7 movies like Dune you can watch while waiting for Dune Messiah
If you're a fan of Dune, there's no shortage of sci-fi filmography to explore.
Movies like Dune (Source: IMDb)
Frank Herbert's Dune stands as one of the most profound and intricate works of sci-fi literature, inspiring numerous pieces of science fiction in film. Notably, it has influenced iconic works like George Lucas' Star Wars and George Miller's Mad Max series. While nothing quite matches the premise of Dune, its influence can be seen throughout the genre.
With the critical and commercial success of director Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part 2, there is a strong possibility that we will see an adaptation of the next book in the series, Dune Messiah, something the director himself has teased as a possibility. While we will have to wait a while for more Dune, here are seven movies that may help fill the void.
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Krull
Krull, drawing inspiration from Dune's grand scale and intricate world-building, follows a prince and princess uniting their kingdoms against an alien invader known as The Beast. The film blends sci-fi and fantasy elements in a thrilling adventure set in a richly imagined universe.
Star Wars
The original Star Wars trilogy, heavily influenced by Dune's epic scope and intricate world-building, revolutionized sci-fi cinema. It follows the heroic journey of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo as they battle the tyrannical Galactic Empire led by Darth Vader.
Star Gate
Released in 1994, follows the story of a team of explorers who unearth an ancient device that allows for interstellar travel. The film's exploration of ancient civilizations and its use of gateways to other worlds draw parallels to the themes of exploration and adventure found in Dune.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
A masterpiece of animated storytelling, draws inspiration from Dune's ecological themes and richly imagined worlds. The film follows the journey of Princess Nausicaä as she navigates a post-apocalyptic world plagued by toxic forests and warring kingdoms.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
The third installment in the Mad Max film series, shares thematic similarities with Dune, particularly in its portrayal of a dystopian future and exploration of power dynamics in a post-apocalyptic society. The film follows Max Rockatansky as he navigates the lawless wasteland and encounters the tyrannical ruler of Bartertown, Aunty Entity.
The Fifth Element
A sci-fi cult classic, shares thematic parallels with Dune, particularly in its exploration of a futuristic society and the quest to save humanity from a cosmic threat. Set in a vibrant and visually stunning world, the film follows Korben Dallas, a cab driver, and Leeloo, a mysterious being, as they race against time to prevent the destruction of Earth.
Silent Running
A sci-fi film from the 1970s, resonates with Dune through its exploration of ecological themes and the consequences of humanity's impact on the environment. The film follows a lone astronaut, Freeman Lowell, who tends to the last remaining forests in space aboard a spacecraft.