25 Exceptional Movies to Watch While Awaiting ‘Dune: Part Three’
The wait for ‘Dune: Part Three’ may feel long, as the next chapter in Paul Atreides’ story is still some time away. The first two films created a rich and detailed world that captured the attention of many. They combined stunning visuals, complex characters, and deep political and ecological themes. This creates a unique viewing experience that can be hard to find elsewhere.
To help pass the time until the next journey to Arrakis, this list offers 25 exceptional movies. These films are selected for their similar qualities to ‘Dune’, such as grand world-building, serious tone, and focus on big ideas. You will find science fiction, fantasy, and epic adventures. Each film provides a distinct and memorable world to explore while you wait.
Blade Runner (1982)
This film presents a dark, rainy vision of Los Angeles in 2019. A burnt-out detective named Rick Deckard is tasked with hunting down bioengineered androids, known as replicants. These replicants have returned to Earth illegally, and Deckard must “retire” them. The movie explores what it means to be human through its moody atmosphere and compelling story.
Based on a novel by Philip K. Dick, the same author who influenced ‘Dune’, ‘Blade Runner’ is a classic of science fiction. Its detailed and influential vision of the future has shaped many films that came after it. The story is a slow-burn mystery that raises questions about memory, identity, and technology.
Arrival (2016)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the same director as ‘Dune’, this film is a smart and emotional science fiction story. When twelve mysterious alien spacecraft land across the globe, a linguist is recruited by the U.S. military to try and communicate with them. Her work becomes a race against time as other nations begin to view the aliens as a threat.
‘Arrival’ is a story about communication and understanding, rather than conflict. It avoids typical alien invasion tropes and focuses on the challenges of language and the nature of time. The film is known for its clever plot, strong emotional core, and thoughtful approach to first contact.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
This historical epic is a major influence on ‘Dune’. The film tells the true story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who united and led Arab tribes during World War I in their fight against the Ottoman Empire. The vast desert landscapes and the story of an outsider who becomes a messianic figure for people of the desert will feel very familiar to ‘Dune’ fans.
The movie is famous for its stunning cinematography, capturing the beauty and harshness of the desert. It is a long and immersive film that explores themes of identity, war, and cultural clashes. The central character’s complex journey and the grand scale of the production make it a timeless classic.
Akira (1988)
‘Akira’ is a landmark animated film from Japan that had a huge impact on science fiction. Set in the futuristic, cyberpunk city of Neo-Tokyo, the story follows a young biker gang member who gains incredible telekinetic powers after an accident. His growing power becomes a threat to the entire city, attracting the attention of the military.
The film is known for its detailed animation, complex plot, and social commentary. It explores themes of youth rebellion, government corruption, and the dangers of unchecked power, similar to the Bene Gesserit’s machinations in ‘Dune’. ‘Akira’ remains a powerful and visually impressive work of science fiction.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
This animated film from Hayao Miyazaki is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity struggles to survive. A vast, toxic jungle filled with giant mutant insects is spreading across the Earth. The story follows a young princess named Nausicaä, who seeks to understand the jungle and find a way for humans and nature to coexist.
The film’s focus on ecology, a strong female protagonist, and giant insect-like creatures will strongly resonate with ‘Dune’ enthusiasts. ‘Nausicaä’ is an adventure with a powerful environmental message. It shows the beauty and danger of the natural world and argues for understanding over conflict.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this is one of the most influential science fiction films ever made. The story follows a journey to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL 9000, after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith. The film deals with humanity’s evolution, technology, and the search for our place in the universe.
‘2001’ is known for its scientific accuracy, groundbreaking special effects, and meditative pace. It uses images and music to tell its story more than dialogue. It’s a film that asks big questions and doesn’t provide easy answers, much like the philosophical undertones of the ‘Dune’ saga.
The Matrix (1999)
‘The Matrix’ tells the story of Neo, a computer hacker who discovers that his reality is a simulated world created by intelligent machines. He is freed by a group of rebels and told that he is “The One,” a prophesied savior who can end the war between humans and machines. This film redefined action movies with its unique “bullet time” effects.
The “chosen one” narrative is a clear parallel to Paul Atreides’ journey. ‘The Matrix’ combines martial arts, science fiction, and philosophy into a single, stylish package. It explores ideas of free will, destiny, and the nature of reality, making it a thought-provoking and exciting watch.
Children of Men (2006)
This film is set in a near-future world where humanity has become infertile, and society is collapsing. In this chaotic world, a former activist agrees to help transport a young woman who is miraculously pregnant to a sanctuary at sea. Their journey is dangerous, as many different factions want to claim the first child born in a generation.
‘Children of Men’ offers a gritty and realistic vision of a dystopian future. The film is known for its incredible long-take action sequences that place the viewer directly in the middle of the conflict. It is a story about the loss and rediscovery of hope in the darkest of times, echoing the messianic themes in ‘Dune’.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
This movie is a high-octane action film set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland. The story follows Max, a lone survivor, who gets caught up with Imperator Furiosa, a warrior trying to escape the clutches of the tyrannical Immortan Joe. Furiosa liberates Joe’s “Five Wives” in a chase across the desert.
The desert setting and the fight over precious resources like water and gasoline are very similar to the struggles on Arrakis. ‘Fury Road’ is essentially one long, masterfully executed chase sequence. The film is celebrated for its practical effects, vehicle design, and non-stop, visually creative action.
Stalker (1979)
This slow, philosophical Soviet science fiction film is a challenging and rewarding experience. It follows three men—the Stalker, the Writer, and the Professor—as they journey into a mysterious and restricted territory known as the Zone. Within the Zone is a room that is said to grant the innermost desires of anyone who enters.
Like ‘Dune’, ‘Stalker’ is a journey with deep metaphysical and spiritual meaning. The film is not about action but about faith, despair, and what people truly want from their lives. It is known for its haunting atmosphere and beautiful, deliberate cinematography that creates a unique and contemplative mood.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
This epic war film reimagines the novel ‘Heart of Darkness’ in the setting of the Vietnam War. An army captain is sent on a secret mission up a river to find and assassinate a renegade Special Forces Colonel who has set himself up as a god to a local tribe. The journey becomes a descent into madness and moral ambiguity.
The film’s exploration of a charismatic leader who commands absolute devotion from his followers mirrors Paul’s rise as the messianic leader of the Fremen. ‘Apocalypse Now’ is a powerful and surreal examination of the darkness of the human soul and the horrors of war, filmed on an epic scale.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The first film in the iconic fantasy trilogy introduces the world of Middle-earth. A young hobbit named Frodo Baggins inherits a simple gold ring that is actually the One Ring, a powerful weapon created by the Dark Lord Sauron. Frodo must leave his home and embark on a perilous journey to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.
This film is a masterclass in world-building, creating a rich and detailed fantasy realm with its own history, languages, and cultures. The epic scale of the quest and the focus on a “chosen” character’s struggle against a great evil provide a similar sense of adventure and importance as ‘Dune’.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this animated epic is set in a fantasy version of feudal Japan. The story follows a young prince named Ashitaka who gets caught in the middle of a war between the humans of Iron Town and the animal gods of the forest. He meets San, the “Princess Mononoke,” a human girl raised by wolves.
The central conflict over natural resources and the clash between industrial society and the natural world are themes shared with ‘Dune’. ‘Princess Mononoke’ is a complex film where there are no clear villains. It is a visually stunning and mature story about the need for balance and understanding.
Interstellar (2014)
In the near future, Earth is becoming uninhabitable due to catastrophic crop blights and dust storms. A former NASA pilot is recruited for a mission to travel through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new home for humanity. The film explores relativity, gravity, and the power of love across vast distances.
‘Interstellar’ is an ambitious and emotional science fiction epic. It shares ‘Dune’s’ sense of grand scale, with humanity’s survival hanging in the balance. The film is praised for its stunning visuals of space travel, its scientific concepts, and its heartfelt story about family.
Sicario (2015)
Also directed by Denis Villeneuve, this intense thriller provides a different kind of world to explore. An idealistic FBI agent is recruited by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border between the U.S. and Mexico. She soon finds herself in a brutal and morally ambiguous world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.
While not science fiction, ‘Sicario’ showcases Villeneuve’s signature style: tense atmosphere, stunning cinematography, and complex characters facing difficult moral choices. It’s a gripping film that demonstrates the director’s ability to build tension and explore dark, violent worlds, much like he does in ‘Dune’.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
This is the film that started a cultural phenomenon. A young farm boy from a desert planet, Luke Skywalker, discovers he is the son of a Jedi Knight and is destined to fight the evil Galactic Empire. He joins forces with a charming smuggler, a princess, and two droids to save the galaxy.
‘Star Wars’ owes a significant debt to Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’. A desert planet, a mystical “Force,” an evil empire, and a boy with a hidden destiny are all elements that resonate with Paul Atreides’ story. It is a classic tale of good versus evil told with a sense of fun and adventure.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to the 1982 classic is a visual masterpiece. In 2049, a new blade runner, Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
This film expands on the world and themes of the original. It continues the exploration of what it means to be human in a visually stunning and thought-provoking way. The deliberate pacing, incredible production design, and somber tone make it a perfect companion piece for ‘Dune’.
Alien (1979)
This film is a masterwork of science fiction and horror. The crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. They discover a nest of eggs, and one of the organisms attaches itself to a crew member, leading to terror aboard their ship.
‘Alien’ is famous for its “haunted house in space” concept and the terrifying creature design by H.R. Giger, whose work also influenced the aesthetic of the ‘Dune’ universe. The film excels at building suspense and creating a believable, lived-in future. It’s a tense and claustrophobic experience.
District 9 (2009)
‘District 9’ is a unique science fiction film that uses a documentary style to tell its story. Thirty years ago, a massive alien spaceship appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. The malnourished alien creatures, nicknamed “prawns,” were rescued and placed in a government camp called District 9. Now, tensions between the aliens and humans have reached a breaking point.
The film uses its sci-fi premise to explore real-world themes of xenophobia and social segregation. It is a gritty, action-packed, and surprisingly emotional story. The creative world-building and the focus on social commentary make it a compelling watch for those who appreciate the deeper themes in ‘Dune’.
Gattaca (1997)
This film is set in a future society driven by eugenics, where individuals are defined by their DNA. A man born with “inferior” genes dreams of traveling to space but is considered an “invalid.” He assumes the identity of a genetically superior man to pursue his lifelong ambition, constantly risking being exposed.
‘Gattaca’ is a smart and stylish thriller that explores themes of genetic determinism, ambition, and the human spirit. Like ‘Dune’ with its Bene Gesserit breeding program, this film examines the idea of a society that seeks to control destiny and potential through genetics.
Ran (1985)
Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, ‘Ran’ is a Japanese epic based on Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’. An aging warlord decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons. This decision leads to a tragic and catastrophic civil war as his sons betray him and each other in their thirst for power.
The film is a visual spectacle, known for its lavish costumes, massive battle scenes, and stunning use of color. The story of a great house falling apart due to internal conflict and betrayal will be very familiar to fans of House Atreides. It is a powerful and devastating look at the nature of power and family.
The Fifth Element (1997)
This is a vibrant and imaginative science fiction adventure. In the 23rd century, a New York City cab driver finds the fate of the world in his hands when a mysterious young woman named Leeloo falls into his cab. She is the “fifth element,” the key to stopping a great evil that threatens the Earth every 5,000 years.
‘The Fifth Element’ stands out for its unique and colorful visual style, a stark contrast to the gritty look of many sci-fi films. It creates a completely original and detailed world filled with strange aliens, flying cars, and memorable characters. It’s a fun, stylish, and action-packed ride.
Valhalla Rising (2009)
This is a brutal and atmospheric film about a silent, one-eyed warrior of immense strength. Held captive as a slave, he escapes and joins a group of Christian Vikings on their journey to the Holy Land. Their ship becomes lost in an endless fog and they land in a strange new world that feels like hell itself.
The film is a mystical and violent journey that has a hypnotic quality, similar to some of Paul’s visions in ‘Dune’. With very little dialogue, the story is told through powerful visuals and a heavy, foreboding atmosphere. It is a challenging but unique film for those who appreciate a more abstract and sensory experience.
The Last Emperor (1987)
This epic biographical film tells the story of Puyi, the last emperor of China. The film follows his entire life, from his ascension to the throne as a small boy to his imprisonment and political rehabilitation by the Communist authorities. It was the first Western film to be filmed in Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Like ‘Dune’, this is a grand story about the rise and fall of an emperor and the immense political and cultural shifts that surround him. ‘The Last Emperor’ is a visually magnificent film that won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It offers a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in history.
Aliens (1986)
This sequel to ‘Alien’ switches genres from horror to action. Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the first film, is rescued after 57 years in hypersleep. She agrees to return to the planet where her crew found the alien eggs, this time accompanied by a unit of tough colonial marines. They find the colony overrun by hundreds of the creatures.
‘Aliens’ is a thrilling and intense film that expands the world of the original. It explores themes of motherhood and corporate greed while delivering some of the most memorable action sequences in cinema history. If ‘Alien’ is about suspense, ‘Aliens’ is about all-out war.
