The best films by James Wan

James Wan is a well-known name in the horror genre and has achieved much critical and commercial success as a director of action and adventure films. Despite a few flops (well, what filmmaker doesn't?), he can look back on a nearly three-decade career as the creator and director of the most successful horror franchises in film history.

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From the bloodthirsty, adrenaline-pumping series “Saw” to the critically acclaimed “Conjuring” series, James Wan has undoubtedly left his mark on the industry. For this reason, we have selected the best films from his filmography for you.

8

Aquaman

(2018)

Aquaman poses in his armor and trident.
via Screen Rant

Aquaman is Wan's first action blockbuster and became the highest-grossing DC film in the franchise. As the film's title suggests, the story follows the origins of Aquaman (or Arthur Curry), a half-human, half-Atlantean who uncovers the truth about himself and is the only one who can stop King Orm to conquer the surface.

The quintessential superhero film, Aquaman was definitely an entertaining visual masterpiece, although its story lacked depth at times. Both Jason Momoa and Nicole Kidman were great in their roles and the CGI was top notch, making it a pleasure to watch.

7

Dead silence

(2007)

Although “Dead Silence” was initially heavily panned by critics, it has now achieved cult status almost two decades after its release. The second film that Wan directed has become an icon of the horror genre with its poster. Furthermore, the jump scares are funny and unexpected and the story has an extraordinary twist at the end.

The film tells the story of Jamie Ashen, who can't seem to find a break in life. After his wife's murder, he is constantly terrorized by the vengeful ghost of the late ventriloquist Mary Shaw. The latter had a bone to pick with the Ashen family after being killed by them and refused to rest until they were all dead.

6

Insidious: Chapter 2

(2013)

The Lambert family saga continues in the sequel to the first Insidious film. The story focuses more on Josh Lambert's background as well as the evil spirit “The Bride in Black” who killed the psychic Elise at the end of the first film.

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Elise's death left the Lamberts reeling, and paranormal events increased. Josh is possessed by the Bride in Black and the family tries to enlist Elise's spirit for help. The film delves deeper into the lore of the ghost dimension known as “The Further”, along with Josh's childhood and the story of The Bride In Black. Overall, the film does an exceptionally good job of tying up the loose ends from the first film, making it one of the greatest storylines in horror.

5

The nun

(2018)

Sister Irene walks cautiously down the aisle.

Since Valak's appearance in The Conjuring 2, there has been a long wait for a standalone film about the demon. Although the film was directed by Corin Hardy, James Wan served as second director and was responsible for writing the film's story.

“The Nun” is set in 1952 Romania, where Father Burke and Sister Irene travel to the remote Saint Cartha Abbey to investigate. The film shows us Valak escaping from his prison into the wider world, to the point where we see him in The Conjuring 2. Although Sister Irene was more of the central protagonist, Valak stole the show every time he appeared, cementing her as one of the scariest monsters in horror.

4

The incantation 2

(2016)

The second part of the Conjuring series takes you across the pond to England. The film revolves around the real-life case of the Enfield poltergeist and features scarier jump scares as well as the first appearance of the nun demon Valak.

One of the Lutz family's children, Janet, becomes the target of an obsession after messing around with a Ouija board. Her case becomes a media sensation and attracts the attention of paranormal investigators. The Warrens come in to check if Janet is lying, but quickly run into an entity far more powerful and evil than expected.

3

Seen

(2004)

Adam throws his jacket towards the body.

“Saw” was James Wan’s official debut as a director and it is indeed a memorable one. The film is a refreshing twist on the horror genre and introduces the iconic Jigsaw Killer and the even more iconic Billy the Puppet.

The story centers on Adam and Lawrence, who are stuck in a room with a bloody corpse. The two are chained to opposite corners of the room and quickly realize that they are in the grasp of the Jigsaw Killer and his insane traps. The film maintains the tension and danger and explores the human struggle with morality and survival, with brilliant performances from the actors.

2

Insidious

(2010)

The red-faced demon appears behind Josh Lambert.

Insidious is one of the most popular horror series ever and its first film is a pioneer. The Lambert family is plagued by one difficulty after another. Not only did their son Dalton fall into a coma, but they also had extreme paranormal encounters.

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Instead of a mere haunted house format, the ghosts plague the family due to Dalton's ability to astral project, which transports his soul to a purgatory-like realm called “The Further.” With the help of a team of paranormal investigators, Josh, who also has astral projection abilities, travels to the realm of the dead to save his son from the demon that wants to keep him. The film ends with a scary twist that sets up the sequel perfectly.

1

The incantation

(2013)

The crown jewel of horror films, The Conjuring presents one of James Wan's best works. The story is the first film in the Conjuring series and focuses on one of the most infamous cases in the careers of paranormal investigator couple Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The film follows the Perron family as they move into a farmhouse in the country with bright eyes and optimism. But they are threatened with the horror of their lives because they are terrorized by an evil spirit. “The Conjuring” is the perfect mix of chilling suspense and iconic, extremely clever jump scares that are guaranteed to make your heart beat faster.

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