James Thomas Watkins (born 20 May 1973 in Nottingham, England) is an English film director and screenwriter. He is best known for his work in horror films, notably Eden Lake and The Woman in Black.

He wrote and directed the critically acclaimed thriller Eden Lake, starring Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly. It won Best Horror Film at the 2009 Empire Awards, the Jury Prize at Sitges Fantasy Festival and Best Director at Fantasporto. He was nominated for the Douglas Hickox Award at the 2008 British Independent Film Awards.