Hi all!

Today I am back to rank James Wan’s horror movies! He is one of my favourite film directors. Last month, I did the same for Rob Zombie (click here). To clarify, I am ranking by movie, not franchise (he worked on some, not all of them). I am only discussing movies he directed, not produced (no M3GAN here). I am doing horror only. You will not find Aquaman, Death Sentence or Furious 7 on this list and finally, I am not covering Stygian (it was never commercially released). Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) Saw 

In first place, we have Saw. What a shock! It is my favourite horror franchise of all time. I ranked the entire series here and shared the five best traps here. In 2004, two extremely talented writers, directors and best friends (James Wan and Leigh Whannell, released a film about a sadistic man, offering his victims a chance of survival – at a cost. It was very low budget and the pair didn’t expect much to come from it. Little did they know, the movie would skyrocket them to great success. Saw is my favourite in the series for the nostalgia, the story and most importantly, the twist. It gave James the career he has today.

2.) Dead Silence 

I die-hard love cult classic, Dead Silence. I could re-watch it a billion times and never get bored. You know I love my creepy dolls! The story is about a young widower, returning to his hometown in search of answers, after his wife’s murder. The filming, scares and twist at the end, make it a superior horror film that isn’t talked about enough. This forgotten feature deserves more attention. James Wan made a winner when he brought a second doll named Billy to life. ‘Beware the stare of Mary Shaw.’ 

3.) The Conjuring

In third place, we have The Conjuring. James directed the first film, with the intent of following the adventures of real-life demonologists, Ed and Lorraine Warren. In 1971, Roger and Carolyn Perron, move into a farmhouse on Rhode Island, with their five daughters. Paranormal events begin to occur immediately. When the girls are attacked in their bedroom by a spirit, Carolyn contacts Ed and Lorraine. Their investigation reveals the house once belonged to an accused witch. There were some really unique scares in this instalment. It definitely had a James Wan feel, making it extra special. You have the clapping scene, Bathsheba perched on top of the wardrobe, the clothesline moment and more. Also, it is based on true events. The Perron family were real, as was Bathsheba. They claimed the spirit was actually tormenting them. Spooky!

4.) The Conjuring 2

In fourth place, we have The Conjuring 2. In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, arrive at Enfield, London to investigate the possession of  young Janet Hodgson. Her body becomes host to Bill Wilkins, an elderly man who had previously lived and died in their house. A year earlier, Lorraine experiences a vision of Ed dying, which makes her hesitant about helping Janet. I must admit, I didn’t love The Conjuring 2 when it first came out. Over time, it has really grown on me. The best parts, in my opinion, involve Valak. That scene with the painting? One of the best in horror movie history.

5.) Insidious 

In fifth place, we have another favourite franchise of mine. In particular, the very first film: Insidious. You can check out my dedicated ranking here. We follow the Lamberts, haunted by a collection of malevolent entities and a powerful demon. After their eldest son, Dalton, suffers from a tragic accident, disturbing events begin to occur. With the help of a team of paranormal investigators, the family learn that Dalton is skilled in astral projection. The combination of horror and time travel scratches the best itch for me. It’s absolutely terrifying but also quite emotionally deep. 

6.) Malignant 

James Wan’s Malignant is so polarising. You either love or hate it. I loved it! It won best wide-release horror film of the year at the 2022 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. It follows Madison, a young woman terrified by visions of strangers being murdered. Once the terror subsides, she sets out to help her victims before their fates come to pass. Little does our protagonist know, she’s more connected to the killer than she realises. I don’t want to give away the twist reveal. You have to watch and find out! Please note, this movie is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. If you try to take the plot seriously, you’ll probably end up disliking it. It’s ridiculous and brilliant.

7.) Insidious 2

In last place, we have Insidious 2. This was the final instalment directed by James in the franchise. The sequel occurs right after the first film. It also covers what happened to Josh as a child. Shortly following the events of Insidious, the Lambert family continue to experience paranormal disturbances, not realising Josh has been possessed since his last visit to the Further. It’s lower on my list because not a whole lot happens. The best part, in my opinion, was learning that time in the Further does not move chronologically. The characters are able to traverse through the past, revisiting old memories. Other than that, it just wasn’t as impactful as the third and first film.

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank James Wan’s movies? 

Peace & Love xoxo