Every M. Night Shyamalan Movie Ranked, Including Trap

As a long-time cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of film, I can confidently say that M. Night Shyamalan‘s oeuvre is nothing short of remarkable. His unique storytelling style and knack for blending genres have made him a true master of modern cinema.

M. Night Shyamalan’s journey in Hollywood has stretched for more than three decades, marked by both remarkable triumphs and occasional setbacks. Each film he makes adds a layer to his distinctive cinematic legacy. From his first student film to his most recent theater release, Shyamalan has continually surprised audiences and expanded the realms of psychological thrillers and supernatural storytelling. He achieves this by financing his projects himself to preserve full creative control over his work. His trademark twist endings, careful visual aesthetics, and knack for drawing powerful performances from actors have earned him legendary status. Although there have been highs and lows in his career, Shyamalan’s impact on contemporary cinema is indisputable. Here are all of Shyamalan’s films, ranked from least favorite to favorite.

16. The Last Airbender (2010)

Regardless of a substantial $150-million budget, “The Last Airbender” stands as M. Night Shyamalan’s most notable critical flop, with a dismal 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The attempt to condense an entire season of the cherished animated series into a two-hour film was detrimental. The movie’s misinterpretation of its origin, which eliminated the show’s humor, cultural subtleties, and character growth, was problematic. The unconvincing acting, combined with complex plot explanations that were hard to follow and the controversial casting of Asian characters with white actors, led to both harsh criticism from critics and uproar among fans.

15. After Earth (2013)

Following the release of After Earth, Shyamalan experienced one of his costliest box office flops. With a budget of $130 million, the film met with both critical and commercial disappointment. A significant factor in this failure was Will Smith’s choice to develop the project as a showcase for his son Jaden, which ultimately proved disastrous. Additionally, the movie’s effort to establish a plausible post-apocalyptic society fell flat due to questionable technology and confusing mythology. To top it off, having characters speak in an invented accent only served to alienate audiences further, preventing any meaningful emotional engagement.

14. The Happening (2008)

The eco-thriller “The Happening” gained notoriety for its unexpectedly humorous scenes. Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal as a science teacher, though off-kilter, provided some outlandish dialogues. The main peril – plants emitting a toxin causing suicide – failed to generate authentic suspense. Despite earning $163 million on a $48-million budget, the horror elements in “The Happening” were often overshadowed by plot inconsistencies and doubtful character actions.

13. Lady in the Water (2006)

Lady in the Water marks one of M. Night Shyamalan’s most significant setbacks, showcasing a creative endeavor that fell short of expectations. The director chose to play a crucial character, a writer whose work could reshape the world, which many critics deemed as self-serving. Despite Paul Giamatti’s heartfelt portrayal of Cleveland Heep, the movie’s intricate lore surrounding water nymphs and enigmatic beings left audiences bewildered. The film’s extensive regulations regarding “guardians” and “healers” felt contrived, while its meta-analysis on storytelling was perceived as pretentious. Beneath the captivating fairy tale facade of Lady in the Water, a revisit to the editing room might be beneficial.

12. Praying with Anger (1992)

In his initial foray into filmmaking as a student, M. Night Shyamalan penned, directed, produced, and acted in a project that displayed impressive ambition from such a young artist. Filmed in India on a limited budget, the movie centers around an Indian-American character revisiting his ancestral roots. This semi-autobiographical tale delves into themes of cultural identity and spiritual enlightenment, themes that would later be characteristic of Shyamalan’s work. Although it had its rough patches with unpolished acting and basic production quality, the film offers a glimpse into Shyamalan’s early fascination with integrating supernatural aspects within emotionally resonant narratives.

11. Wide Awake (1998)

This initial film by Shyamalan, a blend of comedy and drama, follows a student from a Catholic school on his spiritual journey after his grandfather’s demise. Rosie O’Donnell offers a delightful performance as a nun who loves baseball. Despite its endearing aspects, the movie reveals a director who is honing his skills, with its limited goals and inconsistent tone. The film’s tender exploration of faith and life’s bigger questions foreshadows themes Shyamalan would delve into later in his career. Yet, compared to some of his future works, this early attempt seems less impressive.

10. Glass (2019)

In the finale of the Eastrail 177 Trilogy, there was an overabundance of plot points, making it seem overly complex. James McAvoy once again delivered a stellar performance as The Horde, and Samuel L. Jackson added weight to Mr. Glass. However, the film’s endeavor to dissect superhero lore became convoluted. The unexpected turns and disclosures in the climax felt contrived, detracting from the foundation established by Unbreakable and Split. Despite this, Glass manages to provide engaging scenes that touch on comic book motifs and mental health issues, albeit its lofty themes didn’t quite coalesce as intended.

9. Old (2021)

The beach-set thriller, “Old”, demonstrates M. Night Shyamalan’s knack for generating suspense from a straightforward plot. Gael García Bernal and Vicky Krieps offer subtle performances as parents grappling with an inescapable predicament. Although some found the dialogue to be stiff, the film garnered acclaim for its inventive camerawork and skillful application of practical aging effects. Furthermore, the movie’s exploration of time and mortality lends it a thought-provoking dimension, elevating what could have been a standard horror narrative.

8. Knock at the Cabin (2023)

In “Knock at the Cabin,” Dave Bautista gives a remarkable performance as Leonard, while the film’s examination of faith and sacrifice enhances its chilling horror aspects. The film’s fast-paced rhythm and confined environment demonstrate that M. Night Shyamalan still excels at creating suspense. The movie’s ethical quandary and unclear ending ignited passionate discussions among viewers, but they didn’t elevate it to a higher ranking.

7. The Village (2004)

Regardless of its initially contentious reception, The Village has since gained a devoted fanbase, earning the title of a cult classic. To begin with, Roger Deakins’ breathtaking cinematography and James Newton Howard’s chilling score contribute to an atmospheric work of artistry. Furthermore, Bryce Dallas Howard’s groundbreaking portrayal of the blind Ivy Walker and Joaquin Phoenix’s subtle performance as Lucius Hunt provide the emotional foundation. Although opinions were divided on the final plot twist, the film’s examination of fear, isolation, and the extremes people may reach to safeguard their way of life continues to resonate.

6. Trap (2024)

M. Night Shyamalan’s unique thriller showcases an outstanding portrayal by Josh Hartnett as Cooper/The Butcher, skillfully blending a squirm-worthy dad figure with a ruthless villain. The film delves into the complexities of public spaces and self-identity, marking it as one of his most haunting creations. Shyamalan’s innovative camera work and perspective choices underscore his technical expertise, while an awe-inspiring fictional concert adds to the allure, making this movie a viral sensation in the making.

5. The Visit (2015)

As a die-hard movie buff, I must say that M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Visit” was his spectacular comeback to the scene after a series of critical flops. With a budget of just $5 million, this found-footage horror flick raked in an impressive $100 million globally. Shyamalan brilliantly combined the found-footage format with his iconic twist endings, demonstrating his ability to stay relevant in modern horror while preserving his distinct narrative style.

4. Signs (2002)

Signs showcases M. Night Shyamalan’s knack for skillfully blending domestic drama with supernatural elements. Mel Gibson delivers a top-notch performance as a disillusioned ex-priest, with Joaquin Phoenix offering strong backing as his brother. The movie’s subtle and calculated portrayal of its perils results in some of Shyamalan’s most impactful scenes. Additionally, the theme of faith being rekindled amidst hardship adds an emotional depth that helps transform this film into a timeless classic.

3. Unbreakable (2000)

In simpler terms, “Unbreakable” was a groundbreaking film that examined the mythology of superheroes before it became a dominant genre in cinema. Bruce Willis delivers an emotional performance as David Dunn, while Samuel L. Jackson’s character Elijah Price is still remembered as iconic. The movie’s slow-burn pace and realistic portrayal of supernatural powers revolutionized the genre. It’s fascinating to think that M. Night Shyamalan’s decision to give serious weight to superheroes was made nearly a decade before the current era of successful comic book adaptations.

2. Split (2016)

In the movie “Split”, James McAvoy delivers an exceptional performance as a person with 24 unique characters, carrying the film. On the other hand, Anya Taylor-Joy’s character, Casey Cooke, serves as the emotional foundation of the storyline. Moreover, Shyamalan’s ability to generate suspense within limited spaces is beautifully demonstrated through the movie’s taut script and oppressive ambiance. Lastly, a surprising link to “Unbreakable” in the film’s climax rekindled curiosity about Shyamalan’s earlier films and further developed his cinematic world in an organic manner.

1. The Sixth Sense (1999)

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2024-12-02 21:10