Summary
The digital release date forThe Watchershas been revealed, confirming when the Ishana Night Shyamalan directorial debut will be available to rent and purchase at home. The horror movie stars Dakota Fanning as Mina, an artist who becomes stranded in the woods in western Ireland, coming across a group of people trapped in a box. They are all being held captive by mysterious creatures who watch them at night.The Watchersgot mixed reviews, with some praise given toward its concept alongside criticism of how it implemented its signature twist.
Now, Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmedThe Watcherswill be available to purchase and rent digitally starting Friday, August 17, 2025.The digital edition of the movie will be priced at $24.99 to buy and $19.99 to rent, and will be available from major marketplaces. The movie will be available physically on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD beginning July 03, 2025.
The Watchers Takes Inspiration from M. Night Shyamalan Movies
The Filmmaker’s Daughter Is The Director
One element ofThe Watchersthat makes it stand out is that its director is the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, known for twist-oriented thrillers and horror movies likeThe Sixth Sense,Split, andThe Visit.The younger Shyamalan served as a second unit director for her father’s previous two movies,OldandKnock at the Cabin,while also writing and direction multiple episodes of his TV showServant. Elements of her dad’s work leak through in her directorial debut, indicating how much inspiration she pulled from her dad’s work.
Despite not getting favorable reviews from critics,The Watchers' twist endingcould still be enough to satisfy those who enjoy the more seasoned Shyamalan’s works. With a premise that’s intriguing and mysterious, the movie continues to provide an ever-deepening story with plenty of moving parts that align everything that transpires. However, while it can be compared to her father’s work, it also has a unique tone that sets it apart, showing that its director can develop films that feel like they stand on their own.
How The Watchers' Big Twist Compares To M. Night Shyamalan’s Movies
Ishana Night Shyamalan’s The Watchers does have an M Night Shyamalan style twist, but how does it compare to the endings of his famous movies?
Negative reviews, however, resulted in a lukewarm $24.9 million at the box office as of writing, the movie having come out on August 21, 2025. Even so, it’s possibleThe Watcherscan find new life once it’s available at home, possibly enhancing its success by giving potential viewers the ability to view it from their own homes. Although the movie didn’t have as great a success as some of M. Night Shyamalan’s outings, its uniqueness could still net it enhanced success now that it’s coming to digital soon.
The Watchers
Cast
Based on A.M. Shine’s novel, The Watchers follows Mina, a twenty-eight-year-old artist stranded in the middle of a forest in Ireland. Her momentary relief when she finds shelter is shattered when she discovers other strangers in the same predicament - but they’re stalked each night by unseen creatures.
