14 Gripping M. Night Shyamalan Movies You Can’t Miss
“While there are only a handful of directors who began as amateur filmmakers and went on to create critically acclaimed productions, today, we’re going to focus on one such filmmaker who not only directed but also wrote and produced his films. This director is known for having both massive box office successes and significant flops, but his ability to tell even the most complex stories in a clear and engaging way makes him stand out. There is only one director who embodies all these qualities: M. Night Shyamalan.”
M. Night Shyamalan and his filmmaking career
M. Night Shyamalan, who has been making feature films since 1992, has had occasional box office successes, with his most notable commercial and artistic triumph being The Sixth Sense. The success of The Sixth Sense brought Shyamalan more wealth, fame, and influence in Hollywood than any director in their early 20s could have imagined. One key lesson he took from this success, particularly the use of surprise endings and plot twists, helped shape his subsequent films, including Unbreakable, Signs, and The Village.
However, Shyamalan faced harsh criticism with movies like Lady in the Water, The Happening, The Last Airbender, and After Earth. Yet, in 2016, he reached a new milestone by releasing the second film of a trilogy that would continue in the vein of Unbreakable. Beyond The Sixth Sense, which grossed nearly $700 million, Shyamalan also won over fans of psychological thrillers with his trilogy of Unbreakable, Split, and Glass. His unique directing style is what has continued to capture the attention of audiences worldwide.
M. Night Shyamalan’s directorial style
M. Night Shyamalan‘s films possess certain signature features that can be identified both during production and when viewing. As mentioned earlier, elements like surprise endings and plot twists are key. Shyamalan, who embarked on a new and experimental journey based on the knowledge gained from his directing experiences, continues to maintain unpredictability in his films. Beyond surprises and plot holes, another hallmark of a Shyamalan film is his tendency to withhold certain basic elements from the audience, deliberately leaving question marks that invite viewer interpretation.
In addition to his distinctive use of color and camera angles, Shyamalan’s approach to the relationship between the actor and the script avoids a purely didactic method. Instead of providing his lead actors with detailed notes or specific directions, he allows them to develop their own unique performances based on the script.
Shyamalan, who has a strong track record in casting, often works in the genre of psychological thrillers, which many might dismiss as “simple.” However, he manages to elevate these films through non-distracting storylines, minimal characters and locations, and a storytelling style that draws the audience into the world he creates.
The influence of world-renowned director Hitchcock is clearly visible in Shyamalan’s work, especially in his use of the MacGuffin—a concept first popularized in the 1941 Hitchcock film Suspicion. In that film, the MacGuffin takes the form of a mysterious package. This plot device, which reshapes everything we think we know about the narrative, serves to keep the audience on edge, a goal Shyamalan shares with Hitchcock.
Today, we are excited to introduce 14 films by this intriguing figure in the world of cinema. Enjoy the read!
Today we will introduce 14 films of this interesting name in the world of cinema. Enjoy reading…
The Last Airbender (2010) – IMDB: 4.0
The Last Airbender, despite achieving a $310 million box office success, was widely regarded as one of the worst films of the year and faced a barrage of criticism. The film is an adaptation of an episode from the Avatar cartoon series, which follows the adventures of Aang, the last of the airbenders. Aang must master all four elements—air, water, earth, and fire—and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water and Earth Kingdoms.
After Earth (2013) – IMDB: 4.8
After a crash landing during a spacecraft journey, Kitai Raige and his father Cypher find themselves stranded on Earth nearly a thousand years after humanity was forced to flee the planet. With Cypher severely injured, Kitai embarks on a dangerous mission to seek help. This action and science fiction film, starring Will Smith and his now-famous rapper son Jaden Smith, received generally negative reviews from both audiences and critics. Despite this, the film, with a massive budget of $130 million, nearly doubled its earnings, grossing approximately $250 million.
The Happening (2008) – IMDB: 5.0
Elliot Moore, a science teacher, along with his wife Alma and Jess, a young girl outside their family, are desperately trying to escape a plague that is causing people to commit suicide. With no choice but to rely on guesses and theories, will this group be able to survive? The film, which was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film, grossed over $160 million despite having a budget of $60 million.
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Lady in the Water (2006) – IMDB: 5.5
Lady in the Water, a fantasy drama and mystery film, barely recouped its $70 million budget at the box office. Despite this, it earned a spot on Cahiers du Cinéma‘s Top 10 Films of 2006 list. The story begins with apartment inspector Cleveland Heep rescuing what he believes to be a young woman from the pool he maintains. When he discovers that she is actually a character from a fairy tale trying to return home, Cleveland must rally a team to protect her from the creatures determined to keep her in our world.
Old (2021) – IMDB: 5.8
When a happy family on vacation discovers that a deserted beach they are briefly relaxing on is mysteriously causing them to age rapidly, they are confronted with the terrifying reality that the rest of their lives will unfold in a single day. Nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Thriller, the film grossed $90 million, quintupling its $18 million budget.
Wide Awake (1998) – IMDB: 5.9
After his grandfather passes away, fifth-grader Joshua embarks on a journey to find God. Along the way, he experiences various adventures at Waldron Academy, an all-boys school, and meets a sports-loving nun who joins him on his quest. This comedy-drama film is one of M. Night Shyamalan‘s early works.
The Visit (2015) – IMDB: 6.2
Young siblings Becca and Tyler go to stay with their grandparents, whom they have never met or even seen before. Their mother cannot accompany them due to a troubled past with the family. Soon, the children discover that their grandparents are hiding a dark, deadly secret. Despite a modest budget of only $5 million, the film grossed nearly $100 million. The Visit was nominated for two Saturn Awards, including Best Horror Film.
Knock at the Cabin (2023) – IMDB: 6.4
A couple on vacation, along with their adopted little girl, are abducted by four strangers. These captors claim they have taken them hostage to prevent the apocalypse and wield unique weapons that they assert serve a very special purpose. The film, which was released in late January 2023 and is still in theaters, has grossed over $50 million to date.
The Village (2004) – IMDB: 6.6
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score and ranked number two on Cahiers du Cinéma‘s Top 10 Films of 2004, The Village had a substantial $60 million budget and was a significant box office success, grossing over $250 million. The film delves into the emotional bond between a couple in a remote village and the lengths they will go to for love.
Glass (2019) – IMDB: 6.6
Glass, which grossed nearly $250 million against a budget of $20 million, is the final film in the trilogy that includes Unbreakable and Split. The film boasts a strong cast featuring James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Samuel L. Jackson. It was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Action-Adventure Film. The story follows a former security guard who begins to observe a criminal with over 20 personalities using his supernatural abilities.
Signs (2002) – IMDB: 6.8
Signs, which achieved box office success exceeding $400 million despite its substantial $72 million budget, was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film due to Mel Gibson‘s performance in the lead role.
After losing his wife in a terrible accident, Reverend Graham Hess questions his faith and leaves the church. Six months later, he discovers a giant crop circle in his garden. Is it a hoax, an ominous sign from above, or a portent of fate that transcends Graham Hess’s small life?
Split (2016) – IMDB: 7.3
Split, which multiplied its $9 million budget by 30 and achieved significant box office success, is a powerful film that has been nominated for 2 Saturn Awards, including Best Thriller. Featuring a masterful cast of James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Betty Buckley, Split also secured a spot on Cahiers du Cinéma‘s Top 10 Films of 2017 list.
The film follows three young women who are kidnapped by a man with multiple personality disorder. Their only chance to escape is to identify the personalities of the criminal, who has 23 personalities, that might help them. However, things become even more terrifying when the arrival of the criminal’s 24th personality, “The Beast,” is announced.
Unbreakable (2000) – IMDB: 7.3
The film, which achieved considerable box office success and is M. Night Shyamalan‘s second directorial triumph, is the first installment in a trilogy that continues with Split and Glass. Starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, the film follows David Dunn as he witnesses something quite extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident. He must make sense of his own existence amidst a situation where the only clue he has is a seemingly insane theory.
The Sixth Sense (1999) – IMDB: 8.2
With a cast including Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, and the young talent Haley Joel Osment, The Sixth Sense is a film that propelled M. Night Shyamalan to the top and continues to hold a place in IMDB’s Top 250 list. The film was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, and 3 BAFTA Awards, winning 2 Saturn Awards, including Best Horror Film.
The story follows Cole, a 9-year-old boy from Philadelphia who claims to have psychic powers. His only hope is Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who has lost faith in himself and his work. As Crowe dedicates himself to helping the boy, who insists he can see the dead, he begins to grapple with doubt, as the truth reveals itself to be more complex than what is initially perceived.