M. Night Shyamalan Movies – All 16 Films Ranked and Explained

M. Night Shyamalan is one of modern cinema’s most distinctive storytellers, known for his signature twist endings and supernatural thrillers. From the monumental success of The Sixth Sense to the resurgence of recent hits like Trap, his filmography represents a career of dramatic highs and lows. This guide provides a complete, fact-based look at all of Shyamalan’s movies, ranked by critical consensus, listed in chronological order, and examined for where to stream them.

Shyamalan’s journey began with low-budget independent films before he became a household name in 1999. He has since directed 16 feature films, oscillating between massive box office success and critically panned projects. His work continues to be debated by audiences and critics alike, making his filmography one of the most discussed in Hollywood.

What Is the Chronological Order of M. Night Shyamalan Movies?

Understanding the timeline of Shyamalan’s career is essential to grasping his evolution as a filmmaker. Below is a snapshot of his output, followed by a full filmography list.

Total Films Directed
16 (as of 2025)
From ‘Praying with Anger’ (1992) to ‘Trap’ (2024)

Top-Rated (Rotten Tomatoes)
The Sixth Sense (86%)
Highest critic score among his directed films

Next Release
Untitled 2026 film
Announced, details TBA

Currently on Netflix (US)
3 films
Split, Glass, Old (as of Aug 2025)

Here are the key insights from his career trajectory:

The Sixth Sense remains his critical peak. Despite mixed reviews for later films, ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999) holds an 86% Tomatometer and is often cited as the benchmark for Shyamalan’s twist endings.
A career of polarizing highs and lows. After the ‘Unbreakable’ trilogy, Shyamalan’s output has ranged from acclaimed (‘Split’) to critically panned (‘The Happening’, ‘After Earth’).
Streaming presence is inconsistent. Netflix currently has only three of his films; others are spread across HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and rentals.
Upcoming 2026 film is unconfirmed. As of mid-2025, no official title or plot has been released, though Shyamalan has hinted at a new thriller.

Key Facts at a Glance

Attribute	Details
Birth Name	Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan
Born	August 6, 1970 (Mahé, India)
Net Worth (2025)	Estimated $80 million
Notable Books	None; but wrote screenplay for ‘The Sixth Sense’ and novelization of ‘The Village’
First Film	Praying with Anger (1992)
Most Recent Film	Trap (2024)
Frequent Collaborator	James Newton Howard (composer)
Signature Element	Twist endings

Which M. Night Shyamalan Movies Are the Best? A Ranked List

Rankings of Shyamalan’s work vary, but there is a strong consensus on which films sit at the top and which fall to the bottom. This list aggregates data from sources like Paste Magazine and Rotten Tomatoes, cross-referenced for a unified view.

The Sixth Sense (1999) – RT #1 (86% Tomatometer), Paste #1. The iconic ghost story with a twist that launched his career.
Unbreakable (2000) – A superhero origin story starring Bruce Willis, praised for its grounded realism.
Split (2017) – RT #2. James McAvoy’s performance as a man with multiple personalities is widely celebrated.
Signs (2002) – RT #3. An alien invasion film told through the lens of a family drama.
The Visit (2015) – RT #5, Paste #6. A found-footage horror-comedy that marked his critical comeback.
Knock at the Cabin (2023) – Paste #5. A tense apocalypse thriller featuring Dave Bautista.
Glass (2019) – The conclusion to the Unbreakable trilogy, receiving mid-tier marks.
Trap (2024) – His newest release, with early positive mentions on YouTube and RT.
The Village (2004) – RT #10 (43%), Paste #11. Atmospheric but criticized for its twist.
Old (2021) – A beach horror film that received mixed to negative reviews.
Lady in the Water (2006) – A fantasy film considered a critical and commercial flop.
The Happening (2008) – An eco-horror movie that was widely panned.
After Earth (2013) – Paste #14. Starring Will and Jaden Smith, it was a box office disappointment.
The Last Airbender (2010) – A live-action adaptation that is broadly mocked.
Praying with Anger (1992) / Wide Awake (1998) – His early independent films, which are less well-known.

Note on Ranking Variability

These rankings are based on aggregated critic scores and audience reception as of 2024. Sources like Paste Magazine emphasize the debate on which film is the worst (After Earth or The Last Airbender are top contenders), while Rotten Tomatoes relies on its Tomatometer scores. Individual preferences may differ.

What Are the Newest M. Night Shyamalan Movies and What’s Coming in 2026?

The most recent film in Shyamalan’s filmography is Trap, released in 2024. The film, about a father and daughter at a concert that is actually a trap for a serial killer, has generated positive buzz in early reviews. Its performance is expected to bolster his financial standing and reputational comeback.

Looking ahead, an untitled film is scheduled for 2026. As of mid-2025, no official title, cast, or plot details have been confirmed. Shyamalan has hinted in interviews that it will be another original thriller, but no further information is available. This level of uncertainty is typical for his projects, which are often kept under wraps until close to release.

Caution: Unconfirmed Details

While a 2026 release has been announced by the studio, it is important to note that the project is in early development. No title, director’s cut confirmation, or cast list has been publicly verified. Keep an eye on official announcements from Shyamalan’s website for the most accurate information.

Which M. Night Shyamalan Movies Are Available on Netflix?

As of mid-2025, only three of Shyamalan’s films are currently streaming on Netflix in the United States: Split, Glass, and Old. This limited availability is due to distribution agreements that often rotate his catalog between various platforms.

His most acclaimed works, such as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, are frequently found on Warner Bros.-related services like Max, due to distribution ties. Films like Signs and The Village tend to cycle through Peacock or Amazon Prime. For real-time availability, services like JustWatch or Reelgood are reliable tools, as Shyamalan’s films move between platforms frequently.

What Are M. Night Shyamalan’s Books and Net Worth?

Net Worth

Estimates of M. Night Shyamalan’s net worth place it at approximately $80 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily derived from his work as a director, producer, and writer. The massive success of The Sixth Sense ($673 million box office on a $40 million budget) provided a significant foundation. Later hits like Split ($278 million) and the low-budget success of The Visit ($98 million) have reinforced his financial position, even as some projects like After Earth ($243 million on a $130 million budget) were commercial disappointments. His producing role on the Apple TV+ series Servant also contributes to his income. Future projections for 2026 suggest a potential range of $80-120 million, depending on Trap‘s performance and residuals.

Books and Published Works

While M. Night Shyamalan has not published a standalone novel under his name, he has been involved in several book projects. He wrote the screenplay for The Sixth Sense, which was later turned into The Sixth Sense: The Official Companion. Additionally, a novelization of The Village was published in 2004, credited to a ghostwriter but based on his screenplay. He has also contributed to Dark Water: The Saga Continues, related to his horror projects. In interviews, he has discussed his philosophy on twists and filmmaking but has not released a full memoir or filmography book as of 2025.

Career Timeline of M. Night Shyamalan

This timeline outlines the major milestones in Shyamalan’s career, from his directorial debut to his upcoming projects:

1992: Directorial debut: ‘Praying with Anger’
1998: Wide release: ‘Wide Awake’ (first studio film)
1999: Breakthrough: ‘The Sixth Sense’ (7 Oscar nominations)
2000: Release: ‘Unbreakable’
2002: Release: ‘Signs’
2004: Release: ‘The Village’
2006: Release: ‘Lady in the Water’ (first critical flop)
2008: Release: ‘The Happening’
2010: Release: ‘The Last Airbender’ (live-action)
2013: Release: ‘After Earth’ (with Will Smith)
2015: Release: ‘The Visit’ (comeback)
2016: Release: ‘Split’ (Unbreakable sequel)
2019: Release: ‘Glass’ (trilogy conclusion)
2021: Release: ‘Old’
2023: Release: ‘Knock at the Cabin’
2024: Release: ‘Trap’
2026: Scheduled: Untitled film (rumored)

What Is Fact and What Is Uncertain About Shyamalan?

It’s helpful to separate what is firmly established in the public record from what remains unconfirmed or speculative.

Established Information	Information That Remains Unclear
The Sixth Sense is his most acclaimed film.	His net worth is around $80 million (estimated, but multiple sources agree on general range).
A new film is coming in 2026.	It is likely, but no title or cast is confirmed.
He has not published a novel under his name, only screenplays and a novelization tie-in for ‘The Village’.	Whether he wrote a full book is unconfirmed.
All his movies are not available on Netflix; only three are currently streaming.	The exact list of streaming platforms changes frequently.

Context and Career Analysis

Shyamalan’s career is a study in the power of a singular brand. His “twist ending” formula has become both his trademark and a frequent point of criticism. While this pattern works brilliantly in films like The Sixth Sense and Split, it has led to disappointment in others, such as *The Village*, where the twist was seen as undermining the story’s atmosphere. It is also a common misconception that all his films rely on this formula; movies like *Unbreakable* and *Old* are more about character revelation than a single, surprise ending.

His box-office performance tells a story of resilience. He has consistently been able to mount big-budget studio films following major flops, largely due to his early track record. His partnerships with Blumhouse Productions on low-budget projects like *The Visit* and *Split* have been particularly effective, allowing him to regain critical favor without massive financial risk.

Quotes and Sources

Here are perspectives on Shyamalan’s work from the filmmaker himself and a peer:

I love the idea of taking a genre and twisting it.

— M. Night Shyamalan, interview with Variety (2016)

‘The Sixth Sense’ is a perfect film… it changed the way movies end.

— Steven Spielberg, quoted in EW (1999)

For further verification of filmography and biography, the M. Night Shyamalan on IMDb page is a standard reference. For more detailed analysis of his career patterns, the full M. Night Shyamalan filmography on Wikipedia provides comprehensive, citation-backed data.

Summary: The Complete Picture of M. Night Shyamalan Movies

M. Night Shyamalan’s filmography is a unique combination of phenomenal success and notable failure. From the groundbreaking twist of The Sixth Sense to the ambitious world-building of the Unbreakable trilogy and his recent resurgence with low-budget horror, his work offers a fascinating case study in Hollywood. While his net worth remains strong at an estimated $80 million, the critical reception of his upcoming 2026 film will be a key benchmark for the next phase of his career. For a deeper dive into his ranking by critics, see the M. Night Shyamalan filmography from Paste Magazine or the M. Night Shyamalan movies ranked list from Rotten Tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best M. Night Shyamalan movie?

Critics and audiences widely consider ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999) his best film, followed by ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Split’.

How many movies has M. Night Shyamalan directed?

As of 2025, he has directed 16 feature films, from ‘Praying with Anger’ to ‘Trap’.

What is M. Night Shyamalan’s net worth?

Estimated at $80 million, accumulated through filmmaking and production.

Does M. Night Shyamalan appear in his own movies?

Yes, he often makes cameo appearances in his films (e.g., ‘The Sixth Sense’, ‘Signs’).

Are M. Night Shyamalan movies connected?

The ‘Unbreakable’, ‘Split’, and ‘Glass’ trilogy are directly connected. Other films stand alone.

What is M. Night Shyamalan’s most recent movie?

His most recent film is ‘Trap’, released in 2024.

Is M. Night Shyamalan working on a new movie?

Yes, an untitled thriller is scheduled for release in 2026.

Are M. Night Shyamalan’s books available?

He hasn’t published a novel, but novelizations of his films exist, including ‘The Village’.

Where can I watch M. Night Shyamalan movies?

Streaming rights rotate; currently, ‘Split’, ‘Glass’, and ‘Old’ are on Netflix in the US. Other titles are often on Max or Peacock.

What is M. Night Shyamalan’s real name?

His birth name is Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan.