All M Night Shyamalan movies ranked, and #4 caused serious debate
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: M Night Shyamalan has long been a master of psychological tension and unexpected twists, earning a reputation for crafting some of the most memorable thrillers in modern cinema.
As anticipation builds for his upcoming film 'Trap,' set to be released on August 2, 2024, by Warner Bros. Pictures, it's an ideal moment to reflect on the director's prolific career. 'Trap,' featuring Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Alison Pill, promises to be a gripping addition to his oeuvre.
In this film, Shyamalan weaves a tense narrative about Cooper, a notorious serial killer known as 'The Butcher,' who finds himself ensnared in a police trap during a concert for pop star Lady Raven.
As we eagerly await the release of 'Trap,' let's take a look back and rank all of M. Night Shyamalan's movies, celebrating his unique storytelling style and unforgettable cinematic moments.
12. The Last Airbender (2010)
'The Last Airbender' available on Prime Video squanders its popular source material with incomprehensible plotting, horrible acting, and detached joyless direction. The four nations of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire lived in harmony until the Fire Nation declared war.
A century has passed with no end in sight to the destruction, then Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers that he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz) a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance and peace to their world.
Based on the beloved animated series, 'The Last Airbender' was intended to be a sprawling epic. However, it became one of the most critically panned films in Shyamalan's career, criticized for its poor acting, wooden dialogue, and departure from the source material.
Despite its visually striking special effects, the film's lack of coherent storytelling and depth left audiences and fans of the original series disappointed, marking a significant low point in Shyamalan's filmography.
11. Lady in the Water (2006)
A far-fetched story with little suspense and dramatic scenarios, 'Lady In The Water' available on Prime Video feels contrived, pretentious, and rather silly. When Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) rescues an enigmatic young woman (Bryce Dallas Howard) from danger, little does he know that she is actually a narf, a character from a bedtime story who is trying to return to her world.
Cleveland and his fellow tenants in an apartment complex work together to protect her from the deadly creatures that are determined to prevent her from going home. With 'Lady in the Water', Shyamalan aimed to weave a modern fairy tale. However, the film was criticized for its convoluted plot and lack of suspense.
The story's fantastical elements and the director's decision to cast himself in a significant role were seen as self-indulgent. Despite the best efforts of a talented cast, including Giamatti and Howard, the film's narrative failed to engage viewers, making it one of Shyamalan's more divisive and critically panned projects.
10. Glass (2019)
'Glass' available on Prime Video displays a few glimmers of M Night Shyamalan at his twisty world-building best, but ultimately lacks as the conclusion to the writer-director's long-gestating trilogy. David Dunn (Bruce Willis) tries to stay one step ahead of the law while delivering vigilante justice on the streets of Philadelphia.
His special abilities soon put him on a collision course with the Beast (James McAvoy), the psychotic madman who has superhuman strength and 23 distinct personalities. Their epic showdown leads them to the mysterious Elijah Price (Samuel L Jackson), the criminal mastermind who holds critical secrets for both men.
Glass was intended to be the thrilling conclusion to Shyamalan's trilogy that began with 'Unbreakable' and 'Split'. While the film showcased the director's signature narrative twists and a strong cast, it struggled to live up to its predecessors.
Critics noted that Glass had moments of brilliance but ultimately faltered under the weight of its ambitious plot and uneven pacing. The film's resolution left many fans and critics unsatisfied, making it a polarizing end to an otherwise acclaimed series.
9. The Village (2004)
Members (Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody) of a 19th-century community fear the strange creatures that inhabit the surrounding forest. As they maintain their isolated existence, the elders warn the villagers not to cross into the woods, where terrifying entities reside.
When one of their own becomes gravely ill, a young woman defies the rules and ventures into the unknown, uncovering shocking truths. 'The Village' was lauded for its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly by Howard and Phoenix.
However, the much-anticipated twist ending left many viewers feeling let down. Critics praised Shyamalan's ability to build suspense and create a hauntingly beautiful setting but felt that the payoff didn't justify the buildup. Despite its flaws, 'The Village' available on Prime Video remains a noteworthy entry in Shyamalan's filmography for its exploration of fear and isolation.
8. Wide Awake (1998)
Struggling to adjust to his beloved grandfather's death, a boy (Joseph Cross) seeks an understanding of God, life, and injustice. 'Wide Awake' available on Prime Video is an early work in Shyamalan's career, showcasing his potential in storytelling and character development.
The film follows young Joshua (Cross) as he embarks on a quest for spiritual enlightenment and understanding in the wake of his grandfather's passing. The film blends elements of drama and comedy, exploring themes of faith, family, and the innocence of childhood.
While not as well-known as Shyamalan's later works, 'Wide Awake' offers a glimpse into the director's evolving style and narrative interests. The film's heartfelt performances and touching moments resonate with audiences, even if it lacks the suspense and twists that would later define Shyamalan's most famous movies.
7. Old (2021)
'Old' available on Prime Video has no shortage of interesting ideas and writer-director M Night Shyamalan's uneven execution will intrigue viewers, with little middle ground between. A tropical holiday turns into a horrific nightmare when a family visits a secluded beach that somehow causes them to age rapidly, reducing their entire lives into a single day.
Starring Gael García Bernal and Vicky Krieps, 'Old' is a tense exploration of time, mortality, and the human condition. Shyamalan's adaptation of the graphic novel 'Sandcastle' by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters presents a unique and chilling premise. However, the film's execution divided audiences and critics.
While some praised Shyamalan's bold vision and the film's unsettling atmosphere, others found the dialogue clunky and the narrative disjointed. Despite its mixed reception, Old stands out for its ambitious concept and Shyamalan's ability to provoke thought and discussion about the nature of time and existence.
6. Knock at the Cabin (2023)
'Knock at the Cabin' available on Prime Video is a thought-provoking chiller and upper-tier Shyamalan. While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse.
With performances by Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, and Ben Aldridge, 'Knock at the Cabin' delves into themes of sacrifice, faith, and survival. The film's tension-filled narrative and moral dilemmas keep viewers engaged, even if some plot elements don't hold up under close scrutiny. Shyamalan's ability to create a claustrophobic atmosphere and elicit strong performances from the cast earned praise.
Though not without its flaws, Knock at the Cabin is considered a strong entry in Shyamalan's recent body of work, offering a blend of psychological thrills and philosophical questions that linger long after the credits roll.
5. The Visit (2015)
'The Visit' available on Prime Video offers a captivating blend of horror and humor, marking a significant return to form for M Night Shyamalan. The story follows siblings Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) as they visit their estranged grandparents, hoping to mend family ties. Upon arrival, they quickly realize something is amiss with their elderly hosts.
Shyamalan masterfully combines suspense with dark comedy, creating a tense atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The film's found-footage style adds a layer of realism, immersing the audience in the children's perspective. Performances by DeJonge and Oxenbould are compelling, while Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie deliver chilling portrayals of the grandparents.
The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, culminating in a shocking and satisfying climax. 'The Visit' demonstrates Shyamalan's skill in blending genres, providing a fresh take on the horror-comedy hybrid. It's a film that entertains and terrifies, showcasing the director's unique storytelling abilities.
4. Unbreakable (2000)
'Unbreakable' available on Prime Video is a quietly suspenseful film that intrigues and engages with its unpredictable twists and turns. The story follows David Dunn (Bruce Willis), the sole survivor of a catastrophic train wreck, who discovers an extraordinary ability to withstand harm. His path crosses with Elijah Price (Samuel L Jackson), a brittle-boned man who believes David is a real-life superhero.
Directed by M Night Shyamalan, the film explores themes of destiny and the human condition, delving deep into the comic book mythos in a realistic setting. The performances of Willis and Jackson are remarkable, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. While the ending may not have the same impact as 'The Sixth Sense', the film’s atmosphere and narrative keep viewers hooked.
'Unbreakable' is a unique take on the superhero genre, grounded in reality and enriched with Shyamalan’s trademark storytelling. It’s a film that provokes thought and leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the director’s ability to craft compelling, character-driven stories.
3. Signs (2002)
'Signs' available on Prime Video is another testament to M Night Shyamalan’s expertise in building suspense and delivering chills. The film centers on Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), a former priest who discovers crop circles on his farm, leading him to question everything he once believed.
Alongside his brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix) and his two children, Graham faces the terrifying possibility of an alien invasion. Shyamalan skillfully creates a sense of impending doom, using sound and visual cues to build tension. The performances are strong, with Gibson and Phoenix delivering emotionally charged portrayals of a family in crisis.
The film’s exploration of faith and destiny adds depth to the suspenseful narrative, making the viewer reflect on larger existential questions. 'Signs' is not just a thriller; it’s a film that delves into the human psyche, making it a compelling watch. The movie’s ability to blend suspense with thought-provoking themes showcases Shyamalan’s talent for creating multifaceted films that resonate on multiple levels.
2. Split (2016)
'Split' available on Prime Video serves as a dramatic tour de force for James McAvoy, who portrays multiple personalities with astonishing skill. The film follows Kevin (James McAvoy), a man with 23 distinct personalities, one of which kidnaps three teenage girls.
As they attempt to escape, they encounter various facets of Kevin’s psyche, each more terrifying than the last. M Night Shyamalan’s direction keeps the audience on edge, blending psychological horror with intense drama. Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as Casey, one of the kidnapped girls, adds emotional depth to the story.
The film’s tension builds steadily, leading to a climactic reveal that ties it to Shyamalan’s earlier work, 'Unbreakable'. 'Split' showcases Shyamalan’s return to form, delivering a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of the human mind. McAvoy’s performance is the highlight, demonstrating his range and versatility.
The film’s blend of horror, suspense, and psychological intrigue makes it a standout entry in Shyamalan’s filmography, captivating audiences from start to finish.
1. The Sixth Sense (1999)
'The Sixth Sense' available on Disney+remains a standout in M Night Shyamalan’s career, renowned for its twisty ghost story and chilling atmosphere. The film follows young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who harbors a dark secret: he sees dead people.
Haunted by these spectral visitations, Cole confides in child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis). As Crowe attempts to uncover the truth behind Cole’s visions, he grapples with his own personal demons. Shyamalan masterfully intertwines suspense and emotional depth, creating a film that is both haunting and poignant.
'The Sixth Sense' is a timeless classic, blending the style of a classical Hollywood picture with the chills of modern horror, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.
'Trap' trailer