M. Night Shyamalan is a skilled filmmaker known for his talent in crafting suspenseful, thought-provoking stories that seamlessly mix elements of horror, thriller, and psychological drama. With a career spanning several decades, he has captivated audiences with his signature plot twists and remarkable skill in building tension, often leaving viewers questioning what they just experienced.
From his iconic breakthrough film The Sixth Sense to later successes like The Visit and Split, Shyamalan has established a distinct presence in the world of horror cinema. However, not all of his movies have garnered the same level of praise. Some of his projects have sparked debates about their effectiveness, with certain works dividing audiences.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the five Shyamalan horror films that are absolutely worth your time and the two that might be better left off your watchlist. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, we’ll guide you through his most gripping works and highlight the ones you might want to skip.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Highly regarded as Shyamalan's greatest film of all time, it should be no surprise that we're recommending The Sixth Sense as the top pick on this list. From the gripping story to the chilling atmosphere and the outstanding performances by Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, the film creates a sense of dread and emotional depth that is unparalleled. And no one can forget that unforgettable twist ending, which remains one of the most iconic and talked-about moments in movie history. If you haven't watched this movie yet, now’s the perfect time to experience the brilliance that launched Shyamalan into the spotlight.
Willis stars as a child psychologist named Dr. Malcolm Crowe who is tasked with helping a young boy named Cole, played by Osment. Cole claims to see dead people, and as Dr. Crowe works with him, he begins to uncover shocking revelations about the boy's ability and his own life, which causes him to question what he believes is real.
Signs (2002)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms
Shyamalan decided to switch gears when he wrote and directed Signs, a sci-fi horror that delves into the mystery of crop circles and an impending alien invasion. Mel Gibson stars as Graham Hess, a farmer and former priest, who, after discovering mysterious crop circles appearing in his fields, begins to suspect something far more sinister is at play. As unexplainable events intensify and bizarre occurrences plague his farm, Graham and his family are forced to face the chilling reality of an alien presence.
The Village (2004)
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy via digital retailers
The Village is one of those horror movies that should've left a stronger impression, but its slow pacing and predictable twist undermine the tension it builds. The story takes place in a secluded 19th-century village surrounded by mysterious woods that are believed to be inhabited by humanoid creatures. The villagers live in fear of these creatures, making an unspoken pact to avoid the forest. But when young villager Lucius Hunt winds up gravely injured, Ivy Walker, a blind young woman, volunteers to journey into the woods to find medicine that could save him. As she bravely enters the forest, she uncovers secrets about the village and the creatures that challenge everything she’s been told.
The Visit (2015)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Prime Video, available to rent or purchase through digital retailers
Say what you want about The Visit, but it’s undeniably a standout return for Shyamalan to his horror roots. Adopting a found-footage style, the film centers on two siblings visiting their estranged grandparents, only to encounter increasingly strange and disturbing behavior from them. This leads the brother and sister to discover dark and terrifying secrets about their grandparents, turning their innocent visit into a nightmare.
Split (2016)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Tubi for free, available to rent or buy on digital platforms
Split is a must-watch for those who appreciate psychological horror. James McAvoy delivers a strong performance as a man with 23 distinct personalities, keeping you engaged throughout the entire film. He plays a character named Kevin Wendell Crumb who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. When Kevin abducts and imprisons three teenage girls in a secret underground facility, his personalities fluctuate uncontrollably, forcing the girls to navigate his chaotic and perilous psyche in their struggle to escape.
The Happening (2008)
- Verdict: Skip
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
I’d rank The Happening as the weakest film in Shyamalan’s filmography, and I honestly regret watching it. Despite an intriguing premise, it ultimately falls short of delivering the suspense and thrills one would expect from a filmmaker of Shyamalan's caliber. And don't get me started on the acting... Yes, the dialogue can be awkward and stilted, but Mark Wahlberg's performance didn't help matters. I'd steer clear of this one unless you want to be disappointed by a film that squanders its potential.
When an unexplainable natural disaster causes mass suicides across the country, a science teacher named Elliot and his wife, Alma, must flee and find safety. As they fight to survive, they come to the shocking realization that the catastrophe may be nature's response to humanity’s actions.
Trap (2024)
- Verdict: Watch
- Where to watch: Max, Netflix
Trap is Shyamalan's most recent horror project, and he did not disappoint. I've probably watched this film a few times already, and each time, it draws me in more. It stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper, a seemingly loving father who lives a secret double life as a serial killer known as the Butcher. When Cooper decides to take his daughter to her favorite artist's concert, he finds himself in a tricky situation when he discovers the venue is being surrounded by police who have received intel that the Butcher is in attendance. Now Cooper must figure out a way to evade the authorities while also keeping his daughter from knowing his dark secret.