Ranking the Dune Trilogy: From Least to Best

While many have tried to bring Frank Herbert's novel Dune to the big screen, not all Dune movies have been equally successful. The complex mix of philosophy, spirituality, and stunning visuals in the source material made it seem impossible to adapt for a long time. But with advancements in technology and the determination of filmmakers, there have been three different attempts to capture Herbert's vision - each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Dune (1984)

David Lynch was the first director to successfully adapt Herbert's book with the release of Dune in 1984. The movie faced challenges during its production, following the ambitious 14-hour version proposed by Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky. Despite the financial struggles of Lynch's adaptation, the rights remained inactive for many years. It wasn't until French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve took on the task of adapting the first half of the book in 2021, followed by the completion of the story three years later. Each version of Dune has its own strengths and weaknesses, establishing a clear hierarchy among the Dune movies.

Custom image of Jamis holding a knife and Paul smiling in David Lynch's Dune 1984 - 3 Dune (1984)

David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune, while visually stunning, falls short compared to other film versions. The movie struggles to condense the complex 400-page novel into a two-hour feature, resulting in a loss of important details. Lynch and the studio's attempt to streamline the plot leads to key aspects of the story, such as Bene Gesserit culture, the Fremen, and Paul's powers, being overlooked. As a result, the movie fails to capture the essence of what Dune truly represents.

Despite the simple storyline and lack of background details, Dune 1984 also faces thematic challenges. Problematic elements from Herbert's original work, such as Baron Harkonnen's portrayal as a predatory homosexual, create discomfort in certain scenes. Additionally, the movie fails to capture the complexity of Paul's character, portraying him as a typical Hollywood hero rather than a more nuanced figure.

While Dune 1984 has numerous issues, there are reasons behind its shortcomings. Studio interference and severe editing of Lynch's intended three-hour version played a key role in the film's failure. This resulted in limited exposition, making the movie difficult for newcomers to understand. Despite its impressive sets and stunning costume design, Dune 1984 falls short in terms of storytelling, as the visual spectacle cannot compensate for the disrupted narrative.

2 Dune: Part One (2021)

Timothee Chalamet in ragtag attire wearing a respiration device in his nose while crossing the desert in Dune: Part One. - 2 Dune: Part One (2021)

Denis Villeneuve's 2021 movie Dune: Part One is a departure from David Lynch's original in both story and style. It successfully brings Frank Herbert's book to life on the big screen by taking a more deliberate approach, clocking in at 155 minutes to establish key characters, rivalries, and motivations. This slower pace allows for a deeper exploration of the rich world Herbert created, showcasing a more intricate story filled with dense lore and incredible imagination.

In contrast to Lynch's version, Dune: Part One reveals the limitations of trying to condense such a complex narrative into a single two-hour movie. The sheer number of characters and themes presented in the film would make progressing the story at a faster pace nearly impossible. Despite being less frenetic than Lynch's adaptation, Villeneuve's careful strategy pays off, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Dune.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Admittedly, there are moments when the storyline slows down due to the extensive world-building, prioritizing character development over action. Despite this, there is a feeling that the movie's structure may leave viewers wanting more, as it concludes just as Herbert's novel gains momentum. However, Dune: Part One effectively introduces key characters like Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica, clarifying the stakes and various factions in the Dune universe, and vividly bringing Herbert's world to life while staying true to the grand scale of his narrative.

Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, both wearing hoods in Dune: Part Two - 1 Dune: Part Two (2024)

The best Dune movie title goes to Denis Villeneuve's sequel to his 2021 hit, surpassing both Dune: Part One and Dune 1984. Part Two builds upon the foundation set by the first film, allowing for more action and less exposition. With new characters and worlds adding depth, the film maintains the breathtaking style of its predecessor. Dune: Part Two stands tall as a remarkable achievement in sci-fi, blending existential philosophy with stunning visual effects.

Dune: Part Two has a significant advantage in not having to deal with an unfinished story. Similar to previous two-part films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final chapter is able to deliver on all the suspense and excitement hinted at in the first movie. Part Two expertly ties up loose ends, continuing storylines from Part One and bringing character journeys to a satisfying conclusion. This not only succeeds on its own merits but also enhances the original movie – a true sign of a great sequel.

While devoted Dune fans may find some flaws in the film due to important deviations from the book, the story remains strong and even benefits from the absence of complex characters like Alia Atreides. The movie stays true to the novel's intricate moral themes, showcasing that in the real world, heroes and villains exist in shades of gray. The narrative's fulfilling resolution, coupled with intense battle sequences and emotional depth, firmly establishes Dune: Part Two as the best Dune film so far.

Editor's P/S:

The article thoroughly analyzes the three film adaptations of Frank Herbert's seminal novel "Dune." The author skillfully examines the strengths and weaknesses of each version, providing a clear hierarchy among them. The article highlights the challenges faced by David Lynch's 1984 adaptation, particularly in its attempt to condense the complex narrative into a two-hour format. Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film "Dune: Part One" is praised for its deliberate pacing and rich world-building, while its sequel, "Dune: Part Two," is hailed as the best Dune movie to date, offering a satisfying conclusion and stunning visuals.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the Dune film adaptations, offering valuable perspectives for both casual viewers and ardent fans of the franchise. It effectively captures the essence of each film, highlighting its unique approach and contribution to the cinematic representation of Herbert's literary masterpiece.