Let’s dive into his top 10 movies—because believe me, these films will not just entertain you; they’ll make you think, feel, and leave you thinking about them long after the credits roll.
1. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Let’s start where it all began. The Sixth Sense—I mean, who doesn’t remember that twist? If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it because it’s probably one of the most iconic plot twists ever. You follow Dr. Malcolm Crowe, played by Bruce Willis, as he tries to help a troubled young boy named Cole, played by Haley Joel Osment. Catch this, Cole sees dead people. Sounds crazy, right? But Shyamalan’s genius lies in building tension through quiet, unsettling moments. It is not about jump scares; it is about creating deep unease.
This was no just gasp from the crowd, but a rehashing of everything that had happened. Every moment of the movie started to make sense with every passing minute. Such is the magic of “The Sixth Sense.” Instead of winning hearts, The Sixth Sense became so great that it received an incredible six Academy Award nominations. It changed the whole genre of thrillers once and for all. The bar was set by “The Sixth Sense” itself.
2. Unbreakable (2000)
After The Sixth Sense, Shyamalan could well have followed up with another head-scrambling plot with ghosts and spirits, but he surprised in a completely different direction. Unbreakable would leave the supernatural horror in his wake to deliver an interestingly grounded, slow-burn superhero origin story well ahead of the superhero boom being truly in swing. This time, you are following David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis, who survives unharmed from a train smash and gradually starts realizing his chances of having super strength are quite good.
It’s quiet, not flashy like the movies of today’s superheroes, but because of this, it’s such a refreshing film. It is all about psychological action. You get this feeling of dread that something’s off, but it unfolds so slowly you hardly notice when the movie’s big reveal hits you in the gut. The character of Elijah, played by Samuel L. Jackson, adds layers of complexity to the whole thing and is such an essential part of why this movie is so good. Unbreakable didn’t just kick off a trilogy; it also influenced a whole generation of superhero films that followed.
3. Signs (2002)
Okay, picture this: You’re a priest who’s lost his faith, living in a rural farmhouse with your kids, and then one day, crop circles start appearing in your field. Oh, and aliens are probably involved. Sounds wild, right? That’s Signs for you.
The beauty of Signs is how Shyamalan takes an alien invasion story and turns it into a meditation on faith and family. The suspense builds up slowly, not about crazy CGI aliens running around—it’s the quiet, tense moments that get to you. The sound of footsteps on the roof, the flicker of lights, the ominous silence. It’s more about creating fear through atmosphere than cheap scares.
Heartbreak of Mel Gibson as a father to his children, with just enough bits of humor and emotion courtesy of Joaquin Phoenix. And then there’s that crazy twist that changes the way you look at the entire movie. Pure Shyamalan—the man can take something that simple and make it into much more.
4. The Village (2004)
The Village is one of those movies that split audiences down the middle. Some loved the slow pace, the eerie atmosphere, and the deep themes. Others were frustrated by its twist. But that’s the beauty of Shyamalan, right? He challenges us, makes us think beyond the surface.
Set in a 19th-century village surrounded by mysterious creatures, The Village is about fear and how it’s used to control people. It’s a story not of only creatures but of people who have such extreme love, loss, and the extent that people go to protect their lifestyle. Bryce Dallas Howard plays one of Shyamalan’s most emotional leads, as she faces not only the dangers of the outside world, but within her own village, fear in self.
The twist at the end leaves one scratching their heads, but looking back, it’s a chilling commentary on how people manipulate fear to maintain control. It’s a slow burn, but once it clicks, it’s worth it.
5. Split (2016)
Fast forward to 2016. After a couple of flops, Shyamalan returns big with Split, a psychological thriller that was not just a critical hit but a commercial one as well. The movie centers around Kevin, played by James McAvoy, a man who has 23 distinct personalities. Yes, you read that right—23! And when Kevin kidnaps three girls, his personalities begin to take over in terrifying ways.
The real magic here is McAvoy. I don’t even know how he does that, but watching him seemingly shift between personalities is actually pretty mesmerizing. There will be times when you’ll be on the edge of your seat, literally, wondering which version of Kevin will pop up. And the final twist is one of those “holy crap!” moments because you realize you were only watching a prequel of Unbreakable.
What’s incredible is that Shyamalan pulled this off in a way that makes it feel fresh, not forced. It was a masterclass in suspense, and it revived Shyamalan’s career in a big way. If you’ve been craving a mind-bender that mixes psychological horror with deep emotional themes, this one’s for you.
6. The Visit (2015)
The Visit may look like a simple found-footage horror film at first glance, but don’t let the format fool you. It’s a chilling, clever little movie that proves Shyamalan can still surprise us. Two siblings visit their estranged grandparents, only to discover that things are not quite right.
The best part about The Visit is the balancing of funny with terrifying. These are funny, relatable kids, and once the tension starts coming in, you feel it in your bones. Those grandparents? Yeah, nothing quite like a sweet little couple, at least I’d expect so. I’d say something’s definitely off with these old folks and lets Shyamalan’s mystery just slowly reveal itself. Come twist, and it feels like an actual punch in the stomach.
It was a comeback for Shyamalan. He proved that he still had his chops to make something eerily original without relying on big budgets or over-the-top special effects.
7. Glass (2019)
If you loved Unbreakable and Split, then Glass was the culmination of everything. It brings in the characters from both films to go deeper into the idea of heroism and villainy.
Some were complaining it didn’t live up to the hype, but personally, I think this trilogy does a great job at wrapping up. Philosophical, a bit slow, but it forces you to question everything you thought you knew about these characters: What’s real? What’s in their heads? Is David Dunn a true hero, or is he just a man who believes in himself?
It’s not as mind-blowing as The Sixth Sense, but it’s a fitting end to the story Shyamalan started nearly two decades earlier. And let’s face it, seeing Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy going toe-to-toe? Pure gold.
8. Knock at the Cabin (2023)
Knock at the Cabin, 2023: Shyamalan’s gripping thriller that truly focuses on a family with a remote cabin getaway, where strangers come visiting claiming they want to save the world from an end that no one knows how to prevent. Sounds intense, huh? Well, it is.
This movie really delves into moral dilemmas and the concept of self-sacrifice. It’s not your usual home-invasion thriller; it’s more philosophical and thought-provoking. You build tension as you watch characters deal with life-altering choices, and Shyamalan does a fantastic job at keeping you guessing about what’s really happening until the very end.
9. Old (2021)
Old is a wild ride. Think about being marooned on an island that forces aging upon you. That is quite a weird nightmare, right? Well, exactly what happens to a bunch of sun-worshipping holidaymakers in this high-concept thriller.
While some people did not like the direction of the film, I find it an interesting exploration of time, aging, and mortality. The beach itself almost becomes a character because it forces the characters to confront the passage of time in the most terrifying way possible. It is a bold concept that is unlike anything you have seen before.
10. Lady in the Water (2006)
Finally, we come to Lady in the Water, a film that is at once whimsical and mystical. A man discovers, in the pool of an apartment complex, a woman living there, and uncovers slowly a larger and more fantastic story.
Although it is not as successful as some of Shyamalan’s other works, Lady in the Water still manages to carry some deep meaning regarding storytelling and how people interact with the myths and legends. And that’s a big part of what makes Shyamalan’s films so unique. He’s not just telling a story; he’s creating a mythology.
Conclusion
M. Night Shyamalan’s body of work is a fascinating mix of suspense, twists, and emotional depth. Some movies get under your skin in the best way, and others leave you scratching your head. Regardless, they make you feel something. If you haven’t seen these movies, definitely give them a watch. Shyamalan may have had some ups and downs, but his impact on modern film is undeniable.
