Ridley Scott is one of the most critically acclaimed directors in Hollywood history. His movies have been nominated for 22 Academy Awards and he has won three times, including one for Best Picture and two for Best Director.

He’s directed some of the most iconic films in cinematic history: Alien, Blade Runner and The Martian.

Best Ridley Scott Movies

1. Blade Runner (1982) 

Blade Runner is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and thought-provoking themes.

Ridley Scott’s vision of a dystopian future where replicants, genetically engineered humanoids, are used as slave labor on off-world colonies is both mesmerizing and chilling.

Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance as Rick Deckard, a retired Blade Runner tasked with hunting down rogue replicants who have illegally returned to Earth.

His brooding demeanor and hardened exterior make him the perfect anti-hero for this gritty, neo-noir world.

The film’s production design is a testament to Scott’s attention to detail, with every frame filled with intricate sets, neon-lit alleyways, and a bleak, rain-soaked atmosphere.

The special effects, for their time, were groundbreaking and continue to impress to this day.

Vangelis’ score is a character in and of itself, with its haunting, synth-heavy soundscape perfectly complementing the film’s futuristic cityscape.

Blade Runner’s themes of what it means to be human, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and the consequences of unchecked corporate power remain relevant and resonant today.

It’s a film that has stood the test of time and remains a testament to the power of visionary filmmaking.

Blade Runner
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Hampton Fancher (Writer) - Michael Deeley (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

2. Alien (1979)  

As an avid film buff, I am excited to share my thoughts on one of the most iconic sci-fi films of all time – Alien (1979).

From the opening scene to the final showdown, Ridley Scott’s masterpiece is a masterclass in suspenseful filmmaking.

The film follows a crew of astronauts on a deep-space mission who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature that infiltrates their ship.

   

The tension builds slowly but surely, and the audience is left on the edge of their seat as the crew fights for survival against the unknown creature.

The star of the film, of course, is the titular alien, designed by H.R. Giger. Its sleek, otherworldly appearance is both beautiful and terrifying, and every scene featuring the creature is a nail-biting experience.

Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ripley, the strong-willed and resourceful crew member, is also a standout performance.

The film’s production design is also noteworthy, from the gritty, lived-in look of the spacecraft to the eerie, biomechanical interiors of the alien ship.

The use of practical effects and miniatures adds to the realism and immerses the audience in the film’s world.

Alien
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Dan O'Bannon (Writer) - Gordon Carroll (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

3. Gladiator (2000)         

Gladiator is a masterpiece of epic proportions that transports the viewer to ancient Rome and immerses them in a world of political intrigue, bloody battles, and heroic sacrifice.

Director Ridley Scott expertly blends stunning visuals, a gripping story, and unforgettable performances to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

At the heart of the film is the towering performance of Russell Crowe as Maximus, a loyal soldier who becomes a gladiator after being betrayed and left for dead by the corrupt Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

Crowe brings a quiet intensity to the role, imbuing Maximus with both strength and vulnerability as he fights for his freedom and seeks revenge against his enemies.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Phoenix as the scheming Commodus, Connie Nielsen as the conflicted Empress Lucilla, and Oliver Reed in his final role as the gruff gladiator trainer Proximo.

The action sequences are breathtaking, with expertly choreographed battles that showcase the brutality and spectacle of ancient Rome.

The score by Hans Zimmer is also a highlight, capturing the grandeur and emotion of the story with sweeping orchestral themes and haunting vocals.

4. The Martian (2015)  

“The Martian” is a breathtaking sci-fi drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, this film tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney who gets stranded on Mars after a storm forces his crew to evacuate the planet.

With limited resources and communication with Earth, Watney must use his scientific knowledge and skills to survive and find a way back home.

The film is a visual spectacle, with stunning shots of the Martian landscape and breathtaking space sequences.

The story is engaging and keeps you invested in the fate of its protagonist. Matt Damon delivers a remarkable performance as Watney, showcasing his resilience and wit in the face of adversity.

However, what sets “The Martian” apart is its emphasis on the power of human ingenuity and collaboration.

The film highlights the importance of teamwork and the ability to adapt in order to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

The Martian
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Drew Goddard (Writer) - Simon Kinberg (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

5. American Gangster (2007)     

American Gangster is a riveting crime drama that delves into the gritty underworld of drug trafficking and corruption in 1970s New York City.

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, this film is a masterful portrayal of two men on opposite sides of the law.

Washington delivers a powerhouse performance as Frank Lucas, a ruthless drug lord who rises to power through cunning and violence.

   

Crowe, on the other hand, plays Richie Roberts, a dedicated and honest detective who is determined to bring Lucas down.

The film’s pacing is spot-on, with tension building steadily as the two men’s paths inevitably cross.

The supporting cast, including Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor, is also exceptional, adding depth and complexity to the film’s already rich tapestry.

What sets American Gangster apart, however, is its unflinching portrayal of the racial and social tensions of the era.

The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the realities of racism and poverty, and the toll it takes on those caught in its grip.

American Gangster
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor (Actors)
  • Scott Ridley (Director) - Steven Zaillian (Writer) - Ridley Scott (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

6. Thelma & Louise (1991)           

Thelma & Louise is a feminist masterpiece that tells the story of two women who, pushed to the brink by the men in their lives, embark on a road trip that ends in tragedy.

Ridley Scott’s direction is flawless, capturing the vast and stunning landscapes of the American Southwest while also delving deep into the emotions of the two main characters.

Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis deliver some of the best performances of their careers in this film, perfectly embodying the complex and nuanced characters of Louise and Thelma.

The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their journey all the more heartbreaking.

Aside from the powerful performances, Thelma & Louise also features a strong script that tackles issues of gender, sexuality, and power dynamics in a way that was groundbreaking at the time of its release.

The final scene of the film is iconic and has become a symbol of female empowerment in pop culture.

Thelma & Louise
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Callie Khouri (Writer) - Ridley Scott (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

7. Black Hawk Down (2001)

Black Hawk Down is a gut-wrenching war film that depicts the true story of a disastrous mission in Somalia in 1993.

Director Ridley Scott masterfully captures the chaos and brutality of the battle, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and emotionally drained by the end.

The ensemble cast, including Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Sizemore, deliver powerful performances that bring the soldiers and their harrowing experiences to life.

The film doesn’t shy away from the gruesome realities of war, with intense and graphic scenes that are difficult to watch but necessary to convey the horrors faced by these soldiers.

The cinematography and sound design are impeccable, transporting viewers to the dusty streets of Mogadishu and immersing them in the chaos of battle.

The score by Hans Zimmer adds to the tension and emotion of the film, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.

Black Hawk down
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Mark Bowden (Writer) - Ridley Scott (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

8. The Duellists (1977)  

The Duellists is a stunning piece of filmmaking that transports the viewer to the early 19th century and immerses them in a world of honor, pride, and violence.

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel, the film follows the story of two French officers who engage in a series of duels over the span of 15 years.

The cinematography in The Duellists is absolutely breathtaking, with each shot carefully crafted to capture the beauty and brutality of the duels.

The film’s attention to detail is remarkable, and it truly feels like a period piece brought to life.

Carradine and Keitel deliver powerful performances as the dueling officers, each bringing a different perspective to their characters and their motivations.

Their performances are nuanced and complex, and their chemistry on is undeniable.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, but never slow.

The tension builds throughout the story, leading to a gripping and satisfying finale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The Duellists
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Cristina Raines (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Joseph Conrad (Writer) - David Puttnam (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

9. The Last Duel (2021) 

The Last Duel is a brutal and unflinching examination of power, privilege, and justice in medieval France.

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, the film tells the story of a knight who is accused of raping his friend’s wife, and the ensuing trial by combat that will determine his guilt or innocence.

The film is a masterclass in storytelling, with a screenplay by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Damon that expertly weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines to create a complex and nuanced portrait of a society that is both deeply hierarchical and brutally violent.

The performances are all top-notch, with Damon and Driver in particular delivering powerhouse turns as two men whose fates are intertwined in ways that are both tragic and inevitable.

At times, the film can be difficult to watch, as it does not shy away from the graphic violence and sexual assault that are central to its plot.

However, these scenes are never gratuitous, and serve to underscore the film’s themes of power and control.

The Last Duel is a challenging and thought-provoking work of historical fiction, and a testament to the power of cinema to explore complex social issues. Highly recommended.

The Last Duel
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Nicole Holofcener (Writer) - Ridley Scott (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

10. Prometheus (2012)

Prometheus is a visually stunning science fiction film that explores the origins of humanity and the search for answers about our creators.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film follows a team of explorers as they journey to a distant planet in search of the truth about our existence.

The film boasts impressive special effects and a haunting score, creating a tense and eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The performances are also noteworthy, particularly Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of the android David.

However, the film’s plot can feel convoluted at times, leaving some viewers confused and frustrated.

Additionally, the characters’ decision-making can be questionable, leading to some frustrating moments that detract from the overall experience.

 

Prometheus (4K UHD)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender (Actors)
  • Ridley Scott (Director) - Jon Spaihts (Writer) - Ridley Scott (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

Characteristics of Ridley Scott Movies

Ridley Scott’s movies are known for their visual style, and especially for their sense of scale.

Each frame of his films is carefully constructed to convey a feeling of grandeur, whether it’s a sweeping panorama or a towering cityscape.

Scott’s work has often been described as “stylized,” but it’s not always clear what that means.

Does it mean that his films are visually beautiful? Yes, but not in the way that a lot of modern movies are beautiful.

In Scott’s case, beauty isn’t just something you see on the surface; it’s an important part of the story being told.

So while his films may look like they were made by someone who didn’t have much artistic training, they’re actually quite skilled at conveying emotion through their visuals.

Most people who have seen one of Scott’s movies would agree that they’ve noticed something unique about them — but often they don’t know exactly what it is.

Perhaps it’s some aspect of the camera work or lighting design; perhaps it’s just an overall sense of style that sets them apart from other films by Hollywood directors.

Best Ridley Scott Movies – Wrapping Up

Ridley Scott has directed some of the most iconic movies of all time.

From the sci-fi classics to the war dramas, his work has been recognized and praised by critics and audiences alike.

We’ve included here in this guide the best Ridley Scott movies for your viewing pleasure.

 

Ready to learn about some other Film Movements or Film History?