M. Night Shyamalan Movies: From Misfires to Masterpieces

The cinematic journey of M. Night Shyamalan movies is one of the most unpredictable in Hollywood. From critical acclaim to box office disappointment and back to resurgence, he has proven himself a filmmaker unafraid to take bold creative risks. His works often blend mystery, suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional depth, making each release a highly anticipated event.

Known for his distinctive twist endings and atmospheric storytelling, Shyamalan has crafted films that spark conversation long after the credits roll. Even in his missteps, there’s a willingness to experiment with form and theme that few contemporary directors attempt. Over the years, he has moved between intimate dramas, psychological thrillers, and large-scale fantasy epics, leaving a unique mark on multiple genres.

This ranked list of M. Night Shyamalan movies examines his 15 feature films in order of IMDb rating, moving from his most criticized efforts to the ones that solidified his legacy. Whether a film was a cult favorite, a misunderstood experiment, or a global phenomenon, each reflects a different chapter in his evolving career. It’s a collection that, love or hate, ensures his name remains firmly etched in modern cinema.

15. The Last Airbender (2010)

• Runtime: 103 min

• Starring: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

• IMDb Rating: 4.0

Perhaps the most divisive entry in all M. Night Shyamalan movies, The Last Airbender was adapted from the acclaimed Nickelodeon animated series. Fans had high expectations, but the film suffered from rushed storytelling, clunky exposition, and flat performances. The world-building potential was immense, yet the heart and humor of the source material were largely absent. While the visual effects offered some spectacle, it’s often cited as an example of the challenges in adapting beloved shows to the big screen. Its failure still sparks debates about creative interpretation and fidelity to original works.

14. The Happening (2008)

• Runtime: 91 min

• Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 5.0

Among the more infamous M. Night Shyamalan movies, The Happening follows a mysterious environmental catastrophe leading to mass suicides. The idea itself had promise, blending ecological horror with human paranoia. However, awkward performances and unintentionally comical dialogue overshadowed its suspense. While some appreciate its strange charm, most critics found it tonally inconsistent. Over time, it has developed a small cult following, mainly among those who embrace its odd, almost surreal presentation. Still, it remains a cautionary example of how execution can undermine concept.

13. After Earth (2013)

• Runtime: 100 min

• Starring: Jaden Smith, Will Smith

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

• IMDb Rating: 5.0

This futuristic survival story pairs a father and son stranded on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Despite big stars and a substantial budget, it is often ranked among the least memorable M. Night Shyamalan movies. The muted performances, particularly from its leads, and the slow pacing left audiences disengaged. Visually, the film has moments of striking beauty, with lush landscapes and sleek production design. However, its emotional beats never fully resonate, making it more of a technical exercise than a gripping drama. In hindsight, it feels like an ambitious but hollow venture.

12. Trap (2024)

• Runtime: 107 min

• Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Hayley Mills

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Thriller, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 5.8

A recent addition to the canon of M. Night Shyamalan movies, Trap follows a father-daughter outing to a pop concert that is secretly a sting operation to catch a serial killer. The premise is fresh, blending the energy of a live event with psychological tension. Critics praised its setup and certain tense sequences, yet pointed to pacing issues and underdeveloped side characters. Despite mixed reviews, it demonstrates Shyamalan’s ongoing willingness to experiment with new formats and settings. For fans, it’s another conversation starter in his unpredictable career.

11. Lady in the Water (2006)

• Runtime: 110 min

• Starring: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 5.5

As one of the most polarizing M. Night Shyamalan movies, Lady in the Water tells the story of a building superintendent who discovers a mythical water nymph in the apartment complex pool. Shyamalan infuses the tale with dreamlike imagery and sincerity, but the convoluted mythology and self-referential elements alienated many viewers. Admirers see it as a heartfelt fable about belief and destiny, while detractors consider it overly self-indulgent. Its bold departure from conventional storytelling ensures it remains an intriguing if flawed entry in his filmography.

10. Praying with Anger (1992)

• Runtime: 107 min

• Starring: M. Night Shyamalan, Mike Muthu

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Drama

• IMDb Rating: 5.9

Shyamalan’s debut feature is a deeply personal drama about an Indian-American man’s journey to reconnect with his heritage. While not widely released, it holds an important place in the history of M. Night Shyamalan movies. The film explores cultural identity, generational differences, and the complexities of self-discovery. Though it lacks the polish of his later works, it offers glimpses of the thematic depth that would define his career. As a passion project, it stands as a formative piece in understanding his artistic evolution.

9. Wide Awake (1998)

• Runtime: 88 min

• Starring: Joseph Cross, Rosie O’Donnell, Robert Loggia

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family

• IMDb Rating: 5.9

Before becoming synonymous with suspense, Shyamalan delivered this tender family drama about a boy’s quest for spiritual clarity after his grandfather’s passing. Wide Awake is one of the softer-toned M. Night Shyamalan movies, trading plot twists for emotional sincerity. While it failed to make a major box office impact, it showed his interest in blending personal themes with universal human questions. Over time, it has been revisited by some fans who appreciate its heartfelt storytelling, even if it feels out of place alongside his later thrillers.

8. Old (2021)

• Runtime: 108 min

• Starring: Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Rufus Sewell

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.2

Old is among the more visually unsettling M. Night Shyamalan movies, telling the story of strangers trapped on a beach where time passes rapidly. The aging process unfolds in terrifying ways, prompting existential questions about mortality. While its dialogue received mixed feedback, the central concept is undeniably compelling. The combination of high-stakes tension, surreal visuals, and an eerie tone makes it a memorable entry in his recent career. It reinforces his fascination with confined settings and human psychology.

7. The Visit (2015)

• Runtime: 94 min

• Starring: Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery

• IMDb Rating: 6.2

Marking a creative rebound, The Visit is one of the most effective M. Night Shyamalan movies in recent years. Presented in a found-footage format, it follows two siblings visiting their grandparents, whose increasingly strange behavior hints at a chilling truth. The film blends genuine scares with dark humor, keeping viewers off balance until the final reveal. Its low budget and tight storytelling demonstrated that Shyamalan could still deliver fresh, tense narratives without relying on large-scale spectacle. For many, it signaled the start of his career revival.

6. Glass (2019)

• Runtime: 129 min

• Starring: James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi

• IMDb Rating: 6.6

As the conclusion to the trilogy that began with Unbreakable and continued in Split, Glass was highly anticipated among fans of M. Night Shyamalan movies. Bringing together three complex characters, the film explores ideas of heroism, villainy, and the blurred line between reality and myth. While some critics found the ending underwhelming, others praised its ambition and intimate approach to the superhero genre. The interplay between McAvoy, Willis, and Jackson makes it an intriguing if polarizing finale.

5. The Village (2004)

• Runtime: 108 min

• Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, Adrien Brody

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 6.7

Set in an isolated 19th-century community haunted by mysterious creatures, The Village is one of the most atmospheric M. Night Shyamalan movies. Its rich visual palette, haunting score, and standout performances create an immersive world. While its twist divided audiences upon release, the film has gained reevaluation as a meditation on fear, control, and human nature. The slow-burn pacing rewards patient viewers with layers of meaning beneath its suspenseful exterior.

4. Signs (2002)

• Runtime: 106 min

• Starring: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

• IMDb Rating: 6.8

Blending extraterrestrial suspense with intimate human drama, Signs is among the most celebrated M. Night Shyamalan movies. It tells the story of a former priest and his family grappling with strange crop circles and questions of faith. The film’s minimalist approach to its alien threat keeps the focus on emotional stakes, resulting in some of the most memorable scenes of Shyamalan’s career. Its themes of belief and destiny continue to resonate decades later.

3. Split (2016)

• Runtime: 117 min

• Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Thriller, Horror

• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Split revitalized global interest in M. Night Shyamalan movies. Centered on a man with 23 personalities who kidnaps three teenage girls, it’s a tense, claustrophobic thriller driven by James McAvoy’s mesmerizing performance. The film builds dread steadily, culminating in a twist that ties it directly to Unbreakable, shocking audiences and critics alike. This unexpected connection reignited excitement for Shyamalan’s cinematic universe.

2. Unbreakable (2000)

• Runtime: 106 min

• Starring: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Subverting traditional superhero storytelling, Unbreakable is one of the most thought-provoking M. Night Shyamalan movies. The story follows David Dunn, a man who survives a catastrophic train crash unharmed, as he slowly realizes his extraordinary nature. The film’s restrained pacing and grounded realism earned it a cult following. Many now regard it as one of the best and most original comic book adaptations ever made.

1. The Sixth Sense (1999)

• Runtime: 107 min

• Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan

• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

• IMDb Rating: 8.2

Topping the list of M. Night Shyamalan movies, The Sixth Sense became a cultural touchstone upon release. Its chilling atmosphere, emotional depth, and unforgettable twist ending captivated audiences worldwide. The film’s exploration of grief, fear, and redemption elevates it beyond the realm of simple horror. It earned six Academy Award nominations and remains one of the most iconic psychological thrillers in cinema history.

Conclusion: Why M. Night Shyamalan Movies Remain Unforgettable

From divisive experiments to genre-defining thrillers, M. Night Shyamalan movies showcase a director unafraid to take risks. Even his least successful films reflect a unique creative vision, while his best works have left a lasting imprint on popular culture. His ability to blend intimate character drama with suspenseful, often supernatural plots makes his work stand apart in an era of formula-driven blockbusters.

Over the decades, Shyamalan has weathered critical highs and lows, proving that longevity in the film industry is built on resilience and reinvention. Whether it’s the quiet psychological tension of Unbreakable, the emotional weight of The Sixth Sense, or the genre playfulness of Split, his films invite viewers into worlds where nothing is quite what it seems. For movie lovers, exploring M. Night Shyamalan movies is like opening a cinematic puzzle box — each piece revealing something unexpected.

His unique voice ensures that even the most polarizing projects are worth discussing. Audiences can explore in-depth analyses of his career on reputable platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and learn more about his industry impact from The Hollywood Reporter. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time viewer, his filmography offers a masterclass in bold storytelling, proving that risk and originality still have a place in modern cinema.

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