspense and creep factor. Overall a good horror movie to keep you on edge!
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9
akshatmahajanOct 31, 2020
Insidious is the scariest movie I've seen in years. At first, I thought movie would be simple horror movie with some spooky scenes but I was wrong. After watching the movie, I can honestly say it's one of the scariest movies I've ever seen.Insidious is the scariest movie I've seen in years. At first, I thought movie would be simple horror movie with some spooky scenes but I was wrong. After watching the movie, I can honestly say it's one of the scariest movies I've ever seen. In fact, there were several points during the film where I screamed.

From the opening credits, they created an intense, haunting tension that didn't leave my body so easily. And the movie constantly feeds that tension making the movie more terrifying. The movie was great. It was crazy scary and thoroughly entertaining. Overall, if you plan on seeing this movie, please consider this a cautionary reminder: how much hard you are, it will surely scare you.… Expand
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8
MrPajamasJan 14, 2021
I had quite high expectations of Insidious, because it's a film directed by James Wan. My expectations were met. The story is excellent and left an idea in me and overall you will be thinking. At least that's how it was for me. The music isI had quite high expectations of Insidious, because it's a film directed by James Wan. My expectations were met. The story is excellent and left an idea in me and overall you will be thinking. At least that's how it was for me. The music is also a luxury and the overall plot is excellent for horror. It's not just about the jumpscares and the frightening of the viewer, but I'll have a light atmosphere and overall such magic that James Wan can do so much and with this film he just proves that he is one of the kings of horror movies. Overall, this is one of the best horror movies I've ever seen and I definitely recommend.… Expand
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8
JLauSep 27, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Boy in a coma is really "astrally projecting" and demons are trying to take over his body when he's doing so so his father has to go and find him.… Expand
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10
NodinJan 8, 2021
Honestly, this movie the most scarry thing i ever saw. First time watched it alone in dark i find out that afraid everything in my room and start switch on light every room in house) i was near 25 y.o. an big boy) then i watched with myHonestly, this movie the most scarry thing i ever saw. First time watched it alone in dark i find out that afraid everything in my room and start switch on light every room in house) i was near 25 y.o. an big boy) then i watched with my brother 23 y.o. at night in dark , and he was scarred as duck i never saw my brother so scared before.
So this movie just do that he do. It scarry alot.
Movie has good plot , good cast, good acting, awesome effects, and music just pure gold of horrors.… Expand
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10
TaylouddreamJun 26, 2021
es muy buena tiene un sountrack estupendo y una trama increible aparte de tener una gran actuacion creo que es muy buena
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8
cdougallAug 11, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A truly scary horror film from James Wan, Insidious has a nice story and is easy to follow from start to finish. This is a movie that depicts a very realistic family and gives them an unrealistic problem, allowing some parts of this movie to make much more sense than others. We all have to keep in mind that this is a horror movie, so not all of it will make sense, but that’s simply part of the fun. The concept of Insidious itself is unique: it’s a haunted house movie that, as you discover as the movie continues, isn’t really a haunted house movie, causing it to rise above that cliche category of horror and sort of create a new category of its own. There are some really scary moments in this movie that viewers likely won’t see coming even if they’ve been lifelong horror fans, and that’s because not every scare in this movie is jump scare. Some are, but Wan does a nice job of instilling fear in the audience in different ways and solidifies himself as a true horror director. The acting in this movie isn’t phenomenal but is above average for a horror flick and does a solid job of depicting a family terrified in their own home and unsure what to do about it. One thing about this movie that I really appreciate is that it does a fantastic job of avoiding character stupidity, a factor so many other horror films rely on so that they can be horror films. Insidious manages to be truly terrifying even as the characters react very appropriately to the situations that they’re in and what happens around them, most of the time in ways that people in the real world would react. They do their best to deal with the problems that they’re presented with, even if some of those methods would never happen in the real world. Insidious does a great job of balancing fantasy with reality and making it clear where the line between the two is, contributing to it’s uniqueness as a horror film. As much as I like Insidious, it’s not a perfect movie. The third act is a bit shaky and iffy, especially the ending, since it’s pretty unclear what’s going in the final part of the movie which generates a lot of confusion for the audience. The end sets up the sequel but does it a bit too well and leaves a little too much ambiguity which doesn’t work because right as this scene starts everything about the movie up to then has become clear and the conflict has been resolved. That said, overall Insidious is a scary, entertaining and smart horror movie and I’d strongly recommend it to fans of the genre.… Expand
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7
atabeyordekciAug 18, 2021
A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. (7)
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8
HellHoleHorrorJun 30, 2023
On a style front I thought there was too much use of wide angle lenses. Some of the CGI was a little unconvincing. Sound design was excellent as was overall picture quality. It’s not the most original, it felt like it was a mashup of otherOn a style front I thought there was too much use of wide angle lenses. Some of the CGI was a little unconvincing. Sound design was excellent as was overall picture quality. It’s not the most original, it felt like it was a mashup of other films but there were some original ideas and some excellent design choices. Where this really shines is the pacing and sheer entertainment factor. It was excellent! It was scary, ramped up with awesome moments along the way, maybe a touch too long but forgivable. Think Poltergeist (1982) meets Paranormal Activity (2007) but probably better than both, certainly better than Paranormal.… Expand
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7
royalguy07Jul 5, 2023
Definitely Conjuring adjacent, for all the obvious reasons, though less effective at generating pure scares.

Great ending.
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