Director Jaume Collet-Serra has spent over two decades crafting films, with a particular focus on the horror genre marked by the recent release of The Woman in the Yard. This movie positions itself as the third horror entry in Collet-Serra’s portfolio, following his earlier works House of Wax and Orphan. Collet-Serra began his career in the 1990s directing music videos and commercials, eventually making a significant impact in the film industry with his 2005 debut feature, House of Wax. Since then, he has directed various successful films, such as The Shallows, Jungle Cruise, Black Adam, and Carry-On.
While it’s been years since Collet-Serra’s last foray into horror, The Woman in the Yard marks his return to this chilling genre. In examining the performance of this latest film alongside his previous horrors, we can evaluate the evolution of his work based on key metrics like Rotten Tomatoes ratings and audience feedback. Let’s delve into how these films compare.
3 House of Wax
Teens Are Threatened In A Wax Museum
Taking the third spot in Collet-Serra’s horror rankings is House of Wax. This film is part of a long tradition of remakes and adaptations, with its most famous predecessor being the 1953 classic of the same name. The plot centers around a group of college friends who, after experiencing a flat tire on their way to a football game, decide to seek refuge in a nearby wax museum. Little do they know, the sinister twin brothers running the establishment have darker intentions.
Collet-Serra’s House of Wax features a cast that includes Jared Padalecki, Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, and Paris Hilton. It draws inspiration from Charles S. Belden’s 1933 short story titled “The Wax Works.”
Upon its initial release, House of Wax struggled critically, earning a mere 28% from critics and 44% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Many reviewers criticized it for a lack of originality and subpar writing. However, over the years, the film has cultivated a surprisingly loyal cult following, finding appreciation for its quirky elements and entertaining performances that contribute to its status as a guilty pleasure.
2 The Woman in the Yard
A Mother Is Haunted By A Mysterious Figure
In the second position is The Woman in the Yard, which debuted in March 2025. The film follows a grieving widow striving to maintain normalcy for her children after the tragic loss of her husband in a car accident. Their lives take a disturbing turn when a mysterious woman appears in their yard, enigmatic and eerie, cloaked in a veil, hinting that her presence may spell danger for the family.
This film has elicited mixed responses from audiences and critics, achieving an average rating of 45% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers who found fault with the movie pointed to its unclear messaging and a scarcity of genuine scares. Nevertheless, this ambiguity contributes to its intrigue, placing it as a respectable second in Collet-Serra’s horror lineup.
1 Orphan
A Woman Poses As An Orphaned Child
At the pinnacle of Collet-Serra’s horror credentials lies the 2009 gem, Orphan. The narrative revolves around a couple dealing with the heart-wrenching loss of their unborn baby, who subsequently choose to adopt. They are captivated by a young girl named Esther, but soon begin to unearth unsettling truths about her identity.
While Orphan might not be hailed as the ultimate horror film of all time, it has cemented itself as a classic in modern horror. Isabelle Fuhrman’s performance as Esther imbues the film with a palpable tension. The storyline’s originality, coupled with its shocking twist ending, further enhances its reputation. Moreover, the film’s connections to true events from a similar case lend it an added layer of chilling reality. As of now, even with the recent releases like The Woman in the Yard, Orphan remains unequivocally Jaume Collet-Serra’s standout achievement in the horror genre.