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When you think of a perfect duo, M. Night Shyamalan and Bruce Willis are a perfect one. The legendary actor and reputable filmmaker has given us movies that messed with our heads, made us question reality, (Remember,The Sixth Sense), and tugged at our emotions. Undoubtedly, Shyamalan’s signature style of bringing in mind-blowing twists and Willis’ effortless brooding vibe has created a total cinematic magic. They didn’t just make movies; they made experiences we just can’t stop talking about.
But not every team-up can be a slam dunk. While some of their projects had us picking our jaws off the floor, others were, let’s just say opinions are split. Whether Willis was playing a haunted psychologist, a reluctant superhero, or stepping back into his iconic role, he brought a new flavor to each movie. And honestly, there’s something undeniably iconic about the Shyamalan-Willis combo. So, let’s rank their collabs and relive the twists and turns that came with every movie.
4Glass (2019)
Let’s first talk aboutGlass,the final and third chapter ofM. Night Shyamalan’sUnbreakabletrilogy, whereBruce Willisonce again steps into the shoes of David Dunn, aka The Overseer. Teaming up with Willis is classy, but with Samuel L. Jackson as the criminal mastermind Mr. Glass, and James McAvoy’s chaotic split-personality as The Horder should’ve been a recipe for perfection, right? Well, not quite well.
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Of course, the concept ofUnbreakableandSplittogether sounded brilliant, but that was on the paper only. Sadly, the execution of the plot left a lot of people, even us, scratching their heads, (and not in a good way that Shyamalan is known for).
Definitely, Willis’ performance was excellent, but let’s be real, it really felt like David Dunn was sidelined in what was supposed to be his story. Moreover, critics called the plot “underwhelming” with a mere 37% score onRotten Tomatoes. Though the movie did well at the box office, earning $247 million, (Box Office Mojo) against a budget of $20 million, Shyamalan’s trademark twists just didn’t land with this movie.
That said,Glassstill managed to shine in parts, mainly due to its powerhouse cast. McAvoy’s acting was a masterclass, and Jackson brought his usual flair. But as a whole?Glassleft us wanting more. Sometimes, the cracks in the story are just too big to ignore.
You can watch Glass on Disney+.
3Split (2016)
The movie took everyone by surprise and proved that M. Night Shyamalan wasn’t done blowing our minds just yet. ThoughJames McAvoytakes center stage inSplitand absolutely owned the show, flexing his acting chops as Kevin Wendell Crumb, Bruce Willis’ casual surprise cameo was one of the coolest ever.
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But let’s be real, McAvoy’s performance alone is worth the watch. He jumps from a mischievous 9-year-old to a psychotic superhuman in the blink of an eye, and it’s both creepy and mesmerizing. And truly, the story itself bespoke Shyamalan.
Three girls are kidnapped by a man with Dissociative Identity Disorder, creepy underground lairs, and a sense of dread. And just when you think it’s all over, enters Willis, tying it all back toUnbreakable.It suddenly feels like you realize you’ve been watching a supervillain origin story the whole time, genius Shyamalan, right?
WhileSplitwas a box-office smash grossing $278 million (Box Office Mojo) against a budget of $9 million, not everyone was on board with its storyline. Several mental health advocates weren’t thrilled with how DID was portrayed. Despite that, the movie was a success scoring 78% onRotten Tomatoes.
You can watch Split on Amazon Prime.
2Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakableis one of Shyamalan’s movies that feels like it flew under the radar but quietly changed the game for superhero films. It blends suspense, drama, and comic book mythology into a gripping story. And when you are not expecting, that’s when Shyamalan flips the script and delivers a narrative that feels grounded and introspective.
The film follows Bruce Willis’ David Dunn, a man who miraculously survives a devastating train crash without a scratch, only to discover he may have superhuman abilities. Alongside him isSamuel L. Jackson’sElijah Price, a comic book enthusiast with brittle bones and an unsettling determination to find a real-life hero.
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Fans like us who just love the genre will definitely appreciate howUnbreakabletakes its time to unfold like the chapters of a graphic novel. Moreover, it challenges viewers to see superheroes through a realistic lens and to focus on their strengths, vulnerabilities, and moral choices.
This thoughtful story sets itself apart from flashy, effects-driven superhero fare. It’s like a love letter to comic book fans that grossed $248.1 million (Box Office Mojo) against a budget of $75 million backed by a 70% score onRotten Tomatoes.Unbreakableprovokes heroism and it definitely left us in awe of its understated brilliance.
Unbreakable is available to watch on Disney+.
1The Sixth Sense (1999)
Even if you haven’t seen it,The Sixth Senseis a movie that everyone knows about. Released in 1999, this psychological thrill introduced us to the phrase, ‘I see dead people,’ and honestly, it still gives us chills. Starring Bruce Willis as a child psychologist and Haley Joel Osment as the kid who can communicate with the dead,The Sixth Sensegives us a blend of supernatural with raw emotion that’s just unforgettable.
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The story revolves around Cole Sear, a boy dealing with some seriously spooky visitors, and Malcolm Crowe, the psychologist trying to help him. The beauty of this movie isn’t just in its creepy ghost moments but in how it makes you feel for these characters. Of course, Osment’s performance is insanely good and it’s no surprise that he snagged a bunch of awards for it. Toni Collette, as Cole’s mom, brought so much heart to the story that she earned an Oscar nomination, too.
Speaking of awards, this movie was a powerhouse. It scored six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for both Osment and Collette, and two Golden Globe Awards. It also picked up three wins from People’s Choice Awards, and tons of love for that crazy-good screenplay. Oh, and onRotten Tomatoes? An impressive 86% backed by $672 million at the box office. (Box Office Mojo)
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Whether you’ve seen it before or just know the twist,The Sixth Senseis a must-watch for its emotional depth, haunting vibe, and unforgettable ending that still hits hard.
The Sixth Sense is available to watch on Disney+.
Samridhi Goel
Content Writer
Articles Published :375
Samridhi breathes HOLLYWOOD. A seasoned professional content writer boasting three years of experience. Her expertise shines in the realm of entertainment, where she skillfully craft narratives that breathe life into movies, music, and pop culture. She has completed her Masters in Commerce but her obsession with Hollywood lead her to curate content for the same.
