Insidious (2011)
Kernel Score: 78% · 7,209 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Released: 2011-03-31
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Insidious worth watching?
Worth watching. A haunted-house film that builds its fear through atmosphere and a few well-timed scares before the story leaves the house. It's not original, but it's effective, and it stays creepy longer than most.
Watch it if you
- like ghost stories that rely on mood over gore
- want a scary film without extreme violence
- enjoyed the Conjuring movies
Skip it if you
- need logical, grounded horror
- dislike the creepy-spirit imagery in children's bedrooms
Best for: Spooky movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Insidious
- Stream: Philo, AMC+, YouTube TV, Shudder
- Free with ads: Fawesome, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A family discovers that dark spirits have invaded their home after their son inexplicably falls into an endless sleep. When they reach out to a professional for help, they learn things are a lot more personal than they thought.
Insidious parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Insidious is a supernatural horror film with frequent scares, demonic imagery, and intense frightening sequences.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Frequent supernatural horror, possession, and frightening confrontations with evil spirits.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Insidious
If you liked Insidious, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Same director's haunted-family chiller, with strong scares and a sturdy cast.
- The Conjuring 2 (2016) — 83%: More supernatural trouble in a family home, with solid craft.
- Poltergeist (1982) — 80%: Classic haunted house with a child at risk and a strange medium.
- The Orphanage (2007) — 82%: Slow-building ghost story about a missing child and a house with secrets.
- The Innocents (1961) — 84%: Old-school ghost story that frightens through suggestion.
- The Exorcist (1973) — 88%: The landmark film about a possessed child and desperate parents.
Director
Cast
- Patrick Wilson as Josh Lambert
- Rose Byrne as Renai Lambert
- Lin Shaye as Elise Rainier
- Ty Simpkins as Dalton Lambert
- Barbara Hershey as Lorraine Lambert
- Leigh Whannell as Specs
- Angus Sampson as Tucker
- Andrew Astor as Foster Lambert
- Corbett Tuck as Nurse Adele / Doll Girl #2
- Heather Tocquigny as Nurse Kelly
Insidious FAQ
Is Insidious worth watching?
Worth watching. A haunted-house film that builds its fear through atmosphere and a few well-timed scares before the story leaves the house. It's not original, but it's effective, and it stays creepy longer than most.
Where can I watch Insidious?
In the US you can stream Insidious on Philo, AMC+, YouTube TV and Shudder, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Insidious OK for kids?
Insidious is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Insidious is a supernatural horror film with frequent scares, demonic imagery, and intense frightening sequences.
What movies are like Insidious?
If you liked Insidious, try The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, Poltergeist and The Orphanage.