What Are Denis Villeneuve's 11 Best Movies?

1. Arrival (2016)

Sometimes in general meetings, people will ask me if there's a movie I wish I wrote out there. And this one is always my answer. I think it's so charming and deep, and then also scary at times. It's a work of art.

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern science fiction, Arrival is a poignant and intelligent exploration of communication, time, and humanity's place in the universe.

Amy Adams delivers a powerful performance as a linguist tasked with deciphering the language of extraterrestrial visitors. The film's emotional depth, coupled with its cerebral concepts and stunning visuals, has cemented its place at the top of many lists. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

2. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

A visually breathtaking sequel to Ridley Scott's iconic 1982 film, Blade Runner 2049 is a cinematic marvel. I really was unsure this movie would be good, and watching it now, I find it to be a breath of fresh air and fulfilling.

Villeneuve masterfully expands on the dystopian world, crafting a noir-tinged sci-fi epic that is both a compelling mystery and a profound meditation on what it means to be human. Featuring a stellar cast including Ryan Gosling and the return of Harrison Ford, the film's stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins earned him a long-overdue Academy Award.

3. Sicario (2015)

Just a cynical banger of a movie. you don't feel safe after watching it. You don't want to go outside or down south.

A brutally intense and morally ambiguous thriller, Sicario plunges viewers into the dark and violent world of the war on drugs. Emily Blunt stars as an idealistic FBI agent who is drawn into a shadowy government task force.

Villeneuve's direction, combined with Taylor Sheridan's sharp script and another stunning cinematography credit for Roger Deakins, creates a relentlessly suspenseful and thought-provoking film.

4. Prisoners (2013)

Don't let your kids play alone.

This gripping and emotionally harrowing thriller features powerhouse performances from Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Prisoners tells the story of a father who takes matters into his own hands after his daughter and her friend are kidnapped. Villeneuve expertly crafts a dark and complex narrative that explores the depths of grief, vengeance, and morality.

5. Dune: Part Two (2024)

Building upon the epic world-building of its predecessor, Dune: Part Two is a monumental achievement in cinematic storytelling.

Villeneuve delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant adaptation of the second half of Frank Herbert's seminal novel. The film is a visual and auditory spectacle, boasting incredible performances from its ensemble cast and a sense of scale that is truly awe-inspiring.

6. Incendies (2010)

I saw this movie late, and I wish I had seen it before the other ones on this list, because I'm not sure I ever gave it a fair shake. While I like it, I was holding it against blockbusters, and that's not fair.

The film that brought Villeneuve international acclaim, Incendies, is a devastating and powerful story of a mother's past and its impact on her twin children. The film's non-linear narrative unfolds with the force of a Greek tragedy, leading to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

7. Dune (2021)

The first installment of his epic adaptation, Dune is a visually stunning and immersive introduction to the world of Arrakis.

Villeneuve successfully translates the dense and complex source material to the screen, laying the groundwork for the explosive events of the sequel. The film's technical achievements are undeniable, earning it six Academy Awards.

8. Enemy (2013)

A surreal and enigmatic psychological thriller, Enemy is arguably Villeneuve's most challenging and debated film.

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a compelling dual performance as a history professor who discovers his exact double. The film is a haunting and atmospheric puzzle box that rewards multiple viewings.

9. Polytechnique (2009)

A stark and deeply unsettling dramatization of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, Polytechnique is a powerful and sensitive handling of a national tragedy.

Filmed in black and white, the film is a somber and respectful tribute to the victims and a chilling examination of misogyny and violence.

10. Maelström (2000)

An early work in Villeneuve's filmography, Maelström is a quirky and surreal dark comedy narrated by a talking fish. The film's unconventional narrative and whimsical tone offer a glimpse into the director's burgeoning creative voice.

11. August 32nd on Earth (1998)

Villeneuve's feature film debut, August 32nd on Earth, is a French-language drama that follows a woman who, after a near-fatal car accident, decides she wants to have a baby with her best friend. The film showcases the director's early stylistic flourishes and thematic interests.

Summing It All Up 

These are my personal choices for ranking Denis Villeneuve's movies, but I'm sure you have your own. As the director continues to make films, I am excited to keep adding and changing this list.