James Wan is best known as a titan of the horror genre. He began with a guerrilla film titled Stygian, which is unfortunately unavailable. However, it’s clear that it concerns a young couple who become trapped in a horrific alternate world. Subsequently, Wan would help establish two of the most enormous horror franchises in modern cinema. And both of them include creepy puppets, a motif he effectively revisits from time to time.
Wan’s meticulous, creative camerawork has consistently demonstrated a unique ability for audience manipulation. He distinctly prefers genuine suspense above gimmicks. But he has also evolved, exploring high-octane action, so let’s reflect on that fascinating journey. Here are his best movies, based on IMDb ratings.
Dead Silence - 6.2
Wan’s consistently dynamic collaboration with screenwriter Leigh Whannell is irrefutably snug. Whannell’s affinity for slick worldbuilding is frequently a perfect setup for Wan’s various scares. Unfortunately, in this middling chapter of Wan’s filmography, the story feels a tad by the numbers. The plot certainly unfolds with all the proper beats, and the lore itself is intriguing enough. It simply resembles too many preexisting ghost stories, leaving the film lacking more by comparison to the duo’s other innovative hits. Still, it certainly moves quickly enough, with a short runtime and plenty of Wan’s trademark scares.
Insidious: Chapter 2 - 6.6
This inevitable sequel strongly defied audience expectations, which explains the lower rating. The first film was such a rollercoaster, to begin with, the sequel was left with no apparent means of generating escalation. So, instead Wan and Whannell reeled back the frights in favor of a dense mystery and more humor. A possession story takes the forefront, ultimately resulting in a number of playful Shining references. This story greatly explores the past, in favor of dishing out constant haunts. Those expecting more of the same were probably left disappointed. However, others might appreciate the refreshing change of course.
Death Sentence - 6.8
Whannell was absent for this striking crime-thriller where Kevin Bacon goes full Charles Bronson after his son is murdered. It’s a traditional revenge story, perhaps owed to the source material, which was indeed written in the seventies. The plot stretches plausibility fairly thin, but it’s still a tremendously fun ride, and Bacon gives it his all.
By keeping the plot straightforward and clear, the premise can be milked for all it’s worth. The action and thrills are definitely top-notch. They’re consistently exhilarating, if not straining for verisimilitude. The film has no shortage of coincidence and plot armor. However, the violence and grief alike are brutal and engaging.
Insidious - 6.8
There is something truly magical about the rhythm of Wan’s direction, here. He doesn’t fool you with one false scare - every terrifying jump delivers an actual threat. This classic haunting story builds towards a crescendo, beginning with mere hints of a presence. That is always the most deeply disconcerting approach, preying on that which we can only imagine. But the movie quickly shows its hand and becomes a rollercoaster of monsters. It genuinely surprises you and tricks your eyes into searching for demons in every square inch of the screen. It’s a unique formula and is unexpectedly affecting when trading suspense for shock.
Aquaman - 7.0
Few could have envisioned such an adventure for Aquaman, whose reputation has long been relegated to prodding jokes. But longtime fans have undoubtedly rejoiced in Wan’s success. It probably even garnered newcomers to the comics. Every scene is lush with imagery, a visual feast comparable to only a handful of sci-fi blockbusters. Not only due to a massive budget, but to the bold artistic swings. The DCEU has undoubtedly struggled, and apparently the studios decided to give this film absolute freedom. It is completely unapologetic in its hyperbole. The tone is silly but charming, the story is winding yet simple, and the action is breathtaking.
Furious 7 - 7.2
This franchise is nothing like its roots, wherein the protagonists have evolved from thieves to superheroes. And yet, this provided the perfect argument for Wan’s introduction to the DCEU. It was instantly clear that Wan’s capacity for handling massive finances, actors, and action was unquestionable.
The transition from jump scares to literal jumps seemed utterly effortless. The pacing itself appeared to resemble Wan’s style but his eye for catchy iconography obviously reaches far beyond a single genre. He wields an undeniable talent for reigning in the redundancy of excess by maintaining innovation.
The Conjuring 2 - 7.3
This sequel to the massively successful original was much closer to Wan’s earlier paranormal work. Rather than continue the method of terrifying teases, the supernatural threats are plainly thrown at the audience outright. From the onset, no less. Which can feel rather disappointing, and consequently earned a smaller rating. Fortunately, the movie remembers that this franchise succeeds most by focusing on the pathos of families. The Warrens’ friendly relationship with each family they seek to help is the cornerstone of the poignancy. These movies also thrive when they depict a tormented family, suffering without means of natural rescue. And further, there are always the allegations of truth in these cases. This should innately unsettle anyone that believes in a religion or the afterlife.
The Conjuring - 7.5
This movie could easily be regarded as a modern masterpiece of horror. It is unusually grounded, straining two families with a distinctly emotional, psychological cost above all of the jumps. The movie also approaches the ghost phenomenon with utmost sincerity, an attitude that is hardly expected anymore. It decisively establishes that the Warrens mostly found natural explanations for reported hauntings. The Annabelle doll is an artifact genuinely considered to be spiritually dangerous, in reality.
These matters of the paranormal may be outright impossible to many, and the story concludes with the Warrens’ distinct position. But even skeptics should still be entertained. Wan’s film is swift, with relatable, everyday characters and clever scares. The camera can fool you into seeing and feeling the invisible, evil forces, while barely showing them. And each horror takes its sweet time, allowing total immersion before Wan’s sharp imagery strikes.
Saw - 7.6
The legacy of Saw has been contorted by its sequels akin to any of Jigsaw’s elaborate traps. The original movie is a signature debut horror film, with a high-concept premise, few locations, and a small budget. The car chase alone distinctly cut some corners. However, by that point, audiences will be too invested to notice, let alone complain. Cary Elwes delivers a superb performance, as he slowly becomes increasingly manic and desperate. The mythology of the killer himself is addictively inventive. Jigsaw’s traps and motivations are exciting, intriguing and fresh. Simply put, the movie is absolutely brimming with personality. The mystery is engaging throughout, and the ending twist is nigh impossible to predict. Sadly, the rest of the franchise relies heavily on so-called “torture porn”. Audiences forget that a story-driven chapter in this franchise can be far more accessible, and genuinely satisfying. The lore is rich with possibilities and leaves fans with high hopes for Spiral.
