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Insidious: The Last Key

Insidious: The Last Key

Fear comes home.

2018103 minPG-13Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films
Director
Adam Robitel
Starring
Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Kirk Acevedo

Parapsychologist Elise Rainier and her team travel to Five Keys, NM, to investigate a man’s claim of a haunting. Terror soon strikes when Rainier realizes that the house he lives in was her family’s old home.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Insidious: The Last Key?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Insidious: The Last Key streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Insidious: The Last Key?

Insidious: The Last Key earns 6 badges, led by 10× return and Halloween pick.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Insidious: The Last Key worth watching?

Insidious: The Last Key's Midcredits score is the 31st percentile of all films, from 280K ratings across 6 sources. 33% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

31st percentile

Better received than 31% of films

74th percentile among Horror32nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)36th
Approval (how many liked it)27th

58 /100

36th percentile of all films

81st percentile among Horror38th percentile among 2010s

Critics 49 · Audience 58

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.9 — solid but not unanimous.

33% liked it

27th percentile of all films

68th percentile among Horror27th percentile among 2010s
33% rated it 7–1067% rated it 1–6

Critics 34% · Audience 48%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 6 noms overall

88th percentile

280K ratings across platforms

88th percentile among Horror88th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 20% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$10M
Opening weekend$30M
Domestic gross$68M
Worldwide gross$168M

Returned 16.8× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film leans heavily on familiar Insidious formula and jump scares, with Lin Shaye's performance as the standout element.

Fans praised

  • Lin Shaye's commanding performance as Elise
  • Elise's backstory and emotional depth
  • Creepy atmosphere and effective jump scares

Detractors panned

  • Over-reliance on recycled jump scares
  • Weak, underwhelming demon design
  • Annoying, tone-deaf comic relief from sidekicks

What stands out

ActingDivisive72

Lin Shaye's charismatic lead praised; supporting cast mixed

CharactersDivisive62

Elise's backstory resonates; sidekicks and new characters polarizing

Atmosphere62

Creepy, dark tone and eerie settings

Emotional impactDivisive62

Elise's trauma and family drama resonate unevenly

TensionDivisive50

Effective in parts but undermined by predictability

PacingDivisive48

Slow buildup; effective moments but often dull

Plot and storyDivisive45

Serves as prequel but predictable and convoluted

OriginalityDivisive30

Reuses franchise formulas; little new

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Insidious: The Last Key like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense and leaves you satisfied.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Melodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its supernatural horror straight with jump scares and a serious emotional core, while the comic relief sidekicks provide a light counterpoint.
The rideThe mood is consistently tense and foreboding, with the heaviest emotional stretch in the climax when Elise confronts her trauma in The Further.
StructureThe story unfolds in chronological order with flashback sequences providing backstory, adhering to a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Satisfied.

Cathartic · 6% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film provides emotional closure for Elise's family trauma while the final scene reintroduces the looming threat from the first film, leaving a lingering unease.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1% (this title)
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Inner demon: The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeElise confronts a demon tied to her childhood trauma in her former home, a classic overcoming-the-monster narrative centered on facing inner demons.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfTraumaSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Trauma · 7% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Family bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeElise must face the childhood abuse and the demon born from it, seeking to save her niece and make peace with her brother.
StanceThe film examines how trauma from childhood abuse shapes a person, and emphasizes the importance of confronting it to heal.

The world

Early 21st centuryRuralDomesticHorror supernatural
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Joseph Bishara
SettingA childhood home in rural New Mexico in the 1950s, family home of the protagonist.
MusicThe score uses eerie, dissonant sounds to underscore the haunted atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Insidious: The Last Key okay for kids?

PG-13

Insidious: The Last Key is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content, violence and terror, and brief strong language” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (66/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at moderate (43/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (24/100) and frightening material at severe (88/100). Overall it is heavier than 96% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+16
  • Czechia18+
  • Hungary18
  • Israel14
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18+
  • Russia18+
  • SK15
  • Spain16
  • TH13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 66% of all filmsHeavier than 96% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 19%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 53%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 99%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Insidious: The Last Key have?

MovieCove's classifier found 6 depicted content warnings in Insidious: The Last Key: Child abuse (severe), Domestic violence (severe), plus 4 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereChild abuseDomestic violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Insidious: The Last Key?

Cast

Lin Shaye
as Elise Rainier
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Leigh Whannell
as Specs
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Angus Sampson
as Tucker
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kirk Acevedo
as Ted Garza
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Kit Goldsmith
as Imogen Rainier
Spencer Locke
as Melissa Rainier
Josh Stewart
as Gerald Rainier
Tessa Ferrer
as Audrey Rainier
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Aleque Reid
as Anna
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ava Kolker
as Young Elise Rainier

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Insidious: The Last Key?

Movies like Insidious: The Last Key include Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015), Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) and Paranormal Activity 4 (2012). Of the 12 closest matches, most are supernatural horror films, and most are stories about demons.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Leigh Whannell wrote 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Insidious: The Last Key?

947 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: haunted house. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.