Dune

A young man must confront his destiny on a treacherous desert planet where survival hinges on overcoming fear.

Critics broadly praised the film's monumental visual design, worldbuilding, atmosphere, and performances, while noting that its deliberate pace and incomplete story can feel demanding.

• Paul Atreides is framed as a gifted heir whose visions and destiny connect personal coming-of-age with a larger prophecy.
• Arrakis is presented through vast sandscapes, colossal scale, and the dangerous ecology of its desert terrain.
• The Atreides and Harkonnen conflict unfolds within an interplanetary empire governed by noble houses, power, and betrayal.
• The exclusive supply of spice on Arrakis drives imperial intervention, oppression, and armed conflict.

• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New HopeShared space opera scale, prophetic destiny, imperial power struggles, and richly imagined speculative worldbuilding.
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingShared political intrigue, desert environments, messianic themes, and visually monumental science fiction.
• Blade Runner 2049Shared ambitious science fiction worldbuilding, ecological themes, aristocratic conflict, and contemplative spectacle.
• AvatarShared mythic hero's journey, resource-driven imperial conflict, and grand-scale futuristic production design.

Director

Denis Villeneuve

Release Date

2021-09-15

Runtime

155 min

Rating

7.8 / 10 (15839)

What is Dune about?

On a perilous desert planet, a gifted heir confronts imperial violence, prophetic destiny, and the fear that may shape his people's future.

What is Dune like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dune as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is Dune violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Dune as moderate.

What did critics think of Dune?

Critics broadly praised the film's monumental visual design, worldbuilding, atmosphere, and performances, while noting that its deliberate pace and incomplete story can feel demanding.

Which films are like Dune?

Films with a similar feel include Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Blade Runner 2049, and Avatar.

How long is Dune?

Dune runs 155 minutes.

Where can I watch Dune?

In United States, Dune streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV, HBO Max.