The 10 Best Films by M. Night Shyamalan: A Journey through Suspense and Fantasy

American filmmaker of Indian descent M. Night Shyamalan is one of the best-known directors and screenwriters of his generation. His career began in the 1990s, and the resounding success of "The Sixth Sense" catapulted him into one of Hollywood's most important directors.

Shyamalan stands out for his signature style: genre films, especially suspense and horror, interwoven with drama and fantastic elements, and of course, great twists in the script. His formal and scenic construction is the strength of his cinema, which has earned him comparisons with great masters such as Hitchcock and Spielberg.

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Throughout his career, Shyamalan has divided opinion. His films have generated different reactions among audiences and critics, creating a legion of fans who defend his genius and another group who question the quality of his most recent works.

Despite the controversies, Shyamalan remains a unique name in contemporary cinema. His work, even the most divisive, instigates reflection and debate. That's why we've put together a selection of his 10 best films. Check out our list below.

M. Night Shyamalan: the 10 best films

Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense (1999) / Credit: Hollywood Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment (press release)
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The supernatural thriller is Shyamalan's second film and first major success. The film earned Shyamalan 6 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Director and Screenplay, and became a major pop culture milestone, with extremely iconic phrases and moments.

In the story, we follow a psychologist who needs to help a young boy. However, the case is special: the boy can see dead people. Dealing with the boy's ability will lead both of them to dramatic and supernatural consequences.

The movie is best remembered for its unpredictable story and the performances of Bruce Willis, Toni Collette and Haley Joel Osment (the same from A.I. Artificial Intelligence).

Closed Body (2000)

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Another critical success for Shyamalan. "Corpo Fechado" is a film inspired by comic book mythology and is the first film in a trilogy entitled "Eastrail 177". In 2011, Time listed it as one of the ten best superhero films of all time.

The plot follows security guard David Dunn, who emerges completely unscathed from a tragic and fatal train accident. Intrigued by the event, he tries to find answers, until he meets the mysterious Elijah Price, a comic book collector who has a disease that leaves him with a weakened body.

Image: Reproduction/Touchstone

Bruce Willis returns to his partnership with Shyamalan and stars in the film, which also features Samuel L. Jackson and Robin Wright.

Fragmented (2016)

Split (2016) / Credit: Universal Pictures (press release)
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The second film in the "Eastrail 177" trilogy. If in "Corpo Fechado" we followed the origin of a hero, this time it's the genesis of a villain. The film was also well received by critics and audiences, and was even included in Cahiers du Cinéma's list of the best films of the year.

Split (2016) / Credit: Universal Pictures (press release)

In the plot, three teenage girls are kidnapped by Kevin, a man with 23 different personalities. As well as the arduous task of escaping captivity, they have to unravel the mysteries behind Kevin's different personas and the reason for the kidnapping, which has a supernatural aura.

The film features James McAvoy in a highly praised performance, as well as Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley.

Glass (2019)

Glass (2019) / Credit: Blumhouse
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This film concludes the "Eastrail 177" trilogy and brings together the characters from "Corpo Fechado" and "Fragmentado" in a confrontation. We see the return of the main characters Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Anya Taylor-Joy, as well as the inclusion of actress Sarah Paulson in a leading role.

After the events of "Fragmented", Kevin is loose in the city and continues to kidnap girls, but is now being hunted by David. And the whole clash between the two seems to be influenced by Elijah. However, the presence of psychiatrist Ellie Staple, who treats patients with delusions of grandeur, adds more layers of mystery and suspense to the plot.

Signs (2002)

Signs (2002) / Credit: Star+ (press release)

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A suspense and horror film about an alien invasion, "Signs" was well received by critics and audiences on its release and is considered by many to be one of the director's best films.

Strange figures appear in the cornfields, leaving mysterious traces and marks on the Hess family farm. The father, a former pastor tormented by the loss of his wife in a car accident, struggles to keep the faith and protect his family in the face of the coming extraterrestrial terror.

The Village (2004)

The Village (2004) / Credit: Star+ (press release)
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Shyamalan's first film was the most divisive with audiences and critics, receiving everything from harsh reviews to being included in Cahiers du Cinéma's list of the best films of the year.

In the story, we follow the lives of the inhabitants of a small, isolated village. The inhabitants try to keep away from contact with the outside world and avoid going beyond the boundaries of the community. However, the place is surrounded by mysterious and dangerous creatures. However, when a young man is injured in an accident and needs medicine, a blind girl who loves him decides to go to the nearest town for help.