Every M. Night Shyamalan Movie, Ranked

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Just thinking about The Sixth Sense gives me goosebumps.

M. Night Shyamalan is renowned for his distinct storytelling, mind-bending twists, and character-driven narratives. He has left his mark on the thriller, drama, and horror genres.

M. Night Shyamalan in a grey suit and pink striped tie, poses with arms slightly extended at the "Glass" movie premiere

You might recognize many of the titles listed, although there are some that you'd never guess are part of his collection. While best known for his work in suspense and psychological thrillers, he has also explored other genres, including action and even faith-based content.

Here's my ranking of M. Night's movies, from best to worst:

1. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, starts treating a young boy, Cole, who encounters dead people and convinces him to help them. In turn, Cole helps Malcolm reconcile with his estranged wife.
The Sixth Sense had the ultimate twist ending and the entire movie is an edge-of-your-seat drama-thriller. This is the best M. Night movie because of the eerie atmosphere and intense mystery. Don't watch this alone!

2. Signs (2002)

A widowed former reverend living with his children and brother on a Pennsylvania farm finds mysterious crop circles in their fields, which suggests something more frightening to come.
Signs feels like you're witnessing the lives of a fractured family and can't look away. Although very contained, the plot is suspenseful and filled with tension. Not to spoil anything, but THE alien scene is still frightening.

3. Split (2016)

Three girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities. They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th.
Split also creates an uneasy atmosphere, which is M. Night's specialty. All the characters have many different layers, especially McAvoy. It's a must-watch!

4. The Village (2004)

A series of events tests the beliefs of a small isolated countryside village.
The Village feels like it could be released today and would still shock audiences. It's about following "the system" and the ability to control, manipulate, and instill fear in people. It's very unsettling and one of M. Night's best films!

5. The Visit (2015)

Two siblings become increasingly frightened by their grandparents' disturbing behavior while visiting them on vacation.
The Visit is unique on its own since it's a found-footage-style horror film. The movie balances humor, suspense, and tension.

6. Unbreakable (2000)

A man learns something extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident.
Unbreakable has many layers to it, including; self-discovery, strength, and internal conflict. It's such a compelling journey, you'd never guess this movie is over 20 years old!

7. Knock At The Cabin (2023)

While vacationing, a girl and her parents are taken hostage by armed strangers who demand that the family make a choice to avert the apocalypse.
Knock at the Cabin will have you questioning, "What would I do if that was me?" Morality and beliefs are huge themes in this movie. It's another contained M. Night film that still manages to add the emotional depth we see in his other movies.

8. Old (2021)

A vacationing family discovers that the secluded beach where they're relaxing for a few hours is somehow causing them to age rapidly, reducing their entire lives into a single day.
Old captures the fear most people have about aging quickly. While not M. Night's finest film, the concept is compelling and there's a profoundly emotional scene that will pull at your heartstrings.

9. The Happening (2008)

A science teacher, his wife, and a young girl struggle to survive a plague that causes those infected to commit suicide.
While The Happening isn't a fan favorite, it explores unique themes such as fighting for survival and environmental issues, making it an intriguing story that defies traditional genre classification.

10. Glass (2019)

Security guard David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has twenty-four personalities.
Glass is part of a trilogy that follows Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016). Each character has a purpose and delivers a strong performance. Although it's not in the top 5, it's one of those movies that you'd want to re-watch and enjoy.

11. The Last Airbender (2010)

Aang, a young successor to a long line of Avatars, must master all four elements and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom.
Taking a different directorial approach, M. Night's The Last Airbender is a live-action adaptation that delivers a lot of action. However, it was heavily criticized by audiences for feeling rushed and lacking in quality, failing to meet the standards set by his other films.

12. Wide Awake (1998)

A 10-year-old boy goes on a search for God after his grandfather dies.
One of M. Night's earlier films, Wide Awake, delves into deep, personal themes. It explores the search for meaning and the challenge of beliefs, and has a different tone compared to M. Night's other films.

13. Lady in the Water (2006)

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 fantasy movie that tells a story of hope, but it is a bit slow-paced. While not as thought-provoking as M. Night's other films, it boasts a solid cast.

14. After Earth (2013)

A crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth, a millennium after events forced humanity's escape. With Cypher injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.
After Earth stars Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith in a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on their relationship and their efforts to overcome their fears. Despite an intriguing premise, the movie is rather dull for a sci-fi film.

15. Trap (2024)

A father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event.
Trap is another slow-burn film from M. Night with a stellar cast. It's entertaining but doesn't stand out among the other great films on this list.

16. Praying with Anger (1992)

M. Night Shyamalan in a formal suit and tie at a public event

What's your favorite M. Night Shyamalan movie? Let me know in the comments?

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