Do you love a good mystery? Maybe a little suspense and terror thrown in for good measure? If you said yes, then M Night Shyamalan movies are perfect for you!
M Night Shyamalan is one of the most well-known filmmakers of our time.
His work has been met with mixed reviews, but that doesn’t stop him from making movies.
From Sixth Sense to Unbreakable, these movies are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
And if there’s someone in your life that loves this genre as well, don’t forget to give them a gift card or two from Fandango and they’ll be set for their next movie night with friends.
Best M Night Shyamalan Movies
This article will explore M. Night Shyamalan’s movies and will give a taste of what he does best as a director and why he is so popular with audiences around the world.
It will also offer an opinion on each movie from someone who has seen them all before they were spoiled by their respective plots or twists – so no spoilers!
Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakable
Are you ready for the truth?
2000 • 1h 46min • ★ 7.1/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright, Spencer Treat Clark, Charlayne Woodard
An ordinary man makes an extraordinary discovery when a train accident leaves his fellow passengers dead — and him unscathed. The answer to this mystery could lie with the mysterious Elijah Price, a man who suffers from a disease that renders his bones as fragile as glass.
Unbreakable is a masterful exploration of the superhero genre that does not rely on flashy action sequences or CGI effects.
Instead, director M. Night Shyamalan crafts a slow-burn character study that delves into the psyche of a man who discovers that he has superhuman abilities.
Bruce Willis delivers a nuanced performance as David Dunn, a security guard who survives a train crash without a scratch, leading him to question whether he is truly unbreakable.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in Dunn’s journey as he grapples with his newfound powers and the responsibility that comes with them.
Samuel L. Jackson is also excellent as Mr. Glass, a comic book enthusiast who believes that Dunn is a real-life superhero and sets out to prove it.
What sets Unbreakable apart from other superhero films is its emphasis on realism and emotional depth. Shyamalan explores themes of identity, purpose, and destiny, making the audience question what it truly means to be a hero.
The film’s final twist is both shocking and satisfying, cementing its place as a modern classic in the superhero genre.
![Unbreakable [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eyxlwGH2L.jpg)
- David Dunn is a listless security guard returning by train to his home in Philadelphia. Though he...
- Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright Penn (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
Split (2016)
Split
Kevin has 23 distinct personalities. The 24th is about to be unleashed.
2017 • 1h 57min • ★ 7.3/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula
Though Kevin has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher, there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey, Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him — as well as everyone around him — as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.
Split is a psychological horror-thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The film follows the story of Kevin, a man with 23 different personalities, who kidnaps three teenage girls with the intention of sacrificing them to a 24th personality called “The Beast”.
James McAvoy delivers an outstanding performance as he seamlessly switches between personalities, each with their distinct characteristics and mannerisms. Th
e tension builds steadily as the girls desperately try to find a way to escape before it’s too late.
Director M. Night Shyamalan skillfully weaves a complex and gripping narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
The use of flashbacks and subtle clues scattered throughout the film add depth to the story and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.
If you like M Night Shyamalan’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.
![Split [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51g+UBq9i1L.jpg)
- James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - M. Night Shyamalan (Producer)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense
Not every gift is a blessing.
1999 • 1h 47min • ★ 7.953/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Trevor Morgan
Following an unexpected tragedy, child psychologist Malcolm Crowe meets a nine year old boy named Cole Sear, who is hiding a dark secret.
The Sixth Sense is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that will leave you speechless.
M. Night Shyamalan’s direction is flawless, and the performances from Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment are truly outstanding.
The film’s twist ending is legendary, and it adds a whole new layer of depth to the story.
It’s a slow-burn thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and it’s a perfect example of how a horror film can be both terrifying and emotionally resonant.
The cinematography is stunning, and the score is hauntingly beautiful.
The Sixth Sense is a film that you’ll want to watch over and over again to catch all the subtle hints and clues that lead up to the jaw-dropping finale.
Simply put, it’s a must-see for any fan of the genre.
- Factory sealed DVD
- Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director)
- English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
Signs (2002)
Signs
It's not like they didn't warn us.
2002 • 1h 46min • ★ 6.694/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin, Cherry Jones
A family living on a farm finds mysterious crop circles in their fields which suggests something more frightening to come.
Signs is a
The film is anchored by a strong performance from Mel Gibson, who plays the family’s patriarch struggling to make sense of the inexplicable events happening around him.
The cinematography is stunning, with Shyamalan making excellent use of the isolated farm setting to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease.
The sound design is just as effective, with every creak and rustle adding to the overall sense of dread.
While some may find the film’s final act divisive, I found it to be a satisfying conclusion to the story’s buildup.
Signs is a prime example of a director at the top of their game, and a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good thriller.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - M. Night Shyamalan (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
The Last Airbender (2010)
The Last Airbender
Four nations, one destiny.
2010 • 1h 43min • ★ 4.635/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Toub
The story follows the adventures of Aang, a young successor to a long line of Avatars, who must put his childhood ways aside and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water, Earth and Air nations.
As an acclaimed author and copywriter, it pains me to say that The Last Airbender is a complete disappointment.
M. Night Shyamalan’s adaptation of the beloved animated series fails to capture the heart and soul of the original source material.
The film’s biggest flaw is its lackluster casting and acting.
The young actors struggle to deliver believable performances, and the stilted dialogue doesn’t help.
Additionally, the film’s pacing feels rushed, with important plot points and character development skipped over in favor of awkward exposition.
Visually, The Last Airbender is stunning in parts, with impressive special effects and well-choreographed fight scenes.
However, these moments are few and far between, and do little to save the film from its many flaws.
- Cliff Curtis, Dev Patel, Jackson Rathbone (Actors)
- Portuguese, Spanish, French, English (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
After Earth (2013)
After Earth
Danger is real, fear is a choice
2013 • 1h 40min • ★ 5.183/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Sophie Okonedo, Zoë Kravitz, Glenn Morshower
One thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai. When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.
After Earth is a science-fiction film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith.
The movie takes place in a distant future, where humanity has abandoned Earth and settled on a new planet.
The story follows the journey of a father and son, who crash land on Earth and must navigate their way through dangerous terrain to find a rescue beacon.
Despite the promising premise, After Earth falls short in many aspects. The plot is predictable and lacks any real tension or excitement.
The dialogue is clunky and often feels forced, making it difficult to become invested in the characters.
The special effects are impressive, but they can’t make up for the lackluster story.
Will Smith’s performance is solid, but Jaden Smith’s acting feels wooden and unconvincing. Their father-son dynamic is meant to be the heart of the movie, but it ultimately falls flat.
Additionally, the film’s attempt at exploring themes of fear and self-discovery are undermined by its overall lack of depth.
- A crash landing leaves Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith)...
- Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Zo Kravitz (Actors)
- M. Shyamalan (Director) - M. Shyamalan (Producer)
- English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
BEST M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN MOVIES
Who Is M. Night Shyamalan?
M. Night Shyamalan is an Indian-American film director, screenwriter, and producer who has been making movies for the past 20 years. He was born in India but moved to America as a child with his family.
The first movie that put him on the map was The Sixth Sense which came out in 1999.
This movie starred Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment who played Cole Sear, a boy who can see dead people because of a tragic accident when he was four years old.
Wide Awake (1998)
Wide Awake
Meeting your best friend. Finding your favorite teacher. Having your first crush. Remember what it felt like to be...
1998 • 1h 28min • ★ 5.5/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Denis Leary, Joseph Cross, Rosie O'Donnell, Dana Delany, Timothy Reifsnyder
The tale of a ten-year-old boy in a Catholic school who, following the death of his beloved grandfather, embarks on a quest to discover the meaning of life.
Wide Awake is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that will leave you feeling nostalgic and optimistic about life.
The film follows Joshua, a 10-year-old boy who embarks on a spiritual journey to find answers about life and death after his beloved grandfather passes.
Rosie O’Donnell delivers a standout performance as Joshua’s quirky and supportive school nurse, while Denis Leary shines as his no-nonsense father.
Joseph Cross, who plays Joshua, carries the film with his earnest and genuine portrayal of a young boy grappling with big questions.
Writer and director M. Night Shyamalan expertly balances the film’s serious themes with humor and levity, making it accessible for viewers of all ages.
The film’s stunning cinematography and beautiful score also elevate the emotional impact of the story.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Denis Leary, Robert Loggia, Dana Delany (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - Cathy Konrad (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
Lady in the Water (2006)
Lady in the Water
Time is running out for a happy ending.
2006 • 1h 50min • ★ 5.6/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, Bob Balaban, Sarita Choudhury
Apartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep rescues what he thinks is a young woman from the pool he maintains. When he discovers that she is actually a character from a bedtime story who is trying to make the journey back to her home, he works with his tenants to protect his new friend from the creatures that are determined to keep her in our world.
Lady in the Water is a unique and captivating film that takes viewers on a mystical journey into a world of fantasy and wonder.
Director M. Night Shyamalan masterfully weaves together a complex story filled with suspense, drama, and touches of humor.
The film follows Cleveland Heep, a humble apartment superintendent played by Paul Giamatti, as he discovers a mysterious woman named Story, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, living in the pool of his building.
As Cleveland works to unravel the secrets of Story’s existence and how she came to be in his world, he ultimately finds himself on a quest to help her return to her own realm.
What makes Lady in the Water so compelling is the way in which it explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling.
Shyamalan’s skillful storytelling draws viewers into a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly, leaving them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The performances in this film are remarkable, with Giamatti and Howard delivering standout performances that are both nuanced and emotional.
The supporting cast, including Jeffrey Wright and Bob Balaban, also deliver strong performances that add depth and texture to the film.
![Lady in the Water [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AG0tng-QL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bob Balaban (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - M. Night Shyamalan (Producer)
- English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
The Happening (2008)
The Happening
We've sensed it. We've seen the signs. Now...it's happening.
2008 • 1h 30min • ★ 5.404/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, Ashlyn Sanchez, Betty Buckley
When a deadly airborne virus threatens to wipe out the northeastern United States, teacher Elliot Moore and his wife Alma flee from contaminated cities into the countryside in a fight to discover the truth. Is it terrorism, the accidental release of some toxic military bio weapon -- or something even more sinister?
“The Happening” is a movie that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief.
M. Night Shyamalan’s attempt at a horror-thriller falls flat, and the result is a film that is both confusing and underwhelming.
The premise of the movie is intriguing: a mysterious toxin is causing people to commit suicide in large numbers.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the plot is full of holes and the characters are poorly developed.
Mark Wahlberg’s performance as the lead is lackluster, and the supporting cast doesn’t fare much better.
The dialogue is stilted and the pacing is slow. Even the special effects fail to impress.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - Sam Mercer (Producer)
- (Playback Language)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Glass (2019)
Glass
You Cannot Contain What You Are
2019 • 2h 9min • ★ 6.663/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson, Anya Taylor-Joy
In a series of escalating encounters, former security guard David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has twenty-four personalities. Meanwhile, the shadowy presence of Elijah Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.
“Glass” is a bold and ambitious conclusion to M. Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable” trilogy, bringing together the characters of David Dunn (Bruce Willis), Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), and Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy) in a showdown that tests the limits of their superhuman abilities.
While the film suffers from some pacing issues and a convoluted plot, Shyamalan’s direction is as confident and stylish as ever, and the performances from the top-notch cast are uniformly excellent.
McAvoy, in particular, is a standout, showcasing his incredible range as he switches between multiple personalities with ease.
The film’s final act is sure to polarize audiences, but there’s no denying that “Glass” is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the superhero genre.
A worthy conclusion to a trilogy that has been over a decade in the making.
.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Anya Taylor-Joy (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - M. Night Shyamalan (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
The Village (2004)
The Village
There is no turning back
2004 • 1h 48min • ★ 6.48/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver
When a willful young man tries to venture beyond his sequestered Pennsylvania hamlet, his actions set off a chain of chilling incidents that will alter the community forever.
“The Village” is a captivating thriller that takes us back to a time when life was simpler, but also more dangerous.
Director M. Night Shyamalan has created a haunting and suspenseful film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The story takes place in a small, isolated village where the residents live a quiet and peaceful life.
However, they are plagued by the fear of the creatures that dwell in the surrounding woods.
As the story unfolds, we come to realize that there is more to the village than meets the eye.
The performances in the film are exceptional, with standout performances from Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix.
The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their emotional journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The cinematography is also stunning, with beautiful shots of the village and the surrounding woods.
The eerie soundtrack adds to the suspenseful atmosphere, making for a truly immersive experience.
While some viewers may find the twist at the end of the film to be divisive, I found it to be a clever and unexpected turn that added to the film’s overall impact.
“The Village” is a must-see for fans of suspenseful thrillers and those who appreciate a well-crafted story with exceptional performances.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Howard, Adrien Brody (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - M. Night Shyamalan (Producer)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
The Visit (2015)
The Visit
No one loves you like your grandparents.
2015 • 1h 34min • ★ 6.318/10 • United States of America
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie, Kathryn Hahn
A brother and sister are sent to their grandparents' remote Pennsylvania farm for a week, where they discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing.
“The Visit” is a found footage horror movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan, known for his signature twists and turns.
The story follows two siblings who go to visit their estranged grandparents, only to discover that something is not quite right with the elderly couple.
The film is shot in a mockumentary style, with the two young actors carrying handheld cameras throughout the majority of the movie.
Although the shaky camera work can be jarring at times, it adds to the tension and sense of unease as the siblings begin to uncover the secrets of their grandparents’ house.
The performances by the child actors, Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould, are impressive, bringing a sense of authenticity to their characters and making the audience care about their well-being.
The two grandparents, played by Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie, are equally convincing in their eerie and unsettling performances.
The film’s pacing is slow at first, but builds up to a thrilling and unexpected climax.
Shyamalan’s signature twist is present, and while it may not be his best, it adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
![The Visit [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GHGHR-luL.jpg)
- Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna dunagan, Peter McRobbie, Kathryn Hahn (Actor)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
Old (2021)
Old
It's only a matter of time.
2021 • 1h 48min • ★ 6.331/10 • China
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Rufus Sewell, Alex Wolff, Thomasin McKenzie
A group of families on a tropical holiday discover that the secluded beach where they are staying is somehow causing them to age rapidly – reducing their entire lives into a single day.
M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old” takes you on a suspenseful and intriguing journey of a group of strangers who find themselves trapped on a secluded beach where time moves at an accelerated rate, causing them to age rapidly.
With a strong cast featuring the likes of Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, and Rufus Sewell, the film keeps you on edge as the characters try to uncover the mystery behind their predicament while facing the harsh reality of their own mortality.
Shyamalan’s direction and writing stay true to his signature style of twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
The stunning visuals and haunting score add to the eerie atmosphere of the film.
While the concept may feel far-fetched at times, the film manages to explore deeper themes of life, death, and the fleeting nature of time.
“Old” may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate a good psychological thriller, it’s definitely worth a watch.
- Rufus Sewell (Actor)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
M. Night Shyamalan’s Directing Style
In the early 2000s, M. Night Shyamalan became well-known for his twist endings and directing style that often left audiences feeling unsettled or disturbed.
His films include “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs,” and “Unbreakable.” Shyamalan’s latest film is a Netflix original movie entitled, ‘The Visit.’
Night Shyamalan’s directing style is highlighted by a general sense of unease and the portrayal of people as “others” who are not to be trusted.
He draws on his own experience from being raised in America but living part-time with relatives in India, which helped him understand two different cultures that have both been victims of prejudice and mistrust for centuries.
This knowledge has allowed him to share stories that connect these seemingly opposite worlds while giving audiences an opportunity to see how they might react when faced with similar circumstances.
In conclusion, M. Night Shyamalan’s directing style is one filled with contrasts and tension but also conveys the message that it takes courage to confront our deepest fears head-on.
In a recent interview with MTV, M. Night Shyamalan discusses his directorial style and the importance of being able to “read people” in order to understand their motivations.
He also talks about what he learned from making The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, two movies that were nominated for Oscars for Best Picture.
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