Denis Villeneuve: Worst to Best

Where we rank and review Denis Villeneuve's movies from worst to best!
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Thank you for watching. Peace and love!
Includes Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, Arrival, Prisoners and Dune: Part Two.
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[@aleckelly374]

Dune is actually set over 20,000 years in the future

[@thecozykinoshow]

yeah, my mistake.

[@eliotharrell6061]

in the first movie they don't make it clear that they're not talking about ~10k AD, i wonder whether that was intentional or not

[@aleckelly374]

@@eliotharrell6061 it’s an adaption. None of the events predating those 10 thousands years are really established in the movies. Denis gets lore is better explained in books. Most movie-goers don’t care about the timeline. Maybe the butlerian Jihad as it explains why there isn’t as much typical sci-fi technology in the world of dune. Apart from that most of the lore may seem too far removed from the central plot concerning the age of the imperium.

[@L1VE3V1L]

20,000 years in the past or future, or 5 million, or a hundred million……doesn’t really matter

[@winstonschwarz1636]

No. 8,000 years in the future.

[@Valarmorgolis]

Denis Villeneuve is the Lisan al Gaib and he has brought us to paradise.

[@anypercentdeathless]

Sure: Paul (and his son) brought water to Arrakis, and Denis watered down Dune.

[@christianjalexander]

​@@anypercentdeathless oh god we've got another Paul cultist in our midst

[@mattwhite399]

Blade runner 2049 is one of the most underrated movies ever made.

[@user-vw8tl2wp9o]

It will last just like the original and grow in appreciation.

[@morbiusfan3176]

It's not underrated at all. It's excellent, don't get me wrong, but it's pretty unanimously considered so.

[@mattwhite399]

@@morbiusfan3176most people haven’t even seen it.

[@thomasprovot8851]

​@@morbiusfan3176then you only interact with people that agree with you. Because you're wrong

[@morbiusfan3176]

@@thomasprovot8851 I spend frequent time on reddit film subreddits and these are as diverse as possible in terms of opinions. I think I have seen like three people dislike it

[@tryrshaughroad551]

The almighty KZbin algorithm is doing something weird recently. I'm seeing videos from "small" talented creators that I find quite interesting. Can't complain, I suscribed and I hope there's more to come.

[@currykingwurst6393]

Oh yeah, just today I've subscribed to a handful of small, super talented creators between 160 and about 2500 subs.

[@elijahalbiston]

Do share if you have more channels like this

[@francobenevento7598]

His "worst" films are better than 90% of cinema. He is right up there with Nolan, Scorsese, and Tarantino.

[@suprith5443]

Scorsese?really? He is on an entirely different league

[@TonyIrvine]

Not sure if you have kids but I feel like Arrival is one of those movies where the emotional impact is dramatically amplified by having children. Even more if you have a close call with their health or safety

[@AaronBuckwalter]

Absolutely.

[@pepopepo553]

Totally

[@cheevzzz]

For me the cool part about Arrival is not about her kid and family. It's more about how the alliens have a different perception of time in the 4th dimension and how this plays into the whole story.

[@BronzeYohn]

I've been described as fairly detached and analytical. Arrival is the closest I've come to losing it in a theatre. And yes, I think its being a parent. Beautiful perfect film.

[@CubaneMusic]

Don't even have children but yeah I very much disagree with calling the emotional core of the movie a retroactive thing, they set it up from the very beginning of the movie and cut back throughout (although you don't know that it's actually a cut forward till the end) Easily top 3 Villeneuve for me

[@L1VE3V1L]

Denis’ worst are every other director’s dream of being able to pull off. His best are untouchable.

[@JerreMuesli]

"Untouchable". I lolled. Kubrick, Spielberg, Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Scorsese, Coen brothers, ... Their movies top his best movies. And while he certainly deserves his place among the best, I still prefer Ridley Scott when it comes to Science Fiction

[@cesruhf2605]

@@JerreMuesli Ridly Scott 💀💀💀

[@overlord-6644]

@@JerreMuesli😂

[@JerreMuesli]

@@cesruhf2605 yup. And Christopher Nolan.

[@ian_m167]

👏

[@EntertainingRunner-vd3bn]

Both Dune and Bladerunner are sooo good. What really gives Bladerunner more meaning is how it gets better with every shot/watch, and how subtle it is. For the non-movie Normie exploring the existencial aspects and themes brought up is just gold.

[@LittleKikuyu]

I absolutely adore Villeneuve‘s directing, the atmosphere, the shots, everything. The script of Blade Runner 2049, however, was a bit pants in my opinion. Odd, underdeveloped, comic book type characters, a twist that you see coming from miles away and just not much new on the table regarding themes when compared to the original movie (or Dick‘s story). It could have been a masterpiece, and imo unfortunately isn’t 🥲

[@emiliesanchez1091]

Arrival is my favorite movie of all time

[@thatmrdevil]

Thank you for that. I thought I was alone.

[@farsbasha-kv7hk]

Thank you

[@cheevzzz]

I got so mad when he downplays arrival as being his worst scifi movie... WHAT? ARRIVAL IS LITTERALY A MASTERPIECE!!

[@JohnDeereJD42inZ3CompletBagger]

Arrival rules more people should watch it

[@halfalligator6518]

It's very good. You should be excited about his RAMA film in the works. It's a hugely influential sci-fi novel - basically a team of scientists explore a giant alien ship that was hurling towards the Solar System.

[@dffd1296]

Glad you ranked Incendies in the Top 3. It's a masterpiece in making the viewer discover a complicated story gradually and then there is that moment that left you, I, and many others speechless. Villeneuve is a genius of the cinematic arts.

[@jonathonalsop2120]

I remember going to see Prisoners at my small town theatre, I can't remember why I decided to see it, it's not really my sort of thing either, and I hadn't heard of Villeneuve. That movie enveloped me in the theatre. After that anytime his name came up as directing a new film I'd tell my friends 'It'll probably be great, you should watch Prisoners.' And they'd say, 'But a Blade Runner sequel? Good luck.' And I'd say 'I know, but if anyone can, he's the guy.' And thankfully he WAS the guy. ... Great list and presentation, I'll have to watch some of his films I've missed.

[@Willyagi]

Blade Runner 2049 is my favorite movie of all time because of the music Hans Zimmer did, the cinematic image, Ryan Gosling and the whole cast doing such a good job. It's like i'm watching lots of amazing paintings, watching art. And the original Blade Runner is also amazing, it doesnt have the modern technology, which is why it has that vintage vibe to it as well. I really adore these films. My other fav movies has to be Into the Spider-Verse, Casablanca all being masterpieces in each their ways.

[@user-xr9ln5pf7y]

Loved your comment. Blade runner 2049, too.

[@sithmorpheus9747]

Similar tastes, much respect.

[@stephenschaffenberger6765]

Timothy Chalamet's performance in the "The King" was absolutely exceptional. I never had any doubt about his ability as an actor while watching both Dune movies.

[@paintspot1509]

I feel the opposite, he was so bad in dune I don't really want to dive into any of his other films.

[@prestonwuvsyou990]

@@paintspot1509 nah he was great. Lisan al giab!

[@kyletotten1685]

@@paintspot1509 lol

[@work6886]

@@paintspot1509i didn’t think he was great in the 1st part but part 2 he had by far the best performance in the whole movie

[@cheevzzz]

@@paintspot1509 Did u see Dune 2? I also thought he was subpar in the first and wasn't a fan of his acting in it. But in dune part two he truely made me a believer of his acting ability, stunning performance.

[@amvnumber1018]

The thing is , that 'ending' you keep referencing in arrival is hinted at and suggested the entire movie. Its not some cheap plot twist, its a rewarding reveal that has been teased all along. It perfectly ties in the the themes of the movie and language as well.

[@ahasver07]

arrival is a masterpiece. i actually cried in the cinema - the slow build up throughout the first 3/4 of the movie till you realize how much of a sacrifice she willingly made, the fact, that this is not a science fiction movie but rather a drama that ends with a tragedy which was unavoidable yet soften by so many events that in totality represent life well lived… the rest of the movie is just letting things play out for the benefit of the viewer, just as the main heroine did for her life… so heartbreaking and thought provoking amy adams was robbed of oscar for this

[@SylvainPoitras]

“Kinda came out of nowhere” is hilarious from my perspective. I remember watching him win la course Europe-Asie on TV in 1991.

[@maximilianomoretto258]

I rewatched 2049 with a bunch of haters and broke down most of the scenes, cinematography and plotting for them as the movie run, they couldn't believe how good it was. This movie is the perfect example of how sad is the world we live in, where a master piece doesn't even brake even and Dysney's remakes and spinoffs are a gold mine. I'm glad that big studios believe in Villeneuve artistry, otherwise we wouldn't have any of his scifi films

[@ForestCinema]

Sicario is my current favorite, I just can’t get over Deakins’ cinematography in that one. The Dune franchise sits in a different place for sure, being heavy on good VFX, but I find myself tuning out to even the best CGI action sequences these days.

[@matjocs4453]

Watches Dune: Part two a couple of days ago. Its easily one of the best movies ive ever watched in a Cinema and in my top 20 of all time. Its such a great movie that nobody should spoil for anyone. The cinematography, music and acting really just adds to it. Just like you i also thought the first one was so but now that i think about it, it makes sense. Its just like lotr with the first one introducing us to the world and setting it up and then adding more as the other movies comes out. Its easily gonna be one of the most popular film franchises of all time if they keep it up with a good ending too it aswell.

[@jayflorida]

Agreed! Top 20!

[@Roachh_yt]

This is one of the most impressive and passionate videos I've watched on KZbin. Please keep up the fantastic work

[@penaltypineapple8671]

Very cozy. Very kino. Gonna binge all your other videos now! If you haven't already, I'd love to see your Nolan ranking and what you think of him, based on some thoughts in this video. Keep it up!

[@lucr.7325]

I just came across this after deciding to watch all his movies in the last couple months (looks like the algorithm is doing its job). I agree with your top 5, all 5 of those are some of the best movies I've seen. Until December last year I had never seen Dune, BR 2049 or Incendies, and now I have I can say Denis is hands down one of the best filmmakers of this era. Great vid btw

[@Man_Ray78]

I think that when a movie like Arrival, got me to tears several times and had me in a vulnerable state, i applause it forever! I'm a 45-year-old big male that collects knives and watches all the fights in the UFC and other Combat Sports. I can get lost in movies but seldom cry. I disagree to your view about Amy Adam's performance in it. Likewise, I had similar feelings when I saw Interstellar those two times. Arrival got me at a deep human level. They both hit me in the core and made me self reflect and just carefully take a look at my connections in family. But of all of Villeneuve movies that I have seen , my list would be similar to yours. Have not seen Dune 2 but will this week, there is a screening of Dune 1 and 2 here in Iceland. Blade Runner 2047 and Dune has this massive something that has an impact in the World! I would not be surprised that the look of both of them will have an impact on how humans approach the future, like 2001 Space Oddity and the Original Blade Runner did. I love those movies, and Prisoners is so good. Great video, thanks.

[@Marksman3434]

Villeneuve is one of those rare directors that take the art of filmmaking so seriously that he doesn’t have a single bad film under his belt. He’s gonna be one of the GOATs, no doubt about it

[@VonJay]

I disagree, I think that the studio's growing need for control because of the rising costs of film have made them elect for filmmaking models that are less auteur centric, utilizing committees and research groups to influence scripts. How this applies to Denis is that he's one of the only practicing auteurs with a large budget. I in no way think that his filmography would be top tier in other decades of film. I just think that he "wins" because hardly anyone else is playing the game anymore. He's an NBA player playing streetball. He'd probably be a starter in the league but not one of the best players. I think what's also apparent in audiences is that they can't really differentiate certain aspects of a film from its story. Like the overwhelmingly positive reviews that The Force Awakens got. Audiences couldn't tell the difference between the positive feeling that nostalgia gave them and the actual competence of the story. I think something is similar happens in the critique of denis films, where the global minimalism of his dialogue and preferred set and costume design is mistaken for beauty and not risk aversion. Because I've seen far more striking character driven views in 10 seconds of a Fincher or Tarantino film. Seen far more striking in universe cultural takes on ship and costume design in star wars. Denis waves a magical minimalistic wand on all cultures of Dune, essentially robbing them of any individuality.

[@bobunitone]

Top 3: 1. Incendies 2. Sicario 3. Prisoners I'm not big on sci-fi. But Dune 2 was amazing.

[@craigdellapenna7103]

Very well done, very informative. You've opened up some new viewing/appreciation horizons for me. Thanks.

[@hiridavidfeign]

This is really well-written and very informative. I haven't seen either Dune film yet, but these clips are so striking and brilliant that I'm definitely looking forward to it. Just FYI, a professional (text) editor would excise "Don't get me wrong." Otherwise, this video is solid in all areas. Thanks.

[@jpe2019]

I have watched Incendies once, it is one of my favorite movies of all time, but I am not sure i want to watch it again. That scream, that singular moment of despair when they find out. I guess that was the scene you mentioned, and my god was it powerful

[@DeathBeforeComicSans]

That film BROKE me.

[@martinaseidel3316]

my first villeneuve was prisoners and as i was watching your video i was trying to remember why i picked it then and idk. but anyway, i was obsessed with it, like you said it's a thriller and not my genre at all and yet. i love how confident he is as a director. it always feels like i'm in the hands of a professional, like he is guiding me to places and i may become uncomfortable but it's always in service of the story. i agree with all your choices i think? i saw dune last week and it really blew my mind in ways that pt 1 really didn't but holy shit pt 2 is such a trip. i'm so glad people keep giving him money to make movies, because he is so utterly fucking good at that. like, he takes it serious without being petty? idk. i love him so much.

[@alanparsonsfan]

@martinaseidel3316 it isn't just that you're 'in the hands of a professional'. You are in the hands of a grown up. Which is so different from 90% of what comes out of Hwood the last few years.

[@TheHidden0123]

Really enjoyed this video, very well made, subbed!

[@Innovate22]

Arrival is No. 1 by a comfortable margin. It’s the thinking person’s hard sci-fi. It’s “sin” is that it lacks all the usual sci-fi tropes like action, slap-stick humor, pseudoscience, humanity’s struggle against an alien invasion, etc. The legendary Stephen Wolfram and other top scientists developed the linguistics, computer modeling, physics and astrobiology for Arrival. Which is why also why Denis’s reported next project, Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama may turn out to be Denis’s magnum opus.

[@TheBlackestKnight21]

I don’t mind it, but for me having BR2049 1 is a crime . Arrival, Sicario, both dunes and prisoners are easily better for me🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️

[@skippychurch2965]

Man, I thought Arrival was mind blowing.

[@glenrichardson8266]

Incendies has to be the hardest watch of Villeneuve's movies. Gut wrenching movie.

[@jasonorsag1195]

Hey, I just found your channel. It's one of those channels that you find and feel like you've been missing out this whole time. I personally don't enjoy the Dune movies very much, but I have to admit that seeing Dune 2 in IMAX was pretty cool. I hope you keep doing this series

[@mathieunolet8236]

Sicario is my personal favourite, it just has that specific feel that you can’t get from any other movie. Some of the best filmmaking I’ve ever seen. And it’s grown on me so much through rewatches and reflections

[@TheBlackestKnight21]

My favorite is dune 2 and prisoners and then Sicario. But having BR2049 over all of them is a crime, movie is insanely overrated to me

[@CristobalHernandez]

Thank you so much for this video. I am in the bus of Denis being my current favorite Director. I will explore this list myself.

[@liambutler8776]

Blade runner 2049 and arrival were arguably the best sci fi movies we’ve gotten in the 21st century at least until his dune project

[@TheBlackestKnight21]

Maybe I’m just different but BR 2049 is easily at the bottom of those movies for me lol

[@slaize1337]

One of my favorite directors today. A great successor to Spielberg and Lucas. 1. Blade Runner 2049 2. Dune 2 3. Incendies 4. Arrival 5. Dune 6. Prisoners 7. Enemy 8. Sicario 9. Polytechnique

[@rileylallier429]

1. Dune: Part 2 A+ 2. Blade Runner 2049 A+ 3. Dune: Part 1 A+ 4. Prisoners A+ 5. Arrival A 6. Sicario B+ 7. Enemy B- I haven't seen his early four films but I really do love this director. He is my favorite director working today and one of my all time favorite directors period

[@TheBlackestKnight21]

Sicario a B+ and BR2049 a A+ ??? Maybe I’m just different but BR2049 is the worst of all the biggger movies he’s done imo

[@gtownwr]

For the movies of his I've seen: Bladerunner 2049, sicario, dune 2, prisoners, dune, arrival, enemy. I need to watch his foreign language stuff for sure. Sicario was my first film by Denis to see and it blew me away and after Bladerunner 2049, he cemented himself as my favorite director making movies right now.

[@RetroHondo67]

Have not seen Enemy, his two early films and have not seen Dune 2. I like all his movies… My List: Arrival Prisoners Sicario Incendies Blade Runner 2049 Polytechnic Dune

[@JJandoONER]

Villineuve, PTA, Aster, Yorgos and Eggers are like the avengers of rescuing modern cinema.

[@rezervoardogs]

My favourite new directors except PTA who is already a veteran. I would add Craig S. Zahler to this list because i like grindhouse and his style is amazing.

[@usapostate23]

Nolan still makes bangers too

[@zacakafroztee]

Who is PTA? ​@@rezervoardogs

[@arachosia]

@@zacakafrozteePaul Thomas Anderson

[@jacobgarcia6523]

I love your videos, please keep making them

[@sneakydeeze]

1. Arrival 2. Incendies 3. Dune part 2 4. Blade runner 2049 5. Dune part 1 6. Prisoners 7. Sicario 8. Enemy 9. Polytechnique

[@TheBlackestKnight21]

BR2049 for me is EASILY behind all the bigger ones like arrival and Sicario and both dunes and prisoners 🤷🏿‍♂️ I just don’t get why it’s hailed as some masterpiece

[@vadympadlyevskyy3234]

keep up the good work mate

[@jennadawson7949]

Love your take on these. My top Dune1 cuz my favourite lord of the rings in 1rst one lol Dune 2 Incendes Blade runner Sicario Prisoners Arrival The rest are equal in the sense that if asked which one is wanna watch , I'd say You pick. Great content . 🎉

[@Villafarrell]

Yes!! Finally someone who matches my list!!!...almost..I just have BR 2049 slightly ahead of Incendies :)

[@TimSumner-xz1rv]

Loved your video and your explanations of why you thought they where they belonged, and going into the cinematography and writing of the films as well. Though I don’t agree with your ranking, I appreciated it, nonetheless. I do think it’s a damn shame you were only given time to watch Incendies once before the making of this video, I feel like if you gave it as much time to blossom as you did Blade Runner 2049, it would’ve been the clear winner for multiple reasons. 11. August 32nd on Earth 10. Maelstrom 9. Prisoners 8. Polytechnique 7. Sicario 6. Dune 5. Blade Runner 2049 4. Arrival 3. Enemy 2. Dune Part II 1. Incendies There are so many directors I want to see you do, but I also understand that you also want views and, I understand that foreign film directors won’t always get you those views on a format like KZbin, but still, having said that, Andrei Tarkovsky would be on the top of my list.

[@thecozykinoshow]

I have thought about doing Tarkovsky regardless of the views just because he's so interesting.

[@TimSumner-xz1rv]

@@thecozykinoshow and from the sound of it you like topics of religion and sci fi and Tarkovsky has that in spades!!! The best thing though, is he has a short filmography.

[@vincecoughlin2327]

His next movie he’s directing is an adaptation of the short story “Rendezvous with Rama” by Arthur C. Clarke

[@biggiesmartypants]

Wikipedia says it's a novel. I guess I agree it's a short novel, though (I mean: somewhere in between a short story and a novel).

[@thewatchfemme4051]

It’s a novel, and it’s another golden SF book that I would have considered unfilmable, but with the triumph of Dune (the original umfilmable classic SF) I think we’re in good hands.

[@eclat4641]

Cool!

[@eclat4641]

@@biggiesmartypantshi meatwad☺️(sees profile pic.)

[@1183newman]

Been no confirmation that this will be his next movie. Its still up in the air.

[@justkoonce]

I'm really enjoying this series from you! Would love to see Scorsese next ;) He has a pretty lengthy filmography both in run time and quantity but would love to see a deep dive from you

[@BronzeYohn]

Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners, Incendie, Dune 2, Dune, BR2049, Enemy. BR2049 is great, atmospheric, but slightly "pointless" compared to the others. Top 7 are all among my favourite films, not a dis. But Arrival is a perfect perfect film, beautiful. I think critically what he'll be remembered for, and probably the Dune trilogy as an arc.

[@Personneinternet]

Im from Québec, and we actually read the theater piece before seeing the movie in class, and that bus scene still shocked me. This movie is so raw and thats probably its biggest accomplishment.

[@Villafarrell]

Great video & ranking!! Your top 4 are same as mine, just different order...Fune 2 is still sk fresh it cld still move around imo. Great seeing Incendies so high 👍

[@CamDGlaz]

Incendies is great because it it the meeting of two great storytellers, Denis Villeneuve and Wajdi Mouawad. The films is actually based on a play of the same name by Wadji Mouawad. It was part of a 3 part theater play of 8 hours where Mouawad retook greek trajedy ideas and themes for each of the three play. I will let you guys guess which one Incendie is based on ;)

[@MlleSara2]

Aaah, that makes complete sense, I didn't clock it in 2010. I was simply devastated and in awe of Nawal.

[@brunoserra1531]

Blade Runner and Akira made me addicted to cyberpunk and it didn't leave me for years, I was obsessed with the genre since I was a teen.Then it kind of faded a bit and I went to see 2049 in cinemas......I was stunned, my mind was completely blown and it instantly revived my addiction to cyberpunk.

[@andrewpike1993]

Really great video summary and insights 👏. I would have the same top 3 as you. My full list (of the films I’ve seen) would be: 1) BR 2049 2) Dune Pt2 3) Dune Pt1 4) The Arrival 5) Sicario 6) Incendies 7) Prisoners 8) Enemy

[@Gedefjas]

When you ranked Arrival at 7 I knew nothing you had to say was worth listening to.

[@TheBlackestKnight21]

RIGHT??? BR2049 at 1?? It’s easily the worst of the bigger films he’s made imo, prisoners . Both dunes , arrival and Sicario are better than blade runner

[@Peer165]

You make it sound like BR2049 was in any way, shape or form much inferior to the others, which is a ridiculous statement to have. This list just proves that any of Villeneuve's movies are interchangeable just because most of them are that good. This list isn't bad just because it doesn't align with your own personal taste.

[@danielbarrero2815]

Arrival is my personal favorite.

[@maskmord]

Denis made me love movies again, it felt like everyone was making fast paste action franchises that had no deeper meaning than to satisfie the broad masses. The way Denis Villeneuve let the scene breath and make it propell the story forward with out hasting it is just fenomenal

[@ethanwhitt698]

Awesome video man! I would love to see Sicario higher, but I can’t argue with your picks. If you’re taking requests, a Marty or Coen brothers best to worst would be sweet

[@matthewlong3710]

Excellent list and analysis. Thank you (immediately Subscribed). I need to see Blade Runner 2049 again, because (and you're not the only one) I've heard this same thing-- how truly great it is-- from a couple other cineastes I respect. It's too high for me, but I really appreciate your take and will watch again. I'd also probably put Enemy and Arrival a bit higher... Guess my abbreviated current/FLUID list might go something like this: 1- Dune Part II, 2- Sicario, 3- Dune Part I, 4- Enemy, 5- Arrival, 6- Blade Runner 2049

[@matthewlong3710]

Still need to see Prisoners and his other earlier films.

[@eternal7172]

9. Enemy 8. Polytechnique 7. Dune l 6. Arrival 5. Sicario 4. Incendies 3. Dune ll 2. Blade Runner 2049 1. Prisoners All of his movies are incredible if you ask me

[@ivaraaroy]

Great video of a great director. Subbed ofc

[@PappyGunn]

Amazing he was able to do something worthwhile with his life despite having graduated from the worse university in Quebec. I love his work and am dissapointed that some of his productions were not as successful as they deserved.

[@ashiok]

One of the literary elements I love so much about Niander Wallace in Bladerunner 2049 is that he's a very uncanny figure given his transhumanism. He walks as a paradox; on the one hand, he is a ruthless industrialist, ever-insistent on progress at all costs, yet on the other hand he still understands and exploits a romanticist notion of humanity, yearning for it through the desire he produces, and depending on the image of it as the basis of his attempt to transcend it. As such, he ends up as a liminal representation of humanity, being both beyond it in ambition, yet all too a part of it in content.

[@Wallstreetavarice]

Go home chat GPT, you're using too many words to say nothing at all again.

[@kevinlindstrom6752]

Fantastic list. Agree on almost all the comments except haven't seen Dune 2 yet so holding back on that until I do see it. I can, though, say that DV wants to do beyond the first Dune book and yeah, talk about heroes journey deconstructed... Only other comment - maybe Arrival hits harder if you are a parent. Frankly, I think that twist blows my mind more than any other in cinema. Remember that she doesn't see the future, she chooses that path - because to have and love and lose is better than to have never had it.

[@haltux]

I fully agree with you about BR2049, it's a masterpiece and it's the best Villeneuve, and it's not really a very widely held opinion unfortunately. It's a real miracle such a movie exists in a world of standradized blockbusters. I have to say I love Dune but for reasons I can't really explain I was way more euthousiastic when I left the theatre after seeing BR2049. One of the best cinematographic experience I had. The great thing about Dune is that it is both great and successful. So there is no doubt that we will get more masterpieces from Villeneuve after it. After BR2049 and its relative commercial failure I was more than worried.

[@nrsyeah]

My first villeneuve was sicario and i loved the direction of it. I watched BR2049 right after and i was blown away. I dont say this often and its kinda cheesy but its one of the movies that sticks with you, i thought about it daily after my viewing. And i watch upwards of 10 movies after BR2049 that month i still thought about it. The pure existentialism and the themes of what it means to human, the delivery and how the theme is brought upon the viewer is something i have never seen before. (maybe cyberpunk 2077 did it close aswell but i beg to differ) Not even talking thematically, visually and pacing wise its already one of the best. Its a magical movie. One that cemented Villeneuve to be my fav directors oat next to Kubrick.

[@danielhess39]

Fantastic video!! Thank you👍🏼

[@roulettxxl9941]

I can understand people liking the original Bladerunner more than it's sequel, but for me it was always 2049. I read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Philip K. Dick's novel from which the original Bladerunner film was adapted (read it 2-3 times). I was never really a big fan of all the changes from the book in Ridley Scott's film, however in some places I thought it acceptable since they fit the screen better. I don't want to spoil anything but one of the biggest changes from the book is the ending. The film and the book go in completely different directions. The book has a much more pessimistic afterthought while the film tends to have some sort of silver lining in connection with the androids. But this was all fine, i genuinely like the film's ending angle more than the novel's. For me it was the many many smaller aspects of the book that were not shown in any way in the original film. Lots of interesting psychological and phylosophical events were used to describe and characterize the "cyberpunk" world of bladerunner in the book. The presentation of said aspects in the novel happened in the form of actions rather than Tolkien-like, 40 page long descriptions and meditations, so it could've been perfect for the screen. Keep in mind the whole novel is 170 page max. Although I still get why some of these didn't make the screen, I felt like the original bladerunner was a simplified version of the novel material, as if they made it for a wider audience who wouldn't be able to digest the original material. And that's where 2049 does the incredible for me. Many of these ascpets I talked about were featured in some way in the sequel. While it didn't go the pessimistic route of course (since it was a sequel of the film and not the book) it created the exact atmosphere you feel while reading the novel, using descriptions from the book and showing it on screen. And the more you watch it the more you discover. I've seen 2049 at least 7-8 times so far and I still discover new things. It's that good. It's that subtle. I just feel like Denis and the writers of Bladerunner 2049 were more in sync with the novel. In a recent interview (can't remember which) Denis noted a couple things about the novel and how much he loves it, and it shows. Great video!

[@ChocolateAsian9000]

Arrival is decent but the short story it’s based on is phenomenal. The twist ending plays out about 10 times harder on the page than it does on film, and I don’t think that’s Denis’ fault.

[@alexjjgreen]

You made the right choice. Dune 2 transcends the genre, Bladerunner 2049 transcends cinema.

[@willdavies5853]

Nice. Interesting order but I’m glad you didn’t just put dune 2 at number one. Good vid

[@irem00turan3]

Sicario... A work of art...

[@stevenape377]

Did you use the music from the game Dyson Sphere Program?

[@gerryboudreaultboudreault2608]

Somebody please tell me the name of the short story by Frank Herbert that has a similar theme to "Arrival".. !

[@BearFattfilm]

Do a worst to best with Darren Aronofsky.

[@fbanget]

My personal ranking 1. Arrival (got there after 3-4 rewatch) 2. Dune Part 2 3. Sicario 4. Blade Runner 2049 5. Dune 6. Incendies 7. Prisoners 8. Enemy 9. Maestrom 10.Polytechnique Haven't seen his first one.

[@DynterS]

I havem't seen dune part two yet, but I would say that my favorite movie from Denis Villeneuve is arrival. When I first started watching it I didn't expect it to be so good. Now it's my favorite scifi movie ever.

[@rickgiordano9816]

Banger vid!

[@simonnilsson5356]

Can someone describe how much of the script and story of BR2049 Denis wrote himself? I find it hard to understand what he has written and/or how much he has been involved with the writing in some of his top movies. He is the director of most movies that are in my top 10 but then when I compare to Bergman or Nolan, who writes everything themselves(?!), surely their job is even more impressive?! Can a cinephile please explain your views on directors who write everything versus not and how they are considered differently in the industry. Much appreciated 🙏🏼

[@BlAcKoPsFaN10100]

of the ones I've seen its 1) Dune pt 1+2 (u can't stop me from doing this) 2) Incendies 3) BR2049 4) Arrival 5) Sicario 6) Prisoners 7) Enemy but I'm a big dune fan, and for the record prisoners and sicario are still like 8/10s

[@seanrc8642]

Have enjoyed all of his films, but the urgency of Sicario elevates it to the top for me. The action sequences are superior but also the embedded critique of Blunt’s naive FBI agent is brilliant.

[@The_RedVIII]

Can I just add that Enemy is the "yellowest" movie I have ever seen? I mean, that is one in your face pissfilter. I get making use of certain color grading to evoke an atmosphere is great, works well in a lot of other movies, but it is just too much in Enemy, and to some extent in Sicario as well.

[@benceelias1849]

It may be an unpopular opinion but for me both Arrival and Sicario are in the top five.

[@evanclp514]

i agree with Blade Runner 2049 being the best. i loved the original and i was extremely excited for the sequel but also scared it wouldn't be as good. but on first viewing i was completely blown away. i can't say which movie i think is better which just shows how incredible the sequel is. Dune part 2 was great but i think 2049 is his best work by a wide margin. a true masterpiece and one of the best movies of the 21st century, in my opinion.

[@Arch-zy4ne]

Liking your thoughtful rankings - good to see BR2049 pip Dune2 as was sure you’d have this as no 1! Coen Brothers maybe next?

[@qwertyzxaszc6323]

Prisoners is the Movie that made me take notice of Villeneuve. I was so pleasantly surprised by this film and his newer ones though far flashier, have not moved me as much as this.

[@kxl4cy]

perfect list

[@alanparsonsfan]

I was certain that BR2049 would be poorly done as a sequel---I didn't yet understand who Denis is. Took my breath away.. When I heard that he was going to do Dune, I knew instantly that it was going to be special. And both parts are. The original Blade Runner has been just about my favorite film since I saw it in 1982.

[@dorkusborkus8681]

Just voicing my opinion that the theatrical blade runner is the best. Recall that the Final Cut has weird forced bits too like the unicorn scene. I mean leave a masterpiece alone. Also I would put arrival up higher and dune two above 2049. Overall am glad there are serious sci fi directors such as dv. Am so sick of marvel green screen soap operas

[@0dylan]

1) Dune 2) Dune p2 3)BR2049 4)Arrival 5)Prisoners 6)Sicario 7)Enemy 8)incendies I havent seen the rest. Denis is my favorite director of all time and i cant wait to see more from him.

[@ny3793]

Arrival is easily his best

[@hasanmir]

So, I have to check out Incendies. I've seen the others. Is it in French?

[@thecozykinoshow]

Yep. And a bit of Arabic.

[@JerreMuesli]

French Canadian

[@K.C-2049]

I watched Arrival in 2018 ish aaaand it low key changed my life. since then I've just been a huge stan. he's an absolute legend.

[@KidFresh71]

Top Sci-Fi Directors: Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, George Lucas, Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, Denis Villeneuve. I have him sixth, but definitely with a bullet and chance to end up number one, depending on future output.

[@thortele]

Great sumup of what Villeneuve has done for cinema. For me Bladerunner is a huge miss imho. Because it felt a lot like Denis did not have final say in how the film progressed and it was more under strict supervision of the studio. Personally i would put the more 'real life' films higher on the list with Incedies on 1, Prisoners on 2, Enemy on 3 and Sicario on 4. Sci fi tends to lean more on effects, visuals amazement and those element distract from the inter human connections, the absolute strong suit in Villeneuves directing style.

[@TheEmzBemz]

Great video - seems like I need to stop putting off watching his Dune movies

[@shaneth138]

Awesome video! Just one thing I totally disagreed with you about was the end of Arrival being a Christopher Nolan timey warpy thing. One of the main themes of arrival was about how our brains are wired to comprehend everything linearly. Everything in this movie was circular. Their language was circular. The plot was circular in the way that you think she's teaching them our language but they were actually teaching her the language the whole time. The way they comprehend time is circular. So the movie itself was told in a circle. It wasn't a typical twist where it's like "hey surprise! Bet ya didn't see that coming!" its more saying "hey notice how linearly you have been wired to think? Maybe we as a species can be capable of so much more if we can rewire the way we perceive and navigate reality. Maybe reality is much more malleable than we think. Maybe we can speed up the process of our evolution as a species if we can let our minds drift off the tracks a bit and perceive time differently and unlock things in our minds, simply by thinking differently." And I really think that is just scratching the surface of how good this movie is on a philosophical level that you maybe haven't considered yet. This movie is so much deeper than it's surface level themes. I feel like, just like with BR 2049 where it didn't really hit you at first until you watched a few more times, it would be a similar experience with Arrival. The next time you watch it, try seeing the twist ending as having an actual narrative and philosophical purpose instead of just as a device to surprise. I highly recommend watching Nerd Writer's video essay on it. I think it might give you a new appreciation for the ending. Also the Like Stories of Old video essay is also definitely worth a watch. They are both excellent and can lay it out much better than I did here lol. Anyway, awesome work! Denis is god!

[@thecozykinoshow]

Thank you for the comment, and the thoughtful analysis. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely see the ending as more than a surprise twist - the Nolan comparison was not necessarily a critique - and I actually think what Arrival has to say about time is really poignant, even if it’s execution can at times feel a little cliché (mainly the stuff with General Shang). I guess I just didn’t connect to the film’s emotional core as much as other people, which is why I ended up swapping its placement with Sicario. I definitely have new stuff to think about though, and yes I will definitely check out both those videos. Two of my favourite video-essayists!

[@shaneth138]

@@thecozykinoshow Yeah I totally get just not emotionally connecting with it. I am the same way with Shawshank Redemption. So many people seem to regard it is one of the most moving movies ever and it just doesn't hit me on that level for some reason. And yeah Nerd Writer and Like Stories of Old are amazing. So glad video essays are part of our culture now. I think more people than ever are thinking of movies on a deeper level. You're a part of that too. Keep up the great work!

[@Ghost2867]

While I love 2049, I do think they messed up with the pacing. The film's second act/start of third act? (from around Vegas until and including the scene in the cave with the freedom fighters) drags too much for me. It's still one of my all-time favorites, though, but that one flaw keeps me from going back and rewatching it much, unfortunately. Ironically, my one major issue with Dune 2 is that it doesn't drag enough, though. My favorite aspect of Villeneuve's films is the sense of place and atmosphere he creates, much of which is done with the slower pace of his cuts and his gorgeous landscape and aerial shots. This is a staple of his style for me. Even Dune 1 seemed to be a bit rushed--in my head, he overcorrected for criticisms of 2049's runtime--but still took its time to explore and settle into its settings (the Caladan montage, the shots of the dunes in the spice harvester scene, etc). Dune 2...barely did this at all. It was likely unavoidable due to the sheer volume of story they had to get through in a reasonable runtime, but I really missed that from his other films.

[@botortamas]

Sci-fi always was and is my genre when it comes to movies but I wouldn’t put him atop. Dune is a masterpiece and is excellent and upon first watch I was blown away by it but I couldn’t say the same about 2049. Even upon rewatching it, 2049 just felt like a watered down version of the original to me. The original has that feel that’s just so dark and dystopic that’s it’s impossible to replicate. I was actually quite disappointed with 2049. Dune part 2 I haven’t seen yet but it’ll be hard improve upon part 1 for me. From what I’ve seen in clips and trailers so far I’m not won over. Incendies I haven’t even heard of so I’ll definitely be giving that one a watch. Arrival I loved simply cause it’s one of those sci-fi that’s unlike any other. It has a somewhat warm feel to it, where you never feel like something horrific is gonna happen even though the premise is about pending doom, yet it makes you feel safe. Both Sicario and Prisoners were masterpieces aswell. The only complaint I had about prisoners was Wolverine getting bested by an old lady at the end, which I thought was pretty ridiculous after everything he did to find his daughter. In reality a lesser man would of jumped in that scenario, nevermind wolverine.