Denis Villeneuve has made a name for himself as one of the most compelling directors of our time. He has often been compared to Christopher Nolan for his innovative style and daring vision. His success in Canada’s film industry soon propelled him onto the international stage. It resulted in him being entrusted with some of the most influential sci-fi franchises of all time, including the Timothée Chalamet-led Dune reboot. Now that Villeneuve's highly anticipated Dune sequel, Dune: Part Two, has arrived, viewers may wish to acquaint themselves with more of his masterpieces. This guide will rank each of Villeneuve’s films and detail where to watch them.
Ranking Villeneuve’s movies is no easy task, considering not a single one of his movies has ever failed critically. Still, some of his films stand out more than others, particularly Arrival. The Amy Adams-led film received universal acclaim as a sci-fi movie that few others parallel in sophistication. Even real-life linguistic experts who watched the movie praised the depth and accuracy in depicting communication with extraterrestrials. It was the kind of challenging movie that demanded to be thought about rather than merely seen.
Sicario, Dune, Dune: Part Two, and Blade Runner 2049 aren’t far behind Arrival. Between the performances of Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin and Villeneuve’s masterful directing, Sicario is a dark, gritty, intense, and profoundly moving commentary on the border drug war. Meanwhile, with Dune, the director adapted a sprawling work of literature often considered inadaptable. Then, he managed to produce a sequel that arguably eclipsed the original with even higher stakes, greater character development, and stunning cinematography. At the same time, Blade Runner 2049 proved to be a worthy successor despite facing the pressure of being a sequel to a cult classic.
Some of Villeneuve’s lesser-known films, such as Prisoners, are also among his very best. Although it didn’t receive as much fanfare as his sci-fi epics, the Hugh Jackman-led movie is a haunting and unforgettable story about how far a parent will go to receive justice for a missing child. Incendies is another hidden gem from the director.
Although there are several standouts among his films, nearly all of Villeneuve’s works are worth a watch. His beautiful style and skill in creating thrilling and visually appealing movies that tackle sophisticated themes make them a must-see. Here are all 12 of Villeneuve’s films ranked based on quality and recognition and where to watch them.
