M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap is in cinemas now, time to update our ranking of his filmography.
Night Shyamalanarticle contains spoilers.
Either way, when looking back at his films, you definitely come up with some real gems.
So we decided to rank the films from worst to best to see whats what.
Therefore, we havent seen it.
Interestingly enough, the project was originally envisioned as a trilogy of films.
Although Shyamalan worked closely with Industrial Light and Magic, this film suffers greatly in the visual effects department.
That said, the lighting in the film is inexcusable by any standard.
Many scenes just unbearably dark.
Later credits do includeCowboys & Aliens,Transformers, andThe Twilight Saga.
Take from that what you will.
The Last Airbenderwas universally panned by critics as well as Shyamalan andAvatarfans.
But even its box office isnt enough to save this unfortunate movie.
After Earth (2013)
After Earthwas an underdog from the start.
Unfortunately,After Earthis further evidence that Shyamalan is not very good at directing films with big budgets.
Not a particularly great choice when you have Will Smiths star power in your movie.
The poor acting and writing unfortunately putAfter Earthvery close to the bottom.
WhilePraying with Angercould be described as a spiritual drama,Wide Awakeis the directors only attempt at a dramedy.
And the result is…okay.
In other words, its not the underrated Shyamalan movie you better watch.
Still, this film is noteworthy for being Shyamalans first wide release.
There really isnt much to write home about in this instance.
But theres no trace of the Shyamalan we know and love in this film.
But the main problem withLady in the Wateris that it doesnt really make all that much sense.
It should have probably stayed a bedtime story, though.
Story is trying to get back to her watery kingdom but is being hunted by a wolf-like creature.
Really, its a lot less interesting than it sounds.
But Shyamalan is shooting for a B-movie here and thats exactly what he delivers.
A movie at once scary and shocking, but also surprisingly self-aware.
There are several horror sequences in the film, including one in rural Pennsylvania thats actually a bit disturbing.
Also notable is the films gore: theres a lot of it.
We thinkThe Happeningmight ultimately be Shyamalans most underrated film.
Glass (2019)
Glassis the culmination of a superhero epic that took Shyamalan almost 20 years to tell.
They then discover they cant leave.
What is the secret of the beach?
Still, its a fun B-movie thats definitely worth a watch.
But there you go.
Those are the ingredients for a successful Shyamalan movie.
Whats waiting on the other side of the forest?
The twist might feel cheap to some, but its definitely unforgettable.
The film is enjoyable overall, and Adrien Brody is also absolutely brilliant in this movie.
Overall, you could do much worse thanThe Village, as youve probably already gathered from reading this list.
Trap (2024)
M. Night Shyamalans latest is in many ways his most stripped down.
InTrap, we know that Josh Hartnetts Cooper is a killer and psychopath.
Hes probably a sociopath too given how easily he disarms strangers with a smile.
They soon discover that Nana and Pop Pop are not at all like what they expected.
While the film does climax with a signature Shyamalanian twist, whats impressive aboutThe Visitis the dread built throughout.
This was Shyamalans first foray into horror in a few years, and it paid off for the director.
No ones pushing this guy to straight-to-DVD productions just yet.
What happens from there is quite exciting.
Heck,Unbreakableis still better than some of todays more conventional superhero fare.
Split (2016)
Splitis a very special movie, Shyamalans best since his resurgence in 2015.
This movie will surprise you until the very end.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Senseis by far Shyamalans most famous and most quotable film.
All of these ingredients come together perfectly in this follow-up toThe Sixth SenseandUnbreakable.
The wait til morning is unbearable.
