Denis Villeneuve, the visionary French-Canadian filmmaker, has cemented his place in Hollywood with a bevvy of critically acclaimed movies. His recent release, Dune: Part 2, continues his exploration of epic storytelling, pushing the boundaries of cinema and captivating audiences worldwide.
Each of his works, from the pulse-pounding thriller Sicario to the mind-bending Arrival, showcases his mastery of the craft and his unparalleled imagination, particularly in suspenseful dramas and contemplative science fiction.
As his latest masterpiece continues to rake in big moolah at the box office, we delve into the thought-provoking worlds of other movies directed by Denis Villeneuve. On that note here are the…
Top 10 Denis Villeneuve movies ranked according to IMDb scores
From the desolate landscapes of Dune: Part 2 to the neon-lit streets of Blade Runner 2049, here is a lowdown on the best movies ever directed by Denis Villeneuve that redefined the path of imagination and emotions.
1. Dune: Part Two (2024)
IMDb rating: 9/10
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Christopher Walken
The long-awaited Dune: Part Two finally graced cinemas on 1 March 2024, completing the cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s revered sci-fi classic. Under Denis Villeneuve’s direction, the saga expands into an enthralling spectacle that mesmerises and provokes contemplation.
Continuing from its 2018 predecessor Dune, the sequel delves deeper into the journey of Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he embraces his role as Muad’Dib among the Fremen. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Fremen’s struggle against House Harkonnen for control of Arrakis. As tensions escalate, Paul confronts the Harkonnens, particularly Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Skarsgård) and his nephew Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Butler), in a bid to claim the throne.
Zendaya’s Chani adds depth to Paul’s story, while Ferguson’s Lady Jessica navigates the intricate prophecy surrounding her son’s destiny.
Dune 2 is being dubbed the best Denis Villeneuve movie so far, which landed the biggest domestic opening of the year in the US. The film has collected USD 182.5 million globally in just the first weekend of release.
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2. Incendies (2010)
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Rémy Girard, Maxim Gaudette
Villeneuve’s international breakthrough came in the year 2010 with the film Incendies, an adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s 2003 play. Set in a nameless Middle Eastern country embroiled in civil war, the story follows Canadian twins Nawal and Jeanne Marwan (played by Azabal and Désormeaux-Poulin) unravelling their mother’s tumultuous past.
Critics lauded Incendies as a haunting modern tragedy, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. The narrative’s exploration of family, identity, and the enduring scars of war were notable. Villeneuve’s masterful direction amplifies the film’s emotional impact, immersing viewers in a world of turmoil and redemption.
3. Prisoners (2013)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Viola Davis,
Prisoners marks Denis Villeneuve’s gripping Hollywood debut, plunging audiences into the emotional turmoil of suburban Pennsylvania. When two young girls vanish, a desperate father (Jackman) clashes with a determined detective (Gyllenhaal) in a race against time and morality. With its harrowing narrative, Prisoners established Villeneuve as a master of thrillers and suspense.
The film’s exploration of grief, vengeance and the complexities of justice elevates it beyond typical crime thrillers. Villeneuve crafts a palpable sense of dread, weaving a web of deception and desperation that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Sylvia Hoeks, Ana de Armas
Next on our list of best Denis Villeneuve movies, ranked according to IMDb, is the 2017 classic Blade Runner 2049. The film serves as a mesmerising sequel to Ridley Scott‘s iconic sci-fi epic Blade Runner (1982). Officer K (Gosling) is a new-generation blade runner, who unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to disrupt society. As K investigates this revelation, he commences on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Villeneuve expands the dystopian universe with stunning visuals and a narrative that challenges perceptions of humanity and identity. Despite its extended runtime, the film captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
The film’s exploration of memory, consciousness and the nature of existence is as profound as it is visually stunning. Villeneuve’s meticulous attention to detail and thematic depth pay homage to the original while offering a fresh perspective on timeless questions about what it means to be human.
5. Dune (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac
Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel delivers a sweeping epic that exceeds its predecessors. With a stellar cast and groundbreaking visuals, Dune set in the distant future follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as his family, the noble House Atreides, is pushed into a war for the deadly desert planet Arrakis. As the narrative unfolds viewers are immersed in a rich tapestry of politics, religion and destiny. Despite the challenges posed by its simultaneous streaming release, the film captivated audiences worldwide.
The film’s intricate world-building and compelling characters breathe new life into Herbert’s visionary universe. Villeneuve’s meticulous craftsmanship and narrative prowess transport viewers to a distant future where power, betrayal and destiny collide in an epic struggle for survival.
6. Arrival (2016)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Michael Stuhlbarg, Forest Whitaker,
Arrival transcends the boundaries of traditional science fiction, offering a profound exploration of communication and understanding. Amy Adams delivers a captivating performance as Louise Banks, a linguist, tasked with decoding an alien language, leading to revelations that redefine humanity’s place in the universe. Villeneuve’s visionary direction earned widespread acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.
The film’s examination of time, perception and the nature of language challenges audiences to reconsider their understanding of reality and connection. Villeneuve’s deft handling of complex themes and emotional resonance elevates Arrival beyond genre conventions, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
7. Sicario (2015)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, Victor Garber, Josh Brolin
Sicario plunges viewers into the shadowy world of drug cartels and government agencies, where morality blurs and alliances shift. Emily Blunt delivers a compelling portrayal of an FBI agent caught in a web of deception, while Villeneuve masterfully crafts tension and suspense. Despite its modest box-office returns, Sicario is a fine example of Villeneuve’s storytelling prowess.
The film’s gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of violence offer a sobering glimpse into the complexities of the war on drugs. The unrelenting pace and atmospheric direction immerse viewers in a world of moral ambiguity and existential dread, challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths about power and corruption.
8. Polytechnique (2009)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Cast: Maxim Gaudette, Sébastien Huberdeau, Jonathan Dubsky, Karine Vanasse
Polytechnique pays solemn tribute to a tragic chapter in Canadian history, portraying the 1989 Montreal massacre with raw intensity. Villeneuve’s minimalist approach and stark visuals underscore the film’s sombre themes, capturing the devastating impact of senseless violence. Despite its challenging subject matter, the movie resonates as a testament to resilience and remembrance.
The film’s portrayal of tragedy and its aftermath offers a sobering reminder of the human cost of hatred and intolerance. Villeneuve’s restrained direction and powerful performances elevate Polytechnique beyond mere historical drama, inviting audiences to bear witness to the legacy of loss and courage.
9. Enemy (2013)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella Rossellini
Enemy unfolds as a hypnotic exploration of duality and identity, anchored by Jake Gyllenhaal’s riveting performance in a dual role as Adam Bell and Anthony Claire. Adam, a college professor, spots an actor in a movie who looks exactly like him and tracks down his doppelganger only to start living his life secretly, which gives birth to a complex situation.
Villeneuve navigates twisted narratives with deft precision, crafting a psychological thriller that lingers in the minds of the viewers. His atmospheric direction and Gyllenhaal’s haunting portrayal create an atmosphere of palpable unease, blurring the line between dream and nightmare with chilling precision.
10. Maelström (2000)
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Cast: Marie-Josée Croze, Jean-Nicolas Verreault, Stephanie Morgenstern, Pierre Lebeau
Rounding our list of top Denis Villeneuve movies ranked according to IMDb is 2000’s classic Maelström which defies convention with its surreal narrative and introspective themes, anchored by Villeneuve’s audacious storytelling. The plot revolves around a depressed young businesswoman (Croze) who becomes romantically involved with the son of a man she killed in a hit-and-run accident. Through a kaleidoscope of imagery and symbolism, the film explores the fragile nature of existence and the interconnectedness of life.
The film’s non-linear structure and poetic imagery invite viewers on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Villeneuve’s evocative direction and rich symbolism create an immersive experience that transcends traditional storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on those brave enough to venture into its mesmerising depths.
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(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Dune: Part 2/Blade Runner 2049)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which is the best movie directed by Denis Villeneuve?
The best movie directed by Denis Villeneuve is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, Dune: Part Two and Incendies are often cited as some of his most acclaimed works.
– Which is the highest-ranked movie directed by Denis Villeneuve?
According to IMDb ratings, the highest-ranked movie directed by Denis Villeneuve is Dune: Part Two with a solid rating of 9/10.
