M. Night Shyamalan is no doubt one of the elite members of Hollywood. Throughout the years, he has proved that he’s worthy of the legacy he has. Recently, his new movie Old hit the floors, so we thought why not go down the memory lane and revisit his old movies. So, here’s a list ranking M. Night Shyamalan’s movies from worst to best. But they will include all the twists so, major spoilers if you haven’t watched his movies. Read at your own risk. Check it out!
14. After Earth (2013)
The movie doesn’t really come with a patent Shyamalan twist. It’s basically about Jaden sidelining his father, Will Smith, and lead the movie.
Concept: 3/10 | Execution: 2/10 | Twist: 0/10
Average score: 1.6/10
13. The Happening (2008)
The ecosystem gets its revenge on humans because it wasn’t treated right. If the description sounds vague, then the movie will live up to it too.
Concept: 3/10 | Execution: 2/10 | Twist: 1/10
Average score: 2/10
12. The Last Airbender (2010)
One thing that you’ll definitely feel after watching the movie is that Shyamalan didn’t direct it. The movie does not do justice to the anime source material which doesn’t bod well with anime geeks.
Concept: 5/10 | Execution: 2/10 | Twist: 0/10
Average score: 2.3/10
11. Lady in the Water (2006)
The movie remains under the bar that the director has set with not a concrete plot.
Concept: 3/10 | Execution: 4/10 | Twist: 2/10
Average score: 3/10
10. Praying With Anger (1992)
The movie was never released outside of festivals. However, Shymalan stars in the lead role of a young man. He travels back to India on a soul-searching sabbatical. Not bad after all, and makes up for a fun one-time watch.
Concept: 4/10 | Execution: 4/10 | Twist: 2/10
Average score: 3.3/10
9. Wide Awake (1998)
Josh’s classmate is actually a guardian angel and not a real person. This is where Shyamalan actually gave what the viewers needed.
Concept: 5/10 | Execution: 5/10 | Twist: 5/10
Average score: 5/10
Needless to say how well the movie was crafted. But when I speak of an epic twist, the movie has three twists in total. Mr. Glass unwittingly created the Beast by causing the infamous train crash 20 years prior. A secret organization has existed for years in order to cover up the existence of superhumans. Mr. Glass had a backup plan and exposes the world to video footage proving the existence of superheroes and villains. The world will never be the same. But the sequel was not totally worth it after its 20-yr build-up.
Concept: 8/10 | Execution: 5/10 | Twist: 5/10
Average score: 6/10
7. The Visit (2015)
The old people that are watching the children are actually escaped, mental patients. They killed the real grandparents. Overall, strange things are afoot and make up for a strong plot.
Concept: 5/10 | Execution: 7/10 | Twist: 7/10
Average score: 6.3/10
6. Signs (2002)
Aliens don’t like water and the movie establishes that firmly. But one thing got clear – Shymalan can put himself in a dialogue-heavy scene alongside Mel‘ Gibson.
Concept: 7/10 | Execution: 7/10 | Twist: 7/10
Average score: 7/10
5. Split (2016)
The movie was a sequel all along and nobody knew! It was revealed that the last two hours have actually been a sequel to the great Unbreakable. Plus, James McAvoy’s acting is through the roof.
Concept: 7/10 | Execution: 6/10 | Twist: 9/10
Average score: 7.3/10
4. Old (2021)
The people on the beach are test subjects being studied by an R&D firm. They are trying to better humanity by creating pharmaceuticals. If you’re a Shyamalan fan, then you must watch this movie.
Concept: 9/10 | Execution: 8/10 | Twist: 6/10
Average score: 7.6/10
3. The Village (2004)
It’s all a setup. Every element such as the old village, creatures, and strange beliefs have all been put in place to create a safe society for a group of families. M. Night Shyamalan at his best,
Concept: 7/10 | Execution: 8/10 | Twist: 9/10
Average score: 8/10
2. Unbreakable (2000)
If you didn’t notice it earlier, the movie has been a comic book superhero movie the entire time. Mr. Glass has been pulling the strings behind the scenes, creating deadly events to reveal other extraordinary beings like himself. Every frame is a beauty on its own.
Concept: 10/10 | Execution: 10/10 | Twist: 9/10
Average score: 9.6/10
1. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Surprise surprise, Willis has been dead the whole time. This third feature film was the reason for Shymalan’s overnight success. Shymalan, through this movie, displayed the capability of his vision complimented by an airtight script.
Concept: 10/10 | Execution: 10/10 | Twist: 10/10
Average score: 10/10
