5) The Sixth Sense (1999)
Let’s face it, M. Night Shyamalan is one of Hollywood’s most inconsistent writers and directors, however, we can all agree that The Sixth Sense was a brilliantly executed masterstroke of writing, directing and acting.
This supernatural horror-thriller delves into themes of sorrow, regret and loss via a beguiling story centred around a troubled young boy, played exquisitely by Haley Joel Osment, who can see and talk to the ghosts of dead people. Bruce Willis’ portrayal of a child psychiatrist who attempts to help the young boy is also a terrific highlight in this superbly written and expertly directed chiller.
Shyamalan’s first true magnum opus went on to have a huge impact on popular culture. I mean, who can forget that twist? Or the endless echo of “I see dead people,” from their annoying classmates in school, too? Though the director’s trajectory has been as up-and-down as a perpendicular rollercoaster, The Sixth Sense will always live on as one of film’s modern directorial and storytelling classics.