Denis Villeneuve, the master of science fiction in recent decades, has an impressive filmography that includes acclaimed works such as Arrival (2016) and Prisoners (2013). His expertise in the genre has earned him a reputation as a skilled filmmaker. However, Villeneuve’s talent extends beyond science fiction.
Nominated for Best Director at the 2016 Oscars, one of Villeneuve’s trademarks is his ability to depict violence, complex themes, philosophical ideas, and independent and determined female characters in a graphic and realistic manner. Fortunately, many of the director’s films are available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Netflix, and more. The following is a list of Villeneuve’s works, along with their plot summaries, critical reception, and streaming availability.
1. Dune (2021) + Dune: Part 2 (2024)
Dune is a science fiction saga based on Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The story follows the journey of Paul Atreides, a talented and destined young man who is sent with his family to a dangerous and desert planet. This journey is part of a plan to destroy the Atreides lineage and dominate spice extraction. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and other renowned actors. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Apple TV+.
Unlike the first adaptation released in 1984, which was not successful, Dune (2021) under the direction of Denis Villeneuve received 10 Oscar nominations in 2022, including Best Picture. The saga also performs well on major review aggregators, with an IMDb rating of 8.3 and a 90% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Dune Part 2 (2024) continues the story and follows Paul’s introduction to the desert people as he seeks revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family while struggling to accept his destiny. The sequel has an IMDb rating of 8.9 and a 95% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes, but it is not yet available for streaming as it premiered in 2024.
2. Arrival (2016)
Arrival is a science fiction film that combines alien encounters, drama, and mystery. The story begins when extraterrestrial beings leave marks on Earth. Dr. Louise Banks, a linguistics expert, is sought by the military to decipher the signals and determine whether the aliens pose a threat. As nations teeter on the brink of global war, Banks and her team face increasing pressure to solve the puzzles. However, the answers to all the questions and mysteries may endanger Louise’s life and the existence of humanity. The film stars Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, and more. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
Arrival, directed by Villeneuve and written by Eric Heisserer, features a functional and visually striking representation of an alien language based on linguistic theories. The film captivated the audience with an IMDb rating of 7.9 and an 82% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Sicario (2015)
Sicario is a police action drama that follows the journey of Kate Macer, an idealistic FBI agent who is tasked with joining a task force combating drug trafficking. Led by the intense and enigmatic Alejandro, the team travels back and forth across the US-Mexico border, using a cartel boss as an “ally” to defeat a greater enemy. The film stars Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya, and more. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
Sicario garnered audience acclaim with an IMDb rating of 7.7 and an 85% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 is a science fiction and suspense drama that takes place thirty years after the events of Ridley Scott’s 1982 film. The sequel follows the journey of Officer K, a new blade runner with the Los Angeles Police Department. He uncovers a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a mission to find Rick Deckard, a former blade runner who has been missing for years. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista, and more.
Blade Runner 2049 won the Oscars for Best Visual Effects and Best Cinematography. It received an IMDb rating of 8.0 and an 88% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
5. Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is a police drama that follows the story of Keller Dover as he seeks justice for the abduction of his daughter, Anna. The only lead they have leads to a dilapidated RV parked on their street. The investigation is led by Detective Loki, but as the police pursue multiple leads, the pressure on Dover increases, knowing that his daughter’s life is at stake. He decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, and more. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
Prisoners captivated audiences with an IMDb rating of 8.1 and an 87% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
6. Enemy (2013)
Enemy is a psychological thriller based on José Saramago’s novel “The Double.” The story follows the journey of Adam Bell, a history professor bored with his everyday life. His life takes a dramatic turn when he watches a movie and discovers that he has a doppelgänger. Adam becomes obsessed with finding this actor and starts to stalk him, leading to unpredictable consequences. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella Rossellini, and more. It received an IMDb rating of 6.1 and a 64% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Enemy is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
7. Incendies (2010)
Incendies is a war drama adapted from Wajdi Mouawad’s critically acclaimed play. The Franco-Canadian film follows the journey of twin siblings, Simon and Jeanne. After their mother’s death, they discover they have a brother and that their father, whom they believed to be dead, is alive. The siblings separately travel to the Middle East, where they experience acts of brutality, uncover a surprising family history, and have revelations about themselves. The film stars Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Rémy Girard, and more. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, Incendies received an IMDb rating of 8.3 and a 92% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
These films showcase Denis Villeneuve’s talent and versatility as a director across various genres. Whether you’re a science fiction fan or a lover of thought-provoking dramas, Villeneuve’s filmography offers something for everyone. Enjoy exploring his works on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Netflix, and more.
