Shyamalan’s Unbreakable, Split, & Glass Watch Order Explained

If you’re a fan of M. Night Shyamalan’s unique style of storytelling, then you’re likely familiar with his Unbreakable trilogy of films, consisting of Unbreakable, Split, and Glass. But with each movie featuring its own set of characters and plot twists, it can be difficult to figure out the optimal order to watch them in. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Shyamalan’s trilogy, examining each film’s connections to the others and exploring the best way to watch them to appreciate the story’s intricate and thrilling narrative fully.
How many Unbreakable movies are there?
There are three movies in Shyamalan’s Unbreakable trilogy. The first movie, called “Unbreakable,” was released in 2000. After nearly 17 years, it was followed by the “stealth” sequel Split, and the trilogy was completed three years later with the release of Glass. All three movies were praised for their unique narratives and takes on superheroes and their powers, and the first two movies were received with moderate success. The last movie, Glass, managed to turn a profit but was considered to be a disappointing ending for such a highly acclaimed trilogy.
Unbreakable movies in order (at a glance)
As we’ve said, there are three movies in the Unbreakable trilogy (sometimes also known Eastrail 177 Trilogy), and while there was a long pause between the release of the first two films, Glass followed three years after the release of Split.
- Unbreakable (2000)
- Split (2017)
- Glass (2019)
Are Unbreakable movies connected? Do you need to watch them in a specific order?
All three movies in the Unbreakable trilogy are connected and should be watched in a specific order. Even though Split was considered to be a”stealth” sequel to Unbreakable due to barely referencing the first movie, all movies are part of a larger narrative that explores the idea of real-life superheroes and supervillains. The trilogy also features recurring characters and themes, making it a cohesive and engaging story.
What is the best way to watch Unbreakable, Split & Glass?
The best way to watch Unbreakable, Split & Glass is in their release date order. Watching the movies in release date order will allow you to experience the story as it was intended, and you will appreciate the connections between the movies and the subtle nods to the previous films. Starting with Unbreakable, the movie will introduce you to David Dunn and his journey of discovering his superhuman abilities. Split will then introduce you to Kevin Wendell Crumb and his multiple personalities, which are essential to understanding his character in Glass. Finally, Glass brings together the stories of David Dunn, Kevin Wendell Crumb, and Mr. Glass.
Unbreakable movies in release date order
1. Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakable tells the story of David Dunn, a security guard who survives a devastating train crash and discovers that he is virtually unbreakable. This revelation is made to him by Elijah Price, a comic book art dealer with a rare bone disorder that makes his bones fragile and brittle. As David tries to come to terms with his newfound abilities, he realizes that he has a duty to protect the people around him, especially his family.
Throughout the film, David struggles to balance his responsibilities as a father, husband, and protector, while Elijah’s obsession with comic books leads him to believe that he is the arch-nemesis to David’s hero. As a supervillain, he adopts the moniker “Mr. Glass” The movie culminates in a final showdown between the two characters, revealing unexpected plot twists and leaving the audience questioning the nature of heroism and villainy.
2. Split (2017)
Split follows the story of Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with dissociative identity disorder who has 23 different personalities. When Kevin abducts three teenage girls, his personalities begin to compete for control over his body and mind, with some personalities seeking to harm the girls and others attempting to protect them.
As the girls try to escape, they discover more about Kevin’s different personalities and the dark secrets that lie within his mind. Meanwhile, Kevin’s therapist, Dr. Karen Fletcher, begins to uncover clues about Kevin’s condition that may reveal a dangerous and unprecedented transformation.
Split is a psychological horror thriller that is both intense and thought-provoking. The film is notable for James McAvoy’s performance as Kevin, who manages to convincingly portray the different personalities inhabiting his character. Split featured a twist ending that connects it to Unbreakable, setting the stage for the third and final film in the trilogy, Glass.
3. Glass (2019)
Glass, released in 2019, brings together the characters from Unbreakable and Split in a showdown that tests their strengths and beliefs. The movie follows David Dunn, who has continued to work as a vigilante with the help of his son, Joseph; Kevin Wendell Crumb, who now has 24 personalities and is on the loose with “The Beast” persona taking control; and Elijah Price, who has been confined to a mental institution for his actions in Unbreakable.
The trio is brought together by Dr. Ellie Staple, a psychiatrist specializing in treating individuals who believe they have superhuman abilities. As Dr. Staple tries to convince the three that their abilities are simply delusions, the characters question their beliefs and motives, leading to a final confrontation that will change their lives forever.
Where to watch Unbreakable movies?
All three movies in the Unbreakable trilogy can be watched on Amazon Prime Video. The franchise’s first and third movies can be likewise watched with a Disney+ subscription. Split, the middle movie in the trilogy, is not available on Disney+.
Will there be more Unbreakable movies?
Shyamalan doesn’t like to make sequels for his movies. The Unbreakable trilogy was kind of an exception to this general rule. Although he was open to expanding the story and making a sequel to Glass if the inspiration came to him, he eventually revealed that there are currently no plans to continue the story of the existing trilogy. Due to that, we can safely conclude that currently, there are no indications that there will be more Unbreakable movies.