All 10 Denis Villeneuve Movies, Ranked
Denis Villeneuve is a modern master of cinema, crafting films that blend gripping stories with stunning visuals and deep emotional resonance. From intimate dramas to epic sci-fi, his work captivates with its bold vision and meticulous craft.
Not every Villeneuve film reaches the same heights, though. Some lean heavily on atmosphere over story, while others shine with perfect balance. Here’s my ranking of all 10 of his feature films, starting from the least impactful and ending with the one that stands as his pinnacle.
10. Maelstrom (2000)
This early Villeneuve effort is a quirky drama about a woman spiraling after a hit-and-run. Narrated by a fish, it’s bold but feels uneven with its surreal touches.
Tara Nicodemo’s lead performance carries the emotional weight, but the odd tone keeps it from gelling. It’s a curious debut that hints at Villeneuve’s future brilliance.
9. Polytechnique (2009)
This stark drama recounts the 1989 Montreal school shooting. Karine Vanasse’s survivor anchors the black-and-white visuals, which hit hard but feel relentless.
The lean runtime captures raw grief, but the detached style limits emotional connection. It’s a powerful yet tough watch that shows Villeneuve’s early grit.
8. Enemy (2013)
This psychological thriller is a mind-bender. Jake Gyllenhaal plays dual roles as a man meeting his doppelgänger, wrapped in eerie, spider-filled imagery.
The cryptic plot and slow pace can frustrate, but its unsettling vibe lingers. It’s a bold experiment that’s more intriguing than fully satisfying.
7. Incendies (2010)
This haunting drama follows twins uncovering their mother’s war-torn past. Lubna Azabal’s fierce performance drives a story of family secrets and Middle Eastern conflict.
The heavy themes and dense pacing demand patience, but the emotional payoff hits hard. It’s a gripping early work that put Villeneuve on the map.
6. Sicario (2015)
This tense drug-war thriller crackles with dread. Emily Blunt’s FBI agent dives into a murky border operation, with Benicio Del Toro stealing scenes as a shadowy operative.
The gritty action and Roger Deakins’ stark visuals stun, though the plot leans familiar. It’s a lean, intense ride that showcases Villeneuve’s control.
5. Arrival (2016)
This sci-fi gem explores language and time. Amy Adams shines as a linguist decoding alien messages, backed by haunting visuals and Max Richter’s score.
The cerebral plot can feel chilly, but its emotional core about love and choice resonates. It’s a smart, moving film that elevates the genre.
4. Prisoners (2013)
This dark thriller grips from the start. Hugh Jackman’s desperate father and Jake Gyllenhaal’s obsessive detective hunt for missing kids in a rainy, bleak world.
The heavy runtime and grim tone test endurance, but the performances and suspense deliver. It’s a raw, unsettling masterpiece of tension.
3. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
This sequel to the sci-fi classic is a visual marvel. Ryan Gosling’s replicant hunter uncovers secrets in a neon-soaked dystopia, with Harrison Ford adding gravitas.
The slow pace and dense story demand focus, but Roger Deakins’ cinematography dazzles. It’s a bold, immersive epic that honors its roots.
2. Dune (2021)
This adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel is a sci-fi triumph. Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides navigates a desert world of spice and prophecy, with a stellar cast like Rebecca Ferguson.
The sprawling setup feels incomplete alone, but its grand visuals and Hans Zimmer’s score awe. It’s a gripping foundation for an epic saga.
1. Dune: Part Two (2024)
This sequel elevates everything from the first. Chalamet’s Paul rises as a messiah, with Zendaya and Florence Pugh adding depth to a tale of war and destiny.
The action, visuals, and emotional stakes blend perfectly, making it Villeneuve’s finest hour. It’s a sweeping, unforgettable sci-fi epic that cements his genius.
Which Villeneuve film is your favorite, or do you disagree with my order? Drop your thoughts in the comments!