Over the course of his 20-year career, director Jaume Collet-Serra has led three horror movies, with the most recent beingThe Woman in the Yard; here is how it ranks among his previous two. Collet-Serra started out directing music videos and commercials in the 1990s, and eventually earned his breakthrough in 2005. His first feature film wasHouse of Wax,which saw financial success and launchedthe rest of Collet-Serra’s career. Since then,he has directed notable movies such asThe Shallows, Jungle Cruise, Black Adam,andCarry-On.
It has been quite a while since Collet-Serra ventured into the horror genre, butthe premiere ofThe Woman in the Yardhas officially brought him back.The Woman in the Yardis his third-ever horror movie, preceded by 2009’sOrphanand 2005’sHouse of Wax.In general,Collet-Sera’s movies tend to be solid box-office earners with low critical ratings, and his horror movies mostly follow the same path. However, in getting into the specifics of the films, from Rotten Tomatoes scores to audience reactions, it is clear to see how Collet-Serra’s horror movies rank against each other.
Collet-Serra’s third-ranked horror movie would have to beHouse of Wax.This comes from a long line of remakes and adaptations, though its most popular predecessor is likely 1953’sHouse of Wax.The story follows a group of college students who are on their way to a football game when they get a flat tire. In a deserted area,they seek help in a nearby wax museum, only to discover that the twin brothers running the place have nefarious motives.House of WaxstarsJared Padalecki, Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, and Paris Hilton.
House of Wax’ssource material is Charles S. Belden’s short story, “The Wax Works.”
At first glance,House of Waxis considered to be a flop. The movie has a 28% critics score and a 44% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers panning the film for its lack of originality and poor writing. For the most part, people consider it to be a bad movie. However, in the intervening years,House of Waxhas become notable for garnering a cult classic following.Underneath its poor qualities,House of Waxhides some compelling performances and absurd additions that make it an entertaining watch at the very least.
Next up in the ranking isThe Woman in the Yard.Just released in March 2025, this movie is abouta woman who recently lost her husband in a car accident and is trying to keep up a normal routinefor herself and her kids. However, their little life is interrupted by the arrival of a strangewoman sitting in a chair in their yard. With a veil over her head and a lack of answers from the woman herself, it quickly becomes clear that this presence is not a positive one, and could eventually turn dangerous.
Why The Woman In The Yard’s Ending Is So Controversial
The Woman In The Yard’s controversial ending and the ambiguous nature of the finale have been generating a lot of discourse around the horror film.
The Woman in the Yardreceived mixed reviewsfrom critics and audiences, averaging a 45% on Rotten Tomatoes. Those who were unhappy with the film noted that its messaging was too ambiguous and there were not enough scares throughout. Others admitted that the film was more eerie than outright terrifying, but felt that it was a clean and efficient horror film that was well-shot. Overall,The Woman in the Yardis a middle-of-the-road kind of movie,which makes it perfect for second place among Collet-Serra’s horror movies.
Finally,Collet-Serra’s best horror movie is his 2009 film,Orphan.It centers on a young couple who have just lost their unborn baby and decide to adopt a child instead. At the orphanage, they form a connection with a little girl named Esther, and end up bringing her home. However, after spending more time with her, the couple start to suspect that Esther is keeping secrets, and worse, that she might not be who she says she is. The film stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Vera Farmiga, and Peter Saarsgard.
Orphanmay not be the greatest horror movie of all time, but it is an absolute classic.
Orphanmay not be the greatest horror movie of all time, but it is an absolute classic.Fuhrman fully embodies her role as Esther, and infuses the movie with unending tension. The story is not only unique, but offers audiences a refreshing twist at the end. Plus,Orphan’sties to a real-life crimeof a similar capacity make this movie even more compelling. AlthoughThe Woman in the Yardrecently premiered,Orphanstill reigns as Jaume Collet-Serra’s best horror movie.
