In a surprising turn of events, the latest installment of the “Insidious” franchise, titled “Insidious: The Red Door,” has emerged victorious over the renowned “Indiana Jones” franchise at the box office.
The horror film, directed by Patrick Wilson, scared its way to the top with an impressive $32.7 million in ticket sales from 3,188 theaters during its opening weekend. This success marks a significant improvement over the previous installment, “Insidious: The Last Key,” released in 2018, and showcases the enduring popularity of the PG-13 horror genre.
“Insidious: The Red Door” surpassed expectations with its robust box office debut. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film’s captivating storyline and modest budget proved to be a winning combination. The Blumhouse-produced franchise, starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, began in 2011 under the direction of James Wan. Since then, the series has amassed over $570 million in global box office returns, with none of the films costing more than $16 million to produce. Notably, “Insidious 5” has become the highest-grossing debut for a PG-13 horror movie in the past two years.
While “Insidious 5” did not garner favorable reviews from critics, the film’s success demonstrates that horror movies with moderate budgets often have a loyal and dedicated fan base that transcends critical opinions. The “Insidious” franchise, known for its atmospheric scares and compelling performances, has consistently proven its ability to resonate with audiences, even if critical reception remains mixed. Despite the sub-40% scores often received by the series on Rotten Tomatoes, the films have maintained their popularity and financial success.
The decision to release “Insidious: The Red Door” during the weekend between two highly anticipated Hollywood tentpole films, namely “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part I,” proved to be a shrewd move. Although it was surprising for a relatively lesser-known franchise like “Insidious” to dethrone the iconic “Indiana Jones” at the box office, the strategic timing played a significant role in capturing audience attention and securing the top spot.
“Insidious: The Red Door” has taken the box office by storm, outperforming expectations and surpassing the more prominent “Indiana Jones” franchise in its second weekend. The horror film’s impressive debut reinforces the enduring popularity of the “Insidious” series and the loyalty of its fan base. With its modest budgets and consistent financial success, the franchise continues to deliver atmospheric scares and captivating performances. As the box office competition intensifies, “Insidious 5” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the horror genre and the power of strategic release timing.