Dune: Part One (2021) is considered one of the most exceptional sci-fi films ever made. With Dune: Part Two released in 2024, fans are eager for similar films. Here are 10 sci-fi movies to watch if you love Dune.
10. Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar and Dune both accomplish their presentation on an epic scale, showcasing the awe-inspiring cosmos in a manner other films cannot replicate. The immersive world-building, sound design, grand and brilliant visuals, as well as exceptionally talented casts, set both films apart. Interstellar and Dune provide an incomparable viewing experience rarely achieved in sci-fi.
9. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 and Dune both offer a complex narrative and achieve visual excellence, no doubt due to both being directed by Denis Villeneuve. Blade Runner 2049 excels in exploring complex themes, such as identity and artificial intelligence. Likewise, it’s one of the best sequels of all time, arriving 45 years after Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982).
8. Avatar (2009)
Avatar shares similarities with Dune in that both films explore a planet and inform the audience about its culture, customs, and wildlife. Both films are also massive sci-fi epics. It seems apparent that Avatar is influenced by the Dune novel. Similarly, 2021’s Dune film, clearly appears to draw inspiration from Avatar.
7. Ex Machina (2015)
Ex Machina is a unique film that is both bizarre and disturbing. It leaves one questioning what it means to be human. The emphasis is on tension rather than action. Its twists provide psychological thrills. Although the theme is artificial intelligence, it’s more about manipulation and power. Those themes are explored on a larger scale in Dune.
6. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
True, this isn’t a sci-fi flick, it’s a biography-adventure based on a true story. However, it takes place in the dunes. Further, the stories have a lot of overlap and commonality. Lawrence brings Arab peoples together to fight against the oppressors – the Ottoman Empire. The hero finds himself grappling with questions of his identity and role in the larger conflict.
5. Children of Men (2006)
Although much bleaker than Dune, Children of Men provides a glimmer of hope in a world where women have become infertile about how humanity can and will be saved. Like Dune, it is a thoughtful and morally complex film. It creates an authentic-feeling vision of living in the future. Visually, the film is stunning.
4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Like Dune, Mad Max: Fury Road features themes of scarce resources, oppressive regimes, and surviving in a harsh environment. Both films feature barren desert worlds. Fury Road was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as won 6 Oscars in technical, costume, makeup, sound, and production categories.
3. John Carter (2012)
In tone and aesthetics, John Carter leans more toward being pulp sci-fi. It’s based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ sci-fi novel, A Princess of Mars, the first of his seminal Barsoom series. John Carter could’ve been an epic franchise. Sadly, the film was a huge box office flop, despite critics and audiences both loving it. Dune fans – this one’s a must-watch.
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2. Eternals (2021)
Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Eternals has a lot in common with Dune. The films take mirrored approaches. Dune is about humans looking at the hostile nature of an alien world. Eternals is about aliens looking at the beauties of Earth. In that way, these two films complement one another.
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1. Arrival (2016)
Arrival is an incredibly thoughtful and intellectually engaging film. It’s probably the movie you’ll want to see immediately after watching Dune. The film focuses on the importance of communication rather than action. This unpredictable film is sure to keep you glued to your screen and eager to see how it all turns out.
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